ASME SA789 UNS S32520 Super Duplex Stainless Steel Tube
What is ASME SA789 UNS S32520 Super Duplex Stainless Steel Tube
ASME SA-789 / SA-789M is the Section II Part A Code Book standard for seamless and welded duplex tubing. UNS S32520 is a copper-bearing super duplex with chromium 23.0–25.0%, nickel 5.5–8.0%, molybdenum 3.0–5.0%, nitrogen 0.20–0.35%, and copper 0.50–3.00% at carbon ≤0.030%. High copper plus elevated Mo/N push it into the Super Duplex title family on this series.
SHH STEEL can produce and supply ASME SA789 UNS S32520 super duplex stainless steel tube in seamless and welded (no filler metal) forms, in typical heat-exchanger OD × wall sizes, with EN 10204 3.1 MTCs reporting the copper range, the 112/80 ksi tensile pair, and Table 2 heat treatment at 1975–2050 °F. Dual SA-789/A789 marking is available when requested; this page stays ASME-first.
Compare SA789 S32550 for another Cu-rich super duplex; SA789 S32750 for 2507-type; SA789 S32760 for W-bearing Zeron-type; SA789 S32205 when mid-30s PREN is enough. Plate: A240 / SA240. Hub: SA789/SA789M.
Chemical Composition of SA789 S32520
Table 1 of ASME SA-789 fixes the heat analysis for S32520. Product analysis applies when Section 8 or the purchase order invokes it through A1016/A1016M, using A480/A480M tolerances. SHH STEEL reports actual ladle values on the EN 10204 3.1 MTC for every heat.
| Element | Heat analysis (ASME SA-789 Table 1) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.030 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.50 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.035 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.020 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.80 max |
| Nickel (Ni) | 5.5–8.0 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 23.0–25.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 3.0–5.0 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.20–0.35 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.50–3.00 |
Mid-range PREN with Cr ≈24, Mo ≈4.0, N ≈0.275 gives PREN ≈ 41.6 from %Cr + 3.3×%Mo + 16×%N. Copper is not in the PREN formula but supports localized corrosion resistance in some reducing and chloride environments — it must appear on the heat analysis inside 0.50–3.00%. SA-789 does not publish a PREN footnote for S32520.
Mechanical Properties of SA789 S32520
Table 4 sets tensile and hardness requirements for S32520 after final heat treatment. Lot sampling follows Section 9. Mechanical properties do not apply below 1/8 in. [3.2 mm] OD or 0.015 in. [0.4 mm] wall.
| Property | Requirement (SA-789 Table 4) |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength, min | 112 ksi [770] MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2% offset), min | 80 ksi [550] MPa |
| Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, min | 25% |
| Hardness, max | 310 HBW / 32 HRC / 310 HV |
Table 4 requires tensile 112 ksi [770 MPa] min, yield 80 ksi [550 MPa] min, elongation 25% min, hardness max 310 HBW / 32 HRC / 310 HV. Source: ASME BPVC.II.A-2023 SA-789 Table 4. Design allowables live in Section II Part D.
Seamless and Welded Tube
ASME SA-789 allows S32520 as seamless tube or as welded tube made with no filler metal. After welding, the finished tube is heat-treated under Table 2, and marking must state the manufacture route with average or minimum wall so receiving can match each length to the purchase order and MTC.
Seamless lots take flaring to at least 10% ID expansion on one end of one tube per lot. Welded lots take flange testing plus reverse flattening on each 1500 ft [450 m] of finished tubing. Tension and hardness apply to both routes. SHH STEEL produces both SA789 S32520 routes and records them on stencil and EN 10204 3.1 MTC.
Dimensions and Tolerances
Order ASME SA789 S32520 by OD × wall (average unless minimum is specified) and length in tube / BWG language, not B36.19 pipe schedules first. Table 5 sets OD-group tolerances; clause 12.2 covers thin-wall ovality.
| OD group (Table 5 summary) | OD tolerance | Avg / Min wall |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ½ in. excl. | ±0.005 in. [0.13 mm] | Avg ±15%; Min +30%/−0% |
| ½ to 1½ in. excl. | ±0.005 in. [0.13 mm] | Avg ±10%; Min +20%/−0% |
| 1½ to 3½ in. excl. | ±0.010 in. [0.25 mm] | Avg ±10%; Min +20%/−0% |
| 3½ to 5½ in. excl. | ±0.015 in. [0.38 mm] | Avg ±10%; Min +20%/−0% |
| 5½ to 8 in. incl. | ±0.030 in. [0.76 mm] | Avg ±10%; Min +20%/−0% |
Source: ASME BPVC.II.A-2023 SA-789 Table 5. SHH STEEL quotes average-versus-minimum wall explicitly on every S32520 enquiry. Write average or minimum wall on every line item so Table 5 percentage bands are unambiguous at receiving.
Equivalent Grades
ASME SA-789 UNS S32520 is the governing tubing designation for this article. Approximate wrought names are chemistry-family hints, not automatic Code substitutes on an SA-789 mill test certificate. Confirm the product standard and tensile row before accepting a commercial nickname on the certificate.
| Designation | Notes |
|---|---|
| ASME SA789 / SA789M UNS S32520 | Governing Code Book tubing designation |
| ASTM A789 / A789M UNS S32520 | Sister ASTM A789 S32520; dual-stencil on request |
| Related super duplex | SA789 S32550, SA789 S32750, SA789 S32760 |
| Standard duplex | SA789 S32205 |
| Plate / sheet | Related duplex plate under A240 / SA240 |
Spell the UNS number and ASME SA789 on the purchase order rather than relying on a shop nickname alone. Confirm the product standard and tensile row before accepting a commercial nickname on the certificate.
Heat Treatment and Delivery Condition
Table 2 requires S32520 solution treatment at 1975–2050 °F [1080–1120 °C] followed by rapid cooling in air or water. The 1975–2050 °F band is higher than the 2205 window, matching other high-alloy super duplex rows.
Seamless tubes may be quenched after hot forming when temperature is not below the minimum solution-treatment temperature. Skipping or under-cooling risks intermetallics and undermines corrosion performance. SHH STEEL delivers SA789 S32520 only heat-treated per Table 2, with the record on the MTC.
Corrosion Resistance
Estimated PREN near 41.6 places S32520 in the super-duplex pitting band, with copper as an additional alloying lever beyond Cr-Mo-N. It is intended for aggressive chloride service where 2205 is insufficient. Still confirm seawater or sour qualifications against project specs rather than PREN alone.
Super duplex is more prone to intermetallics if cooled slowly; respect SA-789’s elevated-temperature embrittlement warning and 475 °C practice notes. Materials review should precede any attempt to stretch this grade outside its PREN and temperature envelope.
Applications of SA789 S32520 Tube
S32520 tube is chosen for super-duplex heat exchangers and process lines where copper-bearing chemistry is written into the datasheet. Match fluid chemistry and temperature to the PREN estimate and Table 4 floors before freezing the bill of materials.
| Application area | Typical use | Selection note |
|---|---|---|
| Seawater / aggressive chloride HX | Super duplex bundles with Cu | Confirm project PREN / Cu need |
| Oil & gas process tubing | High-strength duplex tube | Check sour service docs |
| Chemical plant tubing | Cu-bearing super duplex | Compare S32550 / S32750 |
| Code pressure-boundary tube | SA-789 S32520 named | Keep ASME designation |
If W is required instead of high Cu, compare SA789 S32760; if 2507-type without high Cu, compare SA789 S32750. Match fluid chemistry and temperature to the PREN estimate and Table 4 floors before freezing the bill of materials.
Weldability
Fabrication welds typically use matching super-duplex fillers under a qualified WPS; the mill welded product stays autogenous. High Mo, N, and Cu raise intermetallic risk — tight heat-input and interpass control are essential on S32520 tube-to-tubesheet joints.
SHH STEEL can discuss filler families; the fabricator owns WPS/PQR under the applicable Code. Procedure qualification on the actual UNS avoids ferrite and sigma surprises in the heat-affected zone.
Surface Finishes
Standard delivery for SA789 S32520 is heat-treated and descaled/pickled per Section 13, free of excessive mill scale. Bright anneal or Ra-controlled finishes are agreement items that must appear on the order.
SHH STEEL quotes special finishes against the written enquiry rather than assuming them with the grade stamp for S32520. Call any Ra or bright requirement out on the enquiry so mill routing can include it before the heat is reserved.
Inspection and Testing
Testing covers Table 1 chemistry, Table 4 tension and hardness, flare or flange tests by route, reverse flattening for welded tube, and hydro or NDE on each length using duplex hydrostatic factor 64000 (441.2). Manufacturer chooses hydro versus NDE unless the PO locks the method.
Marking shows seamless or welded and wall basis. SHH STEEL 3.1 MTCs tie heat, chemistry, mechanicals, heat treatment, and test method to each length for receiving clearance. Receiving teams should verify hydro-versus-NDE against the purchase order before releasing tube to fabrication.
Packaging and Shipping
S32520 tube ships from SHH STEEL in tagged bundles with end protection matched to length. Tags repeat ASME SA789, grade, route, OD × wall, heat number, and PO reference for export or domestic delivery.
Wrapped bundles or wooden cases are available for bright or small-bore material. Incoterms and MTC flow follow the order acknowledgment. Keep bundle tags legible after ocean transit so port and site receiving can proceed without remarking every length.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL produces and supplies ASME SA789 UNS S32520 as manufactured copper-bearing super-duplex Code Book tube, reporting Cu on the heat analysis and meeting the 112/80 ksi tensile floors on the EN 10204 3.1 MTC.
If the datasheet wants 2507 without high copper, we quote SA789 S32750. Dual marking is available on request. Honest sister-grade advice protects Code stamp integrity when a different UNS would fit the corrosion envelope better.
Supply Capability
SHH STEEL can produce and supply ASME SA789 UNS S32520 against the edition, route, and finish on your enquiry. Capability and Stock / Available sizes follow. Clear enquiry data on OD, wall, and route shortens quotation turnaround for export and domestic Code jobs.
| Item | SHH STEEL capability for S32520 |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASME SA789 / SA789M (dual A789 marking on request) |
| Grade | UNS S32520 |
| Manufacture | Seamless; welded with no filler metal |
| Size range (enquiry) | Common HX / general-service OD × wall (and BWG); other sizes by agreement |
| Wall basis | Average or minimum wall as ordered |
| Delivery condition | Heat-treated 1975–2050 °F [1080–1120 °C], rapid cooling in air or water |
| Testing | Heat analysis, tensile, hardness, flare/flange/reverse-flatten; hydro or NDE |
| Documents | EN 10204 3.1 MTC; third-party inspection on request |
Stock / Available sizes — Regular enquiry bands include OD about 12.7–50.8 mm with common BWG / metric walls; larger Table 5 groups by agreement. Cut lengths on request. Send OD × wall, route, and quantity — no invented tonnage lists.
List ASME SA789 UNS S32520, seamless or welded, OD × wall, wall basis, length, and quantity on the enquiry. Clear enquiry data on OD, wall, and route shortens quotation turnaround for export and domestic Code jobs.
FAQ
Conclusion
ASME SA789 UNS S32520 is supplied by SHH STEEL as seamless and welded (no filler metal) super duplex tubing under the Section II Part A Code Book product standard, heat-treated per Table 2, tested per Section 9, and certified on EN 10204 3.1 MTCs. Confirm OD × wall, wall basis, manufacture route, and any dual SA-789/A789 marking on the purchase order so stencil and certificate match the datasheet. For technical follow-up, contact admin@steelspecs.com.

