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Ferralium 255 vs Inconel 625, Super Duplex vs Nickel Alloy

Ferralium 255 vs Inconel 625 super duplex vs nickel-alloy comparison
Ferralium 255 super duplex vs Inconel 625

Ferralium 255 (UNS S32550) is a Cu-bearing super duplex stainless steel (Fe-base, austenite-ferrite microstructure, PREN ≥ 40); Inconel 625 (UNS N06625) is a Ni-Cr-Mo nickel-base alloy with Nb stabilisation (fully austenitic, single-phase). Both are corrosion-resistant alloys used in marine, oil & gas, and chemical processing applications, but they sit at different cost-performance tiers and serve overlapping but not identical service envelopes.

Composition Comparison

ElementFerralium 255 (S32550)Inconel 625 (N06625)
Iron (Fe)balance (~63%)max 5.0%
Nickel (Ni)4.5–6.5min 58.0
Chromium (Cr)24.0–27.020.0–23.0
Molybdenum (Mo)2.9–3.98.0–10.0
Niobium (Nb + Ta)none3.15–4.15
Copper (Cu)1.5–2.5none
Nitrogen (N)0.10–0.25none
Carbon (C), max.0.040.10

PREN / PREi Comparison

Ferralium 255 PREN ≈ 40–42 (Fe-base PREN formula). Inconel 625 PREi ≈ 50+ (using the modified Pitting Resistance Equivalent for nickel alloys including Nb). Inconel 625 has substantially higher chloride pitting resistance, particularly at elevated temperatures > 80 °C where super duplex grades approach their service ceiling.

Mechanical Properties

PropertyFerralium 255Inconel 625 (annealed)
Yield strength (Rp0.2), min550 MPa415 MPa
Tensile strength (Rm), min760 MPa825 MPa
Elongation (A5), min15%30%
Density7.81 g/cm³8.44 g/cm³
MagneticSlightly magnetic (ferrite phase)Non-magnetic

Cost Comparison

Inconel 625 is approximately 3–5× the material cost of Ferralium 255 due to high Ni content (~62% vs ~5% for Ferralium). For applications within Ferralium 255 service envelope (PREN ≥ 40 sufficient, service temperature < 80 °C, NACE MR0175 sour service), super duplex is the cost-effective choice. Inconel 625 is reserved for applications where Ferralium 255 service limits are exceeded or where the application specifically requires Ni-base alloy properties.

When to Choose Each

Choose Ferralium 255 for: standard seawater service, oil & gas downhole within NACE MR0175 limits, chemical processing involving reducing acids (Cu advantage), most NORSOK M-650 offshore applications, cost-sensitive corrosion-resistant flange and fastener bolting.

Choose Inconel 625 for: high-temperature corrosive service > 80 °C, the most aggressive sour-gas environments (H2S partial pressure beyond super-duplex limits), high-temperature oxidising environments (jet engines, gas turbines), seawater service at > 50 °C with high chloride concentrations, or where non-magnetic behaviour is critical.

Spec Compliance

Ferralium 255 specs: ASTM A479 / A789 / A790 / A815 / A182 / A276 (UNS S32550). Inconel 625 specs: ASTM B443 (plate), B446 (bar), B444 (pipe), B704 (welded tube), B705 (welded fittings), B564 (forgings) under UNS N06625. Both grades qualify under NORSOK M-650 (Ferralium per MDS D55, Inconel 625 per MDS R15) and NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156-3 for sour service.

Need Ferralium 255 or Inconel 625? Email info@torqbolt.com or WhatsApp +91-22-66157017 with form, dimensions, quantity, ASTM/EN spec, MTC level (3.1 / 3.2). NACE MR0175 sour-service stamp on every heat. NORSOK M-650 QTR on request. Per-heat EN 10204 type 3.2 MTC included with every consignment.