scope:

General

In general, the requirements defined in Section 2-1-1 for Hull Construction and Section 2-3-1 for Machinery, Boilers, Pressure Vessels, and Piping of the ABS Rules for Materials and Welding (Part 2) are to be applied, unless there are specific requirements for stainless steels in this Guide.

The austenitic and ferritic-austenitic (duplex) stainless steel grades contained in this guide follow the existing standard grades designations given in ASTM, AISI, SAE, JIS, UNS, EN or other equivalent Standards.

This Guide covers chromium, chromium-nickel and chromium-manganese-nickel austenitic and duplex stainless steels. Ferritic, martensitic and precipitation-hardened stainless steels are to be produced in accordance with applicable recognized industry standards.

The weldability of stainless steels is different from carbon or low alloy steel as given in Section 2-4-1 of the ABS Rules for Materials and Welding (Part 2), therefore, welding requirements specified in this Guide are applicable. In addition, reference is to be made to the recognized welding code such as AWS D1.6 or equivalent.

In the case that requirements are not consistent between this Guide and ABS Rules or industry standards, the higher requirements are to be followed.

Application

Austenitic and duplex stainless steel products in this Guide are to be primarily used during the construction of cargo tanks, storage tanks, process pressure vessels and piping for carrying chemicals, liquefied gases and other general applications.

Austenitic stainless steels can be used for cryogenic applications. For elevated temperature applications, chemical composition, mechanical properties, high temperature mechanical properties and heat treatment are to be submitted to ABS for review.

Duplex stainless steels are generally to be used for a temperature range of -20°C (-4°F) to 275°C (527°F). For applications outside of this temperature range, the details and specifications are to be submitted to ABS for review and acceptance.

For application of stainless steels in Liquefied Gases application, reference is to be made to Section 5C-8-6 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels (Marine Vessel Rules).

For application of stainless steels in propeller castings, reference is to be made to Section 2-3-15 of the ABS Rules for Materials and Welding (Part 2) and Appendix 7-A-10 of the ABS Rules for Survey after Construction (Part 7).