AWS A5.4 / ASME SFA-5.4 · Duplex stainless stick electrode (SMAW / MMA)

E2209 Duplex Stainless Electrodes

E2209 is a chromium-nickel-molybdenum-nitrogen duplex stainless steel covered electrode classified to AWS A5.4 for welding 22 % chromium duplex stainless steels such as 2205 and UNS S31803, depositing a balanced ferritic-austenitic weld metal with typical yield strength of 650 to 690 MPa — roughly half as strong again as a 316L deposit — together with high resistance to chloride pitting and to chloride stress corrosion cracking.

Duplex stainless steel, 2205 / UNS S31803 / S32205
Duplex stainless stick electrode (SMAW / MMA)
EN ISO 3581-A
4 ESAB grades

Request a Quote Contact Us

Price on request. POFIS is an ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre in Abu Dhabi — quotations include confirmed lead time and delivery terms.

The designation

What E2209 means

E: A covered electrode for shielded metal arc welding (stick or MMA).
22: Nominal chromium content, 22 %. Higher than the 18–20 % of a 304 or 316 austenitic grade, and the main contributor to the alloy's corrosion resistance.
09: Nominal nickel content, around 9 %. Deliberately lower than an austenitic grade, because nickel stabilises austenite and a duplex structure needs roughly half its volume to remain ferrite.
N: Nitrogen, present in the EN designation as E 22 9 3 N L. Nitrogen is both a strong austenite former and a powerful contributor to pitting resistance, counting three times as heavily as molybdenum in the PREN formula. It is the element that makes modern duplex grades work.
Duplex: A microstructure of roughly equal ferrite and austenite, rather than one or the other. The ferrite brings high strength and resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking; the austenite brings toughness and ductility. The combination is what gives duplex its properties, and preserving it through welding is the entire challenge.

Reading the E2209 designation, left to right.

How it behaves

E2209 in practice

Why duplex is specified here

Duplex 2205 gives roughly twice the yield strength of 316L with substantially better chloride pitting resistance and, critically, resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking — a failure mode that austenitic grades are genuinely vulnerable to in warm chloride service. For produced water, seawater injection, firewater and process pipework in a Gulf environment, that combination lets a designer specify thinner walls in a more aggressive fluid. It is why duplex appears throughout UAE oil and gas specifications, and why the consumable has to be right.

The weld has to end up duplex too

The parent material arrives with its ferrite-austenite balance set by the mill's solution anneal. The weld does not get one. Weld metal solidifies fully ferritic and only forms austenite as it cools, so the cooling rate determines the final balance. Cool too fast — low heat input, thin section, a cold joint — and the deposit stays too ferritic, losing toughness and corrosion resistance. That is why duplex consumables are over-alloyed in nickel relative to the parent: the extra nickel promotes austenite formation during cooling so the weld reaches a balanced structure without needing a post-weld heat treatment.

Heat input is a specification, not a preference

Duplex has a working window at both ends. Too little heat input leaves excess ferrite; too much, or too high an interpass temperature, holds the metal in the range where intermetallic phases such as sigma precipitate, and sigma destroys both toughness and corrosion resistance. ESAB specifies 5 to 25 kJ/cm — 0.5 to 2.5 kJ/mm — for duplex, with a favourable cooling time of t12/8 = 8 to 10 seconds and interpass not exceeding 250 °C. Note that 250 °C figure: the widely quoted 150 °C ceiling is the lean and super duplex limit, not the 2205 one. The binding numbers for any job come from the qualified WPS, but using the wrong family's figure is the error that catches people who have come from austenitic work.

Nitrogen in the backing gas

On root runs, nitrogen can be lost from the weld pool to the atmosphere, and losing it costs both austenite formation and pitting resistance — nitrogen counts three times as heavily as molybdenum in the PREN calculation. ESAB usually recommends pure nitrogen as the backing gas for duplex, not argon and not an argon mix. It is a detail that is easy to omit on site, because argon is what is on the trolley, and expensive to discover during corrosion testing.

What POFIS supplies

ESAB E2209 grades

Every grade below carries the E2209 classification, which is why a WPS naming E2209 can be satisfied by any of them. They are not interchangeable in practice — the differences in current type, hydrogen level and impact toughness are what decide which one belongs on your job. Figures are the manufacturer's typical as-welded values.

**E2209 grades supplied by POFIS** — typical as-welded properties. Blank cells are values the manufacturer does not publish for that grade, not zeros.
Grade	Classification	Current	Yield	Tensile	Elong.	Impact (lowest published)
OK 67.50 POFIS recommends	E2209-17 (AWS A5.4) E 22 9 3 N L R 3 2	DC+, AC	691 MPa	857 MPa	25 %	41 J at −30 °C
OK 67.55	E2209-15 (AWS A5.4) E 22 9 3 N L B 2 2	DC+	650 MPa	800 MPa	28 %	75 J at −40 °C
Exaton 22.9.3.LB	E2209-15 (AWS A5.4) E 22 9 3 N L B	DC+	670 MPa	840 MPa	27 %	67 J at −60 °C
Exaton 22.9.3.LR	E2209-17 (AWS A5.4) E 22 9 3 N L R	DC+, AC	690 MPa	850 MPa	25 %	40 J at −40 °C

OK 67.50 E2209-17 (AWS A5.4)

The general-purpose acid-rutile grade and the strongest here at 691 MPa yield, with the widest diameter range at 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm. AC or DC. Good pitting resistance and not sensitive to chloride stress corrosion cracking.

Diameters: 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm
Alloy type: Duplex CrNiMoN
Type: Acid rutile coating
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 4-32

OK 67.55 E2209-15 (AWS A5.4)

Basic-coated and purpose-designed for UNS S31803, with much better toughness than the rutile grade: 100 J at room temperature, 85 J at −20 °C and 75 J at −40 °C. DC+ only. The usual starting point where the procedure sets impact requirements.

Diameters: 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm
Alloy type: Austenitic CrNiMo (handbook as printed — a duplex deposit)
Type: Basic coating
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 4-33

Exaton 22.9.3.LB E2209-15 (AWS A5.4)

The best low-temperature toughness on this page: 80 J at −46 °C and 67 J at −60 °C, with very good pitting and chloride stress corrosion cracking resistance, for service to 280 °C. Specify it where the procedure calls for impacts below −40 °C.

Diameters: 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm
Alloy type: Duplex CrNiMoN
Type: Basic coating
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 4-48

Exaton 22.9.3.LR E2209-17 (AWS A5.4)

The rutile counterpart: excellent arc stability, low spatter, self-peeling slag and a smooth bead, with approximately 40 FN in the all-weld metal to WRC-92 — the only published ferrite figure on this page. Toughness is lower, so check it against the procedure.

Diameters: 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm
Alloy type: Duplex CrNiMoN, approximately 40 FN (WRC-92)
Type: Acid rutile coating
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 4-49

Diameters are listed from the manufacturer's deposition data. Ordering part numbers and pack sizes are confirmed with your quotation — send the grade and diameters you need to weldiv@pofis.ae.

Specifying

Which E2209 grade to specify

For general 2205 pipework and plate

OK 67.50 is the acid-rutile E2209-17: AC or DC, 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm — the widest range here — and the highest strength of the group at 691 MPa yield and 857 MPa tensile. Good pitting resistance and not sensitive to chloride stress corrosion cracking. For most 2205 fabrication this is the electrode to quote.

Where impact toughness is specified

OK 67.55 is the basic-coated E2209-15, purpose-designed for UNS S31803, and much the tougher option: 100 J at room temperature, 85 J at −20 °C and 75 J at −40 °C. DC+ only. Where the procedure sets impact requirements — which duplex procedures usually do — this is the starting point rather than the rutile grade.

For the most demanding low-temperature duplex work

Exaton 22.9.3.LB is the basic-coated specialist grade, giving 80 J at −46 °C and 67 J at −60 °C — the best low-temperature toughness on this page by a clear margin — with very good resistance to pitting and to chloride stress corrosion cracking, for service up to 280 °C. Named base materials include 1.4462, 1.4362, 1.4162, 1.4662, 1.4660 and 1.4417. Specify it where the procedure calls for impacts below −40 °C.

Where welder appeal and bead finish matter

Exaton 22.9.3.LR is the rutile counterpart: excellent arc stability, low spatter, self-peeling slag and a smooth bead, with approximately 40 FN ferrite in the all-weld metal to WRC-92 — the only grade on this page for which the handbook publishes a ferrite number. It gives 690 MPa yield. Toughness is lower than the LB grade at 40 J at −40 °C, so check it against the procedure before choosing it for handling alone.

If the service is more aggressive than 2205 can take

Super duplex grades such as 2507 and UNS S32750 run higher chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen again, and are welded with E2594 consumables — ESAB supplies OK 68.53 and OK 68.55 for that duty. Do not weld super duplex with E2209: the deposit would have a lower PREN than the parent, making the weld the first thing to corrode in exactly the service the parent was specified to survive.

Storage & handling

Storing and handling E2209 consumables

Keep basic-coated duplex electrodes in an oven

OK 67.55 and Exaton 22.9.3.LB are basic-coated and hygroscopic. Moisture means hydrogen, and duplex weld metal with its substantial ferrite fraction is more susceptible to hydrogen-related cracking than a fully austenitic deposit. Keep them sealed until use and in a holding oven once opened — this matters more on duplex than it does on 316L.

Ferrite will be measured, so agree the range first

Duplex procedures almost always specify an acceptable ferrite range in the finished weld, typically around 30 to 70 FN depending on the specification, verified by ferrite meter or metallographic count. Agree the method and the acceptance range with the client before welding starts rather than after. POFIS supplies ferrite measurement instrumentation alongside the consumables.

Post-weld cleaning is part of the corrosion performance

Heat tint on a duplex weld is chromium-depleted scale over chromium-depleted metal, and in the chloride service duplex is chosen for, that band corrodes first. Pickle and passivate, using chemistry rated for duplex rather than generic stainless product, and use abrasives dedicated to stainless so no carbon steel particles are embedded in the surface.

Frequently asked

E2209 — common questions

What does E2209 mean?

E is a covered stick electrode; 22 is the nominal chromium content at 22 %; and 09 is the nominal nickel content at around 9 %. The EN designation adds N for nitrogen and L for low carbon, giving E 22 9 3 N L, where the 3 is molybdenum. It deposits a duplex weld metal — roughly equal parts ferrite and austenite — matched to 2205 and UNS S31803 duplex stainless steels.

What electrode is used to weld 2205 duplex stainless steel?

E2209, under AWS A5.4. It is deliberately richer in nickel than the 2205 parent material, because weld metal solidifies fully ferritic and only forms austenite as it cools — the extra nickel promotes that austenite formation so the deposit reaches a balanced duplex structure without post-weld heat treatment. Do not substitute 316L, which is both weaker and far less pitting-resistant.

Why is a duplex electrode higher in nickel than the parent metal?

Because the weld does not get the mill's solution anneal. Duplex weld metal solidifies as ferrite and forms austenite only during cooling, so a weld made with a matching composition would end up too ferritic, losing toughness and corrosion resistance. Over-alloying with nickel pushes austenite formation during cooling and brings the deposit back to a balanced structure.

What heat input should be used for welding duplex stainless?

ESAB specifies 5 to 25 kJ/cm, which is 0.5 to 2.5 kJ/mm, with a favourable cooling time of t12/8 = 8 to 10 seconds and an interpass temperature not exceeding 250 °C for duplex. The 150 °C ceiling often quoted is the lean and super duplex figure, not the 2205 one. Too little heat input leaves excess ferrite; too much allows sigma and other intermetallic phases to precipitate. The binding figures come from the qualified WPS and the client specification.

Why does a duplex root run need nitrogen in the backing gas?

Nitrogen is both a strong austenite former and a major contributor to pitting resistance — it counts three times as heavily as molybdenum in the PREN formula. On a root run, nitrogen can be lost from the weld pool to the atmosphere, costing both austenite balance and corrosion resistance. ESAB usually recommends pure nitrogen as the backing gas for duplex, not argon. It is easily forgotten on site, because argon is what is on the trolley.

What is the difference between duplex and super duplex consumables?

Super duplex grades such as 2507 and UNS S32750 carry higher chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen, and are welded with E2594 consumables — ESAB supplies OK 68.53 and OK 68.55. Welding super duplex with E2209 leaves the weld with a lower PREN than the parent, so the weld becomes the first thing to corrode in exactly the service the parent was chosen to survive.

Is E2209 stronger than E316L?

Substantially. E2209 deposits typically give 650 to 690 MPa yield against roughly 430 to 480 MPa for E316L — about half as strong again — along with better chloride pitting resistance and resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking, which austenitic grades are genuinely vulnerable to in warm chloride service. That combination is why duplex is specified for produced water and seawater duty.

Who supplies E2209 duplex electrodes in Abu Dhabi?

POFIS supplies the ESAB OK and Exaton duplex ranges from Abu Dhabi across the UAE and the wider GCC, as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre, approved ADNOC vendor and ISO 9001 certified supplier. Send us the parent grade, the impact requirement and the ferrite acceptance range and we will confirm the electrode against the procedure. Email weldiv@pofis.ae.

Procurement & supply

Buying the E2209 consumables through POFIS

The E2209 consumables is supplied from Abu Dhabi by Perfect Oilfield & Industrial Supply LLC as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre. The information below covers what procurement and QA/QC departments normally need before raising a purchase order.

Lead time

Stock items dispatch from Abu Dhabi within 24–48 hours. Indent items are quoted with a confirmed lead time at the time of offer.

Approved vendor status

POFIS is an approved ADNOC vendor and is listed on the approved vendor lists (AVL) of major operators and EPC contractors across the GCC. We can complete supplier registration and prequalification documentation on request.

Payment terms

Standard credit terms are available to registered corporate accounts. LPO, LC and advance payment are all accepted.

Delivery terms

Delivery across the UAE and the wider GCC. Quotations can be issued on EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP terms to suit your project.

Warranty

Full manufacturer warranty, honoured locally. As an ESAB Authorized Service Centre we carry out warranty work and repairs in Abu Dhabi rather than returning equipment abroad.

Service & spares

In-UAE service, commissioning, operator training and spare parts backing for every machine we supply.

ISO 9001 Certified
Approved ADNOC Vendor
ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre

Price on request

Request a quotation for the E2209 filler metals

Send the form and the POFIS welding division replies with pricing, confirmed lead time, delivery terms and availability. Tell us who you are and what the job is, so the reply can be specific to it rather than a catalogue price list.

Enquire Contact