PREn - Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number

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The pitting resistance equivalent number (PREn) is a theoretical way of comparing the
pitting corrosion resistance of various types of stainless steels based on the chemical
compositions of those alloys. The PREn of a given alloy is determined by a mathematical
model that utilizes select elements in that alloy’s chemistry. PREn specifically suggests
how resistant that alloy is to pitting in a chloride containing environment. PREn is only
meaningful within the same stainless steel family (austenitic, ferritic, duplex stainless
steels). PREN cannot be interpreted as an absolute value.

There are multiple formulas in use today that incorporate a greater number of alloying
elements and/or modestly differing ratios of elements, to fine tune the predictive
relationship between the resultant PRE number, and actual pitting resistance. Typically,
molybdenum and nitrogen levels are weighted to take into account their strong influence on
pitting corrosion resistance. The most common and widely accepted PREn formula is:

PREn = %Cr + (3.3 x %Mo) + (16 x %N)

The results are very linear, as noted in the graph below, for several stainless and duplex
alloys. In this case, PREn is plotted against CPT (critical pitting temperature), which is
another predictive tool based upon extensive laboratory tests. CPT is a measure of actual
alloy performance in a corrosive media, as described by ASTM G48 or ASTM G150, which
again suggests relative pitting performance in high chloride environments, like seawater.

Another common PREn formula found acceptable for super duplex stainless steels, takes
tungsten into account. Some super duplex products, like Rolled Alloy’s Zeron®100, contain
tungsten, which appreciably aids in corrosion resistance. For standards ISO 15156/NACE
MR0175, that formula is:

PREn = %Cr + 3.3 x (%Mo + 0.5%W) + 16 x %N

The PRE number is best suited for comparing groups of alloys or ranking alloys for
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potential consideration in various applications. It is often used to suggest the suitability of
alloys to various service environments. Engineers often consider a PREn of 32-35 as the
minimum suitable for seawater service, for austenitic and duplex stainless steels. Duplex
stainless steels with a PREn over 40 are considered acceptable for hydrogen sulfide
environs.

PREn is not a suitable tool for specification purposes. One cannot say that an alloy with a
PREn of 42.1 will do well in seawater, and a PREn of 41.9 will fail. PREn numbers are not
that fine tuned. The British Stainless Steel Association cautions:

PREn numbers are useful for ranking and comparing different grades,
but cannot be used to predict whether a particular grade will be
acceptable
for a given application, where pitting corrosion may be a hazard.
In ranking alloys, or selecting likely candidates for service, one should consider the PREn
of groups of alloys.

Is lean duplex more resistant to pitting than is 316 stainless? (yes)

If a critical pitting temperature of 100F is desired, are 22Cr duplex stainless steels
adequate? (yes)

Ultimately, selection of the appropriate specialty steel for a given service depends upon the
overall corrosiveness of the environment, including acidity, and other corrosive media
beyond just chlorides, as well as service temperatures. Mechanical property requirements
and other factors should also be considered including ease of fabrication, availability, and
cost. For further support, contact our Metallurgical Services teamat Rolled Alloys.

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