WHITE
PA P E R
MP35N: A Superalloy for Critical
Oil and Gas Applications
AUTHOR: THOMAS C. WILLIAMS, P.E. APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER – ENERGY, CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
INTRODUCTION
The attractive properties of MP35N® have led to its adoption into critical equipment in industries including aerospace,
medicine, mining, offshore equipment, and oil and gas production. Typical applications include fasteners, springs, wire,
cables, medical prostheses, pump shafts, valve stems, pressure housings, and cold-worked tubing. Even at yield strengths
exceeding 200 ksi (1380 MPa), MP35N possesses excellent corrosion resistance in harsh oil and gas environments including
seawater, chloride brines, sweet gas, and sour gas. It is the highest strength alloy approved in NACE MR0175 [1] for use in
unrestricted sour service, offering an unmatched combination of strength and corrosion resistance. The unique capabilities
of MP35N are derived from the alloy’s chemistry, premium melting technology, cold-working, and heat treatment.
MP35N (UNS R30035) is a vacuum induction melted (VIM), vacuum arc re-melted (VAR) superalloy with cobalt, nickel,
chromium, and molybdenum as its primary alloying elements. Its nominal chemical composition by weight is 35% cobalt,
35% nickel, 20% chromium, and 10% molybdenum. The VIM VAR melt practice provides superior cleanliness and reduces
the presence of non-metallic inclusions and residual elements, like carbon, that have deleterious effects on mechanical
properties and corrosion resistance. MP35N is unique in its ability to be simultaneously strong, tough, and ductile with
superior corrosion resistance. It can be strengthened beyond the capabilities of stainless steels and nickel-based alloys like
718 with equal or better corrosion resistance in many environments.
The high strength of MP35N is created by a combination of work hardening and an age hardening heat treatment. Yield
strength in the high-strength cold-worked-and-aged condition can exceed 260 ksi (1793 MPa) with ductility near 40%
reduction of area. Much of the strengthening occurs during cold working, and the annealed properties are like many
stainless steels. Typical properties in the annealed condition are 150 ksi ultimate tensile strength, 60 ksi yield strength, 68%
elongation, and 75% reduction or area.
The vast array of MP35N applications has led to discrete processing routes, with clear distinctions between processes used
for oil and gas and aerospace equipment. As with other alloys like nickel-based alloy 718, the tradeoff is between higher
strength levels preferred for aerospace applications versus the resistance to stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen
embrittlement required for oil and gas equipment. This paper seeks to inform the reader on the basic alloy systems that
give MP35N its unique properties, the industry specifications created by the aerospace and oil and gas industries for MP35N,
and the resultant properties.
MICROSTRUCTURE
MP35N has a face centered cubic (FCC) microstructure in the annealed condition. This is like other nickel and cobalt-
based alloys. The primary strengthening mechanism is the partial transformation of the FCC structure to a hexagonal
close-packed (HCP) structure. The HCP phase forms as thin platelets varying in thickness from 20 to 3,000 angstroms
along planes of the FCC matrix. The spacing of the HCP platelets is directly related to strength – closer spacing results
in higher strength. The platelets are difficult to detect metallographically, typically requiring transmission electron
microscopy with magnification on the order of 20,000 times to visualize.
The FCC phase is stable above 1200°F, whereas the HCP structure is stable below 800°F. However, the transformation from
FCC to HCP cannot occur by temperature alone and requires mechanical deformation. The extent of the transformation, and
final strength level, depends on the amount of mechanical deformation imparted at temperatures below 800°F. The most
common methods of introducing deformation are cold-working processes like drawing and forming.
After mechanically working the material, further strengthening up to an additional 40 ksi occurs via an age-hardening
heat treatment. Peak strengthening occurs at ageing temperatures between 800°F and 1200°F due to precipitation of a
cobalt-molybdenum phase. Age hardening without mechanically deforming the materials to form the HCP structure has
little effect because the cobalt-molybdenum phase forms at the interfaces between HCP platelets and the FCC matrix.
Yield strengths greater than 260 ksi (1793 MPa) are possible in the high-strength condition.
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CORROSION RESISTANCE
MP35N uniquely combines the corrosion resistance of stainless steels and nickel-based alloys with the strength levels
of high-strength steels. It is the highest strength alloy approved in NACE MR0175 for use in sour service. It has excellent
seawater corrosion resistance at all strength levels, and is resistant to attack in most mineral acids and hydrogen sulfide. The
high levels of chromium and molybdenum give MP35N pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride environments that
exceeds the performance of 316 stainless steel and is like that of nickel alloy 625. NACE MR0175 [1] permits the use of MP35N
processed per the specification for any in-situ combination of temperature, H2S partial pressure, chloride concentration, and
pH occurring in downhole production environments.
The VIM VAR melt practice limits the presence of elements like carbon, manganese, silicon, and aluminum that can form
intermetallic phases, like chromium carbides, at grain boundaries that locally reduce corrosion resistance. The precipitation
of these unwanted phases depletes chromium from the surrounding matrix in a process known as sensitization. This problem
is pronounced in alloys like 316 stainless steel, particularly if high-temperature processes like welding are used during
fabrication. The chemical composition of MP35N, combined with premium melting, alleviates these concerns.
The alloy is considered virtually immune to general, crevice, and stress corrosion, regardless of strength level or processing
condition [2]. The FCC crystal structure of the MP35N matrix gives it excellent resistance to hydrogen embrittlement due
to tight atomic spacing. This is especially true when compared to high-strength alloy steels with body centered cubic
microstructures (tempered martensite) and precipitation hardened nickel alloys like 718. MP35N is resistant to hydrogen
embrittlement at high strength levels compared to these alloys, and is typically susceptible only in the presence of cathodic
protection systems or galvanic coupling to more active materials like alloy steels [2].
MP35N’s resistance to hydrogen embrittlement is influenced by the thermal treatment applied after cold work. Kane et al. [3]
demonstrated that MP35N is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement in many combinations of cold-work and thermal treatments
in sour environments. However, the authors also discovered that cold-worked MP35N aged at 1100°F, near the peak-aged
condition, was susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement from galvanic coupling to alloy steel in solutions both with and without
H2S. This effect was only observed on samples stressed transverse to the direction of cold-working. Further work by Kane
[4] and Kane and Berkowitz [5] showed that higher ageing temperatures dramatically increased resistance to hydrogen
embrittlement. This work was foundational to the establishment of the heat treatment practices now approved in NACE
MR0175 [1].
To summarize, ageing between 1000°F and 1200°F maximizes strength, but also increases susceptibility to hydrogen
embrittlement in the transverse direction, particularly when yield strength exceeds 250 ksi. Conversely, ageing temperatures
near 1400°F considerably reduces the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, but yield strength is typically below 200 ksi [2]. As with
precipitation-hardening nickel alloys, hardness is a poor predictor of environmental cracking resistance, as microstructural
properties are the primary performance driver. In a study by Kolts [6], samples with heavy cold reduction but no ageing were
shown to fail in a hydrogen-charging environment, while samples with the same level of cold reduction aged at 1500°F did not.
The hardness values for these two conditions were roughly identical but showed disparate performance.
Krishnan et al. [7] examined the effect of various corrosive media relevant to oil and gas subsurface safety valves on MP35N
torsion springs cold-worked and aged at 1200°F for 4 hr to a hardness of 51.6 HRC per the limits in NACE MR0175 [1] for
MP35N springs. The authors found that a simulated sour gas production environment had no effect on the springs. A simulated
acid-flowback environment produced localized corrosion only detectable via scanning electron microscope in regions with
relatively rough surface finish, and no crack propagation or secondary cracking was observed. These springs were then
subjected to 200 loading cycles following exposure to the corrosive media and did not fail. Further testing with galvanic
coupling of the MP35N springs to alloy steel in a sour environment also failed to produce any noticeable corrosion damage.
Failure of these springs was only induced by intentional exposure to 38% hydrochloric acid at 180 F with a solution pH of
0.5. The authors concluded that MP35N is a suitable material for subsurface safety valves in sour and acidized production
environment, but emphasized the importance of a smooth surface finish. Evidence of hydrogen embrittlement was only found
after exposure to an extreme environment following galvanic coupling to steel, as was the case in previous work.
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KEY INDUSTRY SPECIFICATIONS
There are several industry specifications that are leveraged to control MP35N manufacturing within the oil and gas and
aerospace industries; these include AMS 5844 [8], AMS 5845 [9], AMS 5758 [10], NACE MR0175 [1], and API 20F [11]. The
properties required for fitness for service in sour and hydrogen charging environments typical of oil and gas production
are enumerated in NACE MR0175 and API 20F. There has been some confusion in the oil and gas industry because these
specifications sometimes reference limits like alloy chemistry and solution heat treatments in the AMS documents. In
some cases, like the use of MP35N for springs per NACE MR0175, the ageing heat treatments overlap with the AMS limits.
The following sections highlight the requirements of each specification and the key differentiations. A synopsis is shown
in Table 1:
Table 1: Major Aerospace and Oil and Gas Specifications for MP35N
Specification Description
SAE AMS 5844 Solution treated and cold worked bar up to 1.75" diameter
SAE AMS 5845 Solution treated, cold worked, and aged bar up to 1.75" diameter
SAE AMS 5758 Solution treated bar up to 1.75" diameter
NACE MR0175 Heat treatment and hardness limits for use in sour service
API 20F Processing requirements for corrosion resistant alloys used for bolting
SAE AMS 5844 Rev. H
AMS 5844 covers MP35N round bar up to 1.75 inches in diameter supplied in the solution treated and work strengthened
condition. Chemistry limits are established as shown in Table 2 and VIM VAR melting is required for cleanliness.
Table 2: Chemistry Limits for MP35N in AMS 5844
Element min max Element min max
CARBON - 0.025 NICKEL 33 37
MANGANESE - 0.15 MOLYBDENUM 9 10.5
SILICON - 0.15 TITANIUM - 1
PHOSPHORUS - 0.015 IRON - 1
SULFUR - 0.01 COBALT remainder
CHROMIUM 19 21
AMS 5844 requires that bars be solution heat treated by heating to a temperature within the range 1900 to 1925 °F
(1038 to 1052 °C), holding at the selected temperature within ±25 °F (±14 °C) for 4 to 8 hours, and cooling in air to room
temperature. The hardness of the solution treated and cold worked bar shall be 38 HRC or greater per ASTM E18 and the
grain size per ASTM E112 shall be 4 or finer.
Table 3: Mechanical Properties after Ageing
Mechanical property requirements for material following an Required by AMS 5844
age hardening heat treatment within the range 1000 to 1200 Property Value
°F (538 to 649 °C), holding at the selected temperature within
±25 °F (±14 °C) for 4 to 4-1/2 hours, and cooling in air to room Tensile Strength 260 ksi (1793 MPa)
temperature are as follows in Table 3: Yield Strength at 0.2% Offset 230 ksi (1586 MPa)
Elongation in 4D 8%
Reduction of Area 35%
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Mechanical property requirements for bars larger than 1.75 inch (44.4 mm) diameter shall be agreed upon between
purchaser and producer. The mechanical properties after ageing are required as a capability demonstration, but the
material is supplied in the solution treated and cold worked condition with the age hardening heat treatment at the
supplier omitted.
SAE AMS 5845 Rev. J
SAE AMS 5845 covers MP35N round bar up to 1.75 inches in diameter in the solution heat treated, work strengthened,
aged, and centerless ground condition. The VIM VAR melt practice and chemistry limits are identical to those in AMS 5844,
shown in Table 2. The solution annealing and age hardening heat treatments are also identical to those in AMS 5844 and
are summarized in Table 4:
Table 4: Summary of Heat Treatments for AMS 5844/5845
Heat Treatment Procedure
1900 to 1925 °F (1038 to 1052 °C), hold the selected temperature within ±25 °F (±14 °C)
Solution Annealing
for 4 to 8 hours, and air cool to room temperature
1000 to 1200 °F (538 to 649 °C), hold the selected temperature within ±25° F (±14 °C) for
Age Hardening
4 to 4.5 hours, and air cool to room temperature
The required mechanical and microstructural
Table 5: MP35N Property Requirements in AMS 5845
properties after ageing are shown in Table 5:
Property Value
Mechanical property requirements for bars larger
Tensile Strength 260 ksi (1793 MPa)
than 1.75-inch (44.4 mm) diameter shall be agreed
upon between purchaser and producer as in AMS Yield Strength at 0.2% Offset 230 ksi (1586 MPa)
5844. Elongation in 4D 8%
SAE AMS 5758 Rev. J Reduction of Area 35%
AMS 5758 covers MP35N in the solution treated Hardness per ASTM E18 44 HRC min
condition. The chemical composition limits are
identical to those in Table 2 for AMS 5844 and Grain Size per ASTM E112 4 or finer
AMS 5845, and VIM VAR melting is required. The
solution annealing heat treatment is identical to Table 6: MP35N Property Requirements in the
that listed in Table 4 for AMS 5844 and AMS 5845. Solution Treated Condition per AMS AMS 5758
AMS 5758 requires that mechanical properties in
the solution treated condition be within the limits Property Value
listed in Table 6. Tensile Strength 115 to 145 ksi (793 to 1000 MPa)
The material shall achieve the mechanical Yield Strength at 0.2% Offset 35.0 to 65 ksi (241 to 448 MPa)
properties shown in Table 3 and when cold Elongation in 4D, min 50%
worked on a straight draw bench to 53% ± 1% cold
Reduction of Area, min 65%
reduction based on cross-sectional area and age
hardened between 1000 to 1200°F per the heat Hardness per ASTM E10 241 HB max
treatment listed in Table 4. Like AMS 5844, the Grain Size per ASTM E112 4 or finer
testing in the cold worked and aged condition is for
capability testing only, and the material is supplied
to the customer in the solution treated condition
absent of cold work or ageing treatment.
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NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Third Edition, 2015
NACE MR0175 controls the ageing treatment of MP35N to limit its susceptibility to environmental cracking in the presence
of hydrogen sulfide. There are two sets of approved processing and property limits for MP35N: one governs its use for
any equipment or component, the other for use as springs. The chemistry limits listed in MR0175 are identical to those
listed in AMS specifications 5844, 5845, and 5758, and shown in Table 2. The AMS specifications will sometimes be listed
to control melt practice, chemistry, and solution annealing on orders for material complying to the ageing and hardness
limits in NACE MR0175.
MP35N shall have a maximum hardness of 51 HRC in the solution-treated, cold-worked, and aged condition when used for
any equipment or component. The required ageing treatments for MR0175 are listed in Table 7. MP35N has a hardness
limit of 35 HRC if it is not aged per Table 7. It is worth noting that the maximum allowable hardness for cold worked
material in NACE MR0175 is less than the minimum of 38 HRC allowed for the same condition in AMS 5844.
NACE MR0175 permits a higher hardness limit of 55 HRC when Table 7: MP35N Age Hardening Times and
MP35N is used for springs in the cold-worked-and-aged condition. The Temperatures per NACE MR0175
permissible age hardening treatment is also different, as shown in
Table 8. The ageing treatment for springs can create some confusion Minimum Time
Temperature °C (°F)
with the AMS specifications, as the temperature and time limits fall (hrs)
within the range listed in AMS 5844, 5845 and 5758. 4 704 (1,300)
4 732 (1,350)
API 20F Second Edition, 2018
The second edition of API specification 20F became effective in 6 774 (1,425)
November 2018 and covers bolting manufactured from corrosion 4 788 (1,450)
resistant alloys. The scope of the document includes the precipitation
hardened nickel alloys covered in API 6ACRA, alloy A286 (ASTM A453 2 802 (1,475)
grade 660), and MP35N. This specification draws on processing and 1 816 (1,500)
property requirements from AMS 5844 and NACE MR0175. API 20F
increases the rigor of quality and process controls applied to critical
bolting for the oil and gas industry. Table 8: MP35N Age Hardening Treatment for
Springs per NACE MR0175
For MP35N, the bolting manufacturer is required to have a written Time Temperature
specification that complies with the SAE AMS 5844 chemistry, melting 4 hrs minimum 649 °C (1,200 °F) minimum
practice, solution annealing, furnace tolerances, and average grain
size. The ageing procedures and hardness limitations are dictated by
those in NACE MR0175. Solution-treated-and-cold-worked material is limited to a maximum hardness of 35 HRC as in
MR0175. Material supplied in the solution treated, cold worked, and aged condition must be aged per one of the conditions
listed in NACE MR0175 (see Table 7) with a maximum allowable hardness of 51 HRC. Furthermore, heat treatment of
MP35N is only to be performed by the raw material supplier/mill. A summary of the MP35N hardness limits in API 20F
and NACE MR0175 is provided in Table 9.
Table 9: Summary of MP35N Hardness Limits in API 20F and NACE MR0175
Hardness Limit
Condition NACE MR0175 NACE MR0175
API 20F
Any Equipment Springs
Solution treated and cold worked 35 HRC max 35 HRC max -
Solution treated, cold worked, and aged 51 HRC max 51 HRC max 55 HRC max
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Bolting manufacturers are responsible for qualifying raw material suppliers, defined as a melting mill in API 20F, for each
grade and heat treatment condition, based on quality assurance and technical practices. They must also ensure that raw
material suppliers have appropriate controls over critical processes and must ensure on-site technical and quality audits
are performed at least every three years. On-site audits of raw material suppliers are optional for bolting specification
level (BSL) two, and mandatory for BSL three. Raw material suppliers are responsible for maintaining quality
management systems and process controls with documented procedures. Bolting manufacturers are also responsible
for developing material specifications to document raw material requirements. Specification of the chemistry limits,
melt practice, ladle refinement, heat treatment, mechanical properties, and inspection criteria are required for MP35N.
Specification of the cold work practice for MP35N is not required.
Bolting manufacturers are also responsible for qualifying bolting for service at BSLs two and three. Changes to
manufacturing processes, including those at the raw material supplier related to equipment and processing, require
requalification via a qualified laboratory. Changes to MP35N total cold reduction also triggers requalification. The
practices have been implemented to place quality and process controls around the most critical fasteners for the oil and
gas industry.
PROCESSING MP35N FOR OIL AND GAS APPLICATIONS
Solution Annealing
The chemistry and solution annealing treatments used for oil and gas applications are identical to the limits in AMS 5758,
5844, and 5845. However, the subsequent cold work and ageing steps must be modified to meet the limits of NACE MR0175
and API 20F. Furthermore, the AMS specifications only govern bar up to 1.75 inches in diameter and raw material for many
oil and gas applications exceeds this limit.
Cold Working
The cold working of MP35N is the most critical step in the manufacturing process. The precipitation of nano-scale HCP
platelets in the FCC microstructure is the primary strengthening mechanism, and this cannot occur without cold working the
material. The degree of transformation, and the amount of strengthening, is directly proportional to the amount of cold work.
This effect is illustrated in Figure 1.
The HCP platelets can be formed by working the material FIGURE 1: Tensile Properties of Cold Drawn and Aged
at temperatures as high as 800°F. The HCP platelets are MP35N (Cold-Drawn Bar)
thermodynamically stable up to about 1200°F, at which
point they begin to dissolve, and the material loses strength.
This causes the lower strength levels in material conforming
to NACE MR0175 compared to aerospace product per AMS
5844/5845/5758. The one exception to this case is material
used to make mechanical springs, which can be aged at
1200°F per NACE MR0175.
There are several methods available for cold working
MP35N including drawing, cold forging, cold rolling, metal
spinning, pilgering, and flow forming. Drawing is the most
common method used for MP35N production in the bar
form. However, limitations on tooling and safety concerns
limit the maximum practical finished bar diameter to around
three inches. Cold forging operations, particularly rotary
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forging, can also be utilized for larger bar sizes, but this entails considerable challenges with tooling and machine wear.
Cold rolling of MP35N sheet is common and enables fabrication of MP35N components of considerable size, but with sheet
metal wall thickness. Cold-rolled plates of smaller planform area are also possible up to thicknesses of approximately 2.5
inches. Flow forming is a similar process that begins with a thicker annealed sheet and cold works it into axisymmetric thin-
walled products like nose cones for missiles. Flow forming and pilgering enable manufacturing of cold-worked, seamless
tubulars of much larger diameter than possible with bored bar, but these processes are typically limited to cold-worked wall
thicknesses of one inch or less.
Age Hardening
Further strengthening can be achieved by ageing MP35N following cold work. This effect is illustrated by the yield strength
curves in Figure 2, where further strengthening beyond cold work is achieved. This effect is amplified as the amount of cold
work increases.
Increased strength in the aged condition is achieved by FIGURE 2: Effect of Ageing Temperature on Tensile
the precipitation of Co3Mo particles that interact with the Properties of MP35N Cold Drawn 53% and Aged 4hrs.
FCC matrix. These precipitates nucleate due to segregation (Cold-Drawn Bar)
of molybdenum atoms at temperatures above 800°F at
the interface between the FCC matrix and the HCP platelets
formed by cold work. The Co3Mo phase inhibits the interaction
of dislocation sources, improving the strength of the alloy.
Peak ageing occurs at approximately 1000°F, and breakdown
of the HCP platelets begins above 1200°F. The heat
treatments included in NACE MR0175 for equipment other
than springs put the material in an over-aged condition.
It is critical to note that the formation of the Co3Mo
precipitates can only occur when the HCP phase is present.
Thus, ageing the alloy without cold work will not strengthen
the material. It is impossible to recover strength in an
MP35N part in its finished form if it is solution annealed
following cold work. For this reason, bolting manufacturers
conforming to API 20F are only allowed to machine fasteners
from material delivered by the raw material supplier in the
cold-worked-and-aged condition.
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CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY’S MILL-MINIMUM PROPERTIES
The following minimum properties apply to MP35N supplied as bar product. It is also possible to convert MP35N into additional
forms like plate, strip, sheet, wire, plate, and tubular products through other conversion processes. Carpenter Technology
Corporations standard product forms for MP35N are annealed billet and cold-worked and aged bar, wire, and strip.
AMS 5844
Carpenter Technology performs capability testing on MP35N bar ordered per AMS 5844 in the solution treated and work-
strengthened condition and has established the minimum properties shown in Table 10 following age hardening per AMS
5844. The as-shipped hardness is based on properties following solution annealing and cold work, prior to age hardening.
Table 10: Carpenter Technology’s Minimum Properties for MP35N per AMS 5844
Age Temperature Bar Diameter YS (ksi) UTS (ksi) % EL % RA HRC (as shipped)
1000°F to 1200°F < 1.75 in 230 260 8 35 38 minimum
1000°F to 1200°F > 1.75" to 2.00 in 225 235 8 35 38 minimum
1000°F to 1200°F > 2.00" to 3.25 in 185 195 10 40 Information Only
AMS 5845
The properties listed in Table 11 are minimums for MP35N bar ordered per AMS 5845. As-shipped hardness is guaranteed
only up to 1.75 inches, which is the upper size limit of the AMS 5845 specification.
Table 11: Carpenter Technology’s Minimum Properties for MP35N per AMS 5845
Age Temperature Bar Diameter YS (ksi) UTS (ksi) % EL % RA HRC (as shipped)
1000°F to 1200°F < 1.75 in 230 260 8 35 44 minimum
1000°F to 1200°F > 1.75" to 2.00 in 225 235 8 35 Information Only
1000°F to 1200°F > 2.00" to 3.25 in 185 195 10 40 Information Only
NACE MR0175
Carpenter Technology’s minimum properties for material in the cold-worked-and-aged condition per NACE MR0175 are
shown in Table 12. The 1425°F/6hr age condition is popular for subsea bolting, particularly for bar sizes 2 inches and
below. Most NACE-compliant cold-worked-and-aged material above 2 inches diameter is supplied in the 1300°F/4hr aged
condition, which achieves the highest strength in this size range. Cherry-picking distributors’ inventory is done to supply
material with higher strength levels than the guarantees below for specific applications. As expected, the minimum yield
strength increases as ageing temperature decreases.
Table 12: Carpenter Technology’s Minimum Properties for MP35N per NACE MR0175
Age Temperature Time Diameter (in) YS (ksi) UTS (ksi) % EL % RA HRC
1425°F 6 hrs ≤ 2.00 180 190 10 40 51 max
1425°F 6 hrs > 2.00 to 3.25 160 170 12 40 51 max
1350°F 4 hrs ≤ 2.00 200 210 10 40 51 max
1350°F 4 hrs > 2.00 to 3.25 165 175 12 40 51 max
1300°F 4 hrs ≤ 1.50 210 220 10 40 51 max
1300°F 4 hrs > 2.00 to 3.25 175 185 12 40 51 max
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MACHINING
The machinability of MP35N varies depending on the condition of the material and is like that of the nickel-cobalt-chromium
alloy Waspaloy®. MP35N can be machined in the cold-worked-and-aged condition. The following speeds and feed rates are
recommended for drilling [2]: 7.6 m/min (25 sfm) and 0.10 mm/rev (0.005 in./rev) feed. The following are recommended
for turning: 9.1 m/min (30 sfm) and 0.254 mm/rev (0.010 in./rev) feed. High-speed steels and carbide tools can be used.
Recommended cutting fluids include soluble oil, sulfurized oil, or chlorinated oil.
WELDING
The welding of MP35N is like that of 304 stainless steel and the same preparations and precautions may be used [2]. The
following parameters have been recommended for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) based on work with 1.5 mm (0.060 in.)
thick sheet and 6.4 mm (1.250 in.) thick plate:
• Argon gas flow rate: 9.4 to 11.8 L/min (20–25 ft3/h)
• Weld speed: 140 mm/min (5.5 in./min)
• Voltage: 10 V
• MP35N filler wire feed: 355 to 560 mm/min (14–22 in./min)
It is important to keep the heat input per pass low: approximately 50% to 65% of that used for type 304 stainless steel. The
following parameters were used for the GTAW trials: currents of 50 to 60 A were used for the sheet. Total heat input was
2165 to 3740 J/cm (5500–9500 J/in). For plate, the current ranged from 100 to 160 A and heat inputs were 4330 to 7480 J/
cm (11,000–19,000 J/in).
The weld’s heat affected zone (HAZ) will have been weakened by the elevated temperatures in the near-weld region.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to recover strength in the HAZ simply by using a post-weld heat treatment. The weld can
be solution treated to relieve residual stresses from welding but strengthening is only possible through a subsequent cold
work process.
CONCLUSIONS
MP35N possesses excellent corrosion resistance in harsh environments including seawater, chloride brines, sweet gas, and
sour gas. MP35N is the highest strength alloy approved in NACE MR0175 for use in sour service. MP35N derives its strength
from a combined cold-work and heat treatment process.
• MP35N cannot be strengthened by heat treatment alone
• The heat treatment of MP35N for oil and gas applications typically complies with the procedure in NACE MR0175
• Oil and gas applications typically use the chemistry and solution annealing limits in AMS 5844. Material is
sometimes ordered to AMS 5844, then aged to comply with NACE MR0175. However, this is not a recommended
practice as the cold work processes used in the mill for AMS and NACE MR0175-compliant material may be different
and hardness after ageing cannot be guaranteed to fall within NACE MR0175 limits.
• The second edition of API 20F was released in 2018 and governs bolting made from MP35N. Bolting manufacturers
are required to purchase MP35N in the mill-heat-treated condition and no additional forging is allowed.
• Machining MP35N in the cold-worked-and-aged condition can be difficult but is readily done with the proper
combination of feeds, speeds, cutting tools, and cutting fluids.
• MP35N can be welded easily, but the strength of the heat affected zone must be considered.
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REFERENCES
[1] ANSI/NACE MR0175/ISO 15156-3:2015 Third Edition, “Petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries - Materials
for use in H2S-containing environments in oil and gas production,” NACE, Houston, 2015.
[2] ASM International, Nickel, Cobalt, and Their Alloys, J. Davis and D. a. Associates, Eds., Materials Park, OH: ASM
International, 2000.
[3] R. Kane, M. “Watkins, D. Jacobs and G. Hancock, “Factors Influencing the Embrittlement of Cold Worked High Alloy
Materials in H2S Environments,” Corrosion, vol. 33, no. 9, pp. 309-320, 1977.
[4] R. D. Kane, “Accelerated Hydrogen Charging of Nickel and Cobalt Base Alloys,” Corrosion, vol. 34, no. 12, pp. 442-445,
1978.
[5] R. Kane and B. Berkowitz, “Effect of Heat Treatment and Impurities on the Hydrogen Embrittlement of a Nickel Cobalt
Base Alloy,” Corrosion, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 29-36, 1980.
[6] J. Kolts, “Laboratory Evaluation of Corrosion Resistant Alloys for the Oil and Gas Industry,” in NACE Corrosion, Houston,
1986.
[7] K. Krishnan and S. Meney, “Embrittlement of MP35N (UNS R30035) Springs in Simulated Downhole Production and Acid
Stimulation Environments,” in NACE Corrosion, Houston, 2012.
[8] AMS 5844 - Aerospace Material Specification, “Alloy, Corrosion-Resistant, Round Bars 20Cr - 35Ni - 35Co - 10Mo
Vacuum Induction Plus Consumable Electrode Vacuum Remelted Solution Heat Treated and Work Strengthened,” SAE
International, Warrendale, PA, 2014.
[9] AMS 5845 - Aerospace Material Specification, “Alloy, Corrosion-Resistant, Round Bars 20Cr - 35Ni - 35Co - 10Mo
Vacuum Induction Plus Consumable Electrode Vacuum Remelted Solution Heat Treated, Work Strengthened, and Aged,”
SAE International, Warrendale, PA, 2014.
[10] AMS 5758 - Aerospace Material Specification, “Alloy, Corrosion-Resistant, Bars 20Cr - 35Ni - 35Co - 10Mo Vacuum
Induction Plus Consumable Electrode Vacuum Remelted Solution Heat Treated for Work Strengthening,” SAE
International, Warrendale, PA, 2014.
[11] API Specification 20F, “Corrosion-resistant Bolting for Use in Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries,” American
Petroleum Institute, Washington, D.C., 2018.
The information and data presented herein are typical or average values and are not a guarantee of maximum or minimum
values.Applications specifically suggested for material described herein are made solely for the purpose of illustration
to enable the reader to make his own evaluation and are not intended as warranties, either express or implied, of fitness
for these or other purposes. There is no representation that the recipient of this literature will receive updated editions as
they become available. Trademarks are registered trademarks of CRS Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Carpenter Technology
Corporation. Copyright 2019 CRS Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
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