Are you in need of stainless steel pipes for your industrial needs? If so, consider the benefits of 316H stainless steel. This type of steel is known for its strength, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand high temperatures. In this blog post, we’ll review everything you need about 316H stainless steel pipes – from their composition to their common applications.
What is a 316H Stainless Steel Pipe?
316H Stainless Steel Pipe is a high-carbon variety of 316 austenitic stainless steel with improved strength at elevated temperatures. It has excellent corrosion-resistant properties and offers greater heat resistance than ordinary 316 steels, making it ideal for more demanding applications.
Composition of 316H Stainless Steel
316H stainless steel is a high-carbon version of the popular grade 316 stainless steel. It comprises at least 10.5% chromium, 16-18% nickel, 2-3% molybdenum, and varying amounts of carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, and nitrogen. The extra carbon content provides this steel with increased high-temperature strength and excellent resistance to carbon precipitation. However, it also makes it less malleable and more susceptible to cracking under pressure.
Advantages of 316H Stainless Steel Pipes
316H Stainless Steel Pipes Have Higher Strength and Durability
The first advantage of using 316H stainless steel pipes is their higher strength and durability than other types of pipes. This is due to the alloy’s higher carbon content, making it more resistant to wear and tear. The higher chromium content also gives the alloy better corrosion resistance, making it ideal for high-temperature or high-pressure applications.
316H Stainless Steel Pipes Are More Cost-Effective
Another advantage of using 316H stainless steel pipes is that they are more cost-effective than other types. This is because the alloy contains less nickel than other austenitic stainless steels, making it less expensive. Additionally, the higher strength of the alloy means that it can be used in thinner gauges, which further reduces costs.
316H Stainless Steel Pipes Offer Excellent Weldability
A third advantage of using 316H stainless steel pipes is their excellent weldability. This is due to the low carbon content in the alloy, which prevents carbide precipitation during welding and ensures that the resulting welds are strong and durable. Additionally, the lack of nickel in the alloy makes it easier to achieve a clean weld bead with minimal porosity.
316H Stainless Steel Pipes Have Good Formability
A fourth advantage of using 316H stainless steel pipes is their good formability. They can easily form various shapes and sizes without cracking or breaking. The alloy’s high ductility also means it can be cold-worked into very thin gauges without becoming brittle.
316H Stainless Steel Pipes Resist Corrosion
Finally, an advantage of using 316H stainless steel pipes is that they resist corrosion better than other types of pipes. This is due to the high chromium content in the alloy, which forms a protective oxide layer on the surface of the metal that prevents rust and corrosion from occurring. Additionally, the molybdenum in the alloy provides additional resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments.
Applications of 316H Stainless Steel Pipes
With its superior strength and resistance to corrosion, 316H stainless steel pipes are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including chemical and petrochemical processing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper processing, and marine engineering, to name a few. These pipes can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for high-heat environments. They are also particularly well-suited for high-pressure environments since they are less prone to corrosion, which can lead to leaks.
Corrosion Resistance of 316H Stainless Steel Pipes
One of the most significant benefits of 316H stainless steel pipes is their excellent corrosion resistance. Adding molybdenum protects against pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride ion solutions. This makes them an excellent choice for use in environments with high chlorides, such as marine applications. However, they may still rust in certain extreme circumstances, such as prolonged exposure to high levels of acids.
Welding 316H Stainless Steel Pipes
Welding 316H stainless steel pipes can be challenging due to their high carbon content. Proper welding procedures must ensure optimal results, and the pipes must be preheated before welding. 316L filler metal is recommended, as it contains lower carbon levels, ensuring welds remain pliable and less prone to cracking.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable material for your industrial piping needs, you can go right with 316H stainless steel pipes. Its corrosion resistance, strength, and ability to withstand high temperatures make it an ideal choice for various applications. Nonetheless, taking proper precautions when welding this material is important, such as preheating and using the correct filler metal. So, whether in the chemical processing, food processing, pharmaceutical, or marine engineering industries, 316H stainless steel pipes are an excellent choice for your piping needs.
