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9 Reasons to Use 316 Tube in Stainless Steel Boiler

9 Reasons to Use 316 Tube in Stainless Steel Boiler


316 Stainless Steel Tube is an Austenitic Grade with Molybdenum

316 Stainless Steel

Molybdenum is added to stainless steel 316 to increase its resistance to corrosion. In chloride settings, this is especially noticeable for pitting and crevice corrosion. A steel alloy that has at least 10% chromium in it is called stainless steel because it resists corrosion. When chromium is added to stainless steel, a thin layer of metal oxide forms on the metal's surface to provide protection from corrosive substances.

9 Reasons to Use 316 Tube

Reason 1 - Properties of 316 Tubes

Mechanical Properties

Grade Yield Str 0.2% Proof (MPa) min Tensile Str (MPa) min Elong (% in 50 mm) min Hardness
Rockwell B (HR B) max Brinell (HB) max
316 205 515 40 95 217
316L 170 485 40 95 217
316H 205 515 40 95 217

Physical Properties

Melting Point 1400°C
Thermal Conductivity 16.3 W/m.K
Density 8.00 g/cm3
Property Value
Thermal Expansion 15.9 x 10-6/K
Modulus of Elasticity 193 GPa
Electrical Resistivity 0.74 x 10-6 Ω.m

View Equivalent Material of Stainless Steel 316 Boiler and Condenser Tube

Grade Specifications

Country Equivalent Grade
United States ASTM/UNS S31600
United Kingdom BS 316S31, BS 316S33
European Union EN/DIN 1.4401, X5CrNiMo17-12-2
Germany DIN X5CrNiMo17-12-2
China GB 0Cr17Ni12Mo2
Russia GOST 08X17H13M2T
France AFNOR Z6CND17.11
Japan JIS SUS 316, JIS SUS 316L

Reason 2 - Composition

Chemical Composition

SS 316 Tube Retains its Strength and Corrosion Resistance at Elevated Temperatures

Reason 3 - High Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion Resistance

Excellent in numerous corrosive fluids and a variety of climatic conditions; generally more resistant than 304. In warm chloride conditions, prone to pitting and crevice corrosion; above approximately 60 °C, susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. regarded as resistant to drinking water, lowering to roughly 500 mg/L at 60 °C from up to 1000 mg/L at room temperature.

Reason 4 - High Temperature Resistance

Excellent resistance to oxidation in continuous operation up to 925 °C and in intermittent operation up to 870 °C. It is not advised to utilize 316 continuously in the 425-860 °C range if resistance to water corrosion in the future is crucial. Grade 316L can be used in the temperature range mentioned above and is more resistant to carbide precipitation. At temperatures exceeding around 500 °C, grade 316H is occasionally utilized for pressure-containing and structural applications due to its increased strength at higher temperatures.

Check Tesile Strength of Stainless Steel 316 Tube in MPa and Ksi

Reason 5 - Tensile Strength

Properties Metric English
Tensile Strength, Ultimate 620 - 795 MPa 90 - 115 ksi
Tensile Strength, Yield 206 MPa 30000 psi

Reason 6 - Heat Transfer Efficiency

The exceptional thermal conductivity of 316 stainless steel makes it possible for fluids in heat exchanger systems to transfer heat more effectively. This characteristic maximizes energy efficiency and lowers operating costs by ensuring quick and consistent heating or cooling of the process fluids.

Reason 7 - Suitable for Various Acids

Acetic Acid Citric Acid
Formic Acid Phosphoric Acid
Sulfuric Acid Tartaric Acid
Lactic Acid Hydrochloric Acid
Oxalic Acid Boric Acid
Carbonic Acid Nitric Acid

Reason 8 - Fabrication

All stainless steels should only be fabricated with instruments made specifically for working with stainless steel. Before using, all tools and work surfaces need to be well cleaned. These safety measures are required to prevent readily corroding metals from cross-contaminating stainless steel, which could discolor the finished product's surface.

Precipitation Hardening Process

Precipitation Hardening Process

Reason 9 - Machinability

  • Sharp cutting edges are required. Excessive work hardening is caused by dull edges.
  • Light cuts should be made, but they should be deep enough to avoid the material's surface from hardening the job.
  • Chip breakers ought to be used to help make sure swarf stays away from the work.
  • Heat concentrates near the cutting edges of austenitic alloys due to their low thermal conductivity. This implies that lubricants and coolants must be applied frequently and in considerable amounts.

Applications of Stainless Steel 316 Boiler Tubes

  • Water Supply
  • Gas
  • Marine Use
  • Chemical Industry
  • Petrochemical
  • Architecture
Know About Stainless Steel 316 Boiler Tube Manufacturing Process

Manufacturing Process of 316 Stainless Steel Boiler Tube

Manufacturing Process

SS 316 Condenser Tubes Benefits

  • Good corrosion resistance
  • Great oxidation resistance
  • Excellent machining abilities
  • Easy to maintain for long periods
  • 316 contains 2% molybdenum making it a solid choice for acid resistance
  • Because of its resistance to chloride settings, 316 stainless steel is ideal for food preperation
  • Density is excellent, getting a 79 on the Rockwell scale of hardness