Firstly, let us have a look at what exactly are Stainless steel pipes- an overview:
As we all know, stainless steel is a widely used alloy based mainly on chromium and nickel. Over the years scientists have worked on developing this material to form enhanced variants. They succeeded in their endeavor by adding numerous filler metals and materials to the composition of SS. These filler materials included molybdenum, copper, nitrogen, etc.
Birth of the numerous grades of SS:
The addition of the filler materials in proportionate quantities led to the discovery of various types of stainless steel which included:
- Precipitation hardened
- Austenitic
- Ferritic
- Martensitic
- Duplex
Each one of these types has varying properties and applications.
These types of SS were further divided into grades for simpler and easier classification. The commonly used grades included 304, 316, 321, 347, etc. Stainless Steel 316 Pipes was the most in-demand grade due to its austenitic microstructure and corrosion resisting abilities. However, grade 304 SS failed to withstand high heat applications and was replaced b SS grade 316.
These types and grades are forged and shaped into numerous SS components which are used in numerous industries. Components such as rods, flat bars, pipes, tubes, fasteners, plates, sheets, and mesh nets are made from various SS grades.
This blog focuses on the applications of Stainless Steel tubes.
- High-Pressure Applications:
Stainless steel pipes are either made out of chromium or a chromium-nickel alloy. Either way, these pipes are incredibly strong and can withstand extreme pressure. Ferritic grades and duplex grades of Stainless Steel tubes are built to withstand high-pressure applications.
- Food and Medical Industry:
Components in the food and medical sectors demand sanitary properties. Cross-contamination, growth of microbes, and corrosive media are to be repelled. Stainless steel tubes easily adhere to these requirements and are thus used as an essential part of sanitary tubing applications in food industries, the pharmaceutical sector, the health industry, and beverage manufacturing factories.
- Mechanical tubing and Aircraft tubing:
Mechanical tubes deal with complex cross-sections thus SS grades such as ATM 511 and A554 are appropriate for mechanical applications. Whereas for aircraft tubing, duplex grades and SS 316 tubes and pipes are the primary choices. This is due to the high-performing requirements expected from aircraft components.
What are the general benefits or advantages of Stainless Steel tubes?
- Corrosion Resistance
- Hygiene
- Strength
- Ductility
- Easy Fabrication
- Weldability
- No maintenance
- Recyclability
- Durability