Where is welded stainless steel pipe used?
Since the development of stainless steel more than 100 years ago, it has become one of the most popular and widely used materials in the world. Now it has become an indispensable material in various industries. This includes many uses specifically for stainless steel pipes, which benefit from the many positive properties of metals. What is stainless steel alloy made of? Where is welded stainless steel pipe used?
l What is stainless steel alloy made of?
l What are the advantages of stainless steel?
l What is the purpose of stainless steel pipes?
What is stainless steel alloy made of?
By definition, stainless steel is an iron alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium. There are many types of alloys available on the market, and the exact chemical composition of each alloy is also different. Alloying elements such as nickel, molybdenum, titanium, carbon, nitrogen and copper can improve the strength, formability and other properties of stainless steel. To qualify for stainless steel, it must meet the corrosion resistance criteria in a specific environment. This resistance comes from the outer chromium oxide layer of the metal. This microscopic surface film is called a passivation layer because it naturally reacts with oxygen in the surrounding air and prevents further corrosion. In addition, if the layer suffers any damage (such as scratches or scratches), the layer can repair itself.
What are the advantages of stainless steel?
Obviously, the main attribute of stainless steel is its corrosion resistance. Different alloys provide different levels of resistance. For example, 304 stainless steel, which may be the most popular stainless steel alloy in the world, can provide a full range of excellent corrosion resistance. However, in the marine environment, 304 is not suitable because it is particularly susceptible to exposure to chlorides, which are definitely present in seawater. Instead, applications that will be used in marine environments should probably switch to alloys like 316, which has the added benefit of 2% molybdenum. stainless steel has many other benefits. Compared with ordinary steel, stainless steel alloy has higher low temperature toughness, higher work hardening rate, higher strength and hardness, greater ductility, more attractive appearance and lower maintenance costs. With these, there is no doubt that stainless steel is so popular in many industries including pipes.
Because each alloy behaves differently, it is important to be able to distinguish between them. stainless steel alloys are divided into five different groups, each with its own special properties. The five groups are austenite, ferrite, martensite, duplex and precipitation hardening. Please contact us to learn more about the different types of stainless steel, which may be more suitable for you.
What is the purpose of stainless steel pipes?
1. When it comes to pipes, the benefits of corrosion-resistant metals should be obvious. This is why stainless steel is a common choice for piping applications. Due to the variety of shapes and sizes of pipes, it is difficult to distinguish them. Therefore, we usually classify pipelines according to their functions.
2. Grade 304 stainless steel is one of the most common alloys used in pipes. This is because it has comprehensive corrosion resistance and other advantages. 304 also has strong chemical resistance, especially in industrial environments, which is an additional advantage for materials exposed to large amounts of water. However, when you are dealing with temperatures higher than 800 degrees Fahrenheit, 304 will not be suitable for use because it is susceptible to carbide precipitation. In this case, stainless steel 304L is more suitable.
3. One specific piping application is called stainless steel pressure pipe. This type of stainless steel is made of solid chromium or a mixture of chromium and nickel. Suitable alloys for this type of pipe usually come from the ferrite and austenite families. Applications include seamless pipes, welded pipes, electrofusion welded pipes and large diameter welded pipes. This type of pipe can be used in corrosive or high temperature applications and high pressure environments.
4. Another popular application of stainless steel pipes is in sanitary pipes. For example, hygiene is a major consideration in the food and beverage and medical device industries. In addition to its corrosion resistance, stainless steel is also widely praised because it is easy to clean and does not change color. ASTMA270 alloy is a popular choice for sanitary piping.
5. Some applications of stainless steel pipes are in high-performance industries such as aerospace and engineering. Chromium and nickel-based alloys have a high degree of heat resistance, which is an important consideration for aircraft. stainless steel aircraft tubing also needs to be strong and capable of work hardening and welding.
If you need plumbing materials for your next project, MinstarSteel will provide you with the best products.
