Six Important Types And Applications Of Stainless Steel Pipes?
One of the most versatile materials that finds great use in the industries is stainless steel. A corrosion-resistant alloy, stainless steel combines steel with a certain proportion of chromium with carbon and other alloying elements. Chromium is important to the manufacturing of stainless steel, as it hardens the steel and increases its corrosion-resistant ability, mostly at higher temperatures. Hence, it has made stainless steel valuable material in the market.
Of its various advantageous
properties, stainless steel has low maintenance, high tensile strength, is
durable, and is temperature resistant. Its easy formability is used in various
applications, mostly in the manufacture of pipes and tubes. You can easily buy stainless steel tube once you finalize the grade and
applications as per the service requirements.
Stainless Steel Piping can be broadly
categorized into six major categories based on its usage and application.
1) Stain Less Steel Piping
Based on their functions, types, and
grades, stainless steel pipes can be categorized. In the T300 series stainless
steel austenitic, Type 304 stainless steel becomes one of the most popular
choices for piping and tubing purposes. It is known for its high chemical and corrosion
resistance. But, in some applications, a
temperature between 800-640 degrees Fahrenheit is used, and the Type 304
becomes susceptible to carbide precipitation. In such cases, Type 304L
stainless steel should be used as it caters to low carbon content. Hence it can
be welded without being subjected to temperature issues.
2) Stainless Steel Tubing For General
Corrosion Resistance
Austenitic stainless steels have a
higher nickel and chromium content. When compared to the martensitic or the
ferritic types, such stainless steels can provide higher resistance to
corrosion when subjected to the same general conditions. This can be used in
applications that prefer the corrosion-resistant property over anything else.
3) Stain Less Steel Pressure Pipe
Prepared from the combination
of chromium and nickel or from solid chromium, stainless steel pressure pipe is
used in several ways. It can be categorized under several types, like a
seamless and welded pipe, the electric fusion welded pipe, which is used in
applications that require high pressure. The welded pipe, which has quite a
large diameter, is used specifically in high-temperature applications. Austenitic-ferritic
stainless steels are known for their mechanical qualities.
4) Stain Less Steel Sanitary Tubing
It is used in applications that
require greater strength and higher corrosion resistance. Sanitation of the
stainless steel piping or tubing becomes important if it is in contact with
edible products or other sensitive substances. Stainless steel sanitary tubing
is known for its easy to clean property. The stainless steel sanitary tubing
has a 304-grade steel type or the 316L grade. Both of these grades are known
for their strength and high-temperature capabilities. Mostly the stainless
steel sanitary tubing is used in pharmaceutical industries, nuclear power, oil
and gas plants, food, dairy, and beverage industries.
5) Stain Less Steel Mechanical Tubing
In the applications which have a
hollow formed structure like the cylinders, stainless mechanical tubing is
used. For mechanical tubing applications, the grades generally used are ASTHMA
511 and A55. Stain less Mechanical Tubing is also known as Stainless Steel
Hollow Bar. It is mostly used in Chemical Industry, Petrochemical Industry,
Automotive Production Industry, Pulp, textile industry, and sugar mills, and
industries. According to the use, it can have different diameters, which can be
customized.
6) Stain Less Steel Aircraft Tubing
The stainless steel needs to have a
greater chromium and nickel content in the highly specific aircraft
applications. This allows it to resist heat and corrosion. Stainless steel
aircraft tubing is found in applications that require high strength. It can be
work-hardened or welded too. For the welded parts, stainless steel with low
carbon content needs to be used.
Overview:
Why Should One Use Stain Less Steel
Pipes?
The use and applications of stainless
steel pipe is summarized below:
·
Corrosion
resistance: One of the most quoted usages of Stainless Steel is undoubtedly its
corrosion resistance property. It is resistant to oxidation and gives a durable
lifetime to the piping.
·
Hygiene:
Stainless steels are inert in water and hence is very hygienic. The leaching of
the alloys like chromium and nickel used in it is within safe limits.
·
Coefficient
of friction: Stainless steel pipe offers lower friction than cement lined
carbon steel pipes. This helps to reduce the pipe's internal diameter, which
saves the capital cost. Also, lower bacteria content is found in such
materials.
·
Good
strength and ductility: It has higher mechanical properties than carbon steel
pipes.
·
Excellent
durability and recyclable: It is effective for longer-term usage. It can also
be recycled easily.
To Conclude:
Among the categories of stainless
steel Piping, based on the end-use of the tube or pipe, it is used in the
applications. Certain traits of stainless steel Piping are desirable in any
particular application, and the chromium, nickel, and carbon content in the
alloyed material decides its properties.