Different Grades of Pipes and Tubes and Their Applications

What are Pipes and Tubes

Pipes and Tubes are used for the same purpose and have the same appearance, but there are some differences. A pipe is always circular, regardless of its length or diameter, as is a tube, but tubes can also be square, rectangle, or oval. Tubes and pipes are frequently welded, but seamless pipes are used universally. Of course, stainless steel 304 pipes and tubes are a good choice because they are generally stronger and resistant to corrosion and rust.

Stainless Steel 304 Pipes and Tubes

304 Type stainless steel is a popular austenitic or nonmagnetic stainless steel. It is commonly referred to as "18/8" SS due to its composition, which includes 18% chromium and 8% nickel. The type 304 stainless steel has excellent welding properties, as well as excellent forming properties, such as strength and corrosion resistance.

This stainless steel is simple to draw. In comparison to other grade types, it comes in a wider range of sizes and shapes, and it can be used without annealing. Type 304 is widely used in the food industry. It's ideal for milk processing, winemaking, and beer brewing. It is also used to make pipelines for yeast pans, storage tanks, and fermentation vats.

Stainless Steel 310 Pipes and Tubes

Grade 310 stainless steel pipe is a medium carbon stainless steel that is used in high-temperature applications like natural gas, heat treatment equipment, and furnace parts. It can withstand a temperature of 1150 degrees C in continuous service. The bearing temperature in intermittent service is 1035 degrees Celsius. In comparison to grade 310, 310S has a lower carbon content.

Stainless Steel 316 Pipes and Tubes

Grade 316/316L Stainless Steel Pipe is a standard moly-bearing grade type that is second in importance only to 304-grade types. Molybdenum provides better overall corrosion resistance, particularly crevice corrosion, as well as pitting resistance in chloride environments.

The low carbon content of Grade 316L Stainless Steel Pipe is widely known. It is unaffected by sensitization. As a result, it's widely used in heavy gauge weldable components. The price difference between 316L stainless steel pipes and 316 stainless steel pipes is insignificant. The austenitic structure ensures a high level of toughness.

Stainless Steel 321 Pipes and Tubes

The grade 321 steel is an austenitic 18/8 steel that has been stabilized with titanium or niobium. They are only used between 425-850 degrees C due to their sensitivity to intergranular corrosion when heated.

Grade 321 is the best choice for applications requiring a temperature range close to 900 degrees Celsius, as well as scaling resistance, high strength, and aqueous corrosion phase stability.

Similarly, 321H is a modified version of 321 with a higher carbon content that provides improved and enhanced temperature resistance. The titanium content of 321 has the limitation of not being able to transport higher temperature arc. This is why it cannot be used for welding.

Applications of Stainless Steel Pipes and Tubes

Stainless steel pipes and tubes are commonly used in aircraft exhaust stacks, welded equipment, manifolds, chemical processing equipment, jet engine parts, and so on. Food and beverage industries rely heavily on stainless steel for its ability to prevent leakage and contamination. This industry also uses stainless steel vessels for storing products, but all of them must be washed regularly because sanitation is a top priority in the food and beverage and medical device industries. Synthetic fibers are used in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, sugar, oil and gas processing, water treatment facilities, desalination, synthetic fibers, pulp and paper, and breweries. As you can see, stainless steel pipe has a wide range of applications and has become a popular choice for heat and corrosion resistance.