Similarities and differences between 316 stainless steel tubes and 316L stainless steel tubes

by yane Yang Sales Manager

As a kind of Molybdenum Stainless steel pipe, the 316 stainless steel tube corresponds to the national brand 0Cr17Ni12Mo2, while the 316L stainless steel tube corresponds to 00Cr17Ni14Mo2.

The overall performance of the 316 stainless steel tube is better than that of 310 and 304 stainless steel tubes. Its maximum carbon content is 0.03%, which can be used in the fields where the welding cannot be annealed and the maximum corrosion resistance is required. Because the 316 stainless steel pipe has excellent resistance to chloride erosion, it is often used in the marine environment. In addition, under high temperature conditions, if the concentration of sulfuric acid medium is less than 15% or greater than 85%, the role of 316 stainless steel tube is more prominent.

Corrosion resistance

The corrosion resistance of 316/316L stainless steel pipe is better than that of 304 stainless steel pipe, especially in the production of pulp and paper, its good corrosion resistance can reflect the advantage.

Among them, 316 stainless steel pipe can withstand the erosion of marine and corrosive industrial atmosphere. The oxidation resistance of the 316 stainless steel tube is very good when it is used in the environment below 1600 degrees and used continuously in the environment below 1700 degrees centigrade.

In the range of 800-1575 degrees, as far as possible to avoid the continuous use of 316 stainless steel pipe material equipment, and in this temperature range outside the continuous use of 316 stainless steel tube, the stainless steel tube heat resistance performance is better.

In addition to the same temperature range, the 316L stainless steel tube has better resistance to carbide precipitation than that of the 316 stainless steel tube.

Heat treatment

They can be annealed at a temperature range of 1850-2050 degrees, and then cooled rapidly. 316 stainless steel tubes can not be hardened by heat treatment.

Welding performance

316 stainless steel pipe welding performance is good, can use all the standard welding method for welding. Welding process can be used according to the use of 316Cb, 316L or 309Cb stainless steel pipe filler rod or electrode to weld. In addition, in order to obtain the highest corrosion resistance, the 316 stainless steel pipe welding section is best after welding annealing treatment. And if the material is 316L stainless steel tube, there is no need to do the post weld annealing treatment of the material.

It should be noted that the carbon content of the 316L stainless steel pipe is low, so the carbon is not easy to react with chromium, which can reduce the corrosion of the welding parts.

Typical uses of both

316 stainless steel pipe because of adding molybdenum element, so its corrosion resistance, atmospheric corrosion resistance and high temperature strength are very excellent, can be used in harsh environment, has excellent work hardening characteristics.

316L stainless steel tube as low carbon steel version 316, in addition to the characteristics and 316 stainless steel pipe is the same as the outside, its resistance to intergranular corrosion performance better, can be used to produce resistance to grain boundary corrosion products with special requirements.

Source: China Stainless Steel Tube Manufacturer - Yaang Pipe Industry Co., Limited (www.yaang.com)