Seamless stainless steel pipes are the preferred choice for high-temperature applications across industries due to their several superior properties. They possess greater strength under loading, exhibit exceptional corrosion resistance, can withstand shocks and vibrations, and offer reliable performance even under the toughest and harsh conditions. Due to these benefits, seamless stainless steel tubes and pipes are used in heating-pipelines, containers, coal-saving devices, super-heaters and repeaters, high press boiler, heat exchanger and condenser tubes, mechanical and structural tubing, among several others. This post discusses the various material grades of stainless steel used for producing these seamless pipes and tubes.

Grades of Stainless Steel Used in Producing Seamless Tubes and Pipes

Steel tubes and pipes used for the high-temperature applications must be of superior quality to resist high temperatures ranging from 400 degree Celsius to 1100 degree Celsius. For this reason, manufacturers use the following grades of stainless steel to fabricate seamless tubes and pipes.

304/304L: Oxidation resistance up to 1650°F, non- hardenable, and non-magnetic.

316/316L: Excellent tensile strength at elevated temperatures, exceptional creep and stress-rupture strength, and improved corrosion resistance.

310S: Exceptional resistance to oxidation under constant temperatures to 2000°F, better creep strength at elevated temperatures, impeccable strength, and toughness at cryogenic temperatures.

317L: Good resistance to chemical attack, higher creep resistance, excellent tensile strength at elevated temperatures, resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

321/321H: Excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion, can withstand continuous exposure to the temperature between 800-1500 degree F, and higher creep and stress rupture properties.

410: Good strength and hardness, excellent toughness in the hardened and tempered condition, resists oxidation up to 1292°F (700°C) continuously, and up to 1500°F (816°C) on an intermittent basis.

Due to all these advantages, the seamless stainless steel tubes and pipes manufactured from the aforementioned grades find immense applications in aerospace, oil and gas, manufacturing, marine, food processing, nuclear, chemical, military, paper and pulp, and pharmaceutical industries.