Stainless Steel Pipes Uses and Applications

Pipe Manufacturer

Since its discovery which was about hundreds of years ago, stainless steel has gone through numerous or endless upgrades and enhancements. Initially, stainless steel alloy was used just with its basic composition which is iron, chromium, and nickel. This alloy itself was extremely strong and could repel corrosive media to a great extent. However, over the years, scientists and engineers found the need to enhance this alloy and take its properties to the next level. After numerous experiments, they developed a wide array of types and grades of stainless steel. 

This was possible due to the addition and combination of various filler metals such as aluminum, copper, tin, molybdenum, etc. Adding these filler metals led to the discovery of the three main types of stainless steel i.e., –

  • Austenitic grades
  • Martensitic grades
  • Ferritic stainless steel

All of these types of stainless steel have unique properties and chemical compositions with varying physical and mechanical properties. These types of stainless steel are divided into various grades. For example 303. 304, 316, 321, 347, 410, etc. 

Stainless Steel 309 Pipes is known to be the most versatile metal alloy used across numerous industries right from household to large scale industries such as construction. Stainless steel is available in diverse forms such as rods, bars, flat bars, pipes, fasteners, sheets, etc. 

What are the Applications and uses of Stainless steel pipes?

1. Nuclear plants:

Nuclear plants require components that will not succumb readily to extreme corrosive media. Components used at nuclear plants are exposed to seawater which tends to be corrosive. Thus, the best grade of stainless steel that should be used at nuclear power plants is grade 316. Stainless steel 316 is austenitic and resists corrosion brilliantly. The addition of molybdenum enhances its corrosion resistivity making it durable and capable enough to sustain continuous exposure to corrosive media. 

2. Aerospace:

High-performing industries such as aerospace and engineering require metal alloys that are extremely sturdy and durable. Stainless steel alloys fit the required profile perfectly. They are strengthened by the iron and nickel composition. Chromium forms a passivation layer on this alloy which plays a vital role in anti-corrosive properties. Components used in aerospace are exposed to extremely high atmospheric pressure. Thus, stainless steel alloy grades such as 316 and 17-4 PH are used in the development of aircraft components such as tubing, propellors, etc. 

3. Medical and pharmaceutical:

Stainless Steel alloys have the capability enough to stop the growth and prohibit the promotion of germs and bacteria on the surface. Thus, using stainless steel is perfect for applications that demand sanitization. Additionally, it is very easy to clean stainless steel components. They do not get tarnished easily and cleaning chemicals do not affect them. Thus, stainless steel pipes are used for numerous applications across the medical industry.

Other classified applications of stainless steel tubes:

Pulp and paper production

Petrochemical industry

Surgical instruments

Construction industry

Grills and railings

Oil and gas industry, etc.