If we ask what the most common metal around you is, you would probably answer stainless steel. There is no doubt about the wide usage of stainless steel in the modern world. From using metal alloy in aircraft to the kitchen – stainless steel is everywhere. In addition, many industries choose stainless steel seamless tubes and pipes because of their multiple benefits.
However, do you know what stainless steel is? Stainless steel is a metal alloy that consists of steel, carbon, nickel, aluminum, chromium, silicon, and molybdenum. One of the primary reasons why most industries choose stainless steel is that it offers exceptional corrosion resistance. Besides, you can also expect the stainless steel pipes to be strong and easy to fabricate. Due to its outstanding advantages, manufacturers use stainless steel to produce different elements for different sectors. In addition, stainless steel pipes are low to maintain, offer long-lasting results, and have high load-bearing capacity.
Based on the requirements of the end users, manufacturers produce circular pipes and tubes of different shapes. Based on your needs, steel tubes can be triangles, ovals, squares, and many other shapes. Similar to the different shapes, manufacturers produce stainless steel seamless tubes and pipes for different industries. We will discuss the different types of stainless steel tubes.
Basic pipes:
As you can guess from the name, basic pipes are the most common and widely used stainless steel pipes. These pipes are resistant to corrosion. Hence, you can use them in different weathers. Furthermore, you can also use these pipes in chemical plants due to their corrosion resistance.
Pipe providers primarily choose stainless steel grades 316 and 304 to produce these pipes. These two steel grades are normal for commercial as well as residential purposes. You can install steel pipes in buildings for plumbing, rainwater drainage, sewage systems, and more.
You can also use these pipes for industries that do not require pipes that can withstand extreme pressure. You can utilize basic steel pipes for medium-pressure and heat applications. Seamless tubes and pipes manufacturers will recommend you use steel pipes of grades 304 and 316 below 400° C temperatures. If you need pipes, you can use between 400° C to 800° C. You should invest in steel grade 304L and 316L.
Hydraulic line pipe:
Hydraulic line pipes have a smaller diameter in comparison with other types of stainless steel pipes. You can use these pipes in hydraulic systems as well as gasoline lines. Even though the diameters are small, hydraulic pipes are extremely robust. They are also better at resisting corrosion than basic steel pipes. Manufacturers use 304L steel grade to produce these pipes.
You can use hydraulic pipes to transfer liquids such as synthetic oil, petroleum, and even water. These pipes have a smooth interior surface that makes them ideal for applications where you need to maintain a flow of liquids.
Stainless steel pipes for aircraft:
When line pipe suppliers produce pipes and tubes for aircraft, they use more chromium and nickel in the alloy. Increasing the amount of chromium and nickel makes stainless steel pipes extremely hard and solid. These pipes are corrosion and heat-resistant, the qualities you require for aircraft pipes. The carbon content in these pipes should be higher. Lower carbon content is ideal for producing welded pipes instead of seamless pipes.
Manufacturers must follow Aerospace Material Specifications or AMS while producing pipes for aerospace. Similarly, if they are producing pipes for use in the military, they must abide by Military Specifications.
Stainless steel pipes for high-pressure applications:
As the name suggests, high-pressure steel pipes are meant for high-pressure applications. You can use these pipes in boiler and heat exchanger systems. High-pressure pipes have a larger diameter. Seamless tubes and pipes manufacturers use ferritic and austenitic steel to produce these pipes. It is because these two types of stainless steel can withstand harsh temperatures and extreme pressures. Also, the amount of chromium is high in these pipes.
Mechanical pipes:
Suppose you want pipes and tubes for the automobile industry. The ideal choice for your requirements is mechanical pipes. Manufacturers produce these pipes keeping the user in mind. You can use mechanical pipes and tubes in the exhaust system of vehicles. The exhaust system of vehicles is subjected to extreme pressure and heat. Hence, the pipes you use must be able to withstand constant exposure to heat. Pipe fabricators use steel grades A554 and ASTM A511 to produce mechanical tubes and pipes. These steel grades are known for their high-intensity applications. Besides, line pipe suppliers can even use these two steel grades to produce seamless tubes that come in different shapes. The shapes include rectangles, ovals, squares, etc.
Sanitary pipes and tubes:
You will notice that stainless steel pipes are necessary for the food and beverages, and medical sectors. These industries must maintain hygiene and follow proper sanitation processes. Whatever comes in contact with food or sensitive body parts, from the pipes to the equipment, must be hygienic. Hence, both medical and food and beverage industries choose stainless steel mostly. Stainless steel is easy to clean, adhering to medical standards. Also, when you use stainless steel pipes and other equipment, you can be sure they do not harbor infections. Line pipe suppliers use ASTM A270 steel grade to produce pipes and medical equipment. The particular steel grade is corrosion-resistant, robust, durable, and has a smooth finish. The smoother their walls are, the easier it is to maintain the hygiene of the products.
In a nutshell:
As you can see, there are some specific types of stainless steel. You need to choose based on your industry specification. For example, you do not require medical-grade stainless steel pipes for using them in your household. You can choose the basic stainless seamless steel tubes and pipes for that. On the contrary, if you want to use pipes in aircraft or automobiles, you need specific types of pipes. Even though some of the primary qualities of stainless steel pipes are similar, manufacturers use different steel grades for various industries. Hence, making the right choice is essential to make the most out of your piping solution.
An experienced stainless steel seamless tubes and pipes fabricator can help you in deciding and choosing the right steel grade. You should get in touch with a few such manufacturers and understand the process before making a decision.
