Stainless Steel Pipes Properties

Corrosion Resistance

Nearly all stainless steel pipes available in the market are iron-based alloys which comprised of minimum chromium content of 10.5%. A self-healing or protective oxide layer gets formed on the alloy when it contains chromium. The stainless steel pipe got its corrosion resistance property through the formation of the oxide layer. The self-healing characteristics of the oxide layer imply that intact corrosion resistance can be achieved regardless of fabrication means.

It has the capability to self-heal and offer high corrosion resistance even if the pipe surface experience any damage or cut. On the other hand, the protective layer is formed by normal carbon by coating or painting, such as galvanizing. Underlying steel, as well as corrosion, gets exposed on surface modifications.

The working of corrosion resistance may differ with different stainless steel pipe grades in various environments. The stainless steel pipe has two main characteristics in common- they possess resistance and contain chromium which makes it immune to attacks. The stainless steel pipe is unaffected by aggressive alkalis, acids, and other chemicals.

Pipe grades that contain high nickel, molybdenum and chromium show more resistance to corrosion.

Cryogenic Resistance (low temperature)

The cryogenic resistance in low temperatures gets measured by toughness or ductility at sub-zero level temperatures. The austenitic stainless steel tensile strength is substantially higher at cryogenic temperature, compared to ambient temperature. They also possess the capability to maintain excellent toughness, in harsh environments.

At sub-zero temperatures, the precipitation hardening, martensitic, and ferritic steel pipe are not to be used. At low temperatures, the grade toughness significantly drops. It is found in some cases, the cryogenic resistance drops down closer to atmospheric temperature.

Work Hardening

One of the biggest advantages of work hardening of grades of stainless steel pipes is that it increases and enhances the metal strength significantly and helps in achieving cold working. The combination of annealing and cold working stages is easy to employ so as to give off fabricated components appropriate strength.

Hot Strength

High strength can be retained at peak or elevated temperatures. In the stainless steel pipe grades that contain huge chromium or silicon, nitrogen is responsible for hot strength. High hot strength can be offered for the grades of chromium ferritic grades.

The stainless steel pipe with high chromium content assists in resisting scaling at peak or elevated temperatures.

Strength and Formability

Stainless steel pipe of different grades offers different ranges of strengths. Compared to mild strength, the strength remains constant somewhat in soft conditions. The softer austenitic steel contains exceptional elongation and ductility. Hence, it can be cold-worked so as to give a finished product with extensive series of semi-fabrication. In order to reach the final condition, toughness and strength get combined in an effective manner.

A good range of ductility and strength get offered by the ferritic stainless steel pipes. The subsequent heat treatment gives off hardness and high strength, in the case of martensitic steel pipes.

Ductility

The % elongation is responsible for ductility while the tensile test is. The austenitic stainless steel elongation is high. High work hardening and high ductility rates enable austenitic stainless steel to form and work in severe processes like deep drawing.

High Strength

In comparison to mild steel, stainless steel has a higher amount of tensile strength. Duplex stainless steel generally has higher strength compared to austenitic steel. In the martensitic grade, the highest level of tensile strength can be seen, as well as in precipitation hardening grades. These grade types possess double strength compared to other grades.

Hygiene

The stainless steel pipes are easy to clean, and because of this, clients usually choose it. It can be used in abattoirs, kitchens, hospitals, and industries such as food processing plants.

Aesthetic appearance

The stainless steel pipes are bright and can be maintained because of their attractive and modern appearance.

Weight-to strength advantage

A significant strengthening can be resulted due to work hardening property from cold working. Over conventional grades, the duplex grades have reduced material thickness.

Ease of fabrication

Using modern techniques, stainless steel pipes can be easily formed, machined, welded, fabricated and cut.

Impact resistance

The austenitic microstructure of stainless steel offers high toughness at elevated temperatures. That’s why it can be used in cryogenic applications.

Long term value

If you consider the total or overall life cycle of stainless steel, you will find that the least expensive material gets used. Long-term benefits can be availed by the stainless steel pipes.