ASTM A213 TP316L Stainless Steel Seamless Tube Heat Exchanger Boiler Application

ASTM A213 TP316L Stainless Steel Seamless Tubes Heat Exchanger Application

ASTM A213 is a standard number developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials, which is specifically applicable to seamless ferritic and austenitic alloy steel pipes for boilers, superheaters, and heat exchangers. This means that steel pipes under this standard are designed to withstand high pressure and high temperature environments. TP316L is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel grade with excellent corrosion resistance and outstanding resistance to chloride pitting corrosion.

ASTM A213 TP316L Stainless Steel Key Advantages

• TP316L contains 2-3% molybdenum, significantly improving its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. Its low carbon content significantly reduces the risk of carbide precipitation during welding or heat treatment in the sensitive temperature range of 450°C to 850°C, ensuring that it maintains excellent corrosion resistance even after welding.
• TP316L maintains excellent strength and oxidation resistance even at high temperatures, making it suitable for heat exchange applications within a certain temperature range.
• TP316L stainless steel exhibits high toughness and ductility, making it easy to bend and form. Solution annealing can also achieve optimal corrosion resistance and soften the material, facilitating subsequent processing.

ASTM A213 TP316L Stainless Steel Chemical Composition

ASTM A213 Tubes Mechanical Properties

Comparison of ASTM A213 TP316L with other Common Materials

1.vs. 304/304L: The 304/304L series contains no molybdenum and is significantly less resistant to chloride corrosion than 316/316L. Therefore, 304 is a more economical choice for less corrosive environments.

2.vs. 316: The key difference between 316L and 316 lies in its carbon content. If equipment requires extensive welding or undergoes heat treatment during manufacturing, 316L is essential to avoid intergranular corrosion, while standard 316 can be used for simpler components that don't require welding.

3.vs. 317L: 317L has a higher molybdenum content (3-4%) than 316L, resulting in greater resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than 316L, making it suitable for more demanding environments. However, it also comes at a higher cost.

ASTM A213 TP316L Stainless Steel Seamless Tube Application

• Boilers and Pressure Vessels: Superheaters, reheaters, and heat exchanger tubes for power plant boilers.

• Petrochemical Industry: Used in the manufacture of tubes, reactors, and heat exchange tubes in highly corrosive environments, such as those exposed to chloride-containing media and acidic gases.

• Liquefied Natural Gas: Used in low-temperature heat exchangers and piping systems.

• Food and Pharmaceutical Industries: Commonly used in process piping systems due to its corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning and sterilization.

• Ocean and Shipbuilding: Used in equipment and piping systems exposed to seawater or marine atmosphere.

• Environmental Protection and Desulfurization Equipment: Key components in flue gas desulfurization systems.