Description
Why 316/316L Welded Pipe Still Rules in Corrosive Environments
We’ve been supplying stainless steel welded pipes for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that 316/316L remains the workhorse for a reason. While new alloys emerge, this molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless still outperforms in chloride-laden environments – whether that’s a coastal refinery or a pharmaceutical plant handling aggressive media. The key difference? 316L’s lower carbon content (≤0.03%) dramatically reduces carbide precipitation during welding, making it the go-to choice for complex fabrication work where post-weld annealing isn’t practical.
From Specifications to Real-World Performance
- Our pipes handle the full spectrum of demanding conditions – from cryogenic applications at -196°C to continuous service at 800°C without scaling. In one recent offshore project, our 316L pipes showed zero pitting after 18 months in splash zones with 3.5% salinity.
- We maintain tight control on weld integrity using TIG welding with back purging, achieving radiographic quality equivalent to seamless pipes. Wall thickness consistency stays within ±5% even for 50mm thick XXS pipes.
- The molybdenum (2-3%) content isn’t just a number – it’s what gives 316 series its 30% better pitting resistance versus 304/304L when dealing with seawater or chemical mixtures.
Quality checks go beyond basic PMI testing. Each heat lot gets:
– 100% ultrasonic testing (per ASME V Article 5)
– Hydrostatic testing at 1.5x design pressure
– Intergranular corrosion testing (ASTM A262 Practice E) for 316L grades
Customization Without Compromise
Most clients ask: “Can we get polished pipes with threaded ends?” Absolutely. We handle:
– Surface finishes from 2B (mill) to #8 mirror polish (Ra≤0.25μm)
– Special lengths up to 12m with ±1mm cutting tolerance
– Value-added services like beveling, CNC bending (R=1.5D minimum), and custom packaging
Being a China-based mill gives us two advantages: shorter lead times for non-standard sizes (15-25 days vs 30+ for European mills) and the ability to modify production runs for special requests – like the sandblasted 316 pipes we supplied for a Dubai museum’s facade last year.
Whether you need 100m of 8″ SCH40 pipes or 500 custom bent 3″ elbows, we’ve got the experience to match. Reach out with your specs – we’ll respond with practical solutions, not just price lists.
