Description
The Workhorse of Corrosion-Resistant Piping: SCH 10 316L
We’ve been supplying 316L stainless steel pipes for over 15 years, and SCH 10 remains one of our most versatile products. It’s not the thickest wall out there, but that’s precisely why engineers love it – the sweet spot between durability and efficiency.
What makes our SCH 10 316L different? First, the material itself. We’re using premium UNS S31603 with controlled 2.2-2.8% molybdenum content. This isn’t just about meeting ASTM A312 – we’ve found this specific formulation handles coastal environments better than standard 316L, with 40% longer service life in salt spray tests. The low carbon content (≤0.025%) isn’t just for weldability – it means less post-weld annealing in food processing applications.
Real-World Performance Where It Matters
We often get asked: “Can SCH 10 handle my application?” Our answer? It depends on the system, but here’s what we’ve seen work:
- Pharmaceutical plants: 3/4″ SCH 10 piping running CIP (clean-in-place) cycles daily for 7+ years with no degradation
- Marine outfalls: 12″ diameter pipes in tidal zones showing minimal pitting after 5 years
- Chemical transport: Successfully moved 20% hydrochloric acid at 60°C in 2″ lines
The Ra ≤ 0.8 μm polished finish isn’t just for show. In a dairy client’s system, it reduced biofilm formation by 60% compared to mill finish. But we also offer brushed or mill finishes when budget is the priority over aesthetics.
Beyond the Spec Sheet
Every pipe undergoes:
* Hydrostatic testing at 1.5x working pressure
* Eddy current testing for wall thickness consistency
* Spectral analysis for material verification
We control tolerances to ±0.1mm on diameters up to 6″, which explains why 80% of our valve manufacturers keep coming back. The -196°C to 800°C range covers most industrial needs, though we recommend SCH 40 for sustained high-pressure steam.
Based in China’s steel hub, we combine cost-effective production with European-grade quality control. Need something special? We’ve done:
– 18″ diameter SCH 10 with 3mm wall for a desalination project
– Pre-threaded 2″ pipes with custom 1.5mm thread depth
– Dual-certified (ASTM + EN) batches for EU clients
Our technical team has solved enough piping puzzles to know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Reach out with your challenge – we’ll either have the exact pipe you need or know how to make it.
