14 stainless steel pipe

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron with a minimum of 10.5% chromium. Chromium produces a thin layer of oxide on the surface of the steel known as the “passive layer”. This layer protects the steel from corrosion and oxidation. Steel with a higher chromium content is more corrosion-resistant. There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, but only about 15 are commonly used.

The most common grades of stainless steel are:

• Austenitic: 200 and 300 series.
• Ferritic: 400 series.
• Martensitic: 400 series.
• Duplex: 2205 (50% austenitic, 50% ferritic).

Austenitic stainless steels are the most widely used. They have a microstructure of austenite (face-centered cubic crystal) with chromium in solution. They are non-magnetic and not heat treatable. They are corrosion-resistant and have good ductility and toughness. The most common austenitic grades are 304 and 316.

Ferritic stainless steels are non-hardenable and have a microstructure of ferrite (body-centered cubic crystal) with chromium in solution. They are magnetic and have good ductility, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The most common ferritic grades are 409 and 430.

Martensitic stainless steels are hardenable and have a microstructure of martensite (body-centered cubic crystal) with chromium in solution. They are magnetic and have good ductility, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The most common martensitic grades are 410 and 420.

Duplex stainless steels are a mix of austenitic and ferritic grades. They have a microstructure of austenite and ferrite (mixed cubic crystal) with chromium in solution. They are non-magnetic and have good ductility, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The most common duplex grades are 2205 and 2507.

Stainless steel pipes are used in a variety of industries, including:

• Chemical and petrochemical.
• Oil and gas.
• Power generation.
• Food and beverage.
• Pharmaceutical.
• Pulp and paper.
• Water treatment.

Stainless steel pipes are available in a variety of sizes and grades. The most common grades are:

• 304: A austenitic stainless steel that is one of the most widely used and versatile.
• 316: A austenitic stainless steel that is more corrosion resistant than 304.
• 409: A ferritic stainless steel that is less corrosion resistant than 304.
• 430: A ferritic stainless steel that is more corrosion resistant than 409.

Pipes are available in a variety of schedules that dictate the wall thickness. The most common schedules are:

• Schedule 5: The thinnest schedule. Used in low-pressure applications.
• Schedule 10: A thin schedule. Used in low-pressure applications.
• Schedule 40: The most common schedule. Used in medium-pressure applications.
• Schedule 80: A thick schedule. Used in high-pressure applications.

Pipes are also available in a variety of finishes, including:

• Plain: A basic finish that has a dull appearance.
• Black: A finish that is black in color.
• Galvanized: A finish that is coated with zinc.
• Epoxy: A finish that is coated with an epoxy resin.

Pipes are also available in a variety of lengths. The most common lengths are:

• 20 feet (6.1 meters)
• 24 feet (7.3 meters)
• 40 feet (12.2 meters)

Pipes can also be cut to custom lengths.

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