Pipeline Works
Stainless Steel Pipelines
Popular Standards
● GB/T14976 GOST 9940 A789/A789M
● A312/A312M JIS G3448 EN10312
Process Flowchart
Seamless SS Pipe
Welded SS Pipe
Popular Industrial SS Grades
|
Grade |
Type |
C（max） |
Cr |
Ni |
Mo |
Others |
T.S (MPa,max) |
Y.S (MPa,min) |
Elongation (%,min) |
Hardness (HBW) |
| 304 | Austenitic | 0.08 | 18-20 | 8-10.5 | - |
Mn(2%)Si(0.75) |
515 | 205 | 40 | 201 |
| 304L | Austenitic | 0.03 | 18-20 | 8-12 | - | Low carbon | 485 | 170 | 40 | 201 |
| 316 | Austenitic | 0.08 | 16-18 | 10-14 | 2-3 | Improved C/R | 515 | 205 | 40 | 217 |
| 316L | Austenitic | 0.03 | 16-18 | 10-14 | 2-3 | Low carbon | 485 | 170 | 40 | 217 |
| 321 | Austenitic | 0.08 | 17-19 | 9-12 | - | Ti (5x C min) | 515 | 205 | 40 | 201 |
| 347 | Austenitic | 0.08 | 17-19 | 9-13 | - | Nb+Ta | 515 | 205 | 40 | 201 |
| 410 | Martensitic | 0.15 | 11.5-13.5 | - | - | Mn(1%)Si(1%) | 485 | 275 | 20 | 217 |
| 420 | Martensitic | 0.15-0.40 | 12-14 | - | - | High carbon | 586 | 345 | 15 | 235 |
| 430 | Ferritic | 0.12 | 16-18 | - | - | Mn(1%)Si(1%) | 450 | 205 | 22 | 183 |
| 2205 | Duplex | 0.03 | 21-23 | 4.5-6.5 | 2.5-3.5 | N(0.14-0.20%) | 620 | 450 | 25 | 293 |
| 2507 | Duplex | 0.03 | 24-26 | 6-8 | 3-4 | N(0.24-0.32%) | 800 | 550 | 15 | 310 |
The tendency of using more and more stainless steel pipes instead of carbon steel in modern pipeline projects—despite the higher initial cost—is driven by several economic, operational, and environmental factors. Here’s why this trend is accelerating:
For more details on specific carbon and alloy steel tubing and pipes, please refer to the specific product details or contact us at your convenience.
1. Corrosion Resistance = Longer Lifespan & Lower Maintenance
Carbon steel requires protective coatings (epoxy, FBE, 3LPE), cathodic protection, or chemical inhibitors to resist corrosion in harsh environments (e.g., seawater, acidic fluids, H₂S-rich sour gas). These add costs and require ongoing maintenance.
Stainless steel (e.g., 316L, duplex 2205, super duplex 2507) naturally resists pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking (SCC), drastically reducing leaks, repairs, and replacements.
→ Cost Over Time: While stainless steel costs 2-5x more upfront, its 50+ year lifespan (vs. 15-30 years for carbon steel) often makes it cheaper long-term.
2. Rising Safety & Environmental Regulations
Stricter anti-pollution laws (e.g., EPA, EU directives) penalize pipeline leaks (e.g., oil spills, gas leaks).
Stainless steel minimizes failure risks, avoiding costly spills, shutdowns, and regulatory fines.
Carbon steel is more prone to hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and sulfide stress cracking (SSC) in sour environments, increasing liability.
3. High-Pressure & High-Temperature (HPHT) Demands
New oil/gas fields (e.g., deepwater offshore, shale gas) operate at higher pressures/temperatures, where carbon steel weakens or requires heavy wall thickness.
Stainless steels (e.g., 304H, 825, Inconel 625) maintain strength at 500°C+, reducing the need for excessive reinforcement.
4. Reduced Flow Assurance Issues (No Scaling, Fewer Deposits)
Carbon steel corrodes, forming rust and scale, which:
Reduces flow efficiency (increasing pumping costs).
Requires frequent pigging or cleaning.
Stainless steel’s smooth surface resists buildup, ensuring consistent flow rates with less energy waste.
5. Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in Harsh Environments
Example: Offshore Oil & Gas
Carbon steel + corrosion protection + frequent inspections → $1.5M/year maintenance.
Stainless steel (duplex 2205) → $200k/year maintenance (no coatings, less downtime).
Example: Desalination Plants
Carbon steel fails in 5-10 years in seawater; stainless steel (super austenitic 904L) lasts 30+ years.
6. Sustainability & ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Factors
Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, aligning with net-zero carbon goals.
Fewer replacements mean less material waste and lower CO₂ emissions from fabrication/installation.
When Carbon Steel Is Still Used
Non-corrosive, low-pressure applications (e.g., rural water supply).
Short-term projects (<10 years) where long-term durability isn’t needed.
Conclusion
While carbon steel is still used for low-risk, budget-limited projects, industries are increasingly choosing stainless steel because:
✔ Lower lifetime costs (less maintenance, fewer failures).
✔ Compliance with stricter safety/environmental laws.
✔ Better performance in HPHT and corrosive conditions.
✔ Sustainability benefits (recyclability, reduced leaks).
For more details on specific carbon and alloy steel tubing and pipes, please refer to the specific product details or contact us at your convenience.