Stainless Steel Pipe
Stainless steel pipe is a tubular product manufactured from corrosion-resistant alloys, available in seamless and welded forms, designed for conveying fluids, gases, and solids in aggressive and high-purity environments.
Material
Stainless Steel. Common grades include ASTM A312 TP304/304L, TP316/316L, TP321, TP347; ASTM A790/A928 Duplex (S31803/S32205) and Super Duplex (S32750); ASTM A269 for sanitary tubing.
Model
Seamless Pipe, Welded Pipe, Sanitary Tube
Size
Nominal Pipe Sizes (NPS) from 1/8 inch to 48 inches and larger. Outer Diameter (OD) range: approximately 6 mm to 1200+ mm.
Thickness
Schedule 5S through XXS, or specified wall thickness in mm. Range from under 1 mm to over 50 mm.
Standard
ASTM A312 (Seamless & Welded), ASTM A269 (Sanitary), ASTM A790/A928 (Duplex Welded & Seamless), EN 10216-5, JIS G3459.
MOQ
3 Metric Tons (varies by size and grade).
Delivery Time
Standard lead time is 4 to 10 weeks from order confirmation, depending on grade, size, quantity, and testing requirements.
Long Description
Stainless steel pipe is produced via two primary methods: seamless (extruded or pierced from a solid billet) or welded (formed from plate or strip and longitudinally welded). The seamless process offers uniform structure and is preferred for high-pressure, high-temperature, or critical corrosive services. Welded pipes, including AOD-refined welded and drawn varieties, provide an economical alternative for many applications. These pipes are made from alloys containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which imparts passive corrosion resistance. Common grades span the austenitic (304, 316), duplex (2205), and super duplex (2507) families, each selected for specific combinations of strength, chloride resistance, and cost. Stainless steel pipes are characterized by their smooth internal bore, excellent hygiene, and ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures and pressures, making them indispensable in industries where material integrity is paramount.
Key Product Highlights
Stainless steel pipe provides superior resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and scaling compared to carbon steel pipes.
Available in both seamless (SMLS) and welded (ERW, EFW, Laser Welded) configurations to suit pressure ratings and budgets.
Offers excellent internal surface finish (e.g., electropolished) for high-purity applications in food, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries.
Maintains good mechanical properties at both elevated and cryogenic temperatures.
The material is non-contaminating and easy to clean, supporting strict hygiene and sanitation protocols.
Product Advantages
Full traceability and certification to international standards (ASTM, EN, JIS) ensure material quality and compliance.
Seamless pipes eliminate a potential weld seam failure point, offering enhanced reliability for critical services.
Welded pipes can be produced in large diameters with excellent dimensional consistency and cost-effectiveness.
Can be supplied with various end connections (plain, beveled, threaded, flanged) and surface finishes (annealed, pickled, polished).
Extensive global inventory of standard sizes and grades facilitates rapid procurement for maintenance and projects.
Industry Application
This pipe is used for process piping in chemical plants, instrumentation and hydraulic lines, heat exchanger tubing, food and beverage transfer lines, pharmaceutical water-for-injection (WFI) systems, offshore seawater pipelines, exhaust systems, and structural applications in corrosive atmospheres.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Unit | Austenitic Seamless (e.g., 316L) | Duplex Welded (e.g., 2205/S32205) | Sanitary Tubing (e.g., 316L) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content (C) | % | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.035 | Low carbon for weldability and corrosion resistance. |
| Chromium (Cr) | % | 16.0 – 18.0 | 22.0 – 23.0 | 16.0 – 18.0 | |
| Nickel (Ni) | % | 10.0 – 14.0 | 4.5 – 6.5 | 10.0 – 14.0 | |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | % | 2.0 – 3.0 | 3.0 – 3.5 | 2.0 – 3.0 | Critical for pitting resistance. |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | ≥ 485 | ≥ 620 | ≥ 515 | Minimum per respective ASTM standard. |
| Yield Strength | MPa | ≥ 170 | ≥ 450 | ≥ 205 | Duplex grades offer significantly higher yield strength. |
| Elongation | % | ≥ 35 | ≥ 25 | ≥ 35 | |
| Hardness | HB | ≤ 217 | ≤ 293 | ≤ 217 | Maximum typical Brinell hardness. |
| PREN* | – | ~24-26 | ~34-36 | ~24-26 | *Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number. |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | mm | 10.3 – 850+ | 21.3 – 1200+ | 6.0 – 165.2 | Sanitary tubing often follows smaller, precise ODs. |
| Wall Thickness | mm | 1.0 – 50+ | 1.5 – 30 | 0.8 – 4.0 | Varies by schedule and application. |
| Length | m | Random (5-7m) or Cut Length | Random (6-12m) or Cut Length | Cut Length (up to 8m, precise) | |
| Surface Treatment | – | Annealed & Pickled, Bright Annealed | Annealed & Pickled | Annealed & Pickled, Electropolished | Sanitary tubes require high-finish interiors. |
| Coating / Finish | – | Plain/Beveled End | Plain/Beveled End | Sanitary Finish, Passivated | End preparation and final surface condition. |
| Manufacturing Process | – | Seamless (Extruded/Pierced) | Welded (EFW, Laser) + Cold Worked | Welded & Drawn or Seamless | Process defines product category and properties. |
| Standard Example | – | ASTM A312 TP316L Seamless | ASTM A928 S32205 Welded & Drawn | ASTM A269 TP316L | Representative specifications for different types. |
Packaging & Surface Treatment
Pipes are bundled and protected according to their finish and end use. Standard pipes are bundled with steel strapping, and beveled ends are protected with plastic or steel caps. For sanitary tubing, individual pipes are often capped on both ends and packed in boxes or crates to prevent contamination and damage to the high-integrity surface. Standard surface conditions include annealed and pickled (matte finish), bright annealed (smooth, reflective), and for sanitary applications, electropolished interior surfaces with a Ra (roughness average) specified in micro-inches or micrometers.
Aliases Names
SS Pipe, Stainless Tube, Corrosion Resistant Pipe, Acid Resistant Pipe, Process Pipe, Sanitary Tube, Duplex Pipe.
