Stainless Steel for Heat Exchangers & Pressure Equipment
Pressure equipment selection must connect corrosion conditions to the governing construction code, product standards, design temperature, welding procedure and inspection plan. A nominal grade alone does not establish code compliance or service life.
Corrosion and Failure Mechanisms
- Tube-side or shell-side pitting and crevice corrosion
- Stress-corrosion cracking under chloride, temperature and tensile stress
- Erosion, vibration or fretting at tube supports
- Weld, heat-treatment or traceability nonconformance against the construction code
Common Selection Risks
- Using a corrosion chart without both process streams and upset conditions
- Mixing plate, tube, bar and piping components under incompatible material requirements
- Leaving impact, NDE, hydrotest and document requirements until after manufacture
Recommended Stainless Steel Grades
- 304L Stainless SteelGeneral low-chloride vessels and exchanger components
- 316L Stainless SteelBroader chemical and moderate-chloride duty
- 321 Stainless SteelSelected elevated-temperature equipment
- 2205 Stainless SteelHigher-strength chloride service
- 254 SMO Stainless SteelSevere chloride exchanger duty
Typical Supply Requirements
| Design | Code, pressure, temperature and corrosion allowance |
|---|---|
| Process | Both stream chemistries and upset cases |
| Products | Plate, tube, forgings and piping components |
| Inspection | ITP, NDE, testing, hold points and final data book |
Related Product Forms
Related Standards
Related Surface Guidance
What to Include in Your RFQ
- Send the material requisition and data sheet.
- Identify code edition and design conditions.
- Coordinate every product standard and inspection record.
Related Grade Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Can exchanger tube and shell plate use the same product standard?
Usually not. Plate, tube, forgings and fittings have separate product standards even when the nominal grade matches.
Why must both process streams be provided?
Either side can control corrosion, temperature, contamination and cleaning requirements, including off-design and shutdown conditions.
Does a material certificate prove code compliance?
It documents the tests within its scope. Code compliance also depends on design, fabrication, qualified procedures, inspection and the complete records required by the project.
Technical content updated: 2026-07-29
Organizational author: Tsingshan (Shandong) Iron & Steel Co., Ltd..Review method, status and limitations.
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