Stainless Steel for Water Treatment & Desalination
Water chemistry ranges from low-chloride drinking water to aerated brackish water and concentrated brine. Chloride, disinfectants, temperature, flow and shutdown conditions determine the appropriate grade.
Corrosion and Failure Mechanisms
- Pitting at chloride or oxidant dosing points
- Crevice corrosion in gaskets, deposits and dead legs
- Stagnation attack during shutdown and commissioning
- Galvanic or under-deposit corrosion at mixed-material interfaces
Common Selection Risks
- Using average water chemistry while ignoring upset and shutdown conditions
- Selecting one grade for drinking water, wastewater and brine sections
- Omitting cleaning, flushing and passivation requirements from commissioning
Recommended Stainless Steel Grades
- 304L Stainless SteelLow-chloride drinking water
- 316L Stainless SteelModerate chloride and wastewater
- 2205 Stainless SteelBrackish water and higher chloride
- 2507 Stainless SteelSeawater and desalination sections
- 254 SMO Stainless SteelSevere brine and heat exchangers
Typical Supply Requirements
| Chemistry | Chloride, disinfectant, pH and temperature |
|---|---|
| Operation | Flow and shutdown conditions |
| Products | Pipe, fittings, flanges and plate |
| Commissioning | Cleaning and passivation procedure |
Related Product Forms
Related Standards
Related Surface Guidance
What to Include in Your RFQ
- Provide normal and upset chemistry.
- Identify dosing points and dead legs.
- Coordinate gaskets, fasteners and supports.
Related Grade Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 304 suitable for drinking water?
It can be in low-chloride, controlled-temperature systems with good fabrication; higher chloride may require 316L or duplex.
Why are shutdowns important?
Stagnation concentrates deposits and creates local corrosion conditions that differ from normal flow.
Which grade is used in desalination?
Different sections use 2205, 2507 or 6Mo alloys according to chloride, temperature and crevice risk.
Technical content updated: 2026-07-29
Organizational author: Tsingshan (Shandong) Iron & Steel Co., Ltd..Review method, status and limitations.
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