What makes stainless steel so useful in piping applications

 

Pipelines transmit drinking water around the world over millions of miles. To provide drinking quality water and long service life, these pipelines must offer corrosion resistance to the water itself, soil composition, and chemical treatment. Most applications have shown that Type 316 stainless steel (2-2.3% Mo) provides the necessary corrosion resistance while remaining competitive in price with other piping materials.

 

Stainless steel pipes

• Superior corrosion protection - Stainless steel plumbing resists corrosion better than both carbon steel and cast iron or ductile iron when exposed to water and biocides. As a result, pipelines last longer.
• Hygienic qualities - Stainless steels are inert in water because of their extremely high passive film stability. Alloying elements (Chromium and Nickel) do not leach beyond safe levels. Consequently, drinking water is of higher quality.
• The friction coefficient – Compared to steel with a cement lining or to corroded steel, the friction coefficient in the lined steel is lower resulting in a reduction of water pressure loss. As a result of this, it is easy to reduce the pipe's internal diameter and reduce capital costs. Also, this helps prevent deposits from adhering as well as bacteria from colonizing. Additionally, they can handle high flow rates.
• Strong and ductile - Duplex stainless steel water pipes exhibit a higher degree of mechanical ductility than carbon steel and cast iron. Regardless of the corrosion allowance, the wall thickness of the pipe can be reduced (resulting in cost savings) without compromising the pipe's quality. Having a more ductile design may also boost security, such as during an earthquake.
• Corrosion and erosion – Duplex stainless steels have a much better corrosion-resistant property than carbon steel, especially if sand is present. 
• Easy to fabricate - They are readily formable, machinable, and welded, and their ductility gives them the ability to be easily modified and installed. There are also multiple forms of these products available.
• Maintenance-friendly - By reducing leaks to less than 5% as a result of corrosion resistance and ease of welding your maintenance is drastically reduced, which further reduces your expenses. Because of the increasing costs of water and water treatment, stainless steel plumbing fittings are becoming increasingly relevant.
• High durability - Stainless Steel is suitable for use both in pure and polluted waters as well as in the atmosphere. Therefore, it is a cost-effective solution for use for a long time and does not contaminate the environment.
• Recycling - Stainless steel is a 100% recyclable material, so a portion of their initial cost may then be recovered.