Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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304 at High Temperatures

I am currently working on a project that involves 304 stainless steel in a high temperature environment that is constantly sprayed with water to facilitate cooling of the metal. There are some corrosive by products also exposed to the 304. Since it is a extremely high temperature environment would 316 be a better choice of metal?

John Taylor Miller
- Charleston , South Carolina

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Can you be a bit more specific about what you mean by "high temperature"? If you're talking cooling by water spray, it can't be very high. If it's over 1000F then needs consideration, but 1000F isn't really very high even for basic stuff like 304 or 316. What corrosive substances?

Bill Reynolds [deceased]
consultant metallurgist - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
We sadly relate the news that Bill passed away on Jan. 29, 2010.
 

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John,

I believe that 316 would be better. If the solution is acidic, it is possible to end up with a mild hexavalent chromium solution. The hexavalent chromium solution may have to be treated as hazardous waste.

Herb Ashley
- Smartt, TN
 

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John:

316 is always a better material where better corrosion resistance is needed, especially salt. You have to balance that with the better structural properties and cost of 304, however. Be sure to passivate it for best results long term.

Lee Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.

McHenry, Illinois

You really need to give the temperatures and specifics on the chemical environment before anyone can help you. This is a very well researched area, but it's not as simple as 304 vs. 316.

Dr. Michael McGuire
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA