Zhejiang Seamless Pipe Co., Ltd. Cases

The oil and gas industry operates extensively in demanding environments, where toxic substances may be present in machines at extremely high or extremely low temperatures. Advantages and applications of stainless steel seamless pipe in oil&gas industry: • High strength, so it can reduce the weight of the structure • Relatively maintenance-free, reducing life cycle costs • Has very good corrosion resistance • Has high tensile strength and yield strength • Has good solderability Therefore, stainless steel can often be found in piping systems, separators, scrubbers, pumps, manifolds, heat exchangers, pipelines and storage tanks. The main pipelines used in the offshore oil and gas industry are 2205 and 2507. Duplex steel is also highly resistant to stress corrosion cracking caused by chlorides and has the strength to resist extreme deep pressure. If professionally selected, stainless steel seamless pipe can safely contain oil and gas process fluids, and its durability ensures its long service life. Overall, from an environmental and economic point of view, stainless steel is an excellent life cycle performance.

The chemical and petrochemical industries pose a unique set of challenges, including low temperature applications, high temperatures, highly corrosive environments, high pressure processing and final product purity. Not surprisingly, stainless steel seamless pipe is popular throughout the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Its ability to withstand the erosion of highly corrosive substances and impressive mechanical properties are the key factors leading to high levels of demand.  In the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, it can be effectively used, for example, in pressure vessels and process piping. Unlike carbon steel that can corrode or be contaminated by paint or sheet surfaces, in fact, most stainless steel items contain up to 60% recyclable materials. The conditions for using stainless steel in petrochemical and chemical plants are critical. During operation, treated fluids and extremely high temperatures can be particularly aggressive. The main challenge is the presence of chloride or an environment where cracking occurs. With the development and change of industrial processes and the advent of new challenges, exciting new applications of stainless steel are being explored in order to maximize the key advantages provided by this material.

What makes stainless steel so popular in the power generation industry? Stainless steel is one of the most outstanding metals ever. From traditional coal-fired power plants to the latest forms of renewable energy, its many beneficial characteristics are particularly suitable for the power and energy industries. The magic that makes stainless steel so resistant to corrosion stems from its chemical properties. Unlike ordinary carbon steel, it easily reacts with oxygen and water to form a layer of iron oxide (rust), while stainless steel undergoes a natural process called passivation. This means that the chromium in stainless steel forms a microscopic surface film of chromium oxide. This layer not only helps to protect the metal from corrosion, but also has the ability to self-heal after scratches or scratches. Certain alloys have extremely high corrosion resistance even in marine environments or when exposed to highly corrosive substances. Another key characteristic of stainless steel is its ability to transfer heat. This is an important feature when dealing with electrical components. It enables stainless steel components to withstand the high temperatures and extreme pressures that often occur in power plants. This is why stainless steel seamless pipe is found in heat exchangers, transformer housings, etc. Other properties of stainless steel that are ideal for power generation include the metal's high strength-to-weight ratio, weldability, machinability, durability, wear resistance, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures. The huge variety of stainless steel alloys is another advantage that makes it very popular in the field of power generation. You can find specialty metals that can match almost any application. In the stainless steel and power industries, the most popular alloy is 304. This workhorse alloy has high corrosion resistance and excellent strength, making it suitable for a variety of applications. If exposure to salt water is a factor, 316 may be a better choice.

Today, the most common metals used in the construction of yachts, marine structures, and fittings are stainless steel and aluminum. Although aluminum is light, it has limited corrosion resistance in seawater and requires extensive maintenance. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is recognized as a superior material for marine applications because of its excellent corrosion resistance, luster, strength, and stiffness. For many boating applications, Grade 304 (UNS S30400 / S30403) stainless steel fittings have proven to be adequate. However, the current industry standard is Grade 316 (UNS S31600 / S31603—commonly referred to as "marine grade" stainless steel), which provides solutions for approximately 90% of marine applications. 304 and 316 grades are austenitic (300 series) stainless steels, which is attributed to their metallurgical structure (austenitic), giving them excellent ductility, good strength, non-magnetic properties, weldability, and very good corrosion resistance. The following general rules apply: 304 may be used for fully exposed components frequently washed with fresh water; 316 may be used for all hull and deck fitting applications above the waterline; S31803 offers higher strength and, therefore, lighter weight components for the same applications as 316 and can additionally be used up to 60°C in wet exhaust systems and in fully submersed applications; and S32750 offers even higher strength and weight savings and can handle all marine applications with no risk of corrosion, even in tropical waters and hot, wet exhaust applications. While stainless steel grades 304, 316, and duplex steels can all be used in marine applications, they do provide varying degrees of corrosion resistance and durability. The key to their successful application is, therefore, being aware of the strengths and limitations of each grade and how they can be used to their optimum potential.

WASTE WATER TREATMENT Stainless steel is mainly used as pipes and ducts in wastewater treatment projects. In addition, sedimentation equipment for round and rectangular tanks, such as the bottom equipment and weirs of clarifiers, can be made of stainless steel. In addition, machinery for wastewater treatment is also mainly made of stainless steel; for sieving, washing etc. Stainless steel is also the preferred structural material for auxiliary equipment, such as climbing systems, stairs, ladders and roofs. If there are no special considerations for water quality or atmosphere, the use of stainless steel in grade 1.4404 (316L) can be recommended as a reasonable general standard for waste water piping and subsea construction. Even if today's wastewater composition does not require the selection of this grade, it allows for possible future deterioration of wastewater quality, which should never be ignored. Conversely, for many above-water applications, 1.4307 (304L) grade stainless steel seamless pipe may be the best material based on corrosion resistance and cost considerations. DESALINATION Super Duplex and Duplex Stainless Steel pipe are widely used in the desalination industry. These highly specialized materials are able to withstand corrosion, have high strength and have proven themselves to be able to perform consistently over long periods of time in particularly harsh environments. It is no wonder then that Super Duplex and Duplex pipes, fittings and flanges are often used within the desalination industry, where corrosive seawater is being processed on such large scales. They can be found as structural and mechanical components, in technical equipment and as part of complex operational systems.

Stainless steel has made the mining industry easier and more profitable. From mine construction and use within pipelines, to workbenches and utensils in messes, all are made of stainless steel today. Stainless steel has been used in the mining industry for decades because it has a plethora of features that make it ideal for use in a mining environment. For example, it is lightweight, but also strong and durable; it is corrosion resistant and does not rust; it is easy to clean; and finally, it is a very sustainable material. What's more, stainless steel has the ability to be alloyed with many different elements, which means it can have different properties and thus be more versatile. This versatility means that it can be used for many different applications.