Stainless Steel Tubes

Stainless Steel Tubes are made in order to meet the dimension standards of ASTM A213 / A269 made by ASTM International, which is formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials. The Stainless Steel Tubes are made in two different standards, TP316 and TP316L, hence the names SS316 / SS316L. The L stands for low carbon.

It comes from size 4mm to 60mm is available in 6 meters each length continuously marked along the length of the tube with outer diameter size, thickness, grade, standard, heat number and manufacturer name.

Outer Diameter Sizes	4mm to 60mm 1/4“OD to 2”OD
Material Specifications	TP316 / SS316 TP316L / SS316L
Dimension Specification	ASTM A269/A213
Finishing	Annealed and Pickled (AP) Polished 320 Grit Bright Annealed

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Stainless Steel Tubes

What are Stainless Steel Tubes

1. What is stainless steel tube used for?

The SS316/316L tubes are the best for medium to long term usage. This includes projects, and/or equipment. Being offered in multiple different appearances, it is suitable for use in indoor, or outdoor projects, where the tubes can be made to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible, or be made simply to serve its purpose.

The stainless steel tubes are also made with multiple different finishes, in accordance with what is appropriate for the project or equipment where it will be used. It can either be made to suit a project where the tubes need to be manually reshaped for its purpose, or it can be made to suit a project where the tubes need to look as polished and clean as possible at all times. The tube material also guarantees longevity whilst also ductility as well as hardness. These tubes are considered as the industry standard for Refinery and Offshore Oil and Gas projects.

Properties of SS316 Stainless Steel Tubes

Corrosion Resistance

One of the most notable properties of SS316 stainless steel tubes is their superior corrosion resistance, even in aggressive environments containing acids, chemicals, and saline solutions.

Strength and Durability

SS316 stainless steel tubes exhibit high tensile strength and excellent durability, ensuring long-term performance even under extreme conditions.

Heat Resistance

Tubes can withstand elevated temperatures without losing their structural integrity, making them suitable for applications involving heat transfer and processing.

SS316/316L Dual Specifications

2. What stainless steel tube is made of?

Maximum carbon content for stainless steel tube is 0.08%, while 0.03% for SS316L. This means that the low carbon tube becomes more ductile when annealed, as well as being more resistant to corrosion, especially after welding. The only thing to consider when choosing between the two is mostly about welding. If the tubing is going to be welded during the fabrication process, highly consider using the SS316L version. Carbon content would have to be at a level of 0.03% maximum in order to be dual spec certified as SS316/316L grade.

Carbon Content

- SS316 contains a higher carbon content compared to SS316L
- SS316L is a low-carbon variant of SS316

Weldability

- SS316 exhibits better weldability compared to SS316 due to its lower carbon content
- The reduced carbon content in SS316 minimizes the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, which can lead to corrosion and intergranular attack

Corrosion Resistance

- Both SS316 and SS316L offer excellent corrosion resistance in various environments, including marine, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.
- SS316L may provide slightly better resistance to corrosion in certain applications due to its lower carbon content.

Applications

- SS316 is commonly used in applications where high strength and corrosion resistance are required, such as marine environments, chemical processing and medical devices.
- SS316L is preferred for applications involving extensive welding or exposure to corrosive environments where carbide precipitation needs to be minimized, such as in welded components for chemical processing plants or pharmaceutical equipment.

3. What are the stainless steel tube grades?

There are 3 types of finishing available: Annealed and Pickled (AP) seamless tube which is matt surface, polished 320 grit and bright annealed, which is a shiny surface. AP tubes are commonly used throughout industry projects where appearance finishing is not critical. Annealed finishing reduces the hardness of the material, making it more workable using a heating process that increases ductility. This means that it will be easier to bend and manipulate rather than the pickled version. The pickled version offers a purer look, where impurities such as contaminants, stains and rust are removed. Polished or BA tubes are used for OEM’s who manufacture panels and analysers houses, where aesthetic appearance is important and part of the project consideration.

Stainless Steel Tube Marking

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4. Stainless steel tube tolerance chart

SS316 Tube 6 meters long

The SS316 and SS316L tubes are both of MO2.0 and MO2.5 standards. Stainless Steel Tubes with MO2.5 follow the minimum 2.5% Molybdenum content which enhances the tube’s resistance to corrosion. Compared to standard MO2.0 tubes, MO2.5 tubes are used in applications that are more corrosive, such as petrochemical, oil and gas and marine industry.

As stainless steel tubes made according to ASTM A213/A269 standard, there is a specific tolerance that needs to be fulfilled in order to install properly with compression end fittings.

Tube Outer Diameter	Tolerance
4mm to 35mm	+/- 0.08mm
35mm to 38mm	+/- 0.15mm
38mm to 60mm	+/- 0.20mm
60mm and above	+/- 0.25mm

A269 and A213 have two different types of wall thickness tolerance. The permissible variations in wall thickness calculation is +/− 10% for ASTM A269. However, according to ASTM A213, there are two options to follow for wall thickness tolerance as per below:

ASTM A213	Maximum Wall Thickness	Minimum Wall Thickness
Minimum Wall Thickness (MWT)	20%	0%
Average Wall Thickness (AWT)	10%	10%

Our standard option for wall thickness is +/- 10%, which comply with both ASTM A269/213 standards. Due to cost saving, the common practice and ready stock in the market is average wall thickness. Minimum wall thickness is available upon request and there is a minimum order quantity required.

5. How do you bend stainless steel tubes?

A maximum bend radius of 3x the external tube diameter is recommended for the SS316 and SS316L tubes for cold bending of the tubes, or bending by hands. These tubes are very suitable for arc welding as well, and can easily be done using the proper equipment and technique.

Stainless steel tubes are very easily installed, and can be either fit to single or double ferrule fittings, or welded together. Its high ductility means that it is easily manipulated and can be placed in many different positions and orientations as needed, as long as they are attached properly. Stainless steel tubes can also be combined with clamps in order to keep from too much vibration if there is a higher amount of pressure coming from within the tubes.

Tube and ferrule hardness forms a correct and successful compression joint-in and ensures ferrules are able to swage onto the tube. The critical part is the tube surface which is used as a sealing mechanism. Any scratches or damage to the tube surface could affect the installation and thus tubing in poor performance.

Tubes cover with blue cap

6. Applications

Chemical Processing Industries:

SS316 stainless steel tubes are widely used in chemical processing plants for transporting corrosive chemicals, acids, and solvents. Their resistance to corrosion and high temperatures makes them ideal for applications involving the production, storage, and transportation of chemicals, including sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and caustic soda.

Oil and Gas Industry

In the oil and gas industry, SS316 stainless steel tubes are employed in offshore platforms, refineries, and pipelines for conveying crude oil, natural gas, and petrochemical products. Their durability and resistance to corrosion in harsh environments make them essential components in drilling equipment, heat exchangers, and piping systems.

Marine Applications

SS316 stainless steel tubes are well-suited for marine applications due to their resistance to corrosion in seawater environments. They are used in shipbuilding, offshore structures, and marine equipment such as propeller shafts, heat exchangers, and seawater desalination plants.

Heat Exchangers and HVAC Systems

SS316 stainless steel tubes are commonly used in heat exchangers, boilers, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems for transferring heat and fluids in commercial and industrial facilities. Their thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and durability ensure efficient heat transfer and long-term performance.

FAQ

Can SS316 stainless steel tubes be used in seawater environments?

Yes, SS316 stainless steel tubes are highly resistant to corrosion in seawater environments, making them ideal for marine applications and offshore structures.

What maintenance practices are recommended for SS316 stainless steel tubes?

Regular cleaning with mild detergents and periodic inspections for signs of corrosion or damage are recommended to maintain the performance and longevity of SS316 stainless steel tubes.

How does SS316 stainless steel compare to other stainless steel grades?

SS316 stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance compared to SS304 and is often preferred for applications involving exposure to chloride-rich environments or aggressive chemicals.

What are the typical lead times for manufacturing SS316 stainless steel tubes?

Lead times for SS316 stainless steel tubes vary depending on factors such as size, quantity, and customization requirements, but manufacturers typically provide estimates based on project specifications.

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