Stainless steel is a versatile material that is used in many different applications. The two most common types of stainless steel are austenitic which is highly corrosion resistant and ferritic which is magnetic.


In this blog we are going to break down the basics of what austenitic stainless steel is, the key benefits it provides and where the uses of stainless steel fittings can be most beneficial.


Stainless Steel


All steels have the same basic iron and carbon composition along with nickel, but stainless steel also contains chromium - the alloy that gives stainless steel its well-known corrosion resistance.


Austenitic stainless steel contains high levels of chromium and nickel and low levels of carbon providing a balance of strength, workability and corrosion resistance. The standard stainless steel alloys used in plumbing applications contains between 18-20% chromium and 8-12% nickel, as well as small amounts of carbon 0.08% and manganese 2%. Austenitic stainless steel has the highest corrosion resistance and are the most commonly used type of stainless steel around the world.


Stainless steel offers a wide range of benefits to the architect and designer of plumbing systems:


Material Benefits


The combining of corrosion resistance with high strength allows the reduction in wall thickness and weight. Stainless steel is resistant to heat and chemical damage. It can withstand very high flow rates - in excess of 40m/s, making it capable to withstand long-term exposure to the elements in almost any environment.


Environmental Benefits


Stainless steel can be used in all types of water, including drinking water in public supply. It has an excellent resistance to the full range of potable waters, including various chloride levels. At the end of its useful life, stainless steel is fully recyclable and retains a higher residual scrap value than ordinary steel.


Economic Benefits


Stainless steel is low maintenance and requires no additional coating, in both indoor and outdoor applications. The expected lifetime of a stainless steel system is more than 50 years, reducing system down time, replacement and maintenance costs over the life of the installation.


Stainless Steel Fitting Applications


With all the benefits that come with stainless steel there are equally just as many applications where stainless steel fitting can be utilized. Here are some key beneficial areas:


Residential & Commercial water systems that are subject to various stresses.



Commercial & Industrial piping systems that are needing to perform well under the toughest and harshest conditions.




Industrial Projects for sanitary or highly corrosive applications.




WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING STAINLESS STEEL VALVES?


There are many benefits of using stainless steel valve. There’s no doubt that stainless steel is a great material that is tougher than brass, copper, and cast iron when it comes to tolerating high pressures and temperature. Carbon steel is probably the only material that comes closest to stainless steel. Generally, stainless steel values have various applications due to their great performance in terms of temperature limits, corrosion resistance, and high-pressure tolerance.




APPLICATIONS OF STAINLESS STEEL BALL VALVES


Since stainless steel delivers phenomenally on all fronts, they are used in various industries. Here are a few applications of stainless steel ball valves.


OIL REFINING


Refining crude oil is a long and complicated process that is made much easier through the use of stainless steel ball valves. Crude oil may contain sulfur, carbon dioxide, and many microorganisms, which makes it an extremely corrosive substance. Over time, the constant movement of this substance can break down the metal of the valve. Therefore, you will need pipes and valves that can withstand corrosive crude oil for the longest time. Since stainless steel valves have very high corrosion resistance, they are the obvious choice of use in the oil refinery industry.


MARINE PROJECTS


Certain applications involving pipes and valves occur under or near seawater. Since seawater contains chloride and sodium, it is pretty corrosive to all materials, especially metals. That’s not all, marine environments naturally involve water, a substance that has a substantial impact on all metals.


In such applications, many prefer to use plastic valves since they are more resistant to water and other harsh chemicals compared to most metals. However, the main concern with using plastic valves is that they can’t withstand extreme temperatures and high pressures.


Stainless steel ball valves, on the other hand, have a high-temperature tolerance, are corrosion resistant, and can withstand high pressures. The only thing these valves require is proper maintenance to extend their lifespan under or around seawater.


BREWERIES


Stainless steel ball valves are widely used in breweries. These valves are typically situated on the kettle to help control the flow of liquid during transfers. The reason that stainless steel valves are a top choice in breweries is that during the mashing process, the valve comes into direct contact with a liquid known as wort, which is highly corrosive and can very easily wear down iron valves, and since plastic valves lack the ability to handle high temperatures, stainless steel valves are the best option.


WRAPPING UP


The industries mentioned above are just a few examples of the application that stainless steel valves have. These valves can be used in any process that involves the transfer of a corrosive, high temperature, or high-pressure substance such as gas or liquid.


Stainless steel 304 is one of the most common metals used nowadays. Stainless steel is well known and preferred over several other metals due to its physical properties including good corrosion resistance, durability, high strength, etc. Various types of commercial, industrial, and residential products are created using Stainless Steel. Stainless Steel 304 flanges are one of the most popular meteal products created out of this metal. There is a vast variety of flanges available for purchase. This article discusses eight important types of flanges and their uses.


Types of Stainless Steel Flanges


The following are the top 8 stainless steel flange used in stainless steel pipes:


Weld Neck Flanges: Flange is distinguished by their protruding necks. The weld neck flanges have the same angle and thickness as that of the pipe. Weld Neck Flanges are considered best for use in severe service conditions such as sub-zero or high temperatures and high pressure.


Slip-On Flanges: These are the most affordable range of flanges available for purchase. The slip-on flanges as the name suggests need to be easier to slip them over the pipe and hence they have a slightly larger diameter than the pipe. These stainless steel Slip On flanges are fillet welded to a position and are ideal for low-pressure applications.

Blind Flanges: The flanges are designed without a bore, and are used to seal vessel openings or piping systems. Blind Flanges are ideal for use where the piping systems or vessels require constant inspection. The blind flanges can be supplied with or without hubs. This SS 304 Blind Flanges can easily handle high stress caused due to internal pressure.

Threaded Flanges: Threaded Flanges also known as screwed flanges, and have a thread inside the flange bore which fits on the pipe with matching male thread on the pipe. Threaded flanges are used for special applications and can be easily assembled without welding. Stainless steel 304 threaded flanges are compatible with pipes with external threads.



Lap Joint Flanges: The lap joint flanges are the type of slip-on flanges that are used with stub end fittings. Lap Joint Flanges are ideal for piping systems that require regular inspection and maintenance such as low alloy steel pipes or carbon steel pipes.




Socket Weld Flanges: The flanges are designed for use on small diameter and high-pressure piping. The socket weld flanges have internal welds which contribute to their durability as well as endurance limit. These flanges are used in the chemical processing industry.



Orifice Flanges: The function of these steel flanges is to provide access to a line for metering liquids or gases. The orifice flanges are installed with orifice plates or flow nozzles.


Ring–Type Joint Flanges: These flanges are used for high pressure and temperature applications. The ring-type joint flanges has a specially designed grove that can be easily compressed on blind, slip-on or weld neck flange. The flanges help in avoiding leakages in pipelines where media is transferred at high pressure and high temperature.