309s/310s stainless steel
309s and 310s stainless steel are widely used in industrial applications such as equipment and components that operate in high temperature environments. Both grades of stainless steel have excellent resistance to oxidation and carburization. Additionally, these grades have good resistance to intergranular corrosion. Although similar to the austenitic stainless steel grades, 309s and 310s have higher chromium and nickel contents, providing them with superior performance in specific high temperature applications.
Characteristics of 309s/310s stainless steel
309s and 310s stainless steel have excellent oxidation resistance, allowing them to be used in applications that require continuous operation at elevated temperatures of up to 2000°F (1093°C). The combination of high chromium and nickel content provides these grades with superior resistance to carburization and sulfidation. Additionally, these grades have good mechanical properties when exposed to elevated temperatures.
309s stainless steel is composed of approximately 24 - 26% chromium, 23 - 27% nickel and up to 0.15 - 0.30% carbon. This grade of steel also has good strength and corrosion resistance and exhibits excellent creep-rupture strength at temperatures of 1600 – 1650 °F (871 - 918 °C).
310s stainless steel is composed of approximately 25 - 28% chromium, 20 - 22% nickel and up to 0.2 - 0.3% carbon. This grade of steel has excellent oxidation resistance, allowing it to be used in operations up to 2000 °F (1093 °C) for extended periods of time. Its oxidation resistance is superior compared to 309s and provides greater creep-rupture strength. This grade of steel is also resistant to intergranular corrosion when exposed to temperatures of 1500 - 1600°F (816 - 871°C).
Applications of 309s/310s stainless steel
Due to its high chromium and nickel content, 309s and 310s stainless steel are ideal for applications that require superior performance in highly corrosive and high temperature environments. These grades of stainless steel are used in a variety of industrial applications such as petrochemical, power generation, automotive and food processing.
309s and 310s stainless steel are commonly used in petrochemical and power generation applications. Parts and components made from these grades of steel are used in equipment exposed to high temperatures and are often used in gas turbines, boilers and heaters. Additionally, these grades are used to make boiler, condenser and heat exchanger tubes, valves, ovens and furnaces.
These grades of stainless steel are also used in automotive applications in exhaust systems, catalytic converters and mufflers. 309s and 310s stainless steel are also used in food processing equipment due to their excellent corrosion resistance.
Conclusion
309s and 310s stainless steel are ideal for applications in harsh, corrosive and high temperature environments, due to their high chromium and nickel contents. These grades of stainless steel are used in a variety of industrial applications, including petrochemical and power generation, automotive, and food processing. The combination of good mechanical properties and oxidation resistance makes them the ideal choice for a wide range of industrial applications.