ASME SA213 TP316L, 1.4404 Stainless Steel U Bend Heat Exchanger
Tubes For Fired Heaters
ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers. They develop standards
and codes for a wide range of engineering practices, including the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), which contains
specifications for materials, fabrication, and inspection of
boilers and pressure vessels.
SA213: This is a specific section within the ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code that deals with seamless ferritic and austenitic steel
boiler, superheater, and heat-exchanger tubes. SA213 specifies the
requirements for these tubes in terms of material composition,
dimensions, mechanical properties, and testing methods.
TP316L: This is the material designation for the steel used in the tubes.
"TP" stands for "Tube, Pressure," indicating that the material is
intended for use in pressure vessel applications. "316L" is a grade
of stainless steel, specifying its composition and properties. In
this case, it indicates that the steel contains approximately
16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, 2-3% molybdenum, and a maximum of
0.03% carbon, with the "L" indicating that it is a low-carbon
variant.
Characteristics:
1. Corrosion resistance: TP316L stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance,
particularly in acidic and corrosive environments. This makes it
suitable for applications where corrosion resistance is crucial,
such as in chemical processing and marine environments.
2. High temperature resistance: TP316L exhibits good strength at elevated temperatures, making it
suitable for high-temperature applications like boilers,
superheaters, and heat exchangers.
3.Low Carbon Content: The "L" in TP316L stands for low carbon, which provides improved
resistance to sensitization and intergranular corrosion. This makes
TP316L more weldable and less susceptible to carbide precipitation
in the heat-affected zones during welding.
4. Excellent Weldability: The low carbon content of TP316L enhances its weldability,
allowing for welding without subsequent annealing in many cases.
This is beneficial in fabrication processes where welding is
required.
5. Creep and Stress Rupture Resistance: TP316L exhibits good resistance to creep and stress rupture at
high temperatures, ensuring long-term performance under thermal
stress conditions.
6. Good Formability and Fabricability: TP316L stainless steel is easily formed and fabricated into
various shapes, making it versatile for different manufacturing
processes and applications.
7.Hygienic Properties: TP316L is commonly used in industries such as food and beverage,
pharmaceuticals, and sanitary applications due to its hygienic
properties and resistance to corrosion in sterilization processes.
8.High Purity Applications: TP316L is often preferred for applications requiring high purity
levels, such as in the semiconductor industry, due to its minimized
risk of contamination.
Equivalent Grades:
| Grade | UNS | AFNOR | W.N. | JIS | GOST | EN | UNI | AISI |
| SS316L | S31603 | 2 CND 17-12 | 1.4404 | SUS 316L | 03Ch17N14M2 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | CrNiMo 1712 | AISI 316L |
Chemical Composition:
| Grade | TP316 | TP 316L |
| UNS | S31600 | S31603 |
| Carbon (C) Max. | 0.08 | 0.035 |
| Manganese (Mn) Max. | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Phosphorous (P) Max. | 0.045 | 0.045 |
| Sulphur (S) Max. | 0.030 | 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) Max. | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0 | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 – 14.0 | 10.0 – 14.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0 – 3.0 | 2.0 – 3.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | Remainder | Remainder |
Mechanical Properties:
| Grades | UNS | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation in 2 inch (min.) | Max. Hardness Rockwell |
| Ksi | MPa | Ksi | MPa | % | HRB |
| TP316 | S31600 | 75 | 515 | 30 | 205 | 35 | 90 |
| TP316L | S31603 | 70 | 485 | 25 | 170 | 35 | - |
Applications:
Heat Exchangers: ASME SA213 TP316L U bend tubes are widely used in heat exchanger
systems where they facilitate the transfer of heat between fluids
while maintaining high levels of corrosion resistance. They are
favored for their durability and ability to withstand harsh
operating conditions.
Boilers: In boiler applications, TP316L U bend tubes play a vital role in
maintaining efficient heat transfer, ensuring optimal performance
of the boiler system. The corrosion-resistant properties of TP316L
stainless steel make it an ideal choice for such critical
applications.
Power Generation: U bend tubes made of TP316L stainless steel are essential
components in power generation plants. They are used in various
heat exchangers and steam generation systems where high-temperature
and corrosive environments are present.
Chemical and Petrochemical Industries: TP316L U bend tubes find applications in chemical processing
plants and refineries where resistance to corrosion from aggressive
chemicals is essential. They are used in heat exchangers, reactors,
and other process equipment.
Oil and Gas Industry: In the oil and gas sector, TP316L U bend tubes are employed in
heat exchangers and pipeline systems where they come into contact
with corrosive fluids and high temperatures. Their reliability and
corrosion resistance make them suitable for such demanding
environments.
Food and Pharmaceutical Industries: TP316L stainless steel U bend tubes are also used in industries
where hygiene and corrosion resistance are critical, such as food
processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. They are favored for
their cleanability and resistance to contamination.
