317L STAINLESS STEEL: ENHANCED CORROSION RESISTANCE COMPARED TO 304L AND 316L

317L Stainless Steel: Enhanced Corrosion Resistance Compared to 304L and 316L

317L Stainless Steel: Enhanced Corrosion Resistance Compared to 304L and 316L

Blog Article

Overview of 317L Stainless Steel


317L is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel that offers improved corrosion resistance over 304L and 316L grades. Its low carbon content enhances its resistance to carbide precipitation during welding and other heat treatments.

While 317L is nonmagnetic in its annealed state, it may develop slight magnetism after welding.

Corrosion Resistance


317L provides excellent corrosion resistance in a variety of chemicals, especially in acidic chloride environments like those found in pulp and paper mills. The steel’s higher chromium, nickel, and molybdenum content compared to 316L enhances its resistance to chloride pitting and general corrosion. The resistance improves further with increased molybdenum content.

  • Sulfuric Acid Resistance: 317L resists sulfuric acid concentrations up to 5% at temperatures up to 120°F (49°C). Below 100°F (38°C), it shows excellent resistance to highly concentrated solutions. However, it is advised to conduct maintenance tests to assess the impact of specific operating conditions on corrosion.


Chemical Composition



  • Nickel (Ni): 11.0 - 15.0%

  • Chromium (Cr): 18.0 - 20.0%

  • Molybdenum (Mo): 3.0 - 4.0%

  • Manganese (Mn): ≤2.00%

  • Silicon (Si): ≤0.75%

  • Carbon (C): ≤0.03%

  • Nitrogen (N): ≤0.10%

  • Sulfur (S): ≤0.03%

  • Phosphorus (P): ≤0.045%

  • Iron (Fe): Balance


Key Characteristics of 317L Stainless Steel



  1. Improved Corrosion Resistance: Offers better general and localized corrosion resistance than 316L.

  2. Good Formability: Easily formed into various shapes and structures.

  3. Good Weldability: Can be welded using common methods with appropriate filler materials.


Welding 317L Stainless Steel


317L is easy to weld using conventional methods, except oxyacetylene welding. The recommended filler materials include AWS E317L/ER317L or austenitic low-carbon fillers with higher molybdenum content than 317L. Alternatively, nickel-based fillers with sufficient chromium and molybdenum content can be used to ensure the same or improved corrosion resistance.

Applications of 317L Stainless Steel


317L is widely used in industries requiring strong corrosion resistance, such as:

  • Flue Gas Desulfurization Systems

  • Chemical Processing Vessels

  • Petrochemical Plants

  • Pulp and Paper Mills

  • Capacitors in Power Generation


Conclusion


317L stainless steel offers enhanced corrosion resistance, particularly in harsh environments such as those in chemical processing and pulp and paper industries. Its improved properties compared to 304L and 316L make it a preferred choice in applications where long-term durability and performance are essential.

Report this page