USPOREDNA TABLICA STANDARDIZIRANIH ELIKA

EN-standard
Steel no. k.h.s DIN
1.4112
1.4125
1.4016
1.4408
1.4512
1.4310
1.4318
1.4307
1.4306
1.4311
1.4301
1.4948
1.4303
1.4541
1.4878
1.4404
1.4401
1.4406
1.4432
1.4435
1.4436
1.4571
1.4429
1.4438
1.4362
1.4462
1.4539
1.4529
1.4547

EN-standard
Steel name

SAE grade

440A
X90CrMoV18
440B
X105CrMo17
440C
440F
X6Cr17
430
G-X 6 CrNiMo 18-10 316
X6CrTi12
409
410
X10CrNi18-8
301
X2CrNiN18-7
301LN
X2CrNi18-9
304L
X2CrNi19-11
304L
X2CrNiN18-10
304LN
X5CrNi18-10
304
X6CrNi18-11
304H
X5CrNi18-12
305
X5CrNi30-9
312
X6CrNiTi18-10
321
X12CrNiTi18-9
321H
X2CrNiMo17-12-2
316L
X5CrNiMo17-12-2
316
X2CrNiMoN17-12-2 316LN
X2CrNiMo17-12-3
316L
X2CrNiMo18-14-3
316L
X3CrNiMo17-13-3
316
X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 316Ti
X2CrNiMoN17-13-3 316LN
X2CrNiMo18-15-4
317L
X2CrNi23-4
2304
X2CrNiMoN22-5-3
2205
X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5 904L
X1NiCrMoCuN25-20-7
X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 254SMO

UNS
S44002
S44003
S44004
S44020
S43000
S40900
S41000
S30100
S30403
S30403
S30453
S30400
S30409
S30500
S32100
S32109
S31603
S31600
S31653
S31603
S31603
S31600
S31635
S31653
S31703
S32304
S31803/S32205
N08904
N08926
S31254

Selection of 316, 304 and 303 types of stainless steels for seawater
applications
Introduction
The 316 types are used widely in marine applications, but their corrosion resistance in contact
with seawater is limited and they cannot be considered 'corrosion proof' under all situations.
They are susceptible to localized attack mechanisms, principally crevice and pitting corrosion.
This limits the scope for the use of these steels in seawater contact.
The 304, and more especially the free machining 303 types, should not be considered suitable for
seawater service.
Sulphide inclusions outcropping on the surface of the 303 type are preferential pitting corrosion
sites.

Factors governing the corrosion resistance of 316 types in seawater

The factors governing the corrosion resistance and hence suitability of the 316 types has been
well documented by many workers in these fields of research.
These factors work together and include:
a) Water quality
b) Flow rates
c) Temperature
d) Oxygen levels
e) Cathodic protection

a) Seawater quality
The chloride levels can vary depending on the location and influence of tides.
The levels encountered in even 'brackish' waters are above those where crevice corrosion can be
expected to be a corrosion hazard.
Intermittent exposure, for example in tidal zones, has been noted as less of a corrosion risk. This
may be due to the fact that the steel surfaces are effectively 'washed' by the changes in water
levels.
Water evaporation effects could however increase the corrosion risks in splash zones, if the
chlorides concentrate in a damp or wet environment.
It is important not to let seawater stand in contact with the steel unnecessarily. Horizontal 316
tube sections handling seawater have been noted to fail by pitting after only short periods.
Free draining surfaces and the avoidance of horizontal tube runs are important to the successful
use of 316 in contact with seawater. If tubing systems are hydro-tested using seawater, this must
be drained and flushed immediately after the test period. Failure to do this has resulted in
corrosion to 316 systems.

b) Water flow rates

'High' flow rates are preferable (ie over 1 metre / second). Slow moving water can encourage
biofouling, which can then result in shielding or crevice corrosion. Stagnant seawater conditions
must be avoided.
Increases in flow rates reduce the risk of corrosion and so applications such as pumps, can be
successful applications for 316 types in seawater handling.

c) Water temperature
The crevice corrosion risk increases with temperature. Contact with heated seawater is not
advisable. Ambient temperatures in northern European waters, as a guide, are around the
maximum that a 316 should be expected to cope with, even if other conditions are favorable.
Stress corrosion cracking is not usually a concern in the temperatures that the 316 would be used
at. (Higher temperatures would probably result in crevice and pitting corrosion anyway)

d) Water oxygen levels (deaeration)

Stainless steels rely on a source of oxygen to maintain their passive condition. Aerated seawater
however can be more corrosive than de-aerated seawater.
It has been found that very low levels of oxygen, such as those found at sea depths of around 200
metres, make seawater less aggressive. This is associated with the slowing down of pitting
corrosion rates.

e) Cathodic protection
Cathodic protection can be applied ie electrically or derived from contact with less 'noble'
metals, including carbon steel and aluminium. Direct contact with these metals can help improve
the resistance of the 316 types of stainless steel, at the expense of the other metal.
Although the stainless steel can benefit, there may be a concern that the overall durability of a
fabrication involving such combinations could be compromised.

'Engineered' crevices (surface finish and post fabrication cleaning)

Crevice and the closely related pitting corrosion mechanisms are the forms of local attack that
are normally responsible for the failure of the 316 types in seawater service.
Any form of crevices must be avoided.
These can occur through
Design geometry (sharp corners or grooves)
Flanged joints with gaskets
Mechanical fastening systems

Intercystalline (intergranular) corrosion has been detected on laboratory sensitized (heat-treated)

316 when subsequently exposure in seawater. The use of the low carbon 316L types such as
grades 1.4404 or 1.4432 should avoid this additional corrosion risk in welded structures.
The surface finish weld quality and finishing of the steel can be important factors in the
successful use of 316 types in seawater service applications.
These may be more important issues than factors such as the actual chloride concentration.
Smooth, clean finishes and well-finished welded joints contribute to the corrosion resistance of
the steel.