In core industrial fields such as energy and chemical industry, boilers and heat exchangers are key equipment to ensure the stable operation of production processes. These equipment work in extremely high temperature and corrosive environments for a long time, which poses severe challenges to the performance of materials.
Choosing the wrong material will not only lead to frequent downtime for maintenance, but may even cause safety accidents. It is in this context that 310S stainless steel has become the ideal choice for many high-temperature application industries with its excellent high temperature performance.
As a company with more than 15 years of experience in stainless steel production and export, Huaxiao Metal will provide an in-depth analysis of how 310S stainless steel plays a core role in these key applications.
What is 310S Stainless Steel?
310S stainless steel (UNS S31008) is a high alloy austenitic stainless steel, which is characterized by a high proportion of chromium (Cr: 24-26%) and nickel (Ni: 19-22%). This high alloy composition gives it unparalleled performance in high temperature environments. Compared with standard 310 steel, 310S has a lower carbon content (usually less than 0.08%), a key difference that greatly improves its welding performance and effectively reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion caused by carbide precipitation, allowing it to maintain excellent durability after welding.
| Performance | Value (per ASTM A240 Standard) |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition (Main Elements) | Cr: 24.0–26.0%, Ni: 19.0–22.0%, C: ≤0.08%, Si: ≤1.50%, Mn: ≤2.00% |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) |
| Elongation | ≥ 40% |
| Max Continuous Operating Temperature | Approx. 1150°C (2100°F) |
| Max Intermittent Operating Temperature | Approx. 1040°C (1900°F) |
These values indicate that 310S stainless steel offers excellent high-temperature resistance along with good machinability, making it ideal for manufacturing complex industrial components.
Two core advantages of 310S in high-temperature applications
For equipment such as boilers and heat exchangers, materials must have two core capabilities: resistance to high-temperature oxidation and mechanical strength. 310S excels in both aspects.
1. Excellent Oxidation Resistance
In high-temperature environments, metals react with oxygen in the air to form loose oxide scales, resulting in material loss and performance degradation. The high chromium content of 310S enables it to form a dense, stable chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) protective film on the surface at continuous operating temperatures up to **1150°C (2100°F). This protective film can effectively prevent further intrusion of oxygen, thereby protecting the base metal. Even in intermittent working environments with frequent temperature fluctuations, it can withstand high temperatures up to 1040°C (1900°F)**, showing excellent oxidation resistance.
2. Excellent High Temperature Strength and Creep Resistance
At high temperatures, metal materials will “soften” and their load-bearing capacity will drop significantly. This phenomenon of slow deformation under stress is called creep. The internal components of boilers and heat exchangers need to withstand high temperatures and high pressures for a long time, so high temperature strength is essential. Due to its high nickel content, 310S stainless steel can maintain excellent mechanical strength and creep resistance at high temperatures, ensuring that the equipment structure is stable and not easily deformed by heat and pressure.
Specific applications in boilers and heat exchangers
With the above advantages, 310S stainless steel plays an indispensable role in high-temperature equipment:
Boiler system: In industrial boilers and power plant boilers, 310S stainless steel is widely used to manufacture key components directly exposed to high-temperature flue gas, such as superheater tubes, reheater tubes, pipe supports, burner nozzles and furnace conveyor belts. Its heat resistance and corrosion resistance ensure long-term and reliable operation of the equipment.
Heat exchanger: In heat exchangers in the chemical and petroleum refining fields, the fluid temperature is extremely high and is often accompanied by corrosive substances such as sulfur compounds. Heat exchange tubes, tube sheets and shells made of 310S can maintain structural integrity under such harsh conditions and achieve efficient and safe heat exchange.
Other heat treatment equipment: In equipment such as annealing furnaces, industrial kilns and incinerators, 310S is also an ideal material for manufacturing furnace tubes, furnace linings and fan impellers.
FAQ
What is the difference between 310S and 316L stainless steel in high temperature applications? How should I choose?
This is a very good question. 316L is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments, but its high temperature resistance is far inferior to 310S. The recommended maximum operating temperature of 316L is generally around 870°C, while 310S can reach 1150°C. Therefore, if the ambient temperature of your application exceeds 900°C, 310S is a safer and more reliable choice. If the application environment is mainly corrosive and the temperature is not high, 316L may be more cost-effective.
How is the weldability of 310S stainless steel? Does it require a special welding process?
310S has good weldability due to its lower carbon content. It is suitable for all standard welding methods such as TIG, MIG and manual arc welding. To ensure that the welded joint has equivalent performance at high temperatures, it is recommended to use a matching 310S electrode or wire. Although preheating is not usually required, post-weld heat treatment can relieve stress and further improve performance in complex structural welding.
How does 310S perform in a sulfur-containing environment?
310S performs well in high-temperature sulfur-containing environments (such as sour crude oil heating furnaces). Its high chromium content helps resist sulfidation corrosion. However, in a reducing sulfur-containing atmosphere (such as an oxygen-deficient environment), its maximum operating temperature will be slightly reduced to around 1000°C. When selecting materials, please be sure to provide our technical team with detailed working conditions so that we can make the most accurate recommendations for you.
What sizes and forms of 310S stainless steel can Huaxiao Metal provide?
We can provide 310S stainless steel in a variety of forms to meet your project needs, including:
Plates and coils: Thicknesses from 0.3mm to 100mm, can be cut on demand.
Seamless and welded pipes: Available in a variety of standard sizes and wall thicknesses.
Bars: Round bars, square bars, hexagonal bars, etc.
We also provide surface treatment services such as 2B, No.1, BA, and mirror polishing. You are welcome to provide your specifications at any time.
How can I ensure the quality of the 310S stainless steel I buy from you?
Quality is our lifeline. Each batch of 310S stainless steel we provide is accompanied by an original material test certificate (MTC), which details the test results of chemical composition, mechanical properties, etc., to ensure that the material fully complies with international standards such as ASTM and EN. We support third-party inspections (such as SGS, BV), and welcome customers to visit or send representatives to conduct on-site inspections before shipment.
Conclusion: Why choose 310S stainless steel from Huaxiao Metal?
Choosing 310S stainless steel for your boilers and heat exchangers means choosing longer equipment life, lower maintenance costs, and higher operational safety. Its excellent performance in extreme temperatures has been verified by countless industrial applications around the world.
Huaxiao Metal not only provides high-quality 310S stainless steel coils, plates, pipes, and bars that meet international standards such as ASTM A240 and A213, but we can also provide professional material solutions and customized processing services (such as cutting, welding, polishing, etc.) according to your specific working conditions.
If you are looking for reliable high-temperature-resistant materials for your energy or chemical projects, please contact our technical experts immediately for detailed product information and free quotes.
