Boiler Protection
316 stainless steel tube shields protect boiler tubes from wear and corrosion in harsh industrial environments.
Boiler Protection
316 stainless steel tube shields protect boiler tubes from wear and corrosion in harsh industrial environments. durable, customizable shields extend tube life in power plants and mining pipelines.
The Stainless 316 Tube Shield is a premium protective sleeve made from 316 stainless steel, designed to safeguard boiler tubes, superheater tubes, and process piping against erosion, corrosion, and mechanical wear. It is widely used in power plants, chemical processing facilities, and industrial plants exposed to aggressive environments such as acidic flue gases, high humidity, and abrasive particles.
Constructed with 316 stainless steel, known for its outstanding corrosion resistance—especially against chlorides—and good mechanical strength, the shield protects tubes from premature failure caused by pitting, crevice corrosion, and mechanical erosion. The low carbon content in 316 stainless steel minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, enhancing durability in high-temperature applications.
These tube shields come in various forms including U-shaped half shells and fully enclosed sleeves, allowing easy installation via welding or mechanical clamps. Typical thickness ranges from 1.5mm to 2.5mm, tailored to meet specific operational requirements.
Manufactured from 316 stainless steel (UNS S31600), a molybdenum-bearing austenitic alloy, these shields offer superior resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and chemical attack, particularly in chloride-rich or acidic environments. They are widely used in power plant transport systems, mining pipelines, waste-to-energy boilers, and chemical recovery boilers, where tubes face abrasive and corrosive conditions.
The molybdenum content enhances corrosion resistance against acid condensate and wet flue gases, making these tube shields ideal for protecting superheater tubes, economizer sections, and moisture-prone zones. Their mechanical stability ensures reliable performance under high-temperature and high-stress conditions, while resistance to erosion-corrosion coupling is critical in wet ash transport zones. These wear-resistant shields mitigate tube thinning at critical points such as bends, slopes, and flue-impact areas, significantly extending tube lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
316/316L stainless steel is widely used in chloride and chemical process environments due to its enhanced resistance to corrosion and pitting, attributed to its molybdenum content. These alloys offer excellent mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties across a range of temperatures and environments, making them essential in chemical processing, marine, and high-temperature industrial applications.
Low carbon version of 316, offering superior resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. Commonly used in marine and chloride-rich environments. Excellent weldability without post-weld annealing.
High carbon content variant suitable for elevated temperature service. Offers greater short and long-term creep strength. Commonly used in high-stress boiler or furnace applications.
Standard molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel. Excellent resistance to chlorides and moderate acids. Widely used across various chemical and process industries.
| Grade | 316 | 316L |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | S31600 | S31603 |
| Carbon (C) Max. | 0.08 | 0.030 |
| Manganese (Mn) Max. | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) Max. | 0.045 | 0.045 |
| Sulfur (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) | Balance | |
Chemical composition details for 316 and 316L stainless steels used in corrosion-resistant applications.
| Material | Form | Tensile Strength (ksi) | Yield Strength (ksi) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy 316L | Sheet AMS 5507 | 100 max | - | 45 | - |
| Alloy 316 | Sheet AMS 5524 | 75 min | 30 | 45 | 207 max |
Typical mechanical properties for 316 and 316L stainless steel sheets used in industrial applications.
| Electrical Resistivity | Magnetic Permeability |
|---|---|
| 7.2e-005 ohm-cm | 1.008 |
| 1.16e-004 at 650°C | RT |
Electrical resistivity and magnetic permeability values at room and elevated temperatures.
| Alloy | UNS | Tensile (MPa) | Yield (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316 | S31600 | 515 | 205 | 35 | 90 Rb |
| 316L | S31603 | 485 | 170 | - | 90 Rb |
Physical and mechanical properties comparison for 316 and 316L stainless steels.
316L is preferred when welding thick sections is necessary and when resistance to intergranular corrosion is critical. 316H is used for elevated temperature pressure services.
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