B04 · Water Supply

Stainless Steel Plates for Water Production and Supply: 316L/304 Selection and 7 Item Lists

In the water production and supply industry, we have organized seven stainless steel parts: commonly used 316L / 304 / 304L, with thickness ranging from 0.8–110 mm.

Describe operating conditions to get material recommendationsView Products
Stainless Steel Water Tanks, Pump Sets, and Large Diameter Pipes in Water Treatment Plants
Water Treatment and Drainage: Water Tanks, Pump Sets, and Large-Diameter Pipelines (Illustration; actual selection based on medium, temperature, and drawings)

7 Parts and Material Lists

Part / ComponentRecommended GradeSpecifications / ThicknessSurfaceMain Failure ModesReference Standards
Thin-Walled Stainless Steel Pipe DN15–DN100304/316LWall Thickness 0.8–2.0mm; PN25Bright/Acid PickledCl⁻ Erosion Corrosion + End Cap Crevice Corrosion + SCCGB/T 19228.2；CECS 153；GB/T 17219
Compression Fitting (D-Type/S-Type/Bi-Cap)304/304L/316/316LDN15–DN100；PN≤2.5MPa；-20～110℃Bright/Dull FinishSeal Aging + Insufficient/Over Pressure Leakage; End Cap Stress CorrosionGB/T 19228.1-2024；CECS 153
Chamfered Fittings DN125 and Above304/316LDN125–DN300Dull FinishResidual Stress from Chamfering + SCC; Rubber Seals AgingCJ/T 156；GB/T 19228
Water Meter Shell/Faucet/Shutoff Valves304/316LBy ConnectionDull/Dielectric SurfaceDrinking Water Cl⁻+ Disinfectant Erosion CorrosionGB/T 3280；GB/T 17219
Tank Liners/Water Tanks304/316L2–6mm2B/Scrubbing/DissolvingCl⁻ Erosion + Welding Intergranular Corrosion + Hidden BiofilmGB/T 3280；GB 50013
Medication/Sterilization Contactors316L2–5mmScrubbing/DissolvingStrong Oxidants + Cl⁻ → Erosion and SCC; Hypochlorite Decomposes to HClOGB/T 3280；GB 50013
Pumps/Valves/Piping (Plant)304/316L/2205By Equipment2B/Cast Face/Processed FaceHydroShock, Cl⁻ Erosion, AbrasionGB/T 3280；ASTM A240
Inside isStandard KonfiguratieDifferent parts may switch from 304 to 316L or 2205 based on usage conditions. Explain clearly, not just specify the grade.

Material Selection Tips

  • The most common grades are 316L (7), 304 (6), and 304L (1). Parentheses indicate the number of affected areas, useful for quoting and material procurement.
  • Cl⁻ and salt are the most common corrosion sources (pitting, crevice corrosion) (5/7 hits).
  • Welded parts check sensitization and chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking (5/7 hits).
  • Thickness range 0.8–110 mm: thin plates are formed pieces (consider bending rebound and deep drawing cracks), thick plates are welded structures (consider heat input and sensitization).

Common issues

Which stainless steel is used most by industries in water production and supply?
Out of the total 7 parts, 316L appears most frequently (7 hits), followed by 304 (6 hits) and 304L (1 hit). Specific to a part still depends on the medium and temperature, e.g., stainless steel countertops require 304 for saltwater contact versus 316L.
Which parts are prone to problems?
Based on failure descriptions, typical is "medication/disinfection contacts": strong oxidants + Cl⁻ → pitting and SCC; hypochlorite decomposition produces HClO; recommended grade 316L, size 2–5mm. For this condition, specify medium concentration, temperature, and cleaning method in the design phase.
What thickness is generally chosen?
Thickness range listed is 0.8–110 mm. Thin plates consider forming and surface quality, thick plates for welding strength; different manufacturers may choose differently based on your drawings or operating conditions.

Related materials and adjacent industries

304Material and specifications316LMaterial and specifications304LMaterial and specifications2205Material and specificationsConstruction and infrastructureConstruction & InfrastructureElectricity and heat production (including FGD desulfurization)Power & Energy (incl. FGD)Gas production and supply industryGas Supply
Applications7
Grades110
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