Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers
stainless steel also known as inox steel, is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5%to 11% chromium content by mass. Stainless steel does not flake, rust or stain with water as regular steel does, but in spite of the name it is not fully stain-proof. It is also called corrosion-resistant steel or CRES when the alloy type and grade are not exhaustive, particularly in the aviation industry. There are different grades and surface finishes of stainless steel to go with the environment the alloy must endure. Stainless steel is used where both the properties of steel and fighting to corrosion are mandatory. Stainless steel differs from carbon steel by the amount of chromium present. Open to attack carbon steel rusts readily when exposed to air and moisture.
Specifications :
Stainless steel is used for jewelry and watches with 316L being the type commonly used for such applications.
It can be re-finished by any jeweler and will not oxidize or turn black.
Some automotive manufacturers use stainless steel as decorative highlights in their vehicles.
Applications :
Stainless steel’s conflict to decay and staining, low maintenance and familiar luster make it an ideal material for many applications.
There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, of which fifteen are most commonly used.
The alloy is milled into coils, sheets, plates, bars, wire, and tubing to be used in cookware, cutlery, hardware, surgical instruments, major appliances, industrial equipment for example, in sugar refineries and as an automotive and aerospace structural alloy and construction material in large buildings.
Storage tanks and tankers used to transport orange juice and other food are often made of stainless steel, because of its corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties.
This also influences its use in commercial kitchens and food processing plants, as it can be steam-cleaned and sterilized and does not need paint or other surface finishes.
Advantages :
Some firearms incorporate stainless steel components as an alternative to blued or parkerized steel.
some handgun models, such as the Smith & Wesson Model 60 and the Colt M1911 pistol, can be made entirely from stainless steel.
This gives a high-luster finish similar in appearance to nickel plating.
Unlike plating, the finish is not subject to flaking, peeling, wear-off from rubbing (as when repeatedly removed from a holster), or rust when scratched.