galvanic_corrosion-trs-sesco.docVIP

“What you need to know”?(Probably more than you’ll ever want to know!) The following is a discussion of the various types of stainless steel. For other terms and their definitions you will encounter when dealing with stainless steel?see below. 18-8:?300 series stainless steel having approximately (not exactly) 18% chromium and 8% nickel.? The term 18-8 is used interchangeably to characterize fittings made of 302, 302HQ, 303, 304, 305, 384, XM7, and other variables of these grades with close chemical compositions.? There is little overall difference in corrosion resistance among the 18-8 types, but slight differences in chemical composition do make certain grades more resistant than others do against particular chemicals or atmospheres.? 18-8 has superior corrosion resistance to 400 series stainless, is generally nonmagnetic, and is hardenable only by cold working. 304:?The basic alloy. Type 304 (18-8) is an austenitic steel possessing a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, combined with a maximum of 0.08% carbon. 304 is a nonmagnetic steel which cannot be hardened by heat treatment, but instead, must be cold worked to obtain higher tensile strengths.???? The 18% minimum chromium content provides corrosion and oxidation resistance. The alloys metallurgical characteristics are established primarily by the nickel content (8% mm.), which also extends resistance to corrosion caused by reducing chemicals. Carbon, a necessity of mixed benefit, is held at a level (0.08% max.) that is satisfactory for most service applications.????? The stainless alloy resists most oxidizing acids and can withstand all ordinary rusting. HOWEVER, IT WILL TARNISH. It is immune to foodstuffs, sterilizing solutions, most of the organic chemicals and dyestuffs, and a wide variety of inorganic chemicals. Type 304, or one of its modifications, is the material specified more than 50% of the time whenever a stainless steel is used.????? Because of its ability to withstand the corrosive action