Stainless Steel Pipes

Stainless Steel pipe is an alloy of 10.5% Chromium and elements by weight. SS pipes are known for their corrosion resistance. The resistance to corrosion in Stainless Steel pipes increases with an increase in chromium. Molybdenum is added to these pipes to increase resistance to reducing acids and pitting attacks in chloride solutions.

Stainless Steel pipe is widely known for its strength and low maintenance, thus making it popular in many applications. Stainless steel does not corrode easily in wet conditions as it does not suffer from uniform corrosion. Increased chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen help improve resistance against crevice corrosion, pitting corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking. All Grades of steel pipes are capable of withstanding phosphoric and nitric acids. Stainless steel is popular in the construction of large buildings, paper and pulp industries, water treatment plants, storage in chemical plants, and more. SS pipe is divided into three categories viz. Austenitic, Martensitic, and Ferritic steels. Ferritic and martensitic are magnetic, while austenitic is non-magnetic.

FAQs of Stainless Steel Pipes

Q. How is stainless steel pipe welding is done?

Ans: Welding stainless steel pipe is a process that combines two pieces of steel by heating them to a high temperature and then pressing them together. The most common type of welding for stainless steel pipe is gas tungsten arc welding or GTAW. In this process, an electrode creates an electric arc between the two pieces of metal. This arc heats the metal and causes it to become molten. The molten metal is then sucked into the weld joint and solidifies, bonding the two pieces of steel together.

• Clean and degrease the pipe surfaces to be welded.
• Preheat the pipes to be welded to welding temperature.
• Use a Tig welder to join the pieces of stainless steel pipe.
• Clamp the pieces together and clean them with a wire brush.
• Apply flux to the weld area and start welding.
• Keep the weld puddle moving to avoid overheating the metal.
• Stop welding and let the weld cool down before inspection.

Q. Is stainless steel pipe safe for drinking water?

Ans: Yes, stainless steel pipe is safe for drinking water if installed and maintained correctly. However, it's always best to consult a qualified professional to ensure your water system is up to code.

Q. Where to buy stainless steel pipe near me?

Ans: You could buy stainless steel pipe near you in a few different places. The best place to start is to contact trusted suppliers at ThePipingMart. Else you can try a hardware store or a welding and metalworking supply store. You could also search online for a retailer specialising in stainless steel pipe and fittings. Whichever route you choose, compare to find the best prices.

Q. How to remove rust from stainless steel pipe?

Ans: WD-40, steel wool, and baking soda are all household items that can remove rust from stainless steel pipes. Spray the WD-40 onto the rust, use a piece of steel wool to scrub it off, and then rinse with water. If there is still some rust remaining, mix a baking soda and water paste and apply it to the rust. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with water.

Q. How to cut stainless steel pipe?

Ans: Use a pipe cutter to make a clean, square cut. Lubricate the pipe and the cutter wheel with cutting oil. Align the cutter wheel with the marks you made on the pipe, then tighten the cutter wheel slowly and evenly. Stay under-tightened, or you'll damage the pipe. If you have any questions, please ask an expert!

To cut stainless steel exhaust pipe, get a hacksaw and cut the pipe where you want to cut it. If the pipe is too thick, use a grinding wheel to thin it down so the hacksaw can easily cut through it.

Q. How to bend stainless steel pipe?

Ans: You can't. The stainless steel pipe is too strong to bend by hand. You would need to use a pipe-bending machine.

Though you can use a blow torch or hair dryer to heat the area you want to bend. Once it is hot enough, you can bend it with your hand using a heat-resistant glove or some tool.

Q. Can I use a stainless steel pipe for plumbing?

Ans: Stainless steel pipe is an excellent choice for plumbing because it's durable and corrosion-resistant. However, it can be more expensive than other types of pipe.

Q. What is stainless steel pipe roughness?

Ans: The roughness of turned stainless steel is between 0.03 to 0.015 mm.

A stainless steel pipe's roughness measures the height of the peaks and valleys on its surface. The rougher the pipe, the more friction it will create as fluid flows through it, which can lead to decreased performance and increased wear and tear. Pipe roughness is measured in microns (μm).

Q. Available shapes of stainless steel pipes?

Ans: The shapes of stainless steel pipes vary depending on their intended use. They can be round, square, or rectangular in shape.