Use of 316L Stainless Steel in Marine Environment
Use of 316L Stainless Steel in Marine Environment
(OP)
I want to use 316L stainless steel hydraulic tubing on an offshore platform (field life approx. 10 years) offshore Ireland.
I am advised that 316L will corrode and that I must therefore paint it.
I don't want to paint because I believe it is not necessary in my application and for obvious cost reasons (CAPEX / OPEX).
I am advised that it is necessary offshore Ireland because of high salt content in atmosphere and relatively high atmospheric temperature.
There are various related threads on eng-tips and I have looked at these. They suggest to me that 316L will be OK.
However I would greatly appreciate any thoughts and experiences on the matter.
djwright
I am advised that 316L will corrode and that I must therefore paint it.
I don't want to paint because I believe it is not necessary in my application and for obvious cost reasons (CAPEX / OPEX).
I am advised that it is necessary offshore Ireland because of high salt content in atmosphere and relatively high atmospheric temperature.
There are various related threads on eng-tips and I have looked at these. They suggest to me that 316L will be OK.
However I would greatly appreciate any thoughts and experiences on the matter.
djwright





RE: Use of 316L Stainless Steel in Marine Environment
If you must use 316L, use laser-welded, ultra low sulfur material.
My recommendation would be to use 2205 instead. It should be easily available in tubing and it's a lot stronger.
RE: Use of 316L Stainless Steel in Marine Environment
RE: Use of 316L Stainless Steel in Marine Environment
RE: Use of 316L Stainless Steel in Marine Environment
RE: Use of 316L Stainless Steel in Marine Environment
I guess my original post wasn't very clear.
I have some 316L tubing already in place. So far (1 year in service) it looks OK.
I am currently planning to install more. I would prefer to use 316L if its fit for purpose and cheaper than the alternatives suggested.
Painting of existing 316L has been suggested. I am now advised that would be the wrong thing to do because of the possibility of crevice corrosion in the event of paint defects / degradation.
Next time I will use 6Mo. This time I would like to stay with 316L preferably unpainted and with flag in maintenance program to check for severe pitting corrosion.
Any final thoughts?
RE: Use of 316L Stainless Steel in Marine Environment
RE: Use of 316L Stainless Steel in Marine Environment
Also whether duplex 2205 or a 6Mo like AL-6XN are used bear in mind both are much stronger than 316L. Each have almost 2X the ASME allowable stress values in Section VIII Div 1 versus 316L. As a result there may be an opportunity to thin the wall of the hydraulic tubing to reduce weight and cost.
RE: Use of 316L Stainless Steel in Marine Environment
RE: Use of 316L Stainless Steel in Marine Environment