316 L vs 304 Questions about usage. 316 l is a low cabon version of 316 Cres it is move corrision resistant that the 304. The L is important if the piping requires welding for assembly. The low carbon "L" prevents carbide parcipation in the heat affected zone around the weld. Net to determine the application and chemicals involve to make selection of material choices.
if you are welding on this material you will find that the 304ss material at the weld zone is little better than carbon steel. You will need to go with a 304L or 316L. You could also go witha dual rated 316/316L material.
Dideyjohn,
DennisB is right. If your pipelines are welded then SS 316L is better.But depending on the chemical you have to make the selection of whether 304 or 316. Then L comes into picture. There are even SS304L steels also available in market. But if the chemical is dilute acid of strong alkali then SS 316 is better option. (except caustic and HNO3)
