Plug and Seat Material for Boiler Feed Water Control Valve

[ShabsRBI]

There is a requirement to install a Control valve in Boiler Feed Water Service with a Operating Pressure of 4100 Kpa and temperature of 130 Deg C. The requirement is to have a Plug material with 316SS with COCr but the available valve has Plug material with 416SS. Similarly the Seat Material is also 416SS instead of Stellite6.
I looked at the Hardness of 416SS (40 HRC) and Stellite (44HRC), which are comparable. Temperature is also low. Boiler feed water is not a corrosive service.
Is it acceptable to have valve with 416SS components instead of SS316 COCr/Stellite6?

 

[BEMPE16524]

Given that 316SS with CoCr and Stellite 6 was initially specified, it may have been for higher wear and corrosion resistance. However, in the context of boiler feed water, the 416SS components should still perform adequately, provided the service conditions are consistent with your assumptions.

 

[ShabsRBI]

Thanks @BEMPE16524
I am planning to go ahead with the 416SS components in Boiler feed water service at given operating conditions.

 

[EdStainless]

Just be aware that you will get significantly shorter life out of this valve.
You will need to remember that it is less robust than the old one.
Personally, I would never use a free machining grade in an erosion application.

 

[ShabsRBI]

Thanks @EdStainless
We are planning to use 416SS components valve on a temporary basis for 6 months as SS316 COCr/Stellite6 valve lead time is approximately 6 months.