Stainless Steel 304H pipes are specifically designed for high-temperature environments, offering an enhanced combination of strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion—making them a preferred choice for demanding industrial applications.
What Makes 304H Special?
304H is a high-carbon variant of the classic 304 stainless steel grade, with a carbon content between 0.04% and 0.10%. This increase in carbon significantly improves the pipe's strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures, distinguishing it from the standard 304 and low-carbon 304L grades. The result is superior mechanical performance for applications such as boilers, heat exchangers, and chemical processing equipment.
Mechanical and Chemical Properties
- Tensile Strength: Minimum 515 MPa.
- Yield Strength: Minimum 205 MPa.
- Elongation at 50mm: Minimum 40%.
- Hardness: Brinell max 201, Rockwell B max 92.
- Working Temperature: Suitable for intermittent service up to 425°C and continuous service up to 860°C, handling long-term exposure without losing mechanical integrity.
Chemical Composition
ElementCMnSiPSCrNiRange0.04-0.10%≤2.0%≤0.75%≤0.045%≤0.03%18.0–20.0%8.0–10.5%
Key Advantages
- High Temperature Performance: 304H pipes maintain their structural integrity and resist deformation under prolonged thermal stress, making them indispensable in power plants and steam pipelines.
- Corrosion Resistance: Similar to 304 and 304L, 304H offers excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosive agents; the high carbon does not hinder its anti-corrosive properties.
- Versatility and Fabrication: Available in seamless, welded, and ERW versions, these pipes support diverse welding, forming, and fabrication needs.
Common Applications
- Chemical Processing Industries: Handles high-temperature, aggressive media safely.
- Boilers and Heat Exchangers: High strength and thermal resistance guarantee reliable long-term performance.
- Food and Dairy Equipment: Used in high-temperature sections of hygienic production facilities.
- Petroleum and Gas: Suitable for pipelines transporting heated fluids or gases.
Specification of Stainless Steel 304H Seamless Welded Pipes
Stainless Steel Pipe Specification : ASTM A312, A358 / ASME SA312, SA358
SS Tube Specification : ASTM A213, A269, A249, A511, A554 / ASME SA213, SA269, SA249, SA511, SA554
Pipe Size :1/8” NB to 24” NB, 1/4” OD to 24” OD sizes.
Tube Size :1/2" OD to 8" OD.
Thickness Range :0.3mm – 50 mm, SCH 5, SCH10, SCH 40, SCH 80, SCH 80S, SCH 160, SCH XXS, SCH XS
Type :Seamless / ERW / Welded / Fabricated Pipes
Form : Round, Square, Rectangular, Oval, Hydraulic Etc
Length :Single Random, Double Random & Required Length
End : Plain End, Beveled End, Treaded
End Protection : Plastic Caps
Outside Finish :2B, No.4, No.1, No.8 Mirror Finish for Stainless Steel Pipes, Finish as per customer Requirements
Delivery Condition : Annealed and Pickled, Polished, Bright Annealed, Cold Drawn
Inspection, Test Reports :Mill Test Certificates, EN 10204 3.1, Chemical Reports, Mechanical Reports, PMI Test Reports, Visual Inspection Reports, Third Party Inspection Reports, NABL Approved Lab Reports, Destructive Test Report, Non Destructive Test Reports
Packing :Packed in Wooden Boxes, Plastic Bags, Steel Strips Bundled, or as per Customers Requests
Specials :Sizes and Specifications other than above can be manufactured on request
Conclusion
Stainless Steel 304H pipes are an outstanding solution for industries requiring high creep resistance and durability in high-temperature settings. Whether for power generation, chemical processing, or food manufacturing, their advanced chemical structure assures reliability under stress and over time.