Grade 316L, the low carbon version of F316L pipe flange has immunity against sensitisation, otherwise known as grain boundary carbide precipitation. Thus, the Gr F316L is extensively used in heavy gauge welded components, where the wall thickness can be over 6mm. The austenitic structure in the astm a182 f316l also gives this grades excellent toughness properties ,that can be witnessed at to cryogenic temperatures.

As compared to other chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steels, A182 F316L stainless steel offers a much higher creep strength, stress to rupture strength and tensile strength, even at elevated temperatures. The ss 316L flanges have an excellent performance in a broad range of atmospheric environments as well as many corrosive media.

Generally the werkstoff A182 F316L tends to be more resistant to corrosive media when compared to grade 304 stainless steel. Although these stainless steel 316L flanges are a subject to pitting & crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments, and to stress related corrosion cracking at temperatures above 60 °C, sa 182 F316L flange is considered resistant to potable water. The astm A182 Gr F316L is displays corrosion resistance in potable water, which can cantainup to about 1000 mg/L chlorides at ambient temperatures & gets reduced further to about 500 mg/L at 60 °C.

flange astm a182 f316l is usually regarded as the standard “marine grade stainless steel”.But the astm A182 grade F316L is not resistant to warm sea water. In many marine environments 316l ss flanges material does tend to exhibit surface corrosion. This surface corrosion usually visible as brown staining, which is especially associated with crevices and rough surface finish.

316L ss flanges exhibit good oxidation resistance in intermittent applications up to a temperature of 870 °C and in continuous service to 925 °C. Continuous use of flange astm A182 f316l between the temperature range of 425 °C - 860 °C is not recommended if subsequent aqueous corrosion resistance is important in any application. Many 316L stainless steel flanges manufacturers note that the alloy is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be used in the above that temperature range.