Low Carbon High Temperature Stainless Steel 310S Pipe For Continuous Heat Service
310S pipe is a low-carbon version of the standard 310 stainless steel grade, specifically designed for continuous high-temperature service where prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures is required. The lower carbon content (0.08% maximum compared to 0.25% for standard 310) provides improved weldability and reduces the risk of carbide precipitation during welding or sustained high-temperature operation.
Like its standard 310 counterpart, 310S contains high levels of chromium (24-26%) and nickel (19-22%), delivering exceptional oxidation resistance and good creep strength at temperatures up to 1050°C (1922°F) for continuous service. The high chromium content forms a protective oxide layer that prevents scaling, while the nickel content maintains austenitic stability and resistance to carburization.
UNS S31008 is the standard designation for this grade, and ASTM A312 is the governing specification for seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel pipe. This grade is particularly well-suited for applications involving sustained high temperatures where standard 310 might experience sensitization, or where welding is required during fabrication or installation.
The low-carbon design of 310S makes it the preferred choice for equipment that operates continuously in the 800-1000°C range, such as furnace components, heat treat fixtures, and high-temperature process piping. While its strength at extreme temperatures is slightly lower than standard 310 due to the reduced carbon content, the improved weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion make 310S the more practical choice for most fabricated assemblies.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | 310S Stainless Steel Pipe |
| Standard | ASTM A312 / ASME SA312 |
| Grade | TP310S (UNS S31008) |
| EN Equivalent | 1.4845 |
| Trade Names | 310S Stainless, 310S Heat Resistant Pipe |
| Form | Seamless Pipe (SMLS) or Welded Pipe (ERW / EFW) |
| Manufacturing Process | Hot finished or cold drawn (seamless) / Rolled and welded (welded) |
| Size Range (NPS) | 1/8" to 24" (larger diameters available upon request) |
| Wall Thickness | SCH 5S to SCH XXS (per ASME B36.10 / B36.19) |
| Length | Single random (5-7m), double random (10-13m), or exact cut |
| Pipe Ends | Plain End (PE), Beveled End (BE), Threaded (T&C) |
| Packing Method | Bundled with steel strapping, plastic end caps, waterproof wrapping, and wooden crates for export |
| Certification | Mill Test Certificate EN 10204 Type 3.1 or 3.2 |
The low carbon content of 310S distinguishes it from standard 310 and provides superior weldability.
| Element | Content (% by weight) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.50 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.030 max |
| Chromium (Cr) | 24.00 – 26.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 19.00 – 22.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.75 max |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Comparison of carbon content:
| Grade | Carbon (max %) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| SS 310 (UNS S31000) | 0.25 | Intermittent high-temperature service |
| 310S (UNS S31008) | 0.08 | Continuous high-temperature service + welding |
310S pipe delivers the following mechanical properties in the solution annealed condition:
| Property | Required Value (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa (75 ksi) min |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 205 MPa (30 ksi) min |
| Elongation (2" or 50mm) | 35% min (seamless) / 30% min (welded) |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 85 HRB max |
| Modulus of Elasticity (20°C) | 200 GPa (29,000 ksi) |
| Density | 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³) |
| Melting Range | 1398-1455°C (2550-2650°F) |
High-Temperature Tensile Strength (Typical values at elevated temperatures for 310S):
| Temperature (°C) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) |
|---|---|---|
| 20°C | 600 | 250 |
| 400°C | 500 | 190 |
| 500°C | 480 | 180 |
| 600°C | 460 | 170 |
| 700°C | 400 | 160 |
| 800°C | 320 | 140 |
| 900°C | 200 | 90 |
| 1000°C | 100 | 50 |
Seamless Pipe
Produced from solid billets through hot extrusion or cold drawing. Seamless construction provides uniform wall thickness and strength, making it ideal for high-temperature pressure applications.
Welded Pipe
Formed from 310S coils and longitudinally welded using ERW or EFW processes. Welded pipe offers cost advantages for larger diameters and is suitable for many furnace and ducting applications.
| Finish | Description | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Pickled (AP) | Acid-pickled to remove scale and heat tint | General high-temperature service |
| Bright Annealed (BA) | Annealed in a controlled atmosphere for an oxide-free surface | Clean furnace atmospheres, cosmetic requirements |
| Polished | Mechanically polished to various grits | Architectural or visible components |
310S pipe is specified for continuous high-temperature service across multiple industries where oxidation resistance and weldability are critical.
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Radiant tubes and furnace rolls
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Retorts, muffles, and burner nozzles
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Heat treat fixtures and baskets
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Annealing and brazing furnace components
The low carbon content prevents carbide precipitation during continuous operation, maintaining ductility and corrosion resistance over extended periods.
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Catalytic reformer and cracking furnace tubes
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Pyrolysis tubes in ethylene plants
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Hydrogen reformer piping
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Heat exchanger tubes for high-temperature process gases
310S resists carburization and sulfidation in hydrocarbon and hydrogen-rich atmospheres.
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Superheater and reheater tubes
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High-temperature steam piping
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Gas turbine exhaust components
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Waste-to-energy plant boiler tubing
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Preheater cyclones and ducts
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Rotary kiln components
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Clinker cooler ducting
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Lime kiln preheaters
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High-temperature oven liners
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Air heater tubes
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Thermal oxidizer components
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Diesel particulate filter housings
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Exhaust gas recirculation coolers
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Turbocharger housings
For inquiries, technical data sheets, or a quotation for 310S stainless steel pipe (ASTM A312 TP310S / UNS S31008) for continuous high-temperature applications, please contact our sales team.
We provide:
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Mill test certificates with full traceability
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Low-carbon grade ensuring excellent weldability
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Competitive pricing for project quantities
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On-time delivery to global destinations
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Technical support from material selection to installation
We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
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