Stainless Steel 317/317L Heat Exchanger Tubes: An Overview
Stainless Steel 317 and 317L heat exchanger tubes are specialized stainless steel grades designed for highly corrosive environments. These tubes are primarily used in heat exchangers, which transfer heat between two fluids in industrial applications. Both 317 and 317L are austenitic stainless steels, but the key difference lies in their carbon content. 317L, like other "L" grades, has lower carbon content, making it suitable for welding without the risk of sensitization or corrosion. These grades offer enhanced corrosion resistance compared to 316/316L, due to their higher molybdenum content.