High Quality Stainless Steel 321/321H Pipes & Tubes

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Stainless Steel Chemical Composition Comparison
321 vs 321H – Key Differences Highlighted
321 Stainless Steel
UNS S32100
Fe
Iron (Base) Balance (~68%)
Cr
Chromium 17-19%
Ni
Nickel 9-12%
Ti
Titanium 5×C% min
Si
Silicon ≤1%
Mn
Manganese ≤2%
C
Carbon ≤0.08%
P
Phosphorus ≤0.045%
S
Sulfur ≤0.03%
Standard carbon content: ≤0.08% C
321H Stainless Steel
UNS S32109
Fe
Iron (Base) Balance (~67%)
Cr
Chromium 17-19%
Ni
Nickel 9-12%
Ti
Titanium ≥5×C%
Si
Silicon ≤1%
Mn
Manganese ≤2%
C
Carbon 0.04-0.10%
P
Phosphorus ≤0.045%
S
Sulfur ≤0.03%
Higher carbon content: 0.04-0.10% C (Better high-temperature strength)

What is 321 & 321H Stainless Steel?

321 stainless steel is a titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel with excellent high-temperature strength and intergranular corrosion resistance. 321H is the high-carbon variation of 321 stainless steel, offering improved high-temperature strength. These grades are particularly suitable for applications in the temperature range where sensitization and subsequent intergranular corrosion are concerns.

321 Stainless Steel

Chromium (Cr)

17.0 – 19.0%

Nickel (Ni)

9.0 – 12.0%

Carbon (C) Max

0.08%

Manganese (Mn) Max

2.0%

Silicon (Si) Max

0.75%

Phosphorus (P) Max

0.045%

Sulfur (S) Max

0.03%

Titanium (Ti)

5xC Min

Iron (Fe)

Balance

321H Stainless Steel

Chromium (Cr)

17.0 – 19.0%

Nickel (Ni)

9.0 – 12.0%

Carbon (C)

0.04 – 0.10%

Manganese (Mn) Max

2.0%

Silicon (Si) Max

0.75%

Phosphorus (P) Max

0.045%

Sulfur (S) Max

0.03%

Titanium (Ti)

4xC Min

Iron (Fe)

Balance

Types of Stainless Steel 321 & 321H Pipes & Tubes

As premier manufacturers in the industry, we specialize in producing both stainless steel 321/321H seamless pipes & tubes and stainless steel 321/321H welded pipes & tubes, offering comprehensive solutions for high-temperature and corrosive applications.

Stainless Steel 321/321H Seamless Pipes & Tubes

Manufactured from solid billets through an extrusion process, these pipes deliver superior strength and exceptional pressure resistance at elevated temperatures. Seamless construction eliminates weld seams, making them the preferred choice for critical high-temperature applications including heat exchangers, boilers, and aircraft exhaust systems where welding integrity is paramount.

Stainless Steel 321/321H Welded Pipes & Tubes

These pipes provide an economical alternative with availability across a broader spectrum of sizes and dimensions. Welded pipes excel in high-temperature structural applications, furnace parts, and general corrosive service conditions where reliable welded joints are essential. Their cost-effectiveness makes them ideal for projects with budget constraints without compromising high-temperature performance.

Specification of Stainless Steel 321/321H Seamless & Welded Pipes And Tubes

Specification Details
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, Threaded
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

STAINLESS STEEL PIPE & TUBES SCHEDULE DIMENSIONS WALL THICKNESS, WT./MTR. (KG)

Stainless Steel 321/321H Pipe Dimensions & Weight Chart

OD (mm) WT (mm) NPS (dn) Schedule Weight (kg/m)
13.72 1.65 1/4″ 10S 0.50
13.72 2.24 1/4″ 40S 0.64
13.72 3.02 1/4″ 80S 0.81
17.15 1.65 3/8″ 10S 0.64
17.15 2.31 3/8″ 40S 0.86
17.15 3.20 3/8″ 80S 1.12
21.34 2.11 1/2″ 10S 1.02
21.34 2.77 1/2″ 40S 1.29
21.34 3.73 1/2″ 80S 1.65
26.67 2.11 3/4″ 10S 1.30
26.67 2.87 3/4″ 40S 1.71
26.67 3.91 3/4″ 80S 2.23
33.40 2.77 1″ 10S 2.13
33.40 3.38 1″ 40S 2.54
33.40 4.55 1″ 80S 3.29
48.26 2.77 1.1/2″ 10S 3.16
48.26 3.68 1.1/2″ 40S 4.11
48.26 5.08 1.1/2″ 80S 5.49
60.33 2.77 2″ 10S 3.99
60.33 3.91 2″ 40S 5.52
60.33 5.54 2″ 80S 7.60
88.90 3.05 3″ 10S 6.56
88.90 5.49 3″ 40S 11.47
88.90 7.62 3″ 80S 15.51

Stainless Steel 321/321H Tube Size Chart

Wall Thickness (in) Available Sizes (in)
0.028″ 1/16″; 1/8″; 3/16″; 1/4″; 5/16″; 3/8″
0.035″ 1/8″; 3/16″; 1/4″; 5/16″; 3/8″; 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″
0.049″ 1/8″; 3/16″; 1/4″; 5/16″; 3/8″; 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″
0.065″ 3/16″; 1/4″; 5/16″; 3/8″; 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″
0.083″ 1/4″; 5/16″; 3/8″; 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″; 2-1/2″; 3″
0.095″ 1/4″; 3/8″; 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″; 2-1/2″; 3″
0.120″ 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″; 2-1/2″; 3″

Pressure Ratings for SS 321/321H Tubing (PSIG)

OD (in) WT 0.028″ WT 0.035″ WT 0.049″ WT 0.065″ WT 0.083″ WT 0.095″ WT 0.109″ WT 0.120″
1/8″ 7,900 10,100 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
1/4″ 3,700 5,800 7,900 9,500 N/A N/A N/A N/A
5/16″ N/A 3,700 5,400 7,300 N/A N/A N/A N/A
3/8″ N/A 3,100 4,400 6,100 N/A N/A N/A N/A
1/2″ N/A 2,300 3,200 4,400 N/A N/A N/A N/A
3/4″ N/A N/A 2,100 2,900 3,900 4,500 N/A N/A
1″ N/A N/A N/A 2,200 2,900 3,400 3,900 4,300

Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel 321/321H Pipes and Tubes

Element 321 Stainless Steel (%) 321H Stainless Steel (%)
Carbon (C) 0.08 max 0.04 – 0.10
Manganese (Mn) 2.00 max 2.00 max
Phosphorus (P) 0.045 max 0.045 max
Sulfur (S) 0.030 max 0.030 max
Silicon (Si) 0.75 max 0.75 max
Chromium (Cr) 17.00 – 19.00 17.00 – 19.00
Nickel (Ni) 9.00 – 12.00 9.00 – 12.00
Titanium (Ti) 5xC min 4xC min
Nitrogen (N) 0.10 max 0.10 max
Iron (Fe) Balance Balance

Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 321/321H Pipes and Tubes

Grade Tensile Strength (MPa) min Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) (MPa) min Elongation (% in 2″) min Hardness
321 515 205 40 Rockwell B (95) max
Brinell (217) max
321H 515 205 40 Rockwell B (95) max
Brinell (217) max

Physical Properties of Stainless Steel 321/321H Pipes and Tubes

Grade Density (kg/m³) Elastic Modulus (GPa) Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (μm/m°C) Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K) Specific Heat 0-100°C (J/kg.K) Electrical Resistivity (nΩ.m)
321/321H 8020 193 16.6 (0-100°C)
17.5 (0-538°C)
18.6 (0-1000°C)
16.3 (at 100°C)
22.2 (at 500°C)
500 720

Equivalent Grades for Stainless Steel 321/321H Pipes and Tubes

STANDARD WERKSTOFF NR. UNS JIS AFNOR BS GOST EN
SS321 1.4541 S32100 SUS321 Z6CNT18-10 321S31 08Ch18N10T X6CrNiTi18-10
SS321H 1.4878 S32109 SUS321H Z8CNT18-12 321S51 08Ch18N12T X7CrNiTi18-10

💡 Practical Difference in Use

Use 321 when: high-temperature applications up to 900°C are required, with good intergranular corrosion resistance. → Example: aircraft exhaust systems, heat exchangers, furnace parts.

Use 321H when: superior high-temperature strength and creep resistance are needed above 500°C. → Example: superheater tubes, boiler components, high-temperature pressure vessels.

Uses of 321/321H Stainless Steel Pipes

The uses are defined by its excellent high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and resistance to intergranular corrosion. Pipes are used in high-temperature and corrosive environments.

  • High-Temperature Process Piping: This is its primary function. It’s used for moving hot gases, steam, and process fluids in elevated temperature applications.
  • Heat Exchanger and Boiler Tubes: 321/321H pipes are extensively used in heat exchangers, superheaters, and boiler systems where thermal stability is critical.
  • Exhaust and Emission Systems: Excellent for aircraft exhaust systems, automotive exhaust components, and industrial emission control systems.

When to Choose 321H vs. 321?

This is a critical question for high-temperature applications. 321 is suitable for most high-temperature services, while 321H offers enhanced strength at elevated temperatures.

Choose 321 when:

  • Applications require stabilization against chromium carbide precipitation during welding.
  • Service temperatures typically range from 400°C to 900°C.
  • Good general corrosion resistance with titanium stabilization is sufficient.

Upgrade to 321H when:

  • Superior high-temperature strength and creep resistance are required above 500°C.
  • Applications involve prolonged exposure to temperatures between 500°C and 815°C.
  • Higher carbon content for improved high-temperature mechanical properties is needed.

Industries That Use 321/321H Stainless Steel Pipes

Virtually every industry that requires high-temperature and corrosion-resistant piping uses 321/321H. Here are the most prominent ones:

Aerospace Industry

This is a major consumer of 321 pipes due to its excellent high-temperature performance and weight considerations.

Uses

Aircraft exhaust systems, engine components, afterburner parts, and high-temperature hydraulic lines.

Why 321/321H?

Superior oxidation resistance and strength retention at high temperatures. Titanium stabilization prevents sensitization during welding.

Power Generation Industry

This industry demands materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures.

Uses

Superheater tubes, boiler components, heat exchanger tubes, and high-temperature steam lines in thermal power plants.

Why 321H?

Enhanced creep strength and oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 815°C make it ideal for power plant applications.

Chemical and Petrochemical Industry

For handling corrosive chemicals at elevated temperatures in process equipment.

Uses

Catalyst tubes in reformers, furnace tubes, heat exchanger tubing, and high-temperature process piping.

Why 321/321H?

Excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion and good general corrosion resistance at high temperatures.

Automotive Industry

Used in high-temperature exhaust and emission control systems.

Uses

Exhaust manifolds, turbocharger housings, catalytic converter shells, and high-performance exhaust systems.

Why 321?

Good thermal fatigue resistance and ability to withstand cyclic heating and cooling in exhaust applications.

Heat Treatment Industry

Essential for furnace components and high-temperature processing equipment.

Uses

Radiant tubes, muffles, retorts, annealing covers, and furnace structural components.

Why 321H?

Superior high-temperature strength and resistance to thermal cycling make it suitable for continuous furnace operation.

Refining Industry

Critical for high-temperature processing units in oil refineries.

Uses

Transfer lines in fluid catalytic cracking units, heater tubes, and high-temperature piping systems.

Why 321/321H?

Resistance to sensitization and good mechanical properties at refinery operating temperatures.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Used in high-temperature sterilization and process systems.

Uses

Sterilizer piping, autoclave systems, and high-temperature process lines requiring cleanability.

Why 321?

Good corrosion resistance to sterilizing agents and ability to withstand repeated thermal cycles.

Food Processing Industry

Used in high-temperature cooking and processing equipment.

Uses

Retort systems, high-temperature processing lines, and thermal fluid heating systems.

Why 321?

Non-contaminating properties combined with good high-temperature performance for food processing applications.

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