ASTM A240 Alloy 316LN Stainless Steel Plate Versatile Alloy for High-Temperature Applications

Products Specification

ASTM A240 Alloy 316LN Stainless Steel Plate: Versatile Alloy for High-Temperature Applications

Product Overview

The 316LN stainless steel plate is a low carbon, nitrogen-enhanced alloy, designed for high-performance applications, particularly in environments exposed to high temperatures and corrosive conditions. This material is often used in industries that demand resistance to both heat and corrosion, such as chemical processing, power generation, and marine applications.

Production Standards

316LN stainless steel plates are produced in accordance with the following international standards:

• ASTM A240 – Standard Specification for Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels and for General Industrial Applications.

• ASME SA240 – The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) version of ASTM A240, applicable for pressure vessel fabrication.

• EN 10088-2 – European standard for stainless steel.

These standards ensure the material is manufactured to the highest quality, ensuring dimensional tolerance, surface finish, and mechanical properties that meet industry requirements.

Chemical Composition

The typical chemical composition of 316LN stainless steel (expressed in percentage) is as follows:

• Chromium (Cr): 16.0 - 18.0%

• Nickel (Ni): 10.0 - 14.0%

• Molybdenum (Mo): 2.0 - 3.0%

• Carbon (C): ≤0.03%

• Nitrogen (N): 0.10 - 0.20%

• Manganese (Mn): ≤2.0%

• Silicon (Si): ≤1.0%

• Phosphorus (P): ≤0.045%

• Sulfur (S): ≤0.030%

The key differentiator for 316LN is the addition of nitrogen (N), which enhances strength and pitting resistance, particularly in chloride-rich environments. It also reduces the carbon content compared to 316L, improving its ability to resist carbide precipitation during welding.

Mechanical Properties

316LN stainless steel offers a strong combination of toughness and corrosion resistance, with the following typical mechanical properties:

• Tensile Strength: 520 - 700 MPa

• Yield Strength: 240 - 290 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ≥40%

• Hardness: HRB 80 max

• Modulus of Elasticity: 200 GPa

• Density: 8.0 g/cm³

These properties make 316LN stainless steel an excellent choice for applications that require a combination of mechanical strength, formability, and resistance to elevated temperatures and corrosive environments.

Differences Between 316LN and 316L

While both 316LN and 316L stainless steels belong to the same family of austenitic stainless steels, there are several key differences:

• Carbon Content: The “L” in 316L stands for low carbon content (≤0.03%), which helps improve weldability and reduces the risk of carbide precipitation in welding. 316LN, however, has even lower carbon content and a slightly higher nitrogen content to enhance its mechanical properties and resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

• Nitrogen Content: 316LN contains nitrogen (0.10 - 0.20%), which helps increase its strength and resistance to corrosion, especially in chloride-rich environments.

• Strength: 316LN is generally stronger than 316L due to the presence of nitrogen, which increases its tensile strength and yield strength, making it more suitable for structural applications under stress.

Similar Grades

Similar alloys to 316LN include:

• 316L: The standard low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel.

• 317LN: Similar to 316LN but with higher molybdenum content for enhanced corrosion resistance.

• Alloy 904L: A super austenitic stainless steel with higher resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion than 316LN.

Applications

The versatility of 316LN stainless steel plate makes it ideal for a range of demanding applications, including:

• Chemical Processing Equipment: Reactors, heat exchangers, and storage tanks.

• Power Generation: Components exposed to high temperatures and corrosive atmospheres.

• Marine Environments: Components for ships, offshore platforms, and coastal infrastructure.

• Pharmaceutical and Food Processing: Equipment that requires high levels of cleanliness and corrosion resistance.

• Aerospace: Parts and structures that experience both elevated temperatures and corrosive environments.

Conclusion

ASTM A240 Alloy 316LN Stainless Steel Plate is a high-performance material specifically engineered for high-temperature and corrosion-resistant applications. Its combination of enhanced nitrogen content, low carbon, and excellent mechanical properties makes it a superior choice for critical environments, setting it apart from similar alloys like 316L. Whether for industrial, marine, or power generation applications, 316LN provides reliable performance in the most demanding conditions.

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