B16 · HVAC & Refrigeration

Stainless Steel Sheets for HVAC&R: 316L/304 Selection and 7 Part Lists

In HVAC&R, we’ve compiled seven stainless steel parts used commonly: 316L / 304 / 2205, with thickness ranging from 0.4–25 mm.

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Stainless Water Tanks, Pumps, and Large Diameter Pipes for Water Treatment — Water Treatment and Drainage: Tanks, Pumps, and Large Diameters Pipes (Diagram; Material Selection Based on Medium, Temperature, and Drawing)

List of Parts and Materials for 7 Sections

Section / Part	Recommended Grade	Size / Thickness	Surface	Failure Modes	Standards
Cold Chiller/Heat Pump Heat Exchanger Tubes	316L（Cl⁻≤50ppm）/2205(high chloride)	Tube φ9.52–25mm; Wall Thickness 0.5–1.0mm	Bright/Acid Pickling	Cl⁻ Pitting: Cl⁻ > 50ppm increases risk; 100ppm+ClO₂ has led to 316L failures; Concentration accelerates at crevices	GB/T 151; ASTM A249; General Cl⁻ Limit Reference
Heat exchanger plates	304/316L	0.4–0.8mm	2B/embossed	Cl⁻ pitting+filming corrosion+seal aging	NB/T 47004；GB/T 3280
Cooling tower fillings/supports/nut fittings/suction pans	304/316L	2–6mm；M8–M16	2B/dielectric treatment	Wet heat+cycled water Cl⁻ concentration+microbial corrosion	GB/T 3280；GB/T 3098.6
Refrigerant lines/storage tanks/fittings	304/316L	1–5mm	2B/acid pickling	Refrigerant + Lubricant + Trace Moisture → Corrosion by Organic Acids	GB/T 3280；GB/T 9237
Condenser / Evaporator Tubes / Connection Pipes	304/316L	φ7–16mm	Bright / Acid Pickling	Condensate + Coastal Cl⁻ + Vibration Fatigue	GB/T 3280；GB/T 23137
Radiant Floor Distribution / Fittings	304/316L	DN20–DN40	Passivation / Acid Pickling	Hot Water + Cl⁻ + Oxygen → Pitting; Corrosion in Buried Gaps	GB/T 3280；CJ/T 228
Cold Storage / Refrigerated Warehouses / Shelves / Door Frames	304/430	0.5–2.0mm	2B / Textured	Low Temperature High Humidity + Food Contact + Cleaning Agents	GB/T 3280；GB 4806.9

Table isStandard Configuration. The same part may be changed from 304 to 316L or 2205 depending on the medium, temperature, and welding method —— Explain the usage conditions clearly, it's more convenient than specifying the grade directly.

Key Points in Material Selection

The most common grades used in this industry are 316L (6), 304 (6), and 2205 (1) —— The numbers in parentheses indicate the number of parts involved. These can serve as a starting point for quoting and material procurement.
What are the most common corrosion sources (pitting, pitting and crevice corrosion) (5/7 hits)?
Also affected by high temperatures: thermal fatigue and oxidation. Use 310S / heat-resistant castings when necessary (2/7 hits).
Thickness range 0.4–25 mm: thin plates are formed parts (consider bending rebound and deep drawing cracking), thick plates are welded structures (consider heat input and sensitization).

Common Issues

Which stainless steel is used most in HVAC&R?

Out of the 7 sections, 316L appears most frequently (6 hits), followed by 304 (6 hits) and 2205 (1 hit). Specific to a part depends on the medium and temperature. For example, a stainless steel countertop should switch from 304 to 316L if it contacts salt water.

What parts are most prone to failure?

Based on failure descriptions, typical is "cold water chiller/heat pump heat exchanger tubes": Cl⁻ pitting: Cl⁻ > 50 ppm increases risk; cases with ClO₂ + 100 ppm have failed with 316L; accelerated concentration at crevices; recommended grade 316L (Cl⁻ ≤ 50 ppm)/2205 (high chloride), size φ9.52–25 mm, wall thickness 0.5–1.0 mm. For this condition, specify medium concentration, temperature, and cleaning method in the design phase.

What thickness should I select?

Thickness range in the list is 0.4–25 mm. For thin plates, consider bending and surface finish; for thick plates, welding and structural strength. Values may vary by equipment manufacturer for the same location. Recheck with your drawing or operating conditions.

Material and Specifications

Applications7

Thickness0.4–25mm