1. Stainless Steel Applications
Penn Stainless Products, Inc
190 Kelly Road
Quakertown, Pa 18951
800-222-6144 Fax: 215-536-3255
www.pennstainless.com & www.dynamicwaterjet.com & www.pipeandtubes.com

2. Overview

3. The Costs of Corrosion

4. Corrosion Happens…..So What!?
Well… things fall apart.

5. Reducing the Impact of Corrosion
 “Approximately one-third of the costs could
be reduced by broader application of
corrosion resistant materials and the
application of best corrosion related
practices (Battle Study).”
 “Virtually all premature corrosion failures
occur for reasons which were already well
known and these failures can be prevented
(Mars Fontana).”

6. Progreso Pier Mexico: Applying Better Practices
• The 6,980 foot pier
was constructed from
1937 – 1941 using
304 stainless rebar
• In 1998, Ramboll
consulting engineers
inspected the pier and
reported minimal
structural fatigue

7. What is Stainless Steel? What makes it “Stainless”?
• Stainless steel must have at least 10% chromium in its
content to be classified as a stainless steel.
• Nickel, Molybdenum and other elements are often
combined with chromium to improve the corrosion
resistance, strength, or heat resistance of the material.
• There are over 50 different “flavors” of stainless steels that
can be selected for different applications and processes.
Let’s take a step back. What Makes
Stainless Steel work and how do we
make stainless steel work better on
our projects?

8. What Makes Stainless Work?
Chromium Oxide
Layer
Oxide Layer
Damaged
Chromium Oxide Layer
Repaired
For the Chromium oxide to
repair—oxygen must be
present!
This Chemistry “stuff” matters…a lot!

9. How to Preserve the Chromium Oxide Layer

10. Summary of Best Practices for Handling Stainless
Materials
1. Keep your stainless and carbon steel fabrication areas
separate.
2. Separate stainless and carbon inventories.
3. Use stainless steel processing and handling equipment when
possible.
4. Use Work table bearers; non- stainless lifting 'dogs' and
chain marks can introduce iron contamination. Non-metallic
contact materials and vacuum lifting equipment should be
used.
5. Packing & Shipping – Tarp your stainless steel fabrications.
6. Communicate with your partners about the proper treatment
of stainless steel

11. Now you know what to do. Does everyone else?

12. Do not allow grinding to take place near
stainless fabrication.

13. NYC Far Rockaway
• Carbon
Contaminati
on from
grinding
• Deicing salt

14. Part 2: Types of Corrosion
• Uniform Corrosion: Also known as
general corrosion, is characterized by
an even, general wasting away of metal
from the corroding surface.
Was the correct
material selected?

15. Pitting Corrosion
• Pitting Corrosion: described as an
extreme case of localized attack which
produces cavities or pits in the
material. • Was the stainless steel
maintained correctly?
• Stainless Steels are
susceptible to pitting
corrosion.
• Avoid Chlorides.

16. 316/L 7” SQ x ½ Wall Structurals, Polished with Minor
Pitting Corrosion

17. Pitting / Surface Corrosion
• Staining from iron
contamination
• Salt and chlorides present

18. Surface after
passivation

19. Crevice Corrosion
• Crevice Corrosion: a particular form of
localized corrosion which occurs in
crevices formed between two surfaces.
• When possible, avoid
tight corners or crevices
in design
• Avoid spot welding, use
continued welds when
possible
• Use non absorbent
gaskets, avoid chlorides

20. It’s All About the Surface Finish
Rougher surface is harder to clean,
harder to remove contamination and
more prone to corrosion
Accelerated salt
spray test
Source: British
Stainless Steel
Association

21. Polished 304/L Stainless Steel I Beams (Cornell
University)
Dairy Processing Facility: polished
surface improves appearance while
enhancing corrosion

22. Deeper Collaborations
• We need deeper, more open collaborations &
dialog in order to “discover” and solve problems
• Work closely with suppliers and customers to
solve technical challenges, save costs and offer
better products and services.
• Our aim is to be this type of
collaborative partner.