Broad application scope for stainless steel
Stainless steel pipework and fittings can offer a wide range of benefits to designers and installers, says Barny Parks, Managing Director of SANHA UK.
Background
It is just over 100 years since metallurgists first added carbon and chromium to a melt of steel to produce a new kind of metal that resisted acid attack and was corrosion resistant.
This new wonder steel was initially used in the manufacture of cutlery. The story goes that because cutlery made from metal did not stain in vinegar it acquired the name “stainless steel”.However, one of the most advantageous uses of stainless steel is for pipes and fittings.
Stainless steel has significant advantages as a piping material, particularly when compared to plastic and copper pipework. It is hygienic and easy to clean, durable and robust, it is not subject to patination and it does not require painting, it is also maintenance free and it will not rust. And, when it does eventually reach the end of its useful life, it is fully recyclable.
Cost
For larger pipes, those with a diameter of 108mm for example, the cost of stainless steel is comparable with the cost of copper, particularly when the installation utilises press-fittings.
For smaller diameter pipes the initial capital cost may be higher than copper but its robustness and lack of maintenance means that economic benefits of using stainless steel will increase over time, particularly for larger installations.
Durability
Stainless steel is also more durable than copper and it will withstand more aggressive cleaning methods.
Selection process
When selecting stainless steel for a pipework project, it is important to understand that stainless steel is not a single alloy but part of a large family of alloys and that each member of this family has different properties making it suitable for different applications.
SANHA is the only pipework system promoter to manufacture its own stainless steel pipes and fittings and its plants in Berlin and Dresden, Germany; they are available under its NiroSan® brand. Its range has been developed to enable it to provide a stainless steel solution for almost every piped application.
Austenitic stainless steel is the most popular stainless alloy because of its ductility and ease of working combined with good corrosion resistance. For this SANHA developed its Series 9000 grade stainless steel.
Where resistance to chlorine is not an issue, a more economical alternative is to use a stainless steel alloy containing less nickel. SANHA’s NiroTherm® is your answer.
Stainless steel is available with different wall thinknesses. For less demanding applications, contractors may consider using stainless steel pipework with a reduced wall thickness, Series 9600 tube, which could make the installation more cost effective.Ferritic stainless steels are manufactured without nickel. SANHA NiroSan® F allows for the same corrosion resistance properties of Series 9000 but can be used for drinking water installations.
SANHA’s NiroSan® fittings, when installed in conjunction with either its Series 9000 or Series 9600 tubes have Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) approval.
One hundred years after its invention it would appear that there are more and more applications where stainless steel for piped systems are appropriate – proof that things really do get better with age.
