253MA stainless steel pipe is a high-performance austenitic heat-resistant tubing, engineered to excel in extreme high-temperature and corrosive environments. Its unique alloy composition, featuring elevated levels of chromium, nickel, silicon, nitrogen, and trace cerium, grants it exceptional oxidation resistance and mechanical strength, making it a preferred choice for critical industrial applications where reliability and longevity are paramount.
1. Key Chemical Composition (Weight %)
The precise alloy makeup of 253MA stainless steel pipe is critical to its performance:
| Element | Content Range (%) | Primary Function |
| Chromium (Cr) | 20.0 - 22.0 | Forms a protective oxide layer, enhancing oxidation resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 - 12.0 | Stabilizes the austenitic structure, improving ductility |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.40 - 2.00 | Promotes dense oxide film formation (SiO₂), boosting high-temperature resistance |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.14 - 0.20 | Enhances mechanical strength and creep resistance |
| Carbon (C) | 0.05 - 0.10 | Improves high-temperature hardness |
| Cerium (Ce) | 0.03 - 0.08 | Refines grain structure and strengthens oxide layer adhesion |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤1.00 | Aids in workability |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.03 | Minimized to prevent embrittlement |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.015 | Controlled to avoid corrosion susceptibility |
2. Mechanical Properties
253MA stainless steel pipe exhibits impressive mechanical performance at both ambient and elevated temperatures:
| Property | Room Temperature | At 800°C |
| Tensile Strength | ≥600 MPa | ≥100 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | ≥300 MPa | ≥60 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥40% | ≥25% |
| Hardness (HV) | ≤200 | - |
3. Typical Specifications
253MA stainless steel pipes are available in a range of dimensions to suit diverse industrial needs:
| Specification Type | Range |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | 6 mm - 630 mm (seamless); up to 2000 mm (welded) |
| Wall Thickness (WT) | 0.5 mm - 50 mm |
| Length | 3 m - 12 m (standard); custom lengths available |
| Form | Seamless pipe, welded pipe, welded tube |
| Surface Finish | Annealed, pickled, polished (2B, BA, or rough) |
4. Relevant Standards
253MA stainless steel pipes adhere to international standards ensuring quality and consistency:
| Standard Organization | Standard Designation |
| ASTM (USA) | ASTM A213, ASTM A312 (for seamless/welded pipes) |
| ASME (USA) | ASME SA213, ASME SA312 |
| EN (Europe) | EN 10216-5 (seamless); EN 10217-7 (welded) |
| GB (China) | GB/T 14976, GB/T 13296 |
| DIN (Germany) | DIN 17458 |
5. Equivalent Grades
253MA stainless steel pipe is known by equivalent designations across global standards:
| Region/Standard | Equivalent Grade Designation |
| USA (UNS) | UNS S30815 |
| Europe (EN) | 1.4835, X9CrNiSiNCe21-11-2 |
| China (GB) | 1Cr21Ni11Si2NCe |
| Sweden | SS2368 |
| Trade Name | 253MA |
6. Key Advantages
- Exceptional High-Temperature Resistance: Sustains performance at temperatures up to 1150°C, with superior oxidation resistance due to Cr₂O₃/SiO₂ oxide layers.
- Strong Creep Resistance: Maintains structural integrity under long-term high-temperature loads, outperforming conventional 310S stainless steel.
- Cost-Effective: Offers a viable alternative to expensive nickel-based alloys in many high-temperature applications.
- Good Weldability: Can be welded using compatible fillers (e.g., ER353MA) without significant loss of properties.
- Corrosion Resistance: Resists sulfur-containing gases, carbon-rich environments, and industrial pollutants.
7. Typical Applications
253MA stainless steel pipes are widely used in industries requiring heat and corrosion resistance:
- Industrial Furnaces: Radiant tubes, furnace rolls, burner manifolds, and heat exchanger tubes.
- Waste Incineration: Superheater tubes and flue gas ducts handling high-temperature, corrosive emissions.
- Petrochemical Industry: Cracking furnace tubes, reformer tubes, and catalytic reactor piping.
- Energy Sector: Biomass power plants, solar thermal systems, and nuclear auxiliary heat exchangers.
- Automotive & Aerospace: High-temperature exhaust systems and engine components.
In essence, 253MA stainless steel pipe combines robust performance, versatility, and cost efficiency, making it an indispensable material for demanding high-temperature industrial environments.
