Heat exchanger tubesheets
Stainless Steel for Heat Exchanger Tubesheets
Heat exchanger tubesheets experience significant wear due to corrosive environments and thermal cycling. Using the right stainless steel grade can extend the operational life and maintain efficiency.
The service challenge
Wear in heat exchanger tubesheets primarily occurs due to corrosive attack and thermal fatigue, often resulting in pitting and cracking at the gasket interface. The initial wear usually manifests at the welded seams or stress points where heat and corrosion are most pronounced.
Recommended product by component
| Component | Grade | Thickness | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubesheet Base | S30400 | 10-25 | Optimized for resistance to corrosive fluids, providing a significant lifespan under typical operating conditions. |
| Weld Overlay | S31600 | 3-5 | Superior corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength, enhancing overall durability and extending periods between maintenance. |
| Gasket Seating Surface | S34700 | 5-12 | Excellent resistant to intergranular corrosion, promoting longevity of sealing surfaces and reducing leakage risks. |
| Heat Affected Zone | S31603 | 6-15 | Enhanced toughness and resilience in welded areas, minimizing the risk of thermal cracking. |
| Support Flange | S32205 | 8-20 | Superior strength and resistance to pitting, ideal for pressurized applications and improving safety. |
Selecting the right product
Determine Operating Conditions
Assess temperature and corrosive environment to choose the most suitable stainless steel grade.
Consider Thickness Requirements
Select thickness based on expected pressure and thermal cycling demands to ensure structural integrity.
Utilize Mill Test Certificates
Always review EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates for traceability of material quality.
Consult with Experts
Engage with our wear-engineering specialists for tailored recommendations based on your specific application.
Questions engineers ask
What grade is best for high corrosion?
S31600 and S34700 ranks among the top choices for high corrosion resistance, making them ideal for heat exchanger applications.
How do I choose the right thickness?
Thickness should be determined by the pressure and thermal loading conditions to prevent failure during operation.
Can I get custom cut sizes?
Yes, we provide cutting services to meet your specific dimensional requirements for any grade and thickness.
What certifications do you offer?
All products come with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates, ensuring quality and traceability of materials supplied.
Products for heat exchanger tubesheets
Austenitic Stainless Steel Plate
The 300-series workhorses — 304/304L, 316/316L, 321, 347, 309S and 310S.
View product →Duplex & Super Duplex Plate
Twice the yield of 316L with chloride stress corrosion resistance — 2205, 2304, 2507, S32760.
View product →Super Austenitic & High Alloy Plate
When 316L pits and duplex is ruled out — 904L, 254 SMO and Alloy 20.
View product →Not listed? Send your specification and we will confirm availability.
Get a quotation for heat exchanger tubesheets
Send drawings or part sizes and we quote plate, grade and cut-to-size options with mill test certificates.
Request a quotation