904L vs. 316L Stainless Steel Tubes: Applications
Apr 24, 2026
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904L vs. 316L Stainless Steel Tubes: Applications
While 316L is sufficient for general seawater exposure and mild chemical service, 904L is required when equipment faces aggressive reducing acids or long-term stability in hot, chloride-rich media, justifying its higher initial cost through extended lifespan and reduced maintenance.
What are the applications for 904L stainless steel pipes?
Chemical Processing Industry: Applied in environments requiring high acid resistance (e.g., sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid), as well as in the manufacture of chemical processing equipment.
Oil and Gas Industry: Applied in offshore subsea pipelines and downstream refinery components.
Marine and Seawater Environments: Used in seawater cooling systems, desalination plants, and heat exchangers.
Pollution Control: Applied in Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems.
Pulp and Paper Industry: Used in bleaching equipment and storage tanks.
Where are 316 stainless steel pipes used?
Marine and Coastal Environments: Commonly used for marine fittings, seawater piping, and structural components in offshore areas.
Chemical and Petrochemical Processing: Applied in pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and chemical storage tanks.
Food, Beverage, and Pharmaceuticals: Frequently utilized in sanitary piping systems, food processing equipment, and brewing production lines.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Sectors: Applied in hospital piping infrastructure, pharmaceutical equipment, and manufacturing facilities.
Water Treatment and Pulp & Paper Industries: Used in various filtration systems and wastewater treatment facilities.
904L vs. 316L Stainless Steel Tubes: Chemical Composition Comparison (%)
| Element | 316L (UNS S31603) | 904L (UNS N08904) |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0 | 19.0 – 23.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 – 14.0 | 23.0 – 28.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0 – 3.0 | 4.0 – 5.0 |
| Copper (Cu) | - | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.020 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 |
904L vs. 316L Stainless Steel Tubes: Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | 316L Stainless Steel | 904L Stainless Steel |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 485 MPa (70 ksi) | 490 MPa (71 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (min) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) | 220 MPa (31 ksi) |
| Elongation (min) | 40% | 35% |
| Hardness (max) | 95 HRB | 90 HRB |
| PREN (Pitting Resistance) | 24 – 26 (Moderate) | 34 – 36 (High) |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic (Standard) | Non-magnetic (Highly Stable) |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ | 7.95 g/cm³ |
904L vs. 316L Stainless Steel Tubes: Corrosion Resistance
Compared to 316L stainless steel, 904L stainless steel tubing exhibits superior corrosion resistance-a quality primarily attributed to its higher molybdenum (4%–5%) and copper content-particularly in strong acidic media (such as sulfuric acid) and chloride-rich environments (such as seawater). While 316L is suitable for general marine or chemical applications, 904L-thanks to its higher nickel content (reaching up to 25%)-effectively prevents pitting corrosion and stress corrosion cracking in harsh, high-temperature, or acidic operating environments.
904L vs. 316L Stainless Steel Tubes: Price
904L stainless steel tubes are significantly more expensive than 316L, typically costing 60% to 80% more, or averaging 1.5 to 3 times the price per kg. As of early 2026, 904L prices range roughly $11-$19 USD/kg, driven by high nickel (23-28%) and molybdenum (4-5%) content for superior corrosion resistance.
| Month | SS 904L Seamless | SS 904L Welded | SS 316L Seamless | SS 316L Welded | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/kg | CNY/kg | USD/kg | CNY/kg | USD/kg | CNY/kg | USD/kg | CNY/kg | |
| Jan 2026 | $8.50 | ¥61.20 | $6.20 | ¥44.64 | $3.20 | ¥23.04 | $2.60 | ¥18.72 |
| Feb 2026 | $8.80 | ¥63.36 | $6.40 | ¥46.08 | $3.30 | ¥23.76 | $2.65 | ¥19.08 |
| Mar 2026 | $9.20 | ¥66.24 | $6.70 | ¥48.24 | $3.40 | ¥24.48 | $2.75 | ¥19.80 |
| Apr 2026 | $9.50 | ¥68.40 | $6.90 | ¥49.68 | $3.50 | ¥25.20 | $2.85 | ¥20.52 |
| Change | ↑ +$1.00 | ↑ +¥7.20 | ↑ +$0.70 | ↑ +¥5.04 | ↑ +$0.30 | ↑ +¥2.16 | ↑ +$0.25 | ↑ +¥1.80 |
If you have project-specific requirements for 316L or 904L stainless steel tubes, we welcome your orders. GNEE maintains a substantial inventory of our best-selling products for you to choose from. These materials are available in both seamless and welded forms. For detailed chemical composition specifications or to request free samples, please contact our factory immediately. We offer competitive pricing and exceptional service.
Our products are packaged using waterproof paper and steel strapping, adhering to standard export packaging requirements for maritime transport and are suitable for various shipping methods; alternatively, packaging can be customized according to client specifications.
Packaging
Standard Export Packaging for Stainless Steel Plates
1. Polished surface finish; 2. Bundled packaging;
3. Wooden crate packaging; Wooden pallet packaging;
4. Containerized or bulk cargo shipping; 5. Customized according to client requirements.
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