B16 · HVAC & Refrigeration
Stainless Steel Sheets for HVAC: 316L/304 Selection and 7 Part Lists
In HVAC, we’ve compiled seven stainless steel parts: commonly used 316L / 304 / 2205, with thickness ranging from 0.4–25 mm.
7 Parts List and Material Recommendations
| Part / Component | Recommended Grade | Size / Thickness | Surface | Failure Modes | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Chiller/Heat Pump Heat Exchanger Tubes | 316L（Cl⁻≤50ppm）/2205(high chloride) | Tube φ9.52–25mm; Wall Thickness 0.5–1.0mm | Bright/Acid Pickled | Cl⁻ Pitting: Cl⁻ > 50ppm increases risk; 100ppm+ ClO₂ has led to 316L failures; Concentration accelerates in crevices | GB/T 151; ASTM A249; Cl⁻ Limit General Reference |
| Heat exchanger plates | 304/316L | 0.4–0.8mm | Bent with 2B finish | Cl⁻ pitting + galvanic corrosion + seal aging | NB/T 47004；GB/T 3280 |
| Cooling tower fillings/supports/fixtures/sleeves | 304/316L | 2–6mm；M8–M16 | Finished with 2B passivation | Wet heat + concentrated Cl⁻ + microbial corrosion | GB/T 3280；GB/T 3098.6 |
| Refrigerant lines/storage tanks/fittings | 304/316L | 1–5mm | Pickled with 2B acid | Refrigerant + Lubricant + Trace Moisture → Corrosion by Organic Acids | GB/T 3280；GB/T 9237 |
| Air Condition Condenser / Evaporator Tubes / Connection Pipes | 304/316L | Pipe φ7–16mm | Bright/Sulfuric Acid Cleaning | Condensate + Coastal Cl⁻ + Vibration Fatigue | GB/T 3280；GB/T 23137 |
| Radiant Floor Distribution/Components | 304/316L | DN20–DN40 | Passivation/Acid Cleaning | Hot Water + Cl⁻ + Oxygen → Pitting; Corrosion in Buried Gaps | GB/T 3280；CJ/T 228 |
| Cold Storage / Refrigerated Shelves / Door Frames | 304/430 | 0.5–2.0mm | 2B / Embossed | Low Temperature High Humidity + Food Contact + Cleaning Agents | GB/T 3280；GB 4806.9 |
Table isStandard Configuration. Same part may use 316L, 304, or 2205 depending on usage conditions; specifying grades can be more convenient.
Key Considerations in Material Selection
- The most common grades used are 316L (6), 304 (6), and 2205 (1) —— numbers in parentheses indicate the number of parts involved, which can serve as a starting point for quoting and material procurement.
- Corrosion from chloride and salt is the most common (click for point erosion, pitting corrosion) (5/7 hits).
- High-temperature sections also suffer from thermal fatigue and oxidation; consider 310S / heat-resistant castings if necessary (2/7 hits).
- Thickness range: 0.4–25 mm. Thin plates are typically formed parts (consider bending rebound and deep drawing cracking), thick plates are welded structures (consider heat input and sensitization).
Common issues
Which stainless steel is used most in HVAC&R?
Out of the total 7 components, 316L appears most frequently (6 hits), followed by 304 (6 hits), and 2205 (1 hit). Specific to a part depends on the medium and temperature; for example, an stainless steel countertop would need to switch from 304 to 316L if it contacts salt water.
Which parts are most prone to problems?
Based on failure descriptions, typical issues include "cold water units/heat pumps heat exchanger tubes": Cl⁻ point corrosion: risk increases at >50 ppm; cases with >100 ppm and ClO₂ have occurred with 316L; accelerated concentration in crevices; recommended grade 316L (Cl⁻ ≤ 50 ppm)/2205 (high chloride), size φ9.52–25 mm, wall thickness 0.5–1.0 mm. For this condition, specify medium concentration, temperature, and cleaning method in the design phase.
What thickness is generally needed?
The listed thickness range is 0.4–25 mm. Thin plates consider forming and surface quality, thick plates consider welding and structural strength; different manufacturers may choose different values for the same part based on your drawings or operating conditions, recheck as necessary.
Related materials and adjacent industries
2205Material specifications316LMaterial specifications304Material specifications430Material specificationsBuilding infrastructureConstruction & InfrastructureElectric Power and Heat Production and Supply (including FGD Flue Gas Desulfurization)Power & Energy (incl. FGD)Gas Production and Supply IndustryGas Supply
Applications7
Thickness0.4–25mm