B13 · Pharmaceutical Equipment
Pharmaceutical Equipment Stainless Steel Plates: 316L Selection and 4 Part Lists
In our pharmaceutical equipment, we organized four parts using stainless steel: commonly used 316L with thickness ranging from 2–20 mm.
Four Parts and Material List
| Part / Component | Recommended Grade | Size / Thickness | Surface | Table of Contents | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam/Pure Steam/Water Pipes/Components | 316L（ASME BPE） | 1/2″–6″ | Ra ≤ 0.38–0.5 μm | Seamless Corrosion in Weld Heat-Affected Zone + Internal Surface Roughness → Biofilm | ASME BPE；GB/T 21833；SEMI F20 |
| Diaphragm Valves/Sampling Valves/CIP Nozzles | 316L（ASME BPE） | DN15–DN100 | Ra ≤ 0.4 μm | Dead Legs + Membrane Aging + High-Temperature Sterilization Fatigue | ASME BPE；3-A；EHEDG；FDA |
| Bioreactors/Column Filters/Ultrafiltration Shell | 316L | 3–20mm | Electropolishing/Tinning | Corrosion by Cleaning Agents + SIP Thermal Fatigue + Low Solubility | ASME BPE；GB/T 3280 |
| Freezer/Dryer Shelves/Cold Wells | 316L | 2–10mm | Electropolishing/Tinning | Low Temperature + Vacuum + Corrosion by Cleaning Agents | ASME BPE；GB/T 3280 |
Inside TableStandard ConfigurationsSpecify material based on usage conditions.
Key considerations
- Most common grade is 316L (4). Start quoting and ordering from here.
- Hot zone also requires hot fatigue and oxidation. Consider 310S / heat-resistant castings (2/4 hit).
- Frequent cleaning and disinfection increase risk of crevice and intergranular corrosion.
- Thickness range 2–20 mm: Thin plates are mostly formed parts (consider bending rebound and deep drawing cracking), thick plates are mostly welded structural parts (consider heat input and sensitization).
Common issues
What stainless steel is used most in pharmaceutical equipment?
Stat by total pages, 316L (4) appears most frequently. For specific parts, see media and temperature, e.g., stainless countertops require 304 for saltwater contact instead of 316L.
Which part is the most likely to have problems?
Corrosion description based on failure types, such as "pure steam/injection water pipes/fittings": HAZ intergranular corrosion + rough inner surface promotes biofilm; recommended grade 316L (ASME BPE), size 1/2″–6″. This type of condition requires specifying media concentration, temperature, and cleaning method during the design phase.
What thickness should I select?
Thickness range in the list is 2–20 mm. For thin plates, consider bending and surface finish; for thick plates, welding and structural strength. Values may vary by equipment manufacturer for the same location, review your drawing or operating conditions.
Related materials and adjacent industries
Applications4
Thickness2–20mm
Grades316L