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How Does 316 and 316L Valve Balls Work?

Author: Adelaide

Apr. 14, 2025

316/316L STAINLESS VALVES - Global Supply Line

316/316L STAINLESS VALVES

Valves are manufactured in ASTM A182 316/316L forgings and ASTM A351 CF8/CF3 castings. Trim components can also be in UNS S and AISI-SAE 316/316L. Welded end valves can be in 316 but 316L is often preferred due to the lower carbon content which avoids inter granular corrosion in the as-welded state thereby providing superior corrosion resistance compared to 316. However 316 can be post-weld annealed to promote maximum corrosion resistance.

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316 and 316L are molybdenum steels with enhanced resistance to pitting by solutions with chlorides and other halides. These grades offer tensile, creep and stress-rupture strength in higher-temperature applications. 316 and 316L offer better resistance to atmospheric and mild environments than 304 and 304L.

Design Features 316/316L

  • 316 is resistant to dilute solutions (1-5%) of sulfuric acid to 49ºC (120ºF), except in some oxidising acids, where 316 is less resistant than 304.
  • 316 is susceptible to inter granular corrosion in the as-welded condition
  • 316 is prone to carbide precipitation from 427ºC to 816ºC (800ºF to ºF)
  • Corrosion resistance can be restored by post-welding annealing
  • 316L offers same composition but with less than 0.03% carbon
  • 316L presents similar corrosion resistance and other characteristics as 316 but with added resistance to inter granular attack in the as-welded condition or with short exposures in the 427ºC to 816ºC (800ºF to ºF) range
  • 316L is appropriate in applications where it’s impossible to avoid exposure in the carbide precipitation range and when post-welding annealing isn’t practical; lengthy exposure in this range may make the material brittle and susceptible to inter granular attack
  • 316 maximum temperature for scaling resistance is 899ºC (ºF) in continuous service and 816ºC (ºF) in intermittent service applications
  • 316L has a slightly lower pressure rating at very high temperatures compared to 316
  • Susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking
  • Slightly magnetic in the cold-worked condition
  • Nonmagnetic and non harden able in the annealed condition
  • Enhanced resistance to chlorides

GRADE 316

After 304, 316 is the most common stainless steel on the market. It is an austenitic grade with the addition of 2-3% molybdenum which further improves corrosion resistance. It is often referred to as a marine grade stainless steel because of its effective resistance to chloride corrosion in comparison to other stainless steel grades.

The material has superior welding and forming qualities. Grade 316 will require post-weld annealing to promote maximum corrosion resistance, though this is not necessary if Type 316L is used.

Applications of Grade 316 Stainless Steel

Typical applications for this material are now widespread due to its superior corrosion resistance properties when compared to Grade 304. Type 316 stainless can be found in heat exchangers, pharmaceutical equipment, refineries, food industry, mining, process industries, etc.

316 & 316L steel valves have common properties and are often stocked by Global Supply Line with dual certification,where it is determined that both have properties and composition which comply with both steel types.

Type 316H is excluded from this overview but as a brief explanation, 316H is engineered to constantly work in even higher working temperatures than 316/316L. It should also be noted that 316L has a slightly lower maximum temperature rating and maximum cold working pressure rating than 316.

GRADE 316L

Type 316L is the low carbon version of 316 stainless. Again compared to 304/304L having the addition of molybdenum, the steel is popular for use in severe corrosion environments due to the materials immunity from boundary carbide precipitation (sensitisation) caused by welding.

Weld annealing is only required where the material is for use in high stress environments. 316L has an extensive variety of uses especially in highly corrosive applications.

Benefits of using Type 316L Stainless Steel

  • Low carbon content eliminates carbon precipitation in the welding process
  • Can be used in severe corrosive environments
  • Improved anti-corrosion scope due to added molybdenum
  • Very similar to Grade 316 in chemical composition and mechanical properties

316 & 316L valves have common properties and are often stocked by Global Supply Line with dual certification, where it is determined that both have properties and composition which comply with both steel types.

The below tables are correct as per A182/A182M-13

Chemical Composition

Grade C (MAX) Si (Max) Mn (Max) P (Max) S (Max) Cr Mo Ni N (Max) 316L 0.030 1.00 2.00 0.045 0.030 16.00/18.00 2.00/3.00 10.00/15.00 0.10 316 0.350 1.00 2.00 0.045 0.030 16.00/18.00 2.00/3.00 10.00/14.00 0.10

Mechanical Properties

Grade Yield Strength Tensile Strength Elongation (%) Reduction of Area (%) Hardness Max Min (Mpa) Min (Mpa) Min Min (50mm) HB HR B 316L 170 485 30 50 217* 95* 316 205 515 30 50 217* 95*

* Maximum hardness not specified in ASTM A182/A182M-13

Equivalent Standards / Specifications

The following standards may be utilised for valve & trim components in valve construction:-

ASTM

A312, A376, A358, A269, A249, A403, A182, A351

ASME

SA312, SA376, SA358, SA269, SA249, SA403, SA182, SA351

Applications

FORGING SPECIFICATION COMMON DESIGNATION MATERIAL SUFFIX WROUGHT BAR SPECIFICATION SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS (1) COMMON API TRIM # FOR BASE MATERIAL 150 TO 600 # 900 TO # ASTM A182 F316 18% Chrome; 12% Nickel; 2% Mo; 0.08% C Stainless Steel ASTM A351 Grade CF8M ASTM A479 316 Corrosive or either extremely low or high temperature non-corrosive services between -450ºF (-268ºC) and +ºF (+649ºC). Above +800ºF (+425ºC) specify carbon content of 0.04% or greater. 10, 12 12, 16 ASTM A182 F316L 18% Chrome; 12% Nickel; 2% Mo; 0.03% C Low Carbon Stainless Steel ASTM A351 Grade CF3M ASTM A479 316L Acetic acid, calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, potable water, sea water, steam, sulfites. 316L+HFS 316L+HF ASTM A182 F316H 18% Chrome; 8% Nickel; 2% Mo; 0.08% C Stainless Steel ASTM A351 Grade CF10M ASTM A479 316H Corrosive or extremely high temperature non-corrosive services between -450ºF (-268ºC) and +ºF (+649ºC). Above +800ºF (+425ºC) specify carbon content of 0.04% or greater. 310H+HFS 310H+HF

Major Categories of Common Valve Materials

FORGED

CAST

CARBON STEEL ASTM A105N ASTM A216 WCB/WCC ASTM A350 LF2 ASTM A352 LCB/LCC ALLOY STEEL ASTM A350 LF3 ASTM A352 LC3 ASTM A182 F5A/F5 ASTM A217 C5 ASTM A182 F9 ASTM A217 C12 ASTM A182 F11 ASTM A217 WC6 ASTM A182 F22 ASTM A217 WC9 ASTM A182 F91 ASTM A217 C12A AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL ASTM A182 F304/F304L ASTM A351 CF8/CF3 ASTM A182 F316/F316L ASTM A351 CF8M/CF3M ASTM A182 F347 ASTM A351 CF8C ASTM A182 F321 ASTM A182 F44 (6MO) ASTM CK3MCuN ASTM A182 F20* (ALLOY 20) ASTM A351 CN7M FERRITIC-AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL ASTM A182 F51 – UNS S (DUPLEX S.S.) ASTM A351 CD3MN ASTM A182 F53 – UNS S (SUPER DUPLEX S.S.) A890 GR.5A CE3MN* ASTM A182 F55 – UNS S (SUPER DUPLEX S.S.) A890 GR.6A CD3MWCuN NICKEL ALLOY INCONEL 825 – UNS N ASTM B564-N A484 CU 5MCuC* INCONEL 600 – UNS N ASTM B564-N A494 CY40* INCONEL 625 – UNS N ASTM B564-N A494 CW6MC* MONEL 400 – UNS N ASTM B564-N A494 M35-1 TITANIUM ASTM B381 GR.F2 ASTM B367 GR.C2 ASTM B381 GR.F3 ASTM B367 GR.C3

*No longer referenced in ASME B16.34-

COMPLETE VALVE SOLUTIONS FOR ALL INDUSTRIES

Global Supply Line offers valves in a wide variety of material combinations in carbon steel, stainless steels, exotic and special materials. We keep extensive stocks which are inventoried in our warehouses. Global Supply Line stocks and indents the following valves in all grades:-

  • Ball Valves (Firesafe & non Firesafe)
  • Check Valves (Piston, Swing, Tilt)
  • Wafer Check Valves (Dual flap/ Single flap)
  • Gate Valves (API603 & API600)
  • Globe Valves (ANSI B16.34 & BS)
  • Needle Valves (Plug and Globe type)
  • Plug Valves (Lined & Sleeved)
  • Strainers (Y, Basket & Duplex type)

PRODUCTS STOCKED BY GLOBAL SUPPLY LINE

Gate Valves

  • API 603 & 600 150# – #
  • API 602 & ANSI B16.34 800#, #, #, #

Globe Valves

  • ANSI B16.34 & BS 150# – #
  • API 602 & BS & ANSI B16.34 800#, #, #

Check Valves

  • ANSI B16.34, API 6D, API 600
  • API 602 & BS & ANSI B16.34
  • 800#, #, #, #

Ball Valves

  • ANSI Class 150# – #

Multi-way Ball Valve

  • 3 Way
  • 4 Way

Wafer Check Valves

  • Dual & Single flap
  • ANSI Class 150# – #

Strainers (Y) Pattern & Basket

Stainless Stell Valve Balls 316/316L

• Excellent Corrosion Resistance
• Good Elevated Temperature Strength
• Good Pitting Resistance

316 Stainless Steel is widely used in applications requiring corrosion resistance superior to Type 304, or good elevated temperature strength. Type 316L immunity to carbide precipitation due to welding assures optimum corrosion resistance.
Type 316L is an extra-low carbon version of Type 316 that eliminates harmful carbide precipitation due to welding.

Composition

Type 316 %

Type 316L %

Carbon

0.08 max.

0.03 max.

Manganese

2.00 max.

2.00 max.

Phosphorus

For more information, please visit 316 and 316L Valve Balls.

0.045 max.

0.045 max.

Sulfur

0.030 max.

0.03 max.

Silicon

0.75 max.

0.75 max.

Chromium

16.00 – 18.00

16.00 – 18.00

Nickel

10.00 – 14.00

10.00 – 14.00

Molybdenum

2.00 – 3.00

2.00 – 3.00

Nitrogen

0.10 max.

0.10 max.

Iron

Balance

Balance


Typical Room Temperature Properties

Elevated Temperature Properties

Corrosion Resistance

Types 316 and 316L Stainless Steels exhibit better corrosion resistance than Type 304. They provide excellent resistance to pitting type corrosion such as encountered in a sea coast environment. They also provide good resistance to most chemicals involved in the paper, textile and photographic industries. They are particularly useful in one to five percent sulfuric acid solutions up to 150°F (66°C) as well as acetic, phosphoric, formic and tartaric acids, and in certain chloride, bromide and iodide solutions.

Oxidation Resistance

The maximum temperature to which Types 316 and 316L can be exposed continuously without appreciable scaling is about °F (927°C). For intermittent exposure, the maximum exposure temperature is about °F (871°C).

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit 304 and 304L Valve Balls.

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