Stainless Steel Material for Saltwater and Corrosive Environments

Saltwater environments can be harsh for industrial equipment.  Premature aging, accelerated wear, and more frequent repairs and replacements are typical for components that operate in these conditions.  However, when it comes to cooling tower valves and screens the right material and cutting-edge design and engineering can mitigate these issues. 

254 SMO® super austenitic stainless steel bar, also referred to as UNS S31254, was originally created for use in aggressive chloride-bearing environments, like saltwater.  The grade of this bar is considered to be very high-end austenitic stainless steel; mainly comprised of between 19.5% and 20.5% chromium, 17.5% to 18.5% nickel, 6% to 6.5% molybdenum, and .18% to .22% nitrogen.  With these specific levels an impact toughness resistance to corrosion cracking, with pitting and crevice corrosion resistance is created.  254 SMO is nearly twice as strong as 300 series stainless steels.

This increased strength and resistance makes the state-of-the art design of Vari-Flow valves and screens even better.  It also has the ability to withstand high temperatures and maintain strength under volatile conditions, making it effective for other applications beyond corrosive environments.