What Stainless Steel Is Best for Saltwater and Corrosive Environments?

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on August 11, 2022, and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.

254 SMO® super austenitic stainless steel is well suited for cooling tower valves and screens operating in saltwater and other corrosive, chloride-heavy environments. Its high strength and resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and corrosion cracking can help industrial equipment last longer with fewer repairs and replacements.

Saltwater environments can be harsh for industrial equipment. Components exposed to these conditions often experience:

• Premature aging
• Accelerated wear
• More frequent repairs
• Earlier replacement cycles

For cooling tower valves and screens, however, the right material, design, and engineering can help mitigate these issues.

What Is 254 SMO® Stainless Steel?

254 SMO® stainless steel, also known as UNS S31254, is a high-end super austenitic stainless steel developed for aggressive chloride-bearing environments such as saltwater. Its specialized chemical composition delivers greater corrosion resistance and strength than standard 300 series stainless steels.

254 SMO® bar is primarily composed of:

• 19.5% to 20.5% chromium
• 17.5% to 18.5% nickel
• 6% to 6.5% molybdenum
• 0.18% to 0.22% nitrogen

These elements work together to create a material with strong resistance to corrosion cracking, pitting, and crevice corrosion.

Why Does 254 SMO® Perform Well in Saltwater?

254 SMO® performs well in saltwater because it was specifically designed to withstand aggressive chloride exposure. Its composition provides the corrosion resistance and toughness needed for equipment that must operate reliably in demanding industrial conditions.

The material is also nearly twice as strong as 300 series stainless steels, helping it withstand the wear and stress associated with corrosive cooling tower applications.

How Does 254 SMO® Improve Cooling Tower Valves and Screens?

Using 254 SMO® can further strengthen the performance of Vari-Flow valves and cooling tower screens in corrosive environments. When paired with state-of-the-art design and engineering, this material helps create equipment built for long-term reliability.

Its benefits include:

• Improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion
• Greater strength than standard 300 series stainless steels
• Better durability in saltwater and chloride-bearing environments
• The ability to withstand high temperatures
• Strength retention under volatile operating conditions

Can 254 SMO® Be Used Beyond Saltwater Applications?

Yes, 254 SMO® can be effective in applications beyond saltwater exposure because it withstands high temperatures and maintains strength under volatile conditions. This makes it a valuable material choice wherever corrosion resistance and dependable performance are critical.

Where Can I Find Cooling Tower Equipment for Use in Corrosive Environments?

CTVS in Baton Rouge, designs Vari-Flow valves and traveling sump screens with the operating conditions of each cooling tower in mind, including saltwater and other corrosive environments. By pairing proven engineering with materials such as 254 SMO® stainless steel, CTVS helps facilities improve equipment reliability, reduce corrosion-related wear, and support long-term cooling tower performance.

If your cooling tower operates in a corrosive environment, contact Cooling Tower Valves and Screens to discuss the right valve or screen solution for your application.