Incoloy 800 Stainless Steel Welded Tube for Heating Elements

When comparing INCOLOY 800 to 316L stainless steel for electric heating tubes, several advantages of INCOLOY 800 can be identified:

1. High Temperature Resistance: INCOLOY 800 exhibits excellent high-temperature resistance, making it suitable for electric heating applications that require operation at elevated temperatures. It can withstand temperatures up to 1100°C (2012°F), whereas 316L stainless steel has a lower maximum operating temperature of around 870°C (1600°F). This higher temperature resistance of INCOLOY 800 allows for more efficient and effective heating in demanding environments.

2. Oxidation and Scaling Resistance: INCOLOY 800 has superior oxidation and scaling resistance compared to 316L stainless steel. It forms a protective oxide layer on the surface, which helps to prevent the formation of scales and protects the material from further oxidation. This characteristic is particularly important in electric heating applications where the heating elements are exposed to air or oxidizing environments at high temperatures.

3. Carburization Resistance: INCOLOY 800 also exhibits excellent resistance to carburization, which is the process of carbon diffusion into the material at high temperatures. This resistance prevents the formation of carbon deposits on the surface of the heating elements, ensuring their longevity and maintaining their performance over time. In contrast, 316L stainless steel is more susceptible to carburization, which can lead to reduced heating efficiency and premature failure.

4. Corrosion Resistance: While both INCOLOY 800 and 316L stainless steel offer good corrosion resistance, INCOLOY 800 provides superior resistance to a wider range of corrosive environments. It is particularly resistant to sulfur-containing atmospheres, reducing and oxidizing environments, and nitric acid. This corrosion resistance makes INCOLOY 800 suitable for electric heating applications in industries such as chemical processing, petrochemical, and oil and gas, where exposure to corrosive substances is common.

5. Strength and Ductility: INCOLOY 800 has higher strength and better ductility compared to 316L stainless steel. This allows for more robust and durable electric heating tubes that can withstand mechanical stresses and thermal cycling without deformation or failure. The higher strength of INCOLOY 800 also enables the use of thinner-walled tubes, resulting in improved heat transfer efficiency.

While INCOLOY 800 offers several advantages over 316L stainless steel for electric heating tubes, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the application, such as temperature, corrosive environment, and budget, to determine the most suitable material choice. Consulting with materials engineers or experts can help in selecting the optimal material for electric heating applications.