ASTM A249 TP316L 1.4404 Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Welded Tubes For

Product Specification

ASTM A249 TP316L 1.4404 Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Welded Tubes For Evaporator, EP MP

ASTM A249 TP316L (1.4404) is a low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel welded tube, commonly bright annealed (BA) for superior corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and in acidic environments. Known for excellent weldability and sanitary properties, the A249 TP316L stainless steel tube is ideal for heat exchangers, condensers, evaporator, cooling tower, and high-purity applications in pharmaceutical and food processing. The bright annealed surface not only optimizes the metallurgical structure (solution annealing) but also preserves a clean, smooth, mirror-like surface finish without scaling or discoloration. YUHONG GROUP has abundant manufacturing experience in stainless steel seamless/welded tubes for more than 40 years. Our steel tubes has been sold to more than 85 countries around the world. If you’re interested in our stainless steel tubes, welcome to contact us.

Chemical Composition:

Mechanical Properties:

Different Surface Finish:

The surface finish is a critical quality attribute, especially for evaporators.

• Bright Annealed (BA): The standard and most specified finish. Characterized by a reflective, smooth, mirror-like surface (Ra ≤ 0.3 µm typical). It is achieved by annealing in a hydrogen or vacuum atmosphere, preventing oxidation. This finish offers excellent corrosion initiation resistance, minimizes fouling, and eases cleaning.
• Pickled & Passivated: A dull, matte grey finish. Less common for high-purity evaporator applications but may be used where the highest reflectivity is not critical. Offers excellent corrosion resistance through a chemically renewed passive layer.
• Polished: Can be supplied with additional mechanical polishing (e.g., #400, #600 grit) after annealing for an even smoother, more aesthetic finish, further reducing adhesion points.

Key Features and Advantages:

• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to general, pitting, and crevice corrosion, especially from chlorides present in water, brines, and many process fluids.
• Excellent Surface Finish: The BA surface minimizes scaling, fouling, and bacterial adhesion, crucial for hygiene and thermal efficiency in evaporators.
• High Strength & Ductility: Good mechanical properties at both ambient and elevated operating temperatures.
• Cleanliness: The manufacturing process produces tubes free of scale, oil, and contaminants.
• Consistent Dimensions: Precise tolerances ensure leak-proof fitting into tube sheets and uniform fluid flow.

Some Applications Of ASTM A249 TP316L Stainless Steel Welded Tubes:

These tubes are specifically engineered for demanding thermal and corrosive applications:

• Evaporators & Falling Film Evaporators: The primary application, used in food, dairy, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing to concentrate solutions.
• Heat Exchangers & Condensers: For HVAC, marine, power, and industrial systems.
• Refrigeration Systems: As condenser and evaporator coils.
• Pharmaceutical & Bio-Tech Equipment: In autoclaves, pure steam generators, and process vessels where surface finish and cleanliness are paramount.
• Food & Beverage Processing: Pasteurizers, sterilizers, and brewing systems.
• Desalination Plants: Multi-effect distillation (MED) and thermal vapor compression (TVC) evaporator tubes.