B13 · Pharmaceutical Equipment
Pharmaceutical Equipment Stainless Steel Plates: 316L Selection and List of Four Parts
In our pharmaceutical equipment, we organized four parts made of stainless steel: commonly used 316L with thickness ranging from 2–20 mm.
Four Parts and Material List
| Part / Component | Recommended Grade | Size / Thickness | Surface | Main Failure Modes | Reference Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam/Pure Steam/Water Pipes/Components | 316L（ASME BPE） | 1/2″–6″ | Ra≤0.38–0.5μm (Electropolished) | HAZ Corrosion + Internal Surface Roughness → Biofilm | ASME BPE；GB/T 21833；SEMI F20 |
| Diaphragm Valves/Sampling Valves/CIP Nozzles | 316L（ASME BPE） | DN15–DN100 | Ra≤0.4μm (Electropolished) | Dead Legs + Membrane Aging + High-Temperature Sterilization Fatigue | ASME BPE；3-A；EHEDG；FDA |
| Bioreactors/Titration Columns/Ultracell Shells | 316L | 3–20mm | Electropolishing/Depassivation | Corrosion+SIP Thermal Fatigue+Low Leachables | ASME BPE；GB/T 3280 |
| Vacuum Freeze Dryers/Condenser | 316L | 2–10mm | Electropolishing/Depassivation | Cold Trap/Low Temperature+Corrosion | ASME BPE；GB/T 3280 |
Table isStandard ConfigurationSpecify usage conditions, it's easier to specify than the grade.
Key Considerations
- The most common grades in this industry are 316L (4) — start quoting and material preparation from here.
- High-temperature sections also stack hot fatigue and oxidation; use 310S / heat-resistant castings (2/4 hit).
- Frequent cleaning and disinfection increase risk of crevice and intergranular corrosion.
- Thickness range 2–20 mm: Thin plates are mostly formed parts (consider bending rebound and deep drawing cracking), thick plates are mostly welded structures (consider heat input and sensitization).
Common issues
What stainless steel is used most in pharmaceutical equipment?
What are the most common parts?
How do I know which part is prone to issues?
Corrosion description based on failure types, e.g., "pure steam/injector water pipes/fittings": HAZ intergranular corrosion + rough inner surface promotes biofilm; recommended grade 316L (ASME BPE), size 1/2″–6″. For this type of condition, it is recommended to specify the medium concentration, temperature, and cleaning method in the design phase.
What thickness should I select?
Thickness range in the list is 2–20 mm. For thin plates, consider forming and surface quality; for thick plates, welding and structural strength. Values may differ between equipment manufacturers for the same location, review your drawing or operating conditions.
Related materials and adjacent industries
Applications4
Thickness2–20mm
Grades316L