C27 · Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical Stainless Steel Plates: 316L/904L Selection and 7 Part Lists
In the Pharmaceutical Industry, we have organized 7 parts using stainless steel: commonly used 316L / 904L with thickness ranging from 1.5–30 mm.
7 Parts and Material List
| Part / Component | Recommended Grade | Size / Thickness | Surface | Main failure modes | Reference standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reactors/Batch crystallizers for API | 316L/904L | 6–30mm | 2B/Polished Ra≤0.4μm | Corrosive media + cleaning agent + cryogenic corrosion | ASME BPE；GB/T 3280；NB/T 47008 |
| Centrifuges drum / Filters | 316L | Drum 3–10mm | Polished / Acid washed | Stress Concentration + Corrosion Fatigue + Blockage | GB/T 3280; JB/T 20139 Series |
| Inner Wall of Dryer / Hopper | 316L | 1.5–4.0mm | Ra ≤ 0.4 μm Electro-polished | Adhesion + Cleaning + Corrosion | ASME BPE；GB/T 3280 |
| Hygienic Diaphragm Valve | 316L（ASME BPE 1.4435/BN2） | DN15–DN100 | Ra ≤ 0.4 μm Electro-polished | Retention in Corners → Microbial Growth; Membrane Aging; Sterilized at 143°C | ASME BPE；3-A；EHEDG；FDA；USP Class VI |
| Clean Pipes/Fittings/Gauges | 316L（ASME BPE） | 1/4″–6″ | Ra≤0.4μm Electro-polishing; Intergranular Corrosion Test | Incomplete Cleaning Leads to Cross-contamination and Corrosion | ASME BPE；SEMI F20；GB/T 21833 |
| Sterilization Tank/Water Storage Vessel | 316L | 3–10mm | Ra≤0.4μm Electro-polishing | Cl⁻ Erosion, Welding SCC, Biofilm in Holes | ASME BPE；GB/T 3280；ISPE |
| CIP Ball/Sampling Valve | 316L | By Interface | Electropolish/Degreasing | Incomplete Cleaning Leads to Cross-contamination and Corrosion | ASME BPE; 3-A |
Table isStandard Configuration.Different parts made of the same material may switch from 304 to 316L or 2205 depending on operating conditions. Explaining the conditions saves time by letting you specify grades directly.
Key Selection Points
- The most common grade in this industry is 316L (7), 904L (1) — numbers in parentheses indicate the number of parts involved, useful for quoting and material preparation.
- Frequent Cleaning and Disinfection Amplify Cracks and Intergranular Corrosion Risks (4/7).
- Welded parts check sensitization and chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking (3/7 hits).
- Thickness range 1.5–30 mm: thin plates are formed parts (consider bending rebound and deep drawing cracks), thick plates are welded structural components (consider heat input and sensitization).
Common issues
Which stainless steel is used most in pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Out of the total 7 parts, 316L appears most frequently (7 hits), followed by 904L (1 hit). The choice for a specific part still depends on the medium and temperature; for example, even stainless steel countertops may need to switch from 304 to 316L if one is exposed to saltwater.
Which parts are prone to problems?
Based on failure descriptions, typical issues include "cleaning pipes/pipe fittings/clamp": HAZ intergranular corrosion + rough inner surface → inadequate cleaning; recommended grade 316L (ASME BPE), size 1/4″–6″. For this condition, it's recommended to specify medium concentration, temperature, and cleaning method in the design phase.
What thickness should be selected?
The listed thickness range is 1.5–30 mm. Thin plates consider forming and surface properties, thick plates consider welding and structural strength; different manufacturers may have varying values for the same part based on your drawings or operating conditions, so review them accordingly.
Related materials and adjacent industries
Applications7
Thickness1.5–30mm