Stainless Steel Types and Usage In Industrial Process Fans
                     Stainless Steel Types and Usage In 
Industrial Process Fans
Neel Rao
Writes on Reitz India top quality forced draft fans
 & Reitz India primary air fans
Stainless steel is an extensively used alloy of steel, that contains a minimum 
chromium content of 11% and 1.2% carbon content. This type of steel is known for 
its resistance against corrosion. This resistance increases in the proportion of 
increasing chromium content. In some varieties of stainless steel, molybdenum is 
also used as an ingredient. This enhances its resistance against acids.
In various applications, both industrial and domestic, stainless steel is used due to its 
anti-corrosion properties. Particularly, in applications that require both corrosion-
resistance and strength, stainless steel is widely used. Besides, this type of steel can 
be easily sterilized and cleaned. In food processing plants and commercial kitchens, 
stainless steel is used for surface coatings.
In the manufacture of industrial stainless steel fans it is important to understand the 
types of steel and their properties so that the right material is used in the 
construction of the process fan.
Common Variants Of Stainless Steel
Two of the most common variants of stainless steel are grade 304 Stainless Steel and 
grade 316 Stainless Steel.
Grade 304 Stainless Steel
This is the most common variant of stainless steel, containing chromium (18-20%) 
and nickel (8-10.5%). These are the most important constitutes apart from iron. 
Thermally and electrically, it is less conductive, as compared to carbon steel. Besides, 
grade 304 Stainless Steel is non-magnetic in nature. The level of resistance to 
corrosion is higher. This type of steel can be easily shaped as per the needs. Other 
elements that are used in the alloy include silicon, manganese and carbon.
Drawback: Grade 304 Stainless Steel is susceptible to corrosion arising from saline 
environments, such as coastal areas and from chlorine solutions.
Common Applications:
• Appliances like dishwaters and refrigerators
• Processing equipment and food handling
• Electrical enclosures, that are resistant to corrosion
• Structures that are likely to corrode off normal carbon steel
• Kitchen equipment, wheel covers, exhaust manifolds, hose clamps, piping, 
pressure vessels, storage tanks and stainless hardware
• Structural use in aerospace and automotive
• Welded or woven screens for quarrying, mining and water filtration
• Bolts, nuts, screws and various fasteners
• Dyeing industry
• Construction materials
Grade 316 Stainless Steel
Grade 316 Stainless Steel contains high chromium (16 to 18%) and nickel (10 to 14%) 
content. Other components include manganese, silicon and carbon. Iron forms a 
majority of the composition. However, a key difference between grades 304 and 316 
is their chemical composition. In grade 316, the molybdenum content is significantly 
higher. By weight, it forms around 2 to 3 percent. As a result of high molybdenum 
content, this grade of steel offers a greater degree of resistance to corrosion. 
Besides, it is more resistant to pitting, which takes place on exposure to chloride ion 
solutions. At high temperatures, the strength of grade 316 stainless steel remains 
augmented.
This type of stainless steel is easy to fabricate. It comes with greater durability and 
can be welded, finished and cleaned with ease. Besides, it offers a greater degree of 
resistance to chlorides, sulfuric acid, bromides, fatty acids and iodides at high 
temperatures.
Common Applications:
Grade 316 stainless steel is extensively used in marine applications.
• This kind of steel is resistant to carbide precipitation when used in high 
temperatures between 425 and 860 degrees Celsius.
• Other applications include medical devices, refinery equipment, storage 
equipment and chemical processing equipment.
• It is also used in textile and pulp processing equipment.
Therefore, grade 304 stainless steel would be a better choice, where cost concerns 
are high and the application involves a high degree of formability. In grade 316, the 
molybdenum content is high, which may have a negative impact on formability. The 
choice of stainless steel should, therefore, be made accordingly in the manufacture 
of industrial process fans.
About REITZINDIA
Reitz India has set a benchmark to deliver high quality fans for heavy duty industries 
which can work at precise operating conditions like high temperatures and pressures. 
Reitz offer idealistic Centrifugal Fan and Centrifugal blower design that can be used in 
all large scale process industries like cement, iron & steel, power plants, fertilizers/ 
chemicals and more.
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