The SS 304 and the SS 316 grade tanks are the main grades that are used in the food industry. Their properties are ideal for cooking, easy cleaning, and maintaining their structural integrity even after temperature impact, but their difference in their chemical composition, corrosion resistance, temperature resistance and application make these grades significantly different, especially in the food industry. Understanding their differences helps producers to invest in the right grade for effective functionality, which is why this article outlines the differences between the two stainless steel tanks.
Chemical composition
The chemical composition of the 304 and 316 is slightly different, but the difference creates a greater gap in their functionality. Both contain nickel and chromium, but 316 contain 316 contains 2-3% of molybdenum whilst 304 does not contain molybdenum. Due to this difference, each of the grades has different levels of corrosion resistance, cost and application. The addition of molybdenum in 316 grade makes it more suitable for chemical or pharmaceutical purposes.
The Applications
The chemical composition of each of the grades significantly made a great difference in their applications. Despite each grade being stainless steel tanks, they both have their specific applications because of their composition. The 304 grade is efficiently used for kitchen applications, architecture and hardware, whilst the 316 is also known as the marine grade, implying that it is used for marine environments, chemical or pharmaceutical purposes and for medical devices.
The corrosion resistance
Due to the addition of 2-3% of molybdenum in 316 grade, the rate of resistance significantly changes. 316 has a higher resistance rate; it can withstand chlorides, acids, chemicals, pitting and corrosion, which makes it useful for saltwater environments. It can withstand bleaching agents and chemical plant equipment. On the other hand, the 304 grade does not contain molybdenum, which automatically makes it have a normal rate of corrosion resistance, which is why it is useful for daily purposes but not suitable for saline environments.
Temperature resistance
The 316 grade and the 304 grade both have the same maximum service temperature, but the major difference is in the structural stability and the material breakdown. They both have high oxidation resistance, but the addition of Molybdenum makes the 316 grade superior to crevice corrosion, which protects the material from scaling and oxidation when exposed to continuous heat, whilst 304 may experience vulnerability to corrosive agents when exposed to continuous heat.
How to determine the right SS tanks
Both 316 and 304 grades function effectively for different purposes, which is why it is important to understand each other’s applications and composition.
- SS 304 is applicable in these conditions;
Applicable for indoor purposes
Can be used for non-corrosive environments
Application for standard food-grade stainless steel
Applicable for freshwater systems
Can be used for easy fabrication
- SS 316 is applicable for these conditions;
It is used for superior corrosion resistance
Applicable for offshore or marine projects
Can be sued for chemical-based projects
Applicable for environments with saltwater
Effective when requiring high durability
Conclusion
The 304 and the 316 grades are suitable for the food industry; their composition allows temperature tolerance, corrosion resistance, and is easy to clean. Despite having significantly similar properties, their slight difference makes a great impact on how they can be used in the food industry; as such, it is important to be aware of each of the grades for effective functionality. If looking for SS304 tanks for dairy products, NK Dairy Equipment provides high-quality tanks. Himpreet Kaure provides high-quality tanks that are manufactured with advanced technology to meet the needs of the production market.
FAQ’s
Is it okay to use SS316 for food tanks in place of SS304?
Both the SS316 and the SS304 can be used interchangeably for food tanks as they are both safe and function effectively.
Is SS304 a suitable tank for continuous heat exposure?
SS 304 can be used for a continuous temperature of 950°C, but it is not recommended for an intermittent temperature of 870°C.
