In this video, we will be looking at Europress Stainless steel Tube. This is a high-quality, precision, laser welded tube, manufactured to both BS EN10217-7 and BS EN 10312-2 standards.
Here at Waterworks, we stock Europress Stainless Tube in both 304L and 316L. The ‘L’ refers to a lower carbon content in the material used. It also has a higher chromium and molybdenum content which does make it more expensive. Stainless steel with lower carbon content is important as it has a higher resistance to corrosion, and better temperature handling.
Let’s take a look at the specifications and features.
• When used with the Europress Piping System, both ranges have a general pressure rating of up to 16 bar or 232 PSI. However, for certain applications, they can be approved for pressure ratings of up to 40 bar. The 316L tube is approved and certified for gas applications. When used for flammable gases like natural gas or Propane, the gas standard, limits the use to a maximum of 5 bar or 72.5 PSI. However when used for non-flammable or inert gases the maximum pressure rating is 16 bar or 232 psi.
• Both 316L and 304L tubes are designed to withstand high temperatures and are commonly used in applications such as solar water heating, and lower temperature steam.
• When it comes to pipe sizing, Europress tube is specified by the metric outside diameter of the tube, and the wall thickness of the tube increases as the OD increases. 15mm has a 1mm wall thickness, 22-28mm have 1.2mm, 35-54mm has 1.5mm, and 76mm and above have a 2mm wall thickness. This wall thickness is important, as it ensures the integrity of the pressed joint.
• Europress tube is made to a very fine tolerance, conforming to EN ISO 1127 D4/T4, and is manufactured to the ISO Standard, where D4 is the Outside Diameter tolerance ( Outside diameter tolerance of +/- 0.5% with minimum +/- 0.1mm), and T4 is the Wall Thickness tolerance (Wall Thickness tolerance of +/- 7.5% with minimum +/- 0.15mm). The installer can be assured that the tubes are precise, consistent, with virtually no chance of ovality. This is extremely important as it provides more friction which ensures a consistent installation and crimping process to create a guaranteed seal. It is also important to ensure the integrity of the pressed joint. Other tube available in the New Zealand market are of D3/T3 or D4/T3 and don’t provide the same consistent crimping process as Europress D4/T4 tube.
Now we’ll look at the unique aspects of each tube, starting with 316L.
• 316L is commonly known as marine grade stainless-steel and has excellent corrosion and chemical resistance. It is best used in corrosive environments, and areas with hygiene requirements. Typical applications include coastal environments, outdoor applications and the food and beverage industry, especially where cleaning chemicals are used. Gas applications that come under AS/NZS5601 must use 316L tube to comply.
Now let’s look at the 304L.
• 304L stainless steel is a lower priced option to 316L. It is best used in lower corrosive environments and applications such as compressed air, heating and cooling water, glycol, and oils as it doesn’t have the same level of resistance to corrosion.
So, how can you tell the difference between 304L and 316L Stainless steel Tube?
• You won't be able to identify any difference visually, so the best way to check is by noting the grade. These are marked every meter along the tube.
• It is important to note that some tubes may have the numbers 1.4307, which is a European designation, and is the same as the American designated ASTM 304L, or 1.4404 which is the same as ASTM 316L.
• For quick identification, the tubes come with coloured caps. 316L has a blue end cap and 304L is grey. Please note that other brands may use different cap colours.
Both 316L and 304L offer advantages depending on the environment they’re being used in. 316L excels in environments with high corrosion and 304L provides affordability and durability in lower corrosive environments.
Thanks for watching, for more information please visit www.waterworksnz.co.nz .
17 мар 2024
