ASTM A403 WP316L-S Stainless Steel 180 Degree Return Bend For Oil Gas Industry

ASTM A403 WP316L-S Stainless Steel 180 Degree Return Bend For Oil&Gas Industry

ASTM A403 WP316L-S 180° Return Bend is a type of stainless steel pipe fitting used in high-pressure and corrosive environments. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Material ASTM A403 WP316L

(1). Chemical Composition (%)

The composition of WP316L must meet the following limits (ASTM A403/A403M):

Key Notes:

Low carbon (≤0.03%) prevents carbide precipitation during welding (sensitization resistance).

Molybdenum (2-3%) enhances corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and acids.

Nickel (10-14%) stabilizes the austenitic structure, improving toughness.

(2). Mechanical Properties (ASTM A403 WP316L-S)

Additional Notes:

Heat Treatment: Solution annealed at 1900–2100°F (1040–1150°C) followed by rapid quenching for optimal corrosion resistance.

Impact Testing: Not typically required unless specified (e.g., for cryogenic applications).

Pressure Ratings: Depend on pipe schedule (e.g., Sch 10S, 40S, 80S) per ASME B16.9/B16.11.

Comparison with 316 vs. 316L

2. 180° Return Bend

• A U-shaped fitting that reverses flow direction by 180 degrees.
• Used in piping systems where a complete turnaround is needed (e.g., heat exchangers, condensers).
• Comes in short-radius (SR) or long-radius (LR) variants.

Key Features of 180° Return Bend

✔ High corrosion resistance (ideal for chemical, marine, and food processing industries).
✔ High-temperature strength (suitable for boilers, refineries).
✔ Smooth internal surface (minimizes turbulence and erosion).

Common Standards & Dimensions

ASME B16.9 (factory-made wrought butt-welding fittings).

ASME B16.11 (forged fittings, though return bends are typically butt-welded).

Equivalent Grades

EN 1.4404 (European standard for 316L).

UNS S31603 (Unified Numbering System).

This fitting is widely used in oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment due to its durability and resistance to pitting/crevice corrosion.

Primary Applications

✔ Chemical & Petrochemical Industry

• Acid & Alkali Transport: Resists corrosion from sulfuric, hydrochloric, and phosphoric acids.
• Chloride Environments: Ideal for brine, seawater, and chlorine-handling systems.
• High-Purity Processes: Used in reactors, distillation columns, and heat exchangers.

✔ Oil & Gas (Including Offshore)

• Seawater Cooling Systems: Resists pitting/crevice corrosion in offshore platforms.
• Refinery Piping: Handles sour gas (H₂S) and corrosive hydrocarbons.
• Subsea Equipment: Low carbon content prevents weld decay in underwater installations.

✔ Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology

• Sanitary Process Lines: Smooth internal surface prevents bacterial buildup (meets FDA/USP standards).
• CIP/SIP Systems: Withstands frequent sterilization (steam, chemicals).

✔ Food & Beverage Processing

• Dairy & Brewing: Resists lactic acid, caustic cleaners, and fermentation byproducts.
• Sugar & Salt Processing: Handles corrosive sucrose brines and chlorides.

✔ Power Generation

• Condenser & Boiler Systems: Manages high-temperature/pressure steam and cooling water.
• Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD): Resists sulfur compounds in exhaust scrubbers.

✔ Marine & Desalination Plants

• Seawater Pipelines: Prevents biofouling and saltwater corrosion.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: Used in high-pressure brine recirculation loops.

Why WP316L-S 180° Return Bend?

180° U-Turn Design: Allows compact flow reversal in limited spaces (e.g., heat exchanger bundles).

Schedule 10S/40S/80S Compatibility: Matches standard stainless steel piping systems.

Superior Corrosion Resistance: Molybdenum (2–3%) enhances performance in chloride-rich environments.

Low Carbon (316L): Eliminates carbide precipitation during welding, critical for ASME B31.3 process piping.

Yuhong Holding Group has more than 35 years experience for pipeline products, till now we have 3 big joint venture factories,  the total production area more than 130000 square meters, and more than 600 workers with 106 production lines give our clients excellent supporting always.   The factories already got certificates like : ABS, LR, DNV-GL, BV, KR, CCS, ASME, ISO 9001, ISO14001, ISO18001, ect.

Our factories main products as below : 
Factory 1th: Stainless steel seamless tube, Duplex steel seamless tube, Super duplex steel seamless tube, Nickel alloy steel seamless tube;

Factory 2th: Carbon steel seamless tube, Alloy steel seamless tube; Enhanced Heat Tranfer Tube, low fin tube ,U bending workshop;
Factory 3th: High frequency welding fin tube(HFW fin tube, Solid Fin tube, Studded Tube, Serrated Fin tube, Longitudinal welding fin tube), Wound fin tube(L type fin tube, LL type fin tube,  KL type fin tube), Embedded G type fin tube , Extruded fin tube,  low fin tube, U bend & 180deg. Return;

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