Food grade stainless steel and its advantages
The food industry requires special equipment materials, as the food production environment is characterized by increased alkaline and acidic activity, aggressive solutions for cleaning and disinfection, and high temperatures and pressure ranges.
The most optimal material today in terms of price and quality is stainless steel, also called food-grade stainless steel.
Food-grade stainless steel is used to manufacture product tanks, equipment, pipelines, etc. As a result, you can find products from food stainless steel in large quantities in many industries.
The main advantages of stainless steel are:
– resistance to the hostile environment in a wide range of temperatures
– resistance to mechanical damage
– strength and durability
– aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance
Application of various grades of food-grade stainless steel
Stainless sheets are used to produce food-grade stainless steel products intended to process, store and preserve food products. In addition, stainless steel products are widely used in the food industry: stainless pipes, valves, etc.
The stainless steel category includes alloys containing a significant amount of chromium (from 13% to 27%). Chromium forms an oxide film on the surface, which protects against corrosion. Additional properties bring other elements:
- Nickel strengthens the anti-corrosion film
- Titanium ensures the preservation of the film during welding and high temperatures
- Molybdenum resists pitting corrosion
Based on specific operating conditions, stainless steel is available in various grades.
300 series stainless steel alloys
The steel of the 300 series is a high-quality chromium-nickel stainless steel, which, in addition to chromium and nickel, also includes carbon and titanium in different proportions.
AISI 304 steel is universal and used in many industries, but due to its chemical composition and properties, it got the glory of “food” stainless steel. The alloy lends itself well to welding and has high corrosion resistance. 18/8 and 18/10 are the most popular AISI 304 steel grades, including at least 18% chromium, 8 or 10% nickel, at least 50% iron, and no more than 0.8% carbon.
AISI 316T steel has also found application in the food industry. The composition of this alloy additionally includes titanium in a small amount, which increases its strength, resistance to high temperatures, and chlorine ions.
AISI 304, AISI 304L, AISI 321 – these grades of stainless steel are distinguished by affordable price, high strength at medium temperatures, and good weldability.
400 series stainless steel alloys
One of the most sensitive areas for steel applications is the production of alcohol and winemaking and processing its waste. In this environment, AISI 410 food-grade stainless steel is used. AISI 430 is the only grade of the 400 series which is widely used in the food industry. This stainless steel with high chromium and a low carbon content corresponds to the digital marking 18/0 (it does not contain expensive nickel and almost does not contain other alloying metals). The material has increased strength and corrosion resistance, low carbon content makes it pliable and well weldable, and the absence of nickel provides quite a budget cost.
