Stainless Steel 321H Heat Exchanger Tubes Specifications
The table below lists key specifications of Stainless Steel 321H heat exchanger tubes, including standards, sizes, forms, finishes and tests for high-temperature industrial use.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standards | ASTM A213 / ASME SA-213 (Seamless Ferritic & Austenitic Alloy Steel Tubes), ASTM A249 / ASME SA-249 (Welded Austenitic Tubes) |
| OD Range | 1/4" (6.35 mm) to 2" (50.8 mm) (typical heat exchanger range) |
| Wall Thickness | 0.028" to 0.120" (0.7 mm to 3.0 mm) |
| Length | Up to 20 m (straight lengths); U-bends and custom cut lengths available |
| Forms | Seamless (cold drawn), Welded, U-Tubes |
| Finish | Annealed & Pickled (AP), Bright Annealed (BA) |
| Heat Treatment | Solution annealed; stabilised with titanium for high-temperature service |
| End Type | Plain end, bevelled, deburred |
| Testing | Eddy Current Test, Hydrostatic Test, Air Under Water Test, PMI |
| Applications | Heat exchangers, condensers, superheaters, boilers and petrochemical processing |
Stainless Steel 321H Heat Exchanger Tube Sizes
SS 321H heat exchanger tubes are stocked in outer diameters from 6.35 mm to 257 mm, wall thickness from 0.70 mm to 12.7 mm and lengths up to 22 metres. Custom sizes are available as per the client's specification.
| Dimension | Range |
|---|---|
| Outer Diameter (OD) | 6.35 mm to 257 mm |
| Wall Thickness (WT) | 0.70 mm to 12.7 mm |
| Length | Up to 22 metres; custom lengths available |
Stainless Steel 321H Heat Exchanger Tubes Price
SS 321H heat exchanger tubes cost about INR 520–800 per kg (USD 6–10/kg), depending on size, thickness, quantity and specifications. Very small sizes (below 1½”) and large sizes (above 4”) are costlier. Contact Sachiya Steel International for an exact quote.
Chemical Composition of ASTM A213 / ASME SA-213 TP321H Heat Exchanger Tubes
The table below shows the chemical composition of ASTM A213 / ASME SA-213 TP321H heat exchanger tubes and the main alloying elements that improve their high‑temperature strength and corrosion resistance.
Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 321H Heat Exchanger Tubes
ASTM A213 TP321H heat exchanger tubes must have at least 515 MPa (75 ksi) tensile strength, 205 MPa (30 ksi) yield strength, and 35% elongation. These properties help the tubes resist creep and failure during long-term high‑temperature boiler and heat exchanger service.
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (min) | 515 (75) | MPa (ksi) |
| Yield Strength (min) | 205 (30) | MPa (ksi) |
| Elongation (min) | 35 | % |
Equivalent Grades of Stainless Steel 321H Heat Exchanger Tubes
The table below shows the equivalent grades of Stainless Steel 321H heat exchanger tubes in different international standards, making it easier for engineers and buyers around the world to identify and specify the right material.
| Designation | Standard / Country |
|---|---|
| UNS | UNS S32109 |
| X12CrNiTi18-9 / 1.4878 (W.Nr) | Europe (EN / DIN) |
| SUS 321H | Japan (JIS) |
Stainless Steel 321H Heat Exchanger Tube Applications
SS 321H heat exchanger tubes are used where equipment must run for a long time at 538-816°C and resist corrosion between the grain boundaries. Commonly specified in the following industries:
Petrochemical & Refinery Applications
Crude distillation columns, catalytic reformers and hydrocracker exchangers operate under continuous thermal cycling. SS 321H tubes resist sensitisation here because titanium locks carbon away from grain boundaries.
Power Generation Applications
Boiler superheater sections and economiser coils in coal-fired and gas-fired plants rely on TP321H tubing. Creep strength above 538°C exceeds non-stabilised austenitic grades, reducing stress rupture risk during extended service.
Chemical Processing Applications
Nitric acid heat exchangers, organic acid coolers and condenser tubes in chemical plants use SS 321H. Titanium stabilisation prevents carbide precipitation in process streams cycling through the 427-816°C sensitisation range.
Stainless Steel 321H vs SS 304H Heat Exchanger Tubes
SS 321H and SS 304H heat exchanger tubes behave differently at high temperatures and in corrosive conditions. They also form carbides in different ways, which affects which grade is better suited for tough heat and process applications.
| Parameter | SS 321H Heat Exchanger Tubes | SS 304H Heat Exchanger Tubes |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Titanium-stabilised austenitic stainless steel | High-carbon austenitic stainless steel |
| UNS Designation | S32109 | S30409 |
| Key Alloying Feature | Titanium addition stabilises carbon | Higher carbon content (0.04-0.10%) |
| Intergranular Corrosion Resistance | Excellent; resistant due to Ti stabilisation | Moderate; susceptible in certain conditions |
| Carbide Precipitation (427-816°C) | Titanium forms stable TiC, preventing Cr depletion | Chromium carbide formation at grain boundaries |
| High-Temperature Stability | Superior for prolonged exposure | Good, but less stable than 321H |
| Continuous Service Temperature | Suitable above 538°C and cyclic heating | Suitable up to ~870°C, but risk of sensitization |
| Weldability | Better resistance to weld decay | Requires post-weld heat treatment in critical applications |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Typical Applications | High-temperature heat exchangers, superheaters, petrochemical units | Boilers, pressure vessels and general heat exchangers |
| Cost | Higher | More economical |
Shipping & Packaging
Heavy-duty wooden boxes Packing
We strictly follow seaworthy export handling standards to protect SS 321H heat exchanger tubes from transit damage, moisture ingress, and surface contamination during long-distance dispatch.
- Heavy-duty wooden boxes with moisture barrier lining
- HDPE stretch film wrapping on all bundles
- Plastic end caps on threaded and plain-end pipes
- Silica gel desiccants to minimize moisture exposure
- ISPM-15 fumigated wooden packaging for export
Tube Bundle Yard
Staging
Container End-Cap
Protection
Wrapped Export-Ready
Bundles
We Export Worldwide
Sachiya Steel International supplies stainless steel products to major industrial markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa with export-ready documentation and logistics support.
USA
Canada
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Australia
South Korea
Indonesia
Vietnam
Singapore
Malaysia
Taiwan
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Oman
South Africa
Nigeria
Egypt