| Typical alloy composition | Typically 18–20% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel. | Typically 16–18% chromium, 10–14% nickel, and 2–3% molybdenum. | Iron-carbon alloy; composition varies by grade. It does not contain the chromium levels needed to provide stainless-steel corrosion resistance. |
| General corrosion behavior | Good resistance in many indoor, atmospheric, and mildly corrosive service conditions. | Generally offers better resistance than 304 to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments; suitability depends on concentration, temperature, and exposure. | Can rust when exposed to water and oxygen. Coatings, linings, corrosion allowance, or other protection may be required. |
| Chloride-service considerations | May be vulnerable to pitting or crevice corrosion in chloride-bearing service, particularly at higher temperatures or concentrations. | Molybdenum improves chloride pitting resistance compared with 304, but 316 is not immune to chloride corrosion and is not automatically suitable for seawater. | Requires a suitable protective system where the fluid or environment is corrosive; coating compatibility and inspection are important. |
| Filtration performance | Filtration rating is determined primarily by screen opening, construction, and tolerances—not by the 304 grade itself. | Can provide the same nominal opening as 304 when made to the same screen specification; the alloy does not inherently make filtration finer. | Can also achieve a specified opening when the screen is manufactured to that specification. Surface protection and service conditions may affect long-term performance. |
| Illustrative screen-opening references | For reference, common U.S. standard sieve openings include 20 mesh ≈ 850 μm, 40 mesh ≈ 425 μm, 60 mesh ≈ 250 μm, and 100 mesh ≈ 150 μm. These are sieve references; actual pipeline-strainer screen openings and tolerances should be confirmed on the product drawing or specification. |
| Typical selection considerations | A common choice where stainless corrosion resistance is needed and the process conditions are compatible with 304. | Often considered when improved resistance to chloride-related pitting is needed, subject to process-specific review. | Often considered for non-corrosive service or where a protected carbon-steel construction meets the project requirements. |
| Cost comparison | Material cost is generally above carbon steel and often below 316, but prices vary with market conditions and product form. | Often costs more than 304 because of its alloy content; actual pricing depends on availability, fabrication, and market conditions. | Usually has a lower base material cost, although coatings, linings, maintenance, and replacement can affect total lifecycle cost. |
| Information to verify when comparing products | Confirm the material grade and applicable specification, screen type and clear opening, pressure and temperature design conditions, connection details, corrosion protection, and inspection requirements. Pressure rating and service life depend on the complete strainer design and operating conditions. |