QRC Equivalent Material Grades – Understanding Material Compatibility and Standards

Step 1: What Are Material Grades in QRCs?

Material grades refer to the specifications and properties of the metals used to manufacture QRCs. Each material grade has specific characteristics, such as strength, corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance, and suitability for certain fluids. Common material grades for QRCs include stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, and aluminium, each offering unique advantages for various applications.

Step 2: Common QRC Material Grades and Their Equivalents

SS 304 (Grade 304 Stainless Steel)

• Equivalent: AISI 304, UNS S30400
• Applications: Food and beverage, water transfer, light industrial use.
• Properties: Excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, and formability. Ideal for moderate temperature applications.

SS 316 (Grade 316 Stainless Steel)

• Equivalent: AISI 316, UNS S31600
• Applications: Marine environments, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical industries.
• Properties: Superior corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments. Ideal for high-temperature, high-corrosion applications like offshore platforms or chemical transfer.

Monel 400 (Nickel-Copper Alloy)

• Equivalent: UNS N04400, Nickel 400
• Applications: Offshore oil rigs, brine lines, and chemical reactors.
• Properties: Excellent resistance to corrosion in seawater, acids, and alkalis. High strength and durability in extreme conditions.

Inconel 625

• Equivalent: Alloy 625, UNS N06625
• Applications: High-temperature, high-stress environments, aerospace, and chemical processing.
• Properties: Excellent resistance to oxidation and high-temperature corrosion. Ideal for extreme temperature applications such as steam and fuel lines.

Super Duplex (Grade 2507)

• Equivalent: UNS S32750
• Applications: Offshore drilling, high-pressure fluid systems, and chemical processing.
• Properties: High strength and resistance to both pitting and crevice corrosion. A blend of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel properties.

Carbon Steel (CS)

• Equivalent: A106 Grade B, ASTM A53
• Applications: General-purpose fluid systems, low to medium-pressure systems.
• Properties: Cost-effective, strong, but susceptible to corrosion. Often coated or galvanized to prevent rust and deterioration in external environments.

Brass

• Equivalent: C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass), UNS C36000
• Applications: Low-pressure fluid transfer, water lines, and air systems.
• Properties: Good corrosion resistance, machinability, and ductility. Widely used for air and water systems due to its lightweight nature.

Aluminium

• Equivalent: Al 6061-T6, Al 6063
• Applications: Low-pressure fluid transfer, irrigation, and general-purpose systems.
• Properties: Lightweight, non-corrosive, and economical. Used in low-pressure applications where weight and corrosion are concerns.