DESCRIPTION These titanium bearing stainless steels are stabilized against carbide precipitation and designed for operation within the damaging temperature range where carbide precipitation develops. In this type of steel, the carbon combines preferentially with titanium to form a harmless titanium carbide, leaving the chromium in solution to maintain full corrosion resistance. Type 321 is basic type 304 modified by adding titanium in an amount at least 5 times the carbon plus nitrogen contents.
DESIGN FEATURES Immune to intergranular corrosion when heated within the carbide precipitation range. Titanium addition eliminates the formation of chromium carbides at the grain boundaries by tying up the carbon and nitrogen as titanium carbides or nitrides. Better high temperature properties than 304 or 304L. Generally used for parts which are intermittently heated up to 1500 deg.F. For continuous service the alloy is good to 1650 deg.F. May be susceptible to chloride stress cracking. Excellent weldability in field. Type 321 H has high carbon (.04 - 10) for better high temperature creep properties.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS High temperature chemical process heat exchanger tubes Refineries High temperature steam service