0086-21-33780199 (service time:9:00-21:00)
316 Stainless Steel Tube Shields

316 Stainless Steel Tube Shields

Boiler Protection

316 stainless steel tube shields protect boiler tubes from wear and corrosion in harsh industrial environments.

316 Stainless Steel Tube Shields

Boiler Protection

316 stainless steel tube shields protect boiler tubes from wear and corrosion in harsh industrial environments. durable, customizable shields extend tube life in power plants and mining pipelines.

Stainless 316 Tube Shield

Premium protective sleeves engineered for superior erosion, corrosion, and wear resistance in demanding industrial environments.

The Stainless 316 Tube Shield is a premium protective sleeve made from 316 stainless steel, designed to safeguard boiler tubes, superheater tubes, and process piping against erosion, corrosion, and mechanical wear. It is widely used in power plants, chemical processing facilities, and industrial plants exposed to aggressive environments such as acidic flue gases, high humidity, and abrasive particles.

Constructed with 316 stainless steel, known for its outstanding corrosion resistance—especially against chlorides—and good mechanical strength, the shield protects tubes from premature failure caused by pitting, crevice corrosion, and mechanical erosion. The low carbon content in 316 stainless steel minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, enhancing durability in high-temperature applications.

These tube shields come in various forms including U-shaped half shells and fully enclosed sleeves, allowing easy installation via welding or mechanical clamps. Typical thickness ranges from 1.5mm to 2.5mm, tailored to meet specific operational requirements.

Manufactured from 316 stainless steel (UNS S31600), a molybdenum-bearing austenitic alloy, these shields offer superior resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and chemical attack, particularly in chloride-rich or acidic environments. They are widely used in power plant transport systems, mining pipelines, waste-to-energy boilers, and chemical recovery boilers, where tubes face abrasive and corrosive conditions.

The molybdenum content enhances corrosion resistance against acid condensate and wet flue gases, making these tube shields ideal for protecting superheater tubes, economizer sections, and moisture-prone zones. Their mechanical stability ensures reliable performance under high-temperature and high-stress conditions, while resistance to erosion-corrosion coupling is critical in wet ash transport zones. These wear-resistant shields mitigate tube thinning at critical points such as bends, slopes, and flue-impact areas, significantly extending tube lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

Key Features

  • Material: 316 Stainless Steel (UNS S31600) with molybdenum-enhanced corrosion resistance
  • Forms: U-type, half-round, or fully enclosed sleeves, customizable for straight or curved tubes
  • Thickness: 1.5 mm – 2.5 mm, adjustable based on operational needs
  • Tube Compatibility: Fits 1.5” to 3” OD tubes, custom sizes available
  • Installation: Spot welded, clamp-on, or quick-attach designs for secure and easy fitting

Key Benefits

  • Extended Tube Lifespan: Protects against wear and corrosion from abrasive materials
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduces maintenance costs and prevents unplanned outages
  • Versatile Applications: Suitable for power plant transport systems, mining pipelines, biomass, and chemical recovery boilers
  • Customizable Solutions: Optional ceramic sleeve coatings or alternative materials (e.g., 316L, 310S) for enhanced durability

Stainless Steel 316 / 316L / 316H Overview

316/316L stainless steel is widely used in chloride and chemical process environments due to its enhanced resistance to corrosion and pitting, attributed to its molybdenum content. These alloys offer excellent mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties across a range of temperatures and environments, making them essential in chemical processing, marine, and high-temperature industrial applications.

316L

Low carbon version of 316, offering superior resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. Commonly used in marine and chloride-rich environments. Excellent weldability without post-weld annealing.

316H

High carbon content variant suitable for elevated temperature service. Offers greater short and long-term creep strength. Commonly used in high-stress boiler or furnace applications.

316

Standard molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel. Excellent resistance to chlorides and moderate acids. Widely used across various chemical and process industries.

Chemical composition (wt%) of Stainless Steel 316 and 316L.
Grade 316 316L
UNSS31600S31603
Carbon (C) Max.0.080.030
Manganese (Mn) Max.2.002.00
Phosphorus (P) Max.0.0450.045
Sulfur (S) Max.0.0300.030
Silicon (Si) Max.1.001.00
Chromium (Cr)16.0–18.016.0–18.0
Nickel (Ni)10.0–14.010.0–14.0
Molybdenum (Mo)2.0–3.02.0–3.0
Iron (Fe)Balance

Chemical composition details for 316 and 316L stainless steels used in corrosion-resistant applications.

Mechanical properties of Stainless Steel 316 and 316L sheets.
Material Form Tensile Strength (ksi) Yield Strength (ksi) Elongation (%) Hardness (HB)
Alloy 316L Sheet AMS 5507 100 max - 45 -
Alloy 316 Sheet AMS 5524 75 min 30 45 207 max

Typical mechanical properties for 316 and 316L stainless steel sheets used in industrial applications.

Electrical properties of 316/316L stainless steel.
Electrical ResistivityMagnetic Permeability
7.2e-005 ohm-cm1.008
1.16e-004 at 650°CRT

Electrical resistivity and magnetic permeability values at room and elevated temperatures.

Physical and mechanical properties
AlloyUNSTensile (MPa)Yield (MPa)Elongation (%)Hardness
316S316005152053590 Rb
316LS31603485170-90 Rb

Physical and mechanical properties comparison for 316 and 316L stainless steels.

316L is preferred when welding thick sections is necessary and when resistance to intergranular corrosion is critical. 316H is used for elevated temperature pressure services.

Stainless Steel Shapes Background

Stainless Steel Shapes

We stock stainless steels in a multitude of shapes and sizes.

We support our stainless steel stock with a wide range of shapes and sizes to suit your engineering applications. We hold thirteen different types of shapes to support the grades of material we stock, including bars, sheets and plates. Our stainless steel shapes are available in various grades, including 304, 304L, 316, and 316L, each offering unique properties to meet specific application requirements. Whether you need flat bars for structural support, round bars for machining, or sheets and plates for fabrication, we have the right stainless steel shape for your project.

FAQ

A boiler tube shield is a protective component installed on boiler tubes to reduce erosion and corrosion caused by flue gas, ash, or particle impact in high-temperature environments.

They extend the service life of boiler tubes by protecting them from:
  • High-velocity flue gases
  • Solid particle erosion
  • Corrosive atmospheres in waste-to-energy or coal-fired plants

Common materials include:
  • Stainless steel (e.g., SS304, SS321, SS347)
  • Alloy steels (e.g., TP304H, TP347H, T91)
  • Nickel-based alloys (e.g., Inconel 625, 825) for extreme environments

  • Half-round (semi-circular) shields
  • Bent or segment shields for elbows and tube bends
  • Flat or custom-profile shields depending on installation

Custom Straight Boiler Tube Erosion Shields Installation

Boiler tube erosion shields are typically attached using the following methods:

  • Welding (tack welds or full-length)
  • Clamps or straps for removable designs
  • Snap-on/clip-on systems for fast maintenance access

Yes, slightly. Since shields add an extra metal layer, they can reduce local heat transfer. However, the trade-off is favorable because they prevent costly tube failures and unplanned shutdowns.

In some cases, yes — especially when using clamp-on types. However, shields subjected to heavy erosion or deformation should be replaced.

Yes, we accept special orders. We can manufacture custom boiler tube shields according to your technical drawings. We also ensure confidentiality through signed agreements before design submission.

Boiler tubes can suffer from several types of damage, including:
  • Corrosion
  • Embrittlement
  • Graphitization
  • Stress-corrosion cracking
  • Thermal and corrosion fatigue
  • Creep and stress rupture

Yes,
we provide custom straight boiler tube shields based on customer requirements. These can be tailored in shape, size, and material to suit specific boiler configurations.

Custom Straight Shields

Industry Applications

Boiler tubes erosion shields protect critical boiler components from wear and corrosion, ensuring durability and efficiency across multiple industries.

Power Generation

Protects boiler tubes in coal-fired, natural gas, biomass, and waste-to-energy plants from abrasive flue gases and high temperatures.

Industrial Steam

Shields tubes in petrochemical, pulp and paper, food processing, and manufacturing boilers, reducing wear and maintenance costs.

Marine & Offshore

Provides corrosion-resistant protection for marine boiler systems and offshore platform boilers in harsh, corrosive environments.

Waste Heat Recovery

Enhances tube durability in gas turbine exhausts and industrial process systems, improving energy efficiency and longevity.

Boiler Maintenance

Reduces downtime with easy-to-install shields for straight, bent, and finned tubes, ensuring long-term boiler reliability.

Specialty Applications

Custom shields for unique boiler configurations, protecting against abrasive particles and high-pressure conditions.

Industries & Applications for Boiler Tubes Erosion Shields

Industry Application
Coal-Fired Power Plants Protects superheaters, reheaters, and economizers from abrasive ash and flue gas erosion.
Natural Gas Combined Cycle Shields tubes in high-pressure boilers from wear caused by high-velocity gas flows.
Biomass Power Stations Reduces tube wear in boilers handling abrasive biomass materials like wood chips.
Waste-to-Energy Plants Protects tubes from corrosion and erosion in incineration and waste processing systems.
Petrochemical Facilities Ensures durability of boiler tubes in high-temperature, corrosive chemical environments.
Pulp and Paper Mills Shields boiler tubes from wear in steam generation systems for paper production.
Food Processing Plants Protects steam boiler tubes from wear and corrosion in hygienic processing environments.
Marine Boiler Systems Provides corrosion-resistant protection for tubes in harsh marine environments.
Offshore Platform Boilers Ensures tube longevity in remote, corrosive offshore conditions with minimal maintenance.
Heat Recovery Steam Generators Enhances tube life in systems recovering heat from gas turbine exhausts.
Industrial Process Exhausts Protects tubes in waste heat recovery systems handling variable, abrasive exhausts.

Related Products