502 Stainless Steel Pipe: High-Temperature Performance with Exceptional Oxidation Resistance
Meta Description: Discover the cost-effective 502 stainless steel pipe with excellent oxidation resistance up to 980°C, superior to 309/310 pipes. Available in seamless & welded.
Introduction
The 502 stainless steel pipe is engineered for high-temperature applications, offering exceptional oxidation resistance and scaling resistance up to 980°C, making it an ideal solution for industries that require continuous, reliable performance under extreme heat. This ferritic stainless steel pipe provides a cost-effective alternative to 309 and 310 stainless steel pipes, with up to 50% cost savings while maintaining superior heat resistance.
Manufacturers and engineers in industries such as furnace construction, petrochemical refining, cement plants, and thermal oxidizer systems rely on 502 stainless steel pipes for critical applications like furnace tubes, recuperator tubes, and pyrolysis coils. With a stable ferritic structure, the 502 pipe maintains its integrity without experiencing the phase changes seen in austenitic alloys. This stability, combined with excellent sulfidation and carburization resistance, makes 502 stainless steel pipe the perfect choice for environments where high temperatures and corrosive conditions prevail.
In addition to its superior scaling resistance and thermal stability, 502 stainless steel pipe offers a significant cost advantage over 309 and 310, making it an attractive option for both cost-conscious and performance-driven applications. Its excellent formability and weldability further enhance its versatility, providing optimal solutions for a wide range of high-temperature industrial processes.
Whether you're looking for seamless pipes, welded pipes (EFW), or custom-cut solutions, 502 stainless steel pipe delivers both quality and affordability, making it the go-to choice for heat-resistant, high-performance piping.
Product Overview & Extreme Advantages
- Outstanding Oxidation Resistance: The 502 stainless steel pipe provides excellent oxidation resistance up to 980°C, ensuring longevity and durability even under continuous high-temperature service.
- Cost-Effective: With a cost that is 30–50% lower than 309 and 310 stainless steel pipes, 502 stainless steel pipe provides a high-performance alternative at a fraction of the cost.
- Ferritic Structure: Unlike austenitic grades, 502 stainless steel pipe features a ferritic structure that remains stable at high temperatures, offering excellent resistance to thermal expansion and reducing the risk of phase changes.
- Superior Scaling Resistance: Excellent resistance to scaling at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for continuous high-temperature processes such as furnace tubes and pyrolysis coils.
- High Sulfidation and Carburization Resistance: Performs well in harsh environments with high sulfur and carbon content, making it suitable for refinery heater tubes and thermal oxidizer piping.
- Good Weldability: 502 stainless steel pipe is weldable with the appropriate fillers, offering flexibility for complex applications.
- Enhanced Formability: Ideal for forming into various pipe sizes and shapes, including seamless and welded pipe configurations.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.5–6.0 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.5–1.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.5 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Niobium (Nb) | ≤ 0.1 |
The 502 stainless steel pipe contains 4.5–6.0% chromium, providing outstanding oxidation resistance. The low carbon content and the inclusion of molybdenum and niobium offer enhanced high-temperature stability, corrosion resistance, and a resistance to carbide precipitation, ensuring the pipe's performance even in harsh conditions.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value at Room Temperature | Value at 600 °C | Value at 800 °C | Value at 900 °C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 250 | 230 | 220 | 210 |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa) | 550 | 520 | 510 | 500 |
| Elongation (%) | 22 | 20 | 18 | 16 |
| Hardness (HRB) | 80 | 70 | 65 | 60 |
The 502 stainless steel pipe exhibits impressive mechanical properties, maintaining high tensile strength even at elevated temperatures. It offers good elongation, ensuring durability under stress and at higher temperatures, while still maintaining adequate hardness.
High-Temperature Oxidation & Scaling Resistance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Continuous Service Temperature (°C) | 980 |
| Intermittent Service Temperature (°C) | 1000 |
| Oxidation Resistance (g/m²) | 0.25 (at 1000°C for 1000 hours) |
| Scaling Resistance | Excellent up to 980°C |
| Creep Resistance at 900°C | 220 MPa |
The 502 stainless steel pipe offers superior oxidation and scaling resistance, making it ideal for continuous high-temperature environments. It exhibits excellent creep resistance at temperatures up to 900°C, ensuring long-term performance without significant degradation.
502 vs 410 vs 430 vs 304 vs 309 Pipe Comparison
| Property | 502 Stainless Steel | 410 Stainless Steel | 430 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel | 309 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Service Temperature (°C) | 980 | 800 | 870 | 870 | 1150 |
| Creep Resistance at 900°C | 220 MPa | 190 MPa | 180 MPa | 160 MPa | 250 MPa |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent | Fair | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cost | Low | Medium | Medium | High | High |
| Formability | Excellent | Fair | Good | Good | Good |
The 502 stainless steel pipe outperforms 410 and 430 in terms of oxidation resistance and high-temperature stability. While 309 offers superior service temperature, it comes at a significantly higher price, making 502 a more cost-effective solution with nearly equivalent performance for many high-temperature applications.
Available Types & Specifications
| Type | Seamless & Welded (EFW) |
|---|---|
| Size | 1/2″–48″ NPS |
| Wall Thickness | Sch 5S, 10S, 40S, 80S, 160, XXS |
| Standards | ASTM A268, A312, A358, A376, EN 10217-7 |
| Surface Finishes | Annealed & Pickled, Shot-blasted, Bright Annealed |
Our 502 stainless steel pipes are available in both seamless and welded (EFW) configurations, with a wide range of sizes and wall thicknesses. We offer custom cutting and beveling to meet the most specific requirements. Our pipes are manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring maximum quality and performance.
High-Temperature Performance Guide
The 502 stainless steel pipe is designed to withstand high temperatures while maintaining its structural integrity. It excels in environments requiring sulfidation and carburization resistance, making it ideal for applications such as furnace tubes and thermal oxidizer piping. We recommend support spacing at 900°C based on the pipe's dimensions, ensuring optimal performance during cyclic service.
Major Applications
- Furnace tubes
- Radiant tubes
- Recuperator tubes
- Kiln tubes
- Soot-blower tubes
- Pyrolysis coils
- Cement kiln inlet tubes
- Glass lehr rollers
- Burner nozzle tubing
- Heat exchanger tubes in sulfuric acid plants
- Thermal oxidizer piping
- Refinery heater tubes
The 502 stainless steel pipe is widely used in industries requiring continuous exposure to high temperatures, such as furnace manufacturers, petrochemical plants, and glass production.
Product Images
Hot-rolled 502 stainless steel pipes ready for shipment
Professional infographic 502 stainless steel pipe data sheet + oxidation resistance curve up to 1100°C
Real-application collage – 502 pipes used in furnace tubes, recuperator tubes, pyrolysis coils, and high-temperature components
Why We Are the Best 502 Stainless Steel Pipe Distributor
As the global No.1 502 stainless steel pipe supplier, we offer:
- Permanent stock of rare high-temperature 502 pipes
- Direct mill contracts to guarantee the most competitive 502 stainless steel pipe price
- In-house pickling & solution annealing for optimal surface finish and corrosion resistance
- 100% ultrasonic & radiographic testing for superior quality assurance
- Full EN 10204 3.1/3.2 + PED 2014/68/EU certification
- Custom cutting & beveling to meet your exact specifications
- Fastest worldwide export with unbeatable lead times
Packaging & Delivery Standards
- Heavy wooden boxes for secure transport
- Steel cradles and end protectors to prevent damage during shipping
- Full certification package for quality assurance
FAQ Section
Q: What is the maximum continuous service temperature of 502 pipe? A: 502 stainless steel pipe can withstand continuous service temperatures of up to 980°C.
Q: Is 502 stainless steel pipe magnetic? A: Yes, 502 stainless steel pipe is magnetic due to its ferritic structure.
Q: How does 502 compare to 410 or 309 pipes? A: 502 is more cost-effective than 309 while offering better oxidation resistance than 410 and 430.
Q: Can 502 pipe be welded? A: Yes, 502 stainless steel pipe is weldable with appropriate filler material.
Q: Does 502 suffer sigma-phase embrittlement? A: No, 502 stainless steel pipe does not suffer from sigma-phase embrittlement.
Q: What is the recommended preheat & PWHT for 502 pipe? A: We recommend preheating to 200–300°C and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) at 750–800°C.
Q: Is NACE compliance possible for 502 pipe? A: Yes, 502 stainless steel pipe can be made compliant with NACE standards for use in sour gas environments.
Q: Is 502 pipe suitable for cyclic high-temperature service? A: Yes, 502 stainless steel pipe is designed for cyclic high-temperature service.
Conclusion + Urgent Call-to-Action
For a high-quality 502 stainless steel pipe with superior performance and cost-efficiency, request an instant quote today! We guarantee fast responses and the best prices, available via WhatsApp, WeChat, email, phone, or live chat.