Limiting conditions for pitting corrosion of stainless steel EN 1.4404 (316L) in terms of temperature, potential and chloride concentration

The main stainless steel grades used for water applications are 1.4307 and 1.4404. The grade selection depends on the conditions: 1.4404 is a more conservative choice and has an improved corrosion resistance over 1.4307. This paper addresses the concept of defining limiting conditions for pitting corrosion of 1.4404 in terms of the environmental parameters such as temperature, potential and chloride concentration. Extensive testing has been done with a combination of short‐term electrochemical measurements and long‐term chlorination experiments. Results are discussed in the light of the current understanding of the critical levels of key parameters for pitting corrosion.