A Study of Stainless Steel and Its Use in Sugar Industry

Prepared by: Sunil B. Wesley

Definition: Stainless steel is essentially a low carbon steel which contains chromium at 10% or
more by weight. It is this addition of chromium that gives the steel its unique stainless, corrosion-
resisting properties.

Why is Stainless Steel Stainless? The chromium content of the steel allows the formation of a rough,
adherent, invisible, corrosion-resisting chromium oxide film on the steel surface.

If damaged mechanically or chemically, this film is self-healing, providing that oxygen, even in very
small amounts, is present. The corrosion resistance and other useful properties of the steel are enhanced
by increased chromium content and the addition of other elements such as molybdenum, nickel, and
nitrogen.

Families of Stainless Steel

There are five families of stainless steel:

• Ferritic,
• Martensitic,
• Austenitic,
• Duplex, And
• Precipitation Hardening.

These names are derived from the crystal structure of the steels, which determines their metallurgical
behaviour.

Ferritic
Ferritic stainless steels are plain chromium stainless steels with a chromium content varying between
12% and 18% and a low carbon content. They are magnetic and not hardenable by heat treatment.

Martensitic
Martensitic stainless steels were the first stainless steels that were commercially developed (as cutlery)
and have a relatively high carbon content (0.1% - 1.2%) compared to other stainless steels. They are
plain chromium steels containing between 12% and 18% chromium. Alloy 410 is the basic, general
purpose, and magnetic grade that is hardenable by quenching and tempering. These stainless steels can
be heat treated to obtain high strength with good ductility.

Austenitic
 The austenitic stainless steels contain between 16 - 25 percent chromium and sufficient nickel,
manganese and nitrogen to keep them austenitic even at room temperatures. They have a FCC crystal
structure, are non-magnetic, they have good toughness, they are generally considered spot weldable
and the strength in these steels is obtained by solid solution strengthening and/or cold work. Austenitic
stainless steels are used in many applications and may be the most widely used of all the stainless
steels. Fire extinguishers, pots and pans, fixtures, virtually anywhere where bright and corrosion
resistant parts are used.

Duplex
Duplex stainless steel plate contains relatively high levels of chromium (between 18% and 28%) and
low to moderate amounts of nickel (between 1.5% and 8%). The high corrosion resistance and
excellent mechanical properties of duplex stainless steels can be attributed to their chemical
composition and balanced (duplex) microstructure of approximately equal volume percentages of
ferrite and austenite.

LDX 2101® is a low nickel, nitrogen-enhanced lean duplex stainless steel with corrosion resistance
similar to 304 but with much higher mechanical strength. This enables it to be used in thinner cross-
sections which provide cost savings to the end user. Alloys 2304 and 2205 are the most common
grades. They both exhibit outstanding resistance to chloride stress-corrosion cracking.

“Super” duplex grades have enhanced pitting and crevice corrosion resistance when compared with
300-series austenitic stainless steels or conventional duplex alloys. This can be attributed to the
enhanced levels of chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen found in these materials. Alloy 2507 is the
most common “super” duplex grade.

Precipitation Hardening Precipitation hardening stainless steels, like the martensitic types, can be
strengthened (i.e., hardened) by heat treatment. The mechanism is metallurgically different from the
process in the martensitic types. This means that either martensitic or austenitic precipitation hardening
structures can be produced. These stainless steels combine high strength and hardness with corrosion
resistance which is superior to that of the martensitic chromium stainless steels

General Properties of Stainless Steels

Electrical Resistivity
Surface & bulk resistance is higher than that for plain-carbon steels
Thermal Conductivity
About 40 to 50 percent that of plain-carbon steel
Melting Temperature
Plain-carbon:1480-1540 °C
Martensitic: 1400-1530 °C
Ferritic: 1400-1530 °C
Austenitic: 1370-1450 °C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
Greater coefficient than plain-carbon steels
High Strength
Exhibit high strength at room and elevated temperatures
Surface Preparation
Surface films must be removed prior to welding
Spot Spacing
Less shunting is observed than plain-carbon steels
 Figure: Typical Tensile Properties of Annealed Materials

300 Series Austenitic

Type Tensile Yield Elongation Hardness Hardness

(MPa) (MPa) min (Brinell) max (Rockwell B)
min min max
302 517 207 40% in 50mm 183 88
304 517 207 40% in 50mm 183 88
304L 482 207 40% in 50mm 183 88
309 517 207 40% in 50mm 217 95
309S 517 207 40% in 50mm 217 95
310 517 207 40% in 50mm 217 95
310S 517 207 40% in 50mm 217 95
316 517 207 40% in 50mm 217 95
316L 482 172 35% in 50mm 217 95
317 517 207 35% in 50mm 217 95
317L 517 207 35% in 50mm 217 95
321 517 207 40% in 50mm 183 88
347 517 207 40% in 50mm 183 88

Effect Of Alloying Elements On Austenitic Stainless Steels

Element Types of Grades Effects

of Steel
Carbon All types Strongly promotes the formation of austenite. Can form a carbide
with chromium that can lead to intergranular corrosion.
Chromium All types Promotes formation of ferrite. Increases resistance to oxidation
and corrosion.
Nickel All types Promotes formation of austenite. Increases high-temperature
strength, corrosion resistance, and ductility.
Nitrogen XXXN Is a very strong austenite former. Like carbon, nitrogen is many
times as effective as nickel in forming austenite. Increases
strength, especially at cryogenic temperatures. Increases resistance
to pitting corrosion.
Niobium 347 Added primarily to combine with carbon to reduce susceptibility
to intergranular corrosion. Acts as a grain refiner. Promotes the
formation of ferrite. Improves creep strength, but decreases creep
 ductility.
Manganese 2XX Promotes the stability of austenite at or near room temperature but
forms ferrite at high temperatures. Inhibits hot shortness by
forming manganese sulphide.
Molybdenum 316,317 Improves strength at high temperatures. Improves corrosion
resistance to reducing media. Promotes the formation of ferrite.
Selenium of 303, 303Se Increases Machinability but promotes hot cracking during
Sulphur welding. Lowers corrosion resistance slightly. Increases weld
penetration in gas tungsten arc welding.
Silicon 230B Increases resistance to scaling. Promotes formation of ferrite, and
of sigma when greater than 1%. Small amounts are added to all
grades for deoxidizing purposes. Increases fluidity including
wetting of weld metal to base metal.
Titanium 321 Added primarily to combine with carbon to reduce susceptibility
to intergranular corrosion. Acts as a grain refiner. Promotes the
formation of ferrite. Improves creep strength.
Copper CN-7M Generally added to stainless steel to increase corrosion resistance
to certain environments. Decreases susceptibility to stress-
corrosion cracking and provides age-hardening effects.

Markets by Grade

Stainless steel plate is a flat rolled product that is 10 inches (254 mm) and over in width, 0.1875 inches
(4.76 mm) and over in thickness. There are several grades of steel in which plate is available. Use the
guide below to find out which is right for you.

Grade Description Applications

303 Free machining, good mechanical
corrosion resistant properties
304/304L/304H General Purpose
316L Mo added to increase corrosion resistance
317L/317LMN More Mo and Cr added for better corrosion
performance
321/321H Ti added to prevent carbicle precipitation
347/347H Stabilized, excellent resistance to intergranular
corrosion at elevated temperatures
309S Cr and Ni increased for high temperature
310S Same as 309, only more so
410 General Purpose
410S Restricted carbon modification that prevents
hardening and cracking when exposed to high
temperatures or welding
LDX 2101 General purpose lean duplex possessing both
superior strength and corrosion resistance
comparable to 304L and 316L
2304 Improved strength and stress corrosion
cracking compared to 304/316
2205 High strength and superior corrosion
resistance
2507 Exceptional strength and corrosion resistance
17-4PH Capable of precipitation hardening
SSC-6MO 6% molybdenum superaustenitic alloy with
outstanding resistance to chloride pitting,
crevice corrosion and stress-corrosion
and Mechanical and pharmaceutical components and parts
Chemical equipment, Pressure vessels, Cryogenic vessels,
Dairy equipment, Nuclear vessels and components
Chemical processing equipment, Food processing equipment,
Oil refining equipment, Paper industry digesters, evaporators
& handling equipment
Chemical processing equipment, Dying equipment, Pulp and
paper manufacturing equipment; Desalination equipment
Plate heat exchangers, Chemical equipment, Fire walls,
Pressure tanks
Radiant heaters, Aerospace components, Oil refining
equipment
Annealing boxes, Chemical processing equipment (elevated
temperature), Conveyor parts, Dryers
Annealing boxes, Chemical processing equipment (elevated
temperature), Conveyor parts, Dryers
Press plates, Coal chutes, Oil burner parts
Petroleum refining, petrochemical processing, ore processing,
thermal processing, gate valves, press plates
Air pollution control, biofuels, chemical processing, food and
beverage processing, infrastructure, pulp and paper,
desalination and water and wastewater treatment
Pulp & paper, Tanks, Digesters, Pharmaceutical, Food
industry
Pressure vessels, Tanks, Piping, Scrubber systems, Digesters,
Heat exchangers
Oil and gas equipment, Heat exchangers, Chemical
processing vessels, Desalination
Aerospace, Pulp and paper, Valves, Fittings, Food industry,
Nuclear waste casks
Air pollution control, chemical processing, food and beverage
processing, ore processing, offshore oil and gas production,
petroleum refining, pharmaceutical processing, power
 cracking. generation, pulp and paper, desalination

Specifications by Grade
303 A non-magnetic stainless steel specially designed for improved machinability.
304 Chromium-Nickel austenitic alloy used in a wide range of applications.
304L Chromium-Nickel austenitic alloy used in a wide range of applications.
316L Molybdenum bearing austenitic stainless steels which are more resistant to general corrosion and
pitting/crevice corrosion.
317L Molybdenum bearing austenitic stainless steels with increased resistance to chemical attack compared
to standard chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steels.
317LMN 317L + increased levels of moly and nitrogen for enhancing resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.
304H Modification of 304 in which the carbon content is controlled to a range of 0.04 – 0.10 to provide
improved high temperature strength.
321/321H A stabilized stainless steel which has excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion following
exposure to temperatures in the chromium carbide precipitation range from 800 to 1500°F.
347/347H Stabilized stainless steel which offers excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion following
exposure to temperatures in the chromium precipitation range from 800 to 1500°F.
309/309S Austenitic stainless steel used in applications where elevated temperatures are present.
310S Austenitic stainless steel used in applications where elevated temperatures are present.
410 Hardenable, straight-chromium stainless steel which combines superior wear resistance with excellent
corrosion resistance.
410S Low carbon non-hardening modification of 410. Resists cracking when exposed to high temperatures
or in the as-welded condition.
LDX 2101 Low nickel lean duplex stainless steel possessing both superior strength and chloride stress-corrosion
cracking resistance when compared to 300 series stainless steels.
2304 A high chromium-low nickel-moly free duplex stainless steel exhibiting improved strength and stress
corrosion resistance properties compared to 304/316 austenitic stainless steels.
2205 A high chromium-nickel-moly duplex stainless steel providing high strength and superior resistance to
general, local, and stress corrosion compared to 316L or 317L.
2507 A chromium-nickel-moly super duplex stainless steel with exceptional strength and corrosion
resistance in the chemical process, petrochemical, and seawater environments.
17-4PH Martensitic stainless steel that is capable of precipitation hardening. This stainless steel has very high
strength and hardness.
SSC-6MO Superaustenitic 6% molybdenum alloy that exhibits superior resistance to chloride pitting, crevice
corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking when compared with the standard 300 series and duplex
stainless steels. Premier corrosion resistant austenitic stainless steel.

Types of Corrosion found in Stainless Steel

The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is dependent on a thin invisible film on the steel surface, the
passive film. There are, however, environments that cause permanent breakdown of the passive layer.
Under circumstances where the passive layer cannot be rebuilt, corrosion occurs on the unprotected
surface. Different media can cause different types of corrosion attack that may vary in nature and
appearance. Several forms of corrosion can occur on stainless steels plates.

Uniform Corrosion

In this case, the passive layer on a stainless steel surface breaks down partly or completely. The
corrosion then propagates at a rate determined by a combination of the corrosive environment and the
alloy composition. Uniform corrosion or general corrosion occurs on stainless steel in acid
environments or hot alkaline solutions. Severe environments from a corrosive point of view are high
concentrations of hydrochloric or hydrofluoric acid in which the corrosion may propagate at a rate that
can be detrimental to a construction.

Pitting Corrosion

Pitting is a form of localized corrosion and is characterized by attacks at small discrete spots on the
steel surface. Pitting occurs mainly in the presence of neutral or acidic solutions containing chlorides or
other halides. Chloride ions facilitate a local breakdown of the passive layer, especially if there are
imperfections in the metal surface.

Crevice Corrosion

Crevice corrosion is a form of localized corrosion and occurs under the same conditions as pitting, i.e.,
in neutral or acidic chloride solutions. However, attack starts more easily in a narrow crevice than on
an unshielded surface. Crevices, such as those found at flange joints or at threaded connections, are
thus often the most critical sites for corrosion.

Stress Corrosion Cracking

A material failure may be accelerated by the combined effect of corrosion and mechanical stress. Two
examples of such processes are stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue.

The most common type is transgranular stress corrosion cracking, SCC, which may develop in
concentrated chloride-containing environments. Previously, it was generally considered that an
elevated temperature was necessary for SCC to occur. In recent years, however, SCC has been
experienced at ambient temperature on standard grade steels like 304L or 316L that were exposed to
high tensile stresses. In these cases the steel surface was contaminated with solid salt deposits and the
humidity of the atmosphere was rather high. These two factors resulted in a thin liquid film saturated
with chloride. Other contaminants, such as H2S, may increase the risk of SCC in chloride-containing
environments. Other environments that may give rise to SCC, particularly on low alloy steels, include
very alkaline solutions at high temperatures. A typical SCC attack takes the form of thin, branched
cracks.

Galvanic Corrosion

When two different metals are immersed in a corrosive solution, each will develop a corrosion
potential. If the corrosion potential of the two metals is significantly different, and they are in direct
contact and immersed in an electrolyte, the more noble metal will become the cathode and the more
active metal will become the anode. A measurable current may flow between the anode and the
cathode. The corrosion rate of the anode will be increased and the cathode decreased. The increased
corrosion of the anode is called "galvanic corrosion."
Intergranular Corrosion
This type of corrosion may occur if the area around the grain boundaries is less corrosion resistant than
the matrix in the medium in question. A classical case is when chromium carbide is precipitated at the
grain boundaries. The adjacent matrix will be depleted in chromium, and a narrow region around the
grain boundary may, therefore, be less corrosion resistant than the rest of the material.
Corrosion Fatigue

It is well known that a material subjected to a cyclic load far below the ultimate tensile stress can fail, a
process called fatigue. If the metal is simultaneously exposed to a corrosive environment, the failure
can take place at even lower loads and after a shorter time. Contrary to a pure mechanical fatigue, there
is no fatigue limit load in corrosion-assisted fatigue.

Atmospheric Corrosion

In architectural applications, such as wall claddings and decorations, stainless steel is often chosen due
to its aesthetic qualities and the fact that it can be supplied in a variety of surfaces. Selection of specific
stainless steel grades is based on experience and knowledge of the performance of specific grades with
regard to the environment.

Atmospheric environments are most commonly divided into four categories: rural, urban, industrial,
and marine. The environments vary depending on the severity from a corrosive point of view. The
importance of keeping the surface clean by regular washing to avoid staining and dust cannot be
stressed enough.
 Fig: General Process Flow for Manufacturing of Sugar from Sugarcane
Material Currently Used
• Mild steel
• Brass

Corrosion is widely recognized as a major problem in the sugar industry. The Indian sugar industry has
woken up to this problem and is now contemplating measures to address it. Rough estimates indicated
that the losses due to corrosion in the Indian sugar industry amount to over Rs 10 billion1 (US$ 250
million).
Types of Corrosion
Atmospheric Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion
Pitting corrosion
Crevice Corrosion
Stress corrosion
High temperature corrosion
Corrosion erosion

Corrosion in Sugar Industry

Most of the equipment is made in Sugar industry from Mild steel. This has resulted in the corrosion
becoming a major factor to be addressed in the Sugar industry.
Colour in sugar due to Iron Oxide: In India, plantation white sugar is manufactured, where, generally
no further refining is carried out. Therefore it is important to minimize color imparting impurities
(corrosion) in the process equipment. It is estimated that about 20-25 kg equivalent of Fe2O3 is mixed
in the juice for every 1000 tones of Cane processed through sulphitation process. (Source: P Honig,
Principles of Sugar Technology Part-I). Due to this corrosion, the color of juice darkens resulting in
loss of whiteness.
Continuous Working : As the sugar industry is working continuosly during the season, the breakdown
cost is very high (of the order of Rs 4-10 lacs/ hour depending upon the size of plant). This makes the
breakdowns unaffordable and in many processes, the standby equipments are provided resulting in
higher capital cost.
Off Season Maintenance: One of the major reason of corrosion is the atmospheric oxidation of mild
steel equipment during the off-season due to exposure to hot and humid conditions after the process is
shut down. During restarting, most of this rust is transferred to Sugar which needs re-melting to reduce
wastage.
Perishable Raw Material: The sugarcane is a perishable material and deterioration starts soon after
harvesting. Therefore it becomes important that the sugarcane is processed as fast as possible
(generally target is – 72 hrs after harvesting). Any breakdown in the equipment leads to a fall in
recovery from the sugarcane, extra colour formation and the loss of sugar from the in-process material.
Besides this, there is a problem of managing the huge stock of sugarcane-laden wagons which may
create law and order issues.
Hygiene: The tanks and equipment fabricated from the mild steel is not conducive to hygiene and the
resultant sugar made from processes commands lower realization in the competitive market.
Due to these reasons, tackling the issue of corrosion has become a major challenge the world over.
Most plants across the world have switched over to various grades of Stainless Steel. In India also, the
plants engaged in manufacture of refined sugar have started shifting to the use of stainless steel in
various equipment.

Medium Analysis of Cane sugar Manufacturing Station & Corrosion rates encountered in mild
steel and brass5

S.No. Station/medium pH Temperature Av.Corrosion Corrosion

oC rate in MS rate in
(mdd) brass(mdd)
1 Condenser water 6.8 41 401.91 26.75
2 Mixed (raw) juice 5.5 29 942.33 53.54
3 Sulphitated juice 7.1 64 213.18 24.30
4 Classified juice 6.9 98 655.50 38.79
5 Filtered juice 6.5 76 734.89 67.06
6 Sulphitated juice 5.1 46 405.18 84.75
7 Final molasses 5.7 45 100.65 22.95

Advantages of Stainless Steel over Mild Steel

1. Low / Negligible corrosion: The Chromium oxide passive layer formed is resistant to most types of
corrosive media (depending upon the grade used). Besides this, the layer is self healing in that any
damage to this layer is self repaired in the presence of Oxygen in the atmosphere.
2. Strength: Stainless steel is stronger than mild steel. As a result, in most cases it is possible to reduce
the plate thickness by 20 - 30% without compromising on the structural strength. Also it offers better
abrasion resistance than mild steel and hence it offers much higher life.
3. Low corrosion allowance: The average life expectancy of Stainless steel is 6 to 10 times that of
Mild steel. Since the material is resistant to most media, there is no need to provide for corrosion
allowances. This further brings down the equipment weight.
4. Low maintenance: Since in Stainless steel, no coatings/ protective painting is required, therefore,
this recurring expenses are avoided
5. Superior hygiene: Stainless Steels are the recommended material for hygiene related equipment like
food processing, pharmaceutical, etc.
6. Better heat transfer: Stainless Steel offers equivalent / better heat transfer than other material like
brass etc. Also, since it has much less problem of scaling, there is little deterioration between the
scheduled cleanings. Also, wear loss due to cleaning using cutter for descaling of brass tubes is reduced
appreciably.
7. Lower operating cost: Use of stainless steel can bring down the breakdown incidence appreciably
resulting in lowering the cost of operations.
8. Lifecycle cost: It is established that the Stainless steel offers lower lifecycle cost as compared to
mild steel. It is found that the savings by replacing mild steel with Stainless steel can result in 30-100%
savings over the lifetime of the equipment.
9. Safety: Not the least, stainless steel enhances safety throughout the plant due to reduction in
accidents/ leakages.
Recommended equipment for substitution with stainless steels
Listed below are the range of equipments which will benefit from the use of appropriate grade of
stainless steel. The recommended grades as well as the life cycle cost comparison with the existing
material are mentioned later. The estimated savings in annual replacement material costs due to
upgrading with appropriate stainless steel grade can go upto even 50%.

• Cane carrier side plates

• Cane carrier chain links
• Rake type inter carrier, Wear Pads troughs and rakes
• Mill imbibition piping
• Donnely chutes
• Juice pump body and impellers (up to sulphited juice pump)
• Mill juice gutters
• Whirler tanks, screened juice and unscreened juice tanks
• Bagasse carrier trough
• Raw juice lines
• Clarifier mud scrapers
• Juice sulphiter
• SO2 gas pipeline
• Rotary vacuum filter filtrate lines and tanks
• Juice heater covers
• Juice heater condensate lines
• Vacuum crystallizer top dome
• Pan and last evaporator vapor lines
• Condensate lines for evaporator
• Molasses gutters
• Partition plates inside continuous centrifugals
• Centrifugal basket ribs
• Hopper trough and base plates

Criteria for selection of suitable stainless steel for sugar industry

Typical properties which go into the selection of material are:
• Mechanical / chemical properties (imparting features such as strength)
• Fabricability and weldability
• Corrosion performance
• Wear performance

Besides the above factors, cost of using a particular grade is also a concern.

The essential properties that are looked for are:

a) Corrosion and erosion resistance
b) Abrasion resistance – Particularly resistant to wet abrasion
c) High strength and light weight
d) Good fabricability
• Welding
• Bending
• Cutting & Shearing
• Forming
e) Good white colouration
f) Availability at affordable cost

The type 304 fulfils all the above attributes except that it is an expensive material and its price is
extremely sensitive to the rise or fall in international nickel price. Type 409 is largely used in handling
dry or semidry products mainly to exercise cost economy. However many users face difficulties in
fabrication of 409 and use type 304 in non critical areas adding cost to the project.
With a twin objective of exercising cost economy in building up of new sugar plants and ensuring an
uninterrupted indigenous supply source, Jindal Stainless Ltd. Has conducted extensive lab studies on
some Chrome-Manganese austenitic stainless steel grades as possible substitute to type 304 or 409L as
the case may be.

Replacing Brass Tubes with Stainless Steel Tubes

The world over most sugar mills have switched over to Stainless steel tubes. This is happening at a fast
rate in India also. It is calculated that just by replacing the brass tubes with SS tubes (204Cu), a 5000
TCD plant can save up to Rs 3 Crores in the initial investment and additional up to Rs 1 Crore in
recurring maintenance cost annually. The details of the comparison are provided below.

Comparison of Brass vs Stainless steel Tube

Factor Brass Stainless Steel

Strength Higher thickness-1.6/2 mm Low thickness -1.2mm
Heat Transfer Good Good
Scaling High Low
Cleaning High frequency Less frequent
Initial cost High 40% of Brass
Scrap value Upto 75% Upto 50%
Total life 2-4 season 10-12 seasons
This guide suggests the Stainless Steel grades keeping in view the optimum
performance to cost ratio.

S No Equipment Working Existing Suggeste Benefit

Environment Material d Material
1 Cane Conveyor : Abrasion, Mild Steel J4 Increase in
Side plates, Chain slidability, wear, life, reduction
links, pin, bushes & corrosion in b/down
rollers
2 Milling :
Donnelly chutes Abrasion- MS J4 Longer life
Corrosion

Rake elevators, side Corrosion MS J4 Longer

plates, base plate life/Hygiene

Juice Trays/Gutters Corrosion MS, Al, J4 Hygiene/

Cu lined 204Cu longer
life/ lower
cost
Trough & Screw Abrasion, MS JSL Longer Life
Conveyors Corrosion AUS

Lining below Corrosion MS JSL -do-

Milling Head Stock AUS

Lining below Corrosion MS J4 -do-

Milling bearing base

Bagasse carrier and Corrosion MS -do-

Conveyor
4 Sulphur Station SO2 MS/ cast 204Cu Longer life
corrosion, iron
Juice Tanks/pipe High
Lines temperature

Juice sulphitation
5 Juice/ syrup Tanks Corrosion MS (8mm) J4 Avoid
Discoloration
due to
corrosion
6 Juice Heaters, Corrosion MS 204Cu No color
Evaporator, Pans From
Fe2O3,
reduced
weight, longer
life of SS
tubes
due to no
galvanic
 corrosion
7 Tubes – Juice Corrosion, Brass 204Cu Reduced cost
Heater, Evaporator, SO2 gas in Savings of
Pans juice heater approx Rs 3cr
tubes, high ininitial
temp, investment
scaling and
Rs 40-50 lacs
in
Recurring
maintenance
for
a 5000 TCD
plant
8 Saveall, Vapor line, Corrosion due MS 204Cu Longer life
Condensers, to – Acidic
Tailpipes vapor,
water
vapor, High
velocity
9 Pipelines Heavy MS JSL Longer life
corrosion Tube and
safety due to
no
leakage
10 Hoppers Abrasion, MS/ J4 Wear
sugar looses Spring resistance
lusture steel
11 Crystallizers and Corrosion, MS/ SS 204Cu No iron
Centrifugals Iron contamination
contamination
12 Whirling tank Raw Corrosion MS 204Cu Corrosion
juice Tanks Molasses resistance and
tank/ cover no
Unsulphured syrup discoloration,
Sulphured syrup tank reduced
painting
13 Juice Pumps Corrosion MS/ Cast 204Cu Corrosion
iron resistance/
low b/down
14 Vacuum filters Corrosion MS body 204Cu Corrosion
with SS resistance
screens
References
1. V. Bhardwaj, J.C. Patil, L.K. Singhal, Pravin Goel (2007) Role of SS material to combat corrosion in
sugar industry – A study under R&D initiative of STAI., Proceedings of Seminar at Gangtok Sikkim.
2. R.K. Goyal et al (2006), Stainless steel in sugar industry – A lifecycle perspective, Proceedings,
Annual conference STAI.
3. S.K. Gupta, et al, (2007) National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, All India Seminar on Role of stainless
steel to combat corrosion in sugar industry,
4. R.K.Goyal, Rajesh Khosla, and Pravin Goel (2006) Stainless steel in sugar industry – A lifecycle
perspective, Proceedings of the 67th Annual Convention of STAI.
5. D Kamila, L.N. Dash, L.K. Singhal (2006) Use of chrome manganese austenitic stainless steel in
sugar industry – A conceptual approach. Proceedings of the 67th Annual Convention of STAI.
6. http://www.assda.asn.au/
7. http://www.sandmeyersteel.com/
8. www.stainless-uk.co.uk
9. www.stainless-steel-world.nt
10. www.stainlesssteel.org
11. www.arcelor-stainless.com
12. www.tata.com