CORROSION RESISTANCE CHART

Aggressive Water
If the pumping medium contains aggressive compounds, Example of How to Use the Diagram
the stainless steel used for motor, pump, riser main, With a ground water temperature of 10°C, standard
valves, etc. must be of a quality resistant to the aggres- stainless steel, AISI 304, can be used if the chloride
sive substances in the water. content is less than 1,000 ppm.

Grundfos pumps are available in three different corrosion
classes. The standard products for drinking water are
made of AISI 304 stainless steel.
Components made of the N-type of stainless steel are
stamped with an “N,” e.g. impellers and chambers. They
are more resistant to water with a moderate content of
salt, called brackish water. This stainless steel quality is
AISI 316.
Components made of the R-type of stainless steel are
stamped with an “R.” They are resistant even to
equatorial sea water. This stainless steel quality is
AISI 904L.
The products look exactly the same apart from the
stamped letters and the nameplate of pump and motor.
N steel, AISI 316, can be used at a chloride content of up
to 5,000 ppm.
With a sea water temperature of 40°C, R steel, AISI 904L
can be used when the chloride content is greater than
20,000 ppm.
For ground water temperatures higher than 10°C and a
chloride content of 1,000 ppm, a complete water analysis
must be made. Grundfos should also be contacted as the
existence of other salts or substances could make it
possible to use the steel quality anyway. The diagrams
are only valid for pumps which are activated at least a few
hours a day.
CORROSION DIAGRAM
AISI 304, 316 AND 904L
100

CORROSION DIAGRAM 90

AISI 304, 316 AND 904L 80

70
Temperature (°C)

100 60
90 50
80 40
70
Temperature (°C)

30 AISI 904L
60 20
AISI 904L
50
10 SS
SS SS 316
40 304 316
0
30 2000 4000 6000 8000 12000 16000 20000
20 316 SS Chloride (ppm)

10 304 SS 316 SS
Figure 2: Brackish water and sea water qualities
0
200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
Chloride (ppm)

Figure 1: Drinking water qualities

Corrosion is a universal problem which often requires

expert knowledge to solve. The pH value in the two
previous diagrams is assumed to be close to neutral, i.e.
pH = 7-8. The water temperature must be measured on Grundfos Pumps Corporation • 3131 N. Business Park Avenue • Fresno, CA 93727
location, the chloride content in ppm is found by analysis. Customer Service Centers: Allentown, PA • Fresno, CA
Phone: (559) 292-8000 • Fax: (559) 291-1357
The diagrams are only intended as a guide, indicating Canada: Oakville, Ontario • Mexico: Apodaca, N.L
.
when detailed analyses should be performed. Visit our website at www.us.grundfos.com
L-CI-TL-002 12/00
PRINTED IN USA