Stainless steel 304 corrosion resistance to soils and groundwater?

[michiganman]

I am interested in any case studies, reports or information concerning the corrosion resistant capabilites of stainless steel 304 in soil and groundwater conditions.

 

[waterexpert]

Dont know about soil or groundwater but in sewage, you get some light, self-limiting surface corrosion. 316 is better in sewage apps.

 

[MASSEY]

I used to drill water wells (one of the jobs I've held that compelled me to become an engineer - I didn't want to do that the rest of my life) we always used SS screens in the wells. The companies that make these screens MUST have data that would supply the answers you are looking for.

I would contact a screen manufacturer and ask them to help.

Good Luck.

 

[kenvlach]

Unless you put your SS in some wet, salty ground, there should be little problem.
Here are some favorite SS info sources. All except ASTM are free:
For stainless steel, the Nickel Development Institute is a great source of free information (375 technical papers!)

http://www.nidi.org/,

e.g.,
Other sources I highly recommend are Carpenter Technology

http://www.cartech.com/

The Specialty Steel Industry of North America:

http://www.ssina.com/SSINA2002/

Hendrix Group's Stainless Steel Property Database:

http://www.hghouston.com/ssdata.html

Special Metals:

http://www.specialmetals.com/publication/by_category_others.htm

Also, ASTM A380, Standard Practice for Cleaning, Descaling and Passivation of Stainless Steel Parts, Equipment and Systems from

http://www.astm.org

Good prepn. is essential if placing SS in a corrosive environment.

 

[jrw44]

You need to check for microbial activity in the soil or groundwater. Stainless steel well casing and screen may be subject to microbially induced corrosion.

 

[BabbageGeo]

Sulphate reducing bacteria will pit SS fairly rapidly. Volcanic soils can also be a problem. Elec conductivity and the presence or potential for stray current from earthing systems should be evaluated.