What Makes Stainless Steel so Popular in the Power Generation Industry?

Stainless steel is one of the most remarkable metals ever developed.  Its many beneficial properties are particularly well suited for the power and energy industries, from traditional coal-powered plants to the newest forms of renewable energy.  Foremost among these attributes, the amazing corrosion resistance of stainless steel is a necessity when dealing with the many extreme environments in which power plants must be located, such as coastal areas or underseas.

The magic that makes stainless steel so corrosion resistant stems from its chemistry.  Unlike regular carbon steel, which easily reacts to the presence of oxygen and water to form a layer of iron oxide (rust), stainless steel undergoes a natural process known as passivation.

This means that the chromium in the stainless steel forms a microscopic surface film of chromium oxide.  Not only does the layer help protect the metal from corroding, it also has the ability to heal itself following nicks or scratches.  Certain alloys have extremely elevated levels of corrosion resistance, working even in marine environments or when exposed to highly corrosive substances.

Another crucial attribute of stainless steel is its ability to transfer heat.  This is an important trait when dealing with electrical components, one that allows stainless steel components to be able to endure the high temperatures and extreme pressure often present in a power generation plant.  That’s why stainless steel is found in heat exchangers, pressure tubes, transformer enclosures and more.

Other attributes of stainless steel that are well suited for power generation include the metal’s high strength to weight ratio, weldability, machinability, durability, wear resistance and ability to withstand extremes in temperatures.