Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-5 % | D | D | |
| 20 % | D | D | |
| 35 % | D | D | |
| concentrated | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
SS 316 maintains a consistent rating of D across all 4 tested concentrations (1-5 %, 20 %, 35 %, concentrated) of Hydrochloric Acid at 20 °C. The fact that the rating does not change with concentration within the tested range simplifies material selection, though the boundary conditions beyond this range remain untested. The rating remains stable between 20 °C and 50 °C, which means this material can also handle moderately elevated process temperatures without additional risk.
Application context
Hydrochloric Acid is commonly encountered in surface cleaning and water treatment. SS 316 (Stainless steel 1.4401 (AISI 316)) is a metal typically used for vessels, heat exchangers, fittings and structural components. Because Hydrochloric Acid is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
SS 316 is not recommended for use with Hydrochloric Acid. The D rating indicates that the material will suffer rapid and severe degradation, which may include cracking, dissolution, severe swelling, or complete structural failure. Using this combination risks equipment damage, leaks, and potential safety incidents. Consider using HDPE, LDPE, PMP instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.
Did you know?
Stainless steel 1.4401 (AISI 316) is commonly chosen for vessels, heat exchangers, fittings and structural components because of its combination of chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and cost-effectiveness.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 35 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid B, LDPE A, Polysulfone A, PMP A, SAN A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- Viton (FPM) A
About SS 316
Stainless steel 316 (1.4401) contains molybdenum, which improves resistance to chlorides over 304. Hydrochloric acid and other halide acids still cause pitting.
Rating scale
- A very good resistance
- B good resistance
- C limited resistance
- D not resistant
- – no data
- K no general statement possible
A rating marked * is an estimate in the source, not a test result. An estimate is given as one value without a temperature.
About this data
The ratings come from the chemical resistance list published by Bürkle GmbH, which compiled them from raw-material manufacturers’ data. They describe laboratory tests on the raw material at 20 °C and 50 °C.
A finished part also sees pressure, mechanical stress, welds and mixtures that a laboratory test does not. Treat the rating as a first filter and test under your own conditions before relying on it.