Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| anhydrous | C* | – |
* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
SS 316 has limited resistance (C) to Hydrogen Fluoride at anhydrous at 20 °C. This indicates that the chemical has a noticeable effect on the material, which may include visible swelling, softening, or a measurable loss of tensile strength. Use is generally limited to short-term or intermittent contact where full structural integrity is not required. 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
Hydrogen Fluoride is commonly encountered in chemical storage 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 Hydrogen Fluoride is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
SS 316 has limited resistance to Hydrogen Fluoride and should only be used for short-term or intermittent contact at ambient temperature. The C rating means the material undergoes noticeable changes — swelling, loss of strength, or surface degradation — that make it unsuitable for permanent installations. For prolonged or continuous exposure, FEP, PTFE offer significantly better resistance and are rated A.
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 anhydrous, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- PP B
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, FEP 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.