Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 % SO3 | A | B |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
SS 304 shows very good resistance (A) to Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid) at 10 % SO3 at 20 °C, meaning the material remains essentially unaffected by this chemical under standard laboratory test conditions. However, at 50 °C the resistance rating drops, indicating that temperature must be factored into the design. For heated applications, additional testing under actual service conditions is strongly recommended.
Application context
Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid) is commonly encountered in surface cleaning and water treatment. SS 304 (Stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304)) is a metal typically used for vessels, heat exchangers, fittings and structural components. Because Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid) is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
SS 304 can be used with confidence for Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid) containment and handling. The A rating indicates that the material shows no significant change in weight, dimensions, or mechanical properties after prolonged contact under test conditions. At elevated temperatures (50 °C), some reduction in resistance occurs, so periodic inspection is advisable for heated applications. Always verify performance under actual operating conditions before committing to a design.
Did you know?
Temperature is often the deciding factor when selecting materials for Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid): even materials rated A at 20 °C may lose performance at elevated temperatures.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 10 % SO3, 20 °C.
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, FEP A
- Elastomers
- Viton (FPM) A
- Metals
- SS 316 A, Aluminium A
About SS 304
Stainless steel 304 (1.4301) resists oxidising acids and most organic chemicals. Chlorides cause pitting and stress-corrosion cracking.
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.