Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| dilute | B | B | pitting risk |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
SS 316 shows good but limited resistance (B) to Potassium Hypochlorite at dilute at 20 °C. The material can be used in contact with this chemical, but minor effects such as slight swelling or a small reduction in mechanical properties may occur over extended exposure periods. Regular inspection of components in service is advisable. The rating remains stable between 20 °C and 50 °C, which means this material can also handle moderately elevated process temperatures without additional risk. Note that the source flags a risk of pitting or stress-corrosion cracking for this combination, which is particularly relevant for pressure-bearing or structurally loaded components.
Application context
Potassium Hypochlorite is commonly encountered in pulp and paper and bleaching. SS 316 (Stainless steel 1.4401 (AISI 316)) is a metal typically used for vessels, heat exchangers, fittings and structural components. Because Potassium Hypochlorite 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 suitable for use with Potassium Hypochlorite under normal conditions, but some minor effects on the material are expected over time. Periodic monitoring for swelling, softening, or weight change is recommended, especially for long-service components. For safety-critical or long-life applications, consider HDPE, LDPE, PMP instead, which are rated A for this chemical.
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 dilute, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid A, LDPE A, PVC Flexible A, Polysulfone A, PMP A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP 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.