|  | Public Health Safety | Public Health

Stainless Steel Guide Rail & Pipe Specifications

Stainless steel is an alloy containing elements such as iron, nickel and chromium, which contribute to its physical and chemical properties. Due to its high corrosion and oxidation resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures, stainless steel is commonly used in the construction of guide rails and pipes. Stainless steel applications are governed by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

  1. Guide Rails

    • Guide rails are considered when installing automatic doors to provide additional stability and protection. In compliance with the American National Standards Institute guidelines, guide rails are a requirement for both folding and swing doors. They are useful in directing traffic flow, therefore reducing risk of accidents, and are also a stability point for persons walking in and out of a building.

    Stainless Steel Guide Rail Specifications

    • Stainless steel guide rails are designed to give low friction, non-marring guide and support to users. They are manufactured using Type 304 stainless steel, which has a carbon content of 0.8 percent, to provides added wear and corrosion protection. Guide rails have an outside diameter of 1.90 inches, with a wall width of 0.0625 inches.

    Pipes

    • The corrosion and temperature resistant properties of stainless steel allow pipes to be designed with thinner walls. Stainless steel pipes offer added advantages of simple and affordable maintenance and cleanliness. Stainless steel pipes are available as either welded or seamless, and are joined together by fusion welding as opposed to threading. Fields where stainless steel piping are used include electronics, aviation, automotive, marine, heating and air conditioning.

    Stainless Steel Pipe Specifications

    • Up to eight specification categories govern stainless steel piping. For example, pipes for general use are covered by A-269, which requires a minimum of 0.25 inches diameter, and 0.2 inches wall thickness. For seamless pipes needing a minimum wall thickness such as boilers, A-213 requires thickness between 0.15 to 0.5 inches, and a diameter range between 0.125 and 5 inches. A-312 covers seamless and welded pipes used by the food industry, requiring a maximum outside diameter of 4 inches.

Public Health - Related Articles