CORROSION RESISTANCE CHART

Aggressive Water
If the pumping medium contains aggressive compounds,
the stainless steel used for motor, pump, riser main,
valves, etc. must be of a quality resistant to the aggressive substances in the water.

Example of How to Use the Diagram

Grundfos pumps are available in three different corrosion

classes. The standard products for drinking water are
made of AISI 304 stainless steel.

N steel, AISI 316, can be used at a chloride content of up

to 5,000 ppm.

Components made of the N-type of stainless steel are

stamped with an N, e.g. impellers and chambers. They
are more resistant to water with a moderate content of
salt, called brackish water. This stainless steel quality is
AISI 316.
Components made of the R-type of stainless steel are
stamped with an R. They are resistant even to
equatorial sea water. This stainless steel quality is
AISI 904L.

With a ground water temperature of 10C, standard

stainless steel, AISI 304, can be used if the chloride
content is less than 1,000 ppm.

With a sea water temperature of 40C, R steel, AISI 904L

can be used when the chloride content is greater than
20,000 ppm.
For ground water temperatures higher than 10C and a
chloride content of 1,000 ppm, a complete water analysis
must be made. Grundfos should also be contacted as the
existence of other salts or substances could make it
possible to use the steel quality anyway. The diagrams
are only valid for pumps which are activated at least a few
hours a day.

CORROSION DIAGRAM
AISI 304, 316 AND 904L

The products look exactly the same apart from the

stamped letters and the nameplate of pump and motor.
100

CORROSION DIAGRAM
AISI 304, 316 AND 904L

80
Temperature (C)

100
90
80
Temperature (C)

90

70
60

AISI 904L

50

70
60
50
40
30

10

40

AISI 904L

20

304

SS

316

SS

316

2000 4000 6000 8000

30
316 SS

20
10

316 SS

304 SS

0
200

400

600

SS
12000

16000

20000

Chloride (ppm)

Figure 2: Brackish water and sea water qualities

800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

Chloride (ppm)

Figure 1: Drinking water qualities

Corrosion is a universal problem which often requires
expert knowledge to solve. The pH value in the two
previous diagrams is assumed to be close to neutral, i.e.
pH = 7-8. The water temperature must be measured on
location, the chloride content in ppm is found by analysis.
The diagrams are only intended as a guide, indicating
when detailed analyses should be performed.

Grundfos Pumps Corporation 3131 N. Business Park Avenue Fresno, CA 93727

Customer Service Centers: Allentown, PA Fresno, CA
Phone: (559) 292-8000 Fax: (559) 291-1357
Canada: Oakville, Ontario Mexico: Apodaca, N.L
.
Visit our website at www.us.grundfos.com

L-CI-TL-002 12/00
PRINTED IN USA