Precision Grade 316LVM Stainless Steel for Capillary Tubes
Capillary Tubes in Industrial Instrumentation: The Backbone of Process Control
Industrial instrumentation relies on stainless steel capillary tubes for pressure, temperature, and flow sensing across virtually every industry — from power generation to water treatment, from mining to pulp & paper. 304 and 316 stainless steel are the two most widely used grades, with selection based on the operating environment and process conditions.
Applications in Industrial Instrumentation
Pressure Sensing
- Pressure transmitter impulse lines: Connect process to pressure transmitter
- Pressure gauge supply lines: Direct pressure indication
- Differential pressure sensing: Flow and level measurement via DP cells
- Pressure relief monitoring: Safety system pressure detection
Temperature Sensing
- Thermowell tubes: Protect RTDs and thermocouples from process media
- Temperature sensor sheaths: Probe protection in harsh environments
- Capillary thermostats: Temperature sensing and control
Flow Measurement
- Orifice plate tapping lines: Differential pressure flow measurement
- Flow transmitter impulse lines: Connect process to flow transmitter
- Purge lines: Maintain clear sensing lines in dirty services
Level Measurement
- DP level sensing: Tank level measurement via differential pressure
- Purge level systems: Bubble tube level measurement
- Float gauge lines: Mechanical level sensing
Material Selection for Instrumentation
| Application | Recommended Grade | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| General instrumentation | 304 | Cost-effective, adequate corrosion resistance |
| Marine/offshore instrumentation | 316 | Chloride resistance |
| Chemical processing | 316 | Chemical compatibility |
| High temperature (>400°C) | 321/347 | Stabilized grades |
| High pressure (>1000 bar) | 316/316L | Superior strength |
Common Sizes for Instrumentation
| Application | OD (mm) | Wall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure sensing | 6.0-12.0 | 0.5-1.0 |
| Temperature sensing | 3.0-8.0 | 0.3-0.5 |
| Flow measurement | 6.0-12.0 | 0.5-1.0 |
| Level measurement | 6.0-12.0 | 0.5-1.0 |
Quality Standards
- ASTM A269/A269M — Seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubing
- EN 10216-5 — Pressure equipment seamless steel tubes
- ISO 9001:2015 — Quality management
- ISA standards — Instrumentation standards
Request a Quote
Contact us with your instrumentation requirements — grade, dimensions, pressure rating, quantity — and receive a competitive quote within 24 hours.
Healsmed
Leading Stainless Steel Capillary Tube Factory. 1,400+ standard sizes IN STOCK & ready to ship worldwide! High precision, factory-direct price.
