150lb 316 Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings BSP Thread

Our 150lb 316 Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings range delivers dependable performance for low-pressure systems across industrial, commercial and marine environments. Manufactured from high-quality CF8M (316) stainless steel and fully compliant with ISO 4144, this range offers excellent corrosion resistance, long service life and consistent dimensional accuracy.

All fittings are BSP threaded (female BSPP parallel, male BSPT tapered) and available in a wide selection of types, from elbows and tees to unions, sockets, adaptors and more. They are suitable for use with stainless steel pipe, which we also supply (non-threaded).

Technical Information

  • Material: CF8M (316) stainless steel
  • Standard: ISO 4144
  • Thread Type:
    • Female threads: BSPP (parallel)
    • Male threads: BSPT (tapered)
  • Class: 150lb
  • Manufacture: Investment cast or from welded tube
  • Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +220°C

 

Temperature (°C) Non-shock maximum
working pressure (bar)
-20 to 40 20
100 16.5
150 15
200 14
220 13.5

Notes:

  • Pressure at intermediate temperatures can be interpolated
  • Temperatures refer to the internal fluid
  • Ratings do not account for piping loads, stresses or bending moments

Common Applications

These 150lb stainless steel BSP fittings are widely used across industries thanks to their durability, cleanliness and resistance to corrosion.

 

Typical uses include:

  • Petrochemical and chemical dosing systems
  • Water distribution and treatment
  • Food and beverage production (excellent hygiene and corrosion performance)
  • Paper and pulp manufacturing
  • Marine environments where salt exposure demands 316-grade resistance
  • General plant utilities including cooling, washdown and low-pressure industrial services

Why Use Stainless Steel Fittings?

316 stainless steel is a premium engineering material offering key advantages over brass, copper, mild steel and plastics:

  • Corrosion Resistance: Outstanding protection against water, steam, salt spray, cleaning fluids and many chemicals
  • Chemical Compatibility: Suitable for a wide range of process media including treated water, mild chemicals, non-corrosive gases and food-grade fluids
  • Mechanical Strength: Tough, impact-resistant and able to maintain performance over a wide temperature range
  • High Temperature Stability: Certified operation from -20°C to +220°C, making it ideal for demanding industrial services
  • Standards & Quality: Manufactured to ISO 4144 and controlled under ISO 9001:2015 quality systems for consistency and reliability

What is the Difference Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel?

The two grades look similar on the surface, but the difference comes down to corrosion resistance and where each grade performs best.

  • 304 Stainless Steel (also known as 1.4301)
    • This is the most widely used stainless grade. It offers excellent general corrosion resistance, good strength and a clean, attractive finish. For most indoor and light industrial environments, 304 is more than enough
  • 316 Stainless Steel (also known as 1.4401 / marine grade)
    • 316 contains an additional alloying element: molybdenum. This small tweak makes a big difference. It boosts resistance to chlorides, saltwater and harsh chemicals, making 316 the preferred option for more demanding environments

Can You Use Stainless Steel with Brass or Copper?

When combining metals in a system, it is important to consider galvanic corrosion:

  • Stainless steel can accelerate corrosion in softer metals such as copper or brass when moisture is present
  • If mixed-metal installations are necessary, ensure the system design minimises direct electrical contact or employ appropriate dielectric fittings
  • Using compatible thread sealants and avoiding stagnant moisture points helps prolong system life

Stainless steel pipe and fittings work best when used within a full stainless steel system, especially in demanding or corrosive environments.

How to Install Stainless Steel Fittings

  • Always use appropriate thread sealant (PTFE tape or suitable liquid sealant) on BSPT tapered male threads
  • Tighten fittings using suitable tools, taking care not to overtighten and risk thread damage
  • Ensure threads are clean, undamaged and free from debris
  • For hygienic or food-grade applications, clean components before assembly
  • Confirm system pressure is within the temperature-pressure range (as shown on the above table)

How to Clean Stainless Steel Fittings

Keeping stainless steel fittings looking their best doesn’t take much effort. The material is naturally resistant to corrosion, so most maintenance is simply about removing surface dirt and restoring the finish.

Simple cleaning steps:

  • Everyday cleaning
    • Use warm water with a mild liquid detergent. Wipe the fitting with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, rinse well and dry. This is usually all that’s needed to lift fingerprints, dust and light grime.
  • Removing tougher marks
    • For light staining or residue, apply a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner or a gentle bicarbonate-of-soda paste. Work in the direction of the metal’s finish, then rinse and dry to prevent streaking.
  • What to avoid
    • Skip anything abrasive, including wire brushes, steel wool, harsh bleach or chlorine-based cleaners. These can scratch the surface or damage the film that protects stainless steel from corrosion.
  • Don’t forget to dry
    • Leaving fittings wet can cause water spots and dull the finish, so a quick wipe with a dry microfibre cloth helps maintain a clean, even appearance.

Extra tip: In coastal or industrial locations, giving fittings a rinse with fresh water every so often helps keep contamination at bay and extends service life.

What is the Difference Between BSPP and BSPT Thread?

BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel):

  • Parallel female thread
  • Requires a seal against a gasket, washer or O-ring face
  • Used on the female side of these fittings

BSPT (British Standard Pipe Tapered):

  • Tapered male thread
  • Seals by thread interference with the female parallel thread when used with sealant
  • Used on the male side of these fittings

Together, BSPP female and BSPT male threads provide a reliable, pressure-tight joint suitable for low-pressure stainless steel piping systems.

Can You Use Stainless Steel For Natural Gas?

Yes, stainless steel can be used for natural gas systems, provided the fittings and pipework are correctly rated and approved for gas applications.

Here’s what matters:

  • Material suitability
    • 316 stainless steel is technically compatible with natural gas thanks to its higher resistance to contaminants and moisture.
  • Thread standards
    • Most stainless steel fittings use BSPT male and BSPP female threads in accordance with ISO 7-1. These taper/parallel combinations create a reliable mechanical seal when used with the proper jointing compound.
  • Approvals and markings
    • For gas installations in the UK, always ensure the fittings have the correct certifications or markings for natural gas.
  • Installation quality
    • Gas work should be carried out by a qualified engineer. Correct tightening, sealing compounds and leak testing are essential to ensure the stainless steel connections are safe and compliant.

In short: stainless steel is safe, durable and commonly used for natural gas, as long as you’re using fittings specifically approved for gas service and installed by a competent professional.

 

If you require any further information, our excellent customer service team is here to help so please call us on 01794 835835.

 

Loading...