ASTM STP43739S PDF

Utilities have pushed steam temperatures to 1050 F and above during the past 15 years with the result that more stainless steel has been used in superheaters, main steam piping, and turbine parts. Recently, this trend has been reversed, and temperatures have dropped back to 1000 F leaving stainless steel in a very competitive fight for its right to again lead the assault on higher temperatures and efficiencies. Stainless Types 347, 321, and 316 have been used extensively. Type 304 and nickel alloys IN 102 and Inconel alloy 800 are going to be factors in the future.