Achieve Superior Corrosion Resistance with Stainless Steel Fabrication

When you need a material with superior corrosion resistance that can be subjected to high temperatures without losing its structural integrity—and when you want the best steel for a wide range of sensitive applications—consider stainless steel fabrication services by Boardman. Stainless steel fabrication is preferred when oxidation could be problematic, when a more durable metal than carbon steel is needed, or when a lower-cost option than titanium is required. Let’s discuss your stainless-steel project now.

Does Your Project Call for Stainless Steel Fabrication?

Stainless steel is often chosen for its corrosion-resistant properties. It’s able to withstand even the harshest of environments–like those found in the oil & gas industry. Highly-corrosive compounds like chlorides, sulphur, ammonia, sulfuric acid, naphthenic acid, polythionic acid, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, cyanides, hydrogen chloride, phenols, and oxygen can wreak havoc on other types of metal. That what makes stainless steel so valuable in industries where these compounds–and those like them–are present.

Some examples? Austenitic stainless steel is used in corrosive environments and high temperatures. Duplex performs well when superior strength and corrosion resistance can’t be compromised. Contact us to discuss what’s possible.

Never Settle for Lack of Fabrication Capabilities Again

Have you ever contracted with a fabricator only to discover they don’t have the capabilities to deliver what they promised? Or have you found out they had to farm out part of the job to cover for their lack of know-how?

That won’t happen when you partner with Boardman. Since 1910, we’ve been fabricating stainless steel pressure vessels for many industries in a wide range of dimensions.  From a 24”OD x 8’ Acid Gas Knockout Drum constructed of SA-240-316L material to a 108”ID x 84”ID x 130’ Demethanizer Tower constructed of SA-240-304L material, we’ve got whatever you need covered.

Here are more examples of stainless-steel projects you’ll see coming out of Boardman’s 140,000 ft² Oklahoma City facility:

  • Stacks
  • Hoppers
  • Scrubbers
  • Cold Drain Tanks
  • Evaporators
  • Cold Separators
  • Bubble Column Reactors
  • Reactors
  • Dryer Drums
  • Distillation Columns
  • Fractionation Columns

When Choosing a Fabricator, Materials Matter

The project you’re planning now might require stainless steel, but what about your next project?

When you choose a fabricator who has the capability to work with all these metals, you can forget about shopping around:

We invite you to view a few of our past projects for yourself, some of which have been fabricated with stainless steel. You’ll find that our services include heavy plate fabrication, custom fabrication, trayed towers and columns, and ASME pressure vessels. Then give us a call to see how we can help you.

Does Your Fabricator Have Boardman’s Capabilities?

You’ve got a taste of what we’re capable of delivering above, but there’s more.

We have experience fabricating equipment from 310, 321, 347, 304, 316, 410, & 317, for projects in cryogenic, gas processing, chemical, and petrochemical industries.

All our welding procedures are qualified to meet ASME Section IX and ASME Section VIII standards. Our fabrication welding processes consist of SAW, FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and ESW for Corrosion Resistant Overlay (CRO).

We always welcome questions about our capabilities, and we look forward to speaking to you soon.

The Stainless Steel Grades We Use for Equipment Fabrication

Not all stainless steel is alike. Each grade comes with its own price point and benefits.

304/304L

This is the most widely produced austenitic stainless steel. It resists corrosion in moderately reducing and moderately oxidizing environments. 304L can match the mechanical properties of 304 with the controlled introduction of nitrogen, explaining why many products can be certified as 304/304L.

316/316L

For chemical-processing applications, this is the most commonly prescribed grade of stainless steel. Molybdenum increases its resistance to corrosion, chloride pitting, and strength in high-temp situations. With controlled nitrogen addition, 316/316L can maintain low-carbon content and match the mechanical properties of straight-grade 316.

309

For heat and oxidation resistance up to 1900°F under contact temperatures and up to 1850°F with frequent thermal cycling, 309 stainless is an austenitic alloy with high chromium and low (relatively) nickel content often prescribed for sulfur-bearing, high-temperature applications. Its resistance to carbon absorption can be categorized as ‘moderate’ and, therefore, is not recommended for highly carburizing atmospheres.

321

When service temperatures are in the 1000°-1600°F range, this titanium-stabilized grade of stainless steel may be used. For service temps up to 1600°F, an air-cool stabilizing treatment is administered 1550°-1650°F for optimum intergranular corrosion resistance and polythionic acid stress corrosion cracking resistance.

304/304H

For applications where temperatures will reach 1500°F, this 0.04% minimum carbon type of 304 stainless steel with corrosion resistance comparable to low-carbon, dual-certified 304/304L is used. Carbide precipitation can be a problem in the weld heat-affected zone. Weldments can be sensitive to polythionic acid stress corrosion cracking and HAZ intergranular corrosion in environments with oxidizing acid. When high-temp mechanical properties are necessary, carbide precipitation is not harmful.

317/317L

For enhanced corrosion resistance (when compared to 304/304L and 316/316L), this molybdenum / austenitic stainless steel contains elevated levels of molybdenum, nickel, and chromium (more than 316L). It has expanded resistance to general corrosion and chloride pitting. 317L can meet 317’s mechanical properties while maintaining low carbon content with controlled nitrogen addition.

347

For applications in strong oxidizing environments, 347 stainless delivers corrosion resistance greater than 321. Stabilized with columbium, which improves its resistance to intergranular attack, it’s preferred in low-temperature (up to 1500°F) and aqueous environments, although its high-temp oxidation resistance is similar to 304. For decent resistance to oil refinery polythionic acid stress corrosion cracking, either 347 or 321 may be used.

410S

This is a low-carbon 410 modification (with the option of a small titanium and/or columbium addition to minimize high-temp austenite formation) that’s ferromagnetic and entirely ferritic in the annealed condition. It remains ductile and soft even when rapidly cooled from above the critical temperature. This aids in crack prevention while welding or during exposure to high temps.  

Have questions about the different types of stainless steel fabrication? Contact us, and we’ll answer them all.

Stewardship Comes Standard with Every Boardman Project

We make our customers a promise. That promise is stewardship, and it means that we will guide you through your stainless-steel fabrication project from quote through field services. We are committed to your satisfaction—and that means making sure you get a process that’s customized to you and your work style.

That’s how we describe the difference you’ll see when you work with Boardman. Let’s get started with a quote today.

Definitely a great team effort between HFS and Boardman to get this knocked out quickly with no mistakes.  Appreciate you and your teams help getting this across the finish line!

Reliability & Inspection

HF Sinclair

The BFS team is very responsive, conduct quality work, and produce detailed reports.  They have excellent level of support, responsiveness and quality work!

Construction Manager

Vestas

“I am glad you guys do the newsletters. Educate AND do the work. Most don’t do this. It is similar to what Dave Ramsay says about looking for a Financial Advisor… look for one with a heart of a teacher.”

Equipment Engineer

Fluor

“I would like to go out of my way to say this is the quickest I have seen a vessel come together. Your ability to manage this on such short notice does not go unnoticed and definitely will earn you some more business. Your professional approach and ability to keep this moving was amazing! I was hoping to see this thing through to the end and see about getting some Guiness world record trophy on our walls.”

Mechanical Engineer

Chevron

“Just wanted to send a quick thank you for sending these newsletters. I really enjoy them and share them with others at the office.”

Project Management

Kestrel Engineering

“Thank you for all your help on this order. Please let your team know that everything Boardman has done for this order has been top notch!”

Mechanical Engineer

Worley

“It was a real pleasure working with you and your team. I wish all vendors would have the same high quality team!”

Expeditor

Worley

“Your engineering team has gone above and beyond for our current projects. We have thrown quite a few changes at them and they have dug into code details that are not normally required to satisfy the requests of some of our SME folks. They are always available, even when they’re off or on weekends to help answer any urgent questions. I tried to find something we can do to help recognize the extra efforts, but could not come up with anything. Thank you for the efforts and willingness to work with us so closely on these urgent jobs.”

Mechanical Engineer

Chevron

“It was great pleasure and it was sure a huge effort pulled by Boardman organization. Promoting such events are very helpful to the engineering community in general but very few places realize the same. Boardman being exceptional and very hospitable place to be for this event. I want to say Thank You Boardman!”

Mechanical Engineer

Chevron

“The class was an excellent use of time and has increased my industry knowledge. Good mix of both end user and design engineer attendance which drove discussions into new directions. I will highly recommend to my firm for attendance next year.”

Mechanical Engineer

S&B Engineering

“Thank you and everyone at Boardman for an excellent 2 days of training and exceptional hospitality. While it gave me the opportunity to get out of the office for 2 days, it was also a great training/refreshing opportunity for me and on top of it, I got to visit your facility, which I think is quite impressive. Hope to have some more work in your shop soon. There are several folks here who were amazed when I told them that you guys had welding stations set up and each of us got to weld and try out as many as 4 welding processes. Please keep me posted on the next training session.”

Vessel Engineer

Burns & McDonnell

“I just wanted to say thank you very much to you and your team for all of the work that you put in to make this seminar possible. I was very impressed with the quality of the seminar. It is the best technical seminars I have been to. The classroom intermixed with shop time made the experience a one of a kind. The instructor is a wealth of knowledge. I was also very impressed with the care and concern that you had for those attending. You guys have superb customer service. I really appreciate the opportunity and it means a lot.”

Mechanical Engineer

MKEC Engineering

“Thank you guys very much for putting together the Pressure Vessel Fabrication presentation. I’ve heard great things from about the vessels currently in your shop. We look forward to building a long lasting relationship.”

Corrosion/Materials Engineer

Phillips 66

“The Boardman team’s expertise, experience and processes made our project easy. The communication between their team and mine ensured our project ran smoothly. I knew I could count on the work they sent. I look forward to working with a company that communicates well and takes pride in their work.”

Mechanical Engineer

Worley

“I just wanted to share some photos of the Deisobutonizer being lifted into place yesterday. None of this would have been possible without your efforts in both the manufacturing and transport of the tower. This is the largest structure on the project and you all deserve a lot of credit for this milestone. It was not only a pleasure to work with you all on this fabrication and hauling to site of the monstrosity but it was a privilege to have such a team behind us to make this happen with no incident and what on the surface seemed child’s play. You all should be very proud of yourselves and your collective teams and firms, without you none of this was even conceivable.”

Materials & Logistics

Cenovus Superior Refinery

“I worked with Boardman on a project involving multiple vessels. The team’s impressive knowledge of ASME Section VIII Div 1 was critical to the success of the project. I enjoyed seeing the vessels in person during an engineering design course at the Boardman facility. The team always kept me in the loop and ensured quality work from fabrication through shipment.”

Mechanical Engineer

Black & Veatch

“Boardman was great to work with from the initial bidding phase through procurement. It is clear that they value relationships and are very professional. I have worked with Boardman in the past, and they continue to meet the requirements of our projects and owners. I value our relationship and hope to continue to work with them in the future.”

Sr. Procurement Manager

Black & Veatch

“Thank you for the high level of communication on this project and the effort put into making things work. So far this project has gone smoothly and our efforts have not gone unnoticed. Specifically the time invested in making sure the anchor bolt pattern matched their existing foundation. Not sure if it is my place to say but you are highly regarded at this refinery.”

Mechanical Engineer

Merrick Engineering

“I am continually impressed with the level of quality and professionalism on this project from the beginning.”

Inspector

HF Sinclair

“Boardman was very professional throughout the engineering and design of this vessel. They did a really good job on fabrication.”

Project Manager

Chevron Phillips Chemical