USA Piping Solution is a Ferritic SS 444 pipes and tubes manufacturer in the USA, processing UNS S44400 material to ASTM A268, and to ASTM A803 where the application is specifically feedwater heater tube. Adding roughly 2% molybdenum to an 18% chromium, low-carbon, low-nitrogen base gives 444 pitting and crevice corrosion resistance that most ferritic grades can't match, which is why it shows up in heat exchanger tube, hot water tanks, and food and beverage equipment. Every heat ships with full mill certification and traceability. For the automotive exhaust grade, see our Ferritic SS 441 Pipes & Tubes, and for the extreme high-temperature grade, see Ferritic SS 446 Pipes & Tubes.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A268 / ASME SA268 (general service); ASTM A803 (feedwater heater tube specifically) |
| UNS | S44400 |
| EN / Werkstoff Nr. | 1.4521 |
| Type | Ferritic, low-carbon, low-nitrogen, molybdenum-bearing, dual-stabilized |
| Form | Seamless and welded tube; pipe on request |
| Defining use | Heat exchanger tube, hot water tanks, food and beverage processing equipment |
For condenser and heat-exchanger tube in other alloy families, see our Condenser Tubes page, or browse the full Stainless Steel Pipes & Tubes category.
Why 444 for Heat Exchangers and Hot Water Systems
Pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-bearing water is what shortens the life of a heat exchanger tube, and it's exactly what the molybdenum in 444 is there to resist. Combined with very low carbon and nitrogen, the alloy resists sensitization at welds too, so a welded 444 tube holds up close to its base-metal corrosion resistance instead of failing at the seam first.
The low carbon content also means 444 doesn't leach into food product during high-temperature processing, which is why it shows up in brewery, food processing, and hot water tank applications alongside industrial heat exchanger use.
Applications
- Heat Exchanger Tubing: industrial and HVAC heat exchangers where pitting resistance matters more than in a standard ferritic grade.
- Hot Water Tanks & Heaters: residential and commercial water heating systems, including solar thermal.
- Food & Beverage Processing: brewery, dairy, and food equipment where low carbon content and hygienic performance matter.
For boiler and feedwater heater tube specifically, see our Boiler & Heat Exchanger Tubes category.
Have a Drawing for a Heat Exchanger Bundle? Send It Over
Testing & Availability
Every heat is tested and mill certified to ASTM A268 or A803 as specified; see our Quality Policy page for the full testing program we run across all grades. Send us your OD, wall thickness, and length requirement and we'll confirm current mill availability and lead time.
Related Products
- Ferritic SS 441 Pipes & Tubes
- Ferritic SS 446 Pipes & Tubes
- Boiler & Heat Exchanger Tubes
- Condenser Tubes
- Stainless Steel Pipes & Tubes
Frequently Asked Questions
How does SS 444 compare to SS 316 for heat exchanger tube?
444 gives pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in the same range as 316 in many water and mild chloride environments, at a lower cost since it carries no nickel-driven austenitic premium. For more aggressive chloride or acidic service, 316 or a higher alloy is still the safer choice; talk to us about your specific water chemistry.
Is SS 444 suitable for potable or food-contact water systems?
Yes, its low carbon content and general corrosion resistance make it a common choice for hot water tanks and food and beverage processing equipment.
What sizes are available in SS 444 tube?
Send us your OD, wall thickness, and length requirement and we'll confirm current mill availability and lead time.