In the field of biological fermentation, stainless steel is a core material for constructing fermentation tanks, pipelines, and supporting equipment, and its performance directly affects the safety and efficiency of the fermentation process.

The commonly used types are mainly 304 and 316L stainless steel:

304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, resistant to corrosion from general organic acids and alkalis. It is suitable for fermentation systems in low-to-moderate corrosion scenarios such as the food and pharmaceutical industries.

316L stainless steel, on the basis of 304, is added with 2%-3% molybdenum, which has stronger resistance to chloride ions and high-concentration acids and alkalis. It is more suitable for high-demand fermentation processes such as antibiotics and biological agents.

These materials have three key advantages:

Excellent corrosion resistance: It can resist erosion from the acidic and alkaline environment of fermentation broths and sterilization processes (e.g., high-temperature steam), preventing metal ion leaching that could contaminate products.

Easy cleanability: Its smooth surface can be easily polished to a roughness of Ra ≤ 0.8μm, meeting GMP requirements for aseptic environments and reducing the risk of contaminating microorganisms.

High mechanical strength: It can withstand pressure and temperature changes during fermentation (typically from -196℃ to 400℃), ensuring long-term stable operation of equipment. It serves as a crucial guarantee for achieving large-scale and standardized production in the modern fermentation industry.