In order to find out the leakage cause of stainless steel pipe, the leaked 304 stainless steel pipe was analyzed by means of macroscopic examination, chemical composition analysis, intergranular corrosion test, metallographic examination, SEM observation on fracture and EDS analysis. Results showed that the oxidation phenomenon on the inner surface of stainless steel tube resulted into the local stain of passivation film. Under the action of chloride ion in the delivered tap water, pitting corrosion occurred in the oxidation color area, and the corrosion hole penetrated, leading to leakage. The occurrence of pitting corrosion could be reduced by controlling the concentration of chloride ion and oxygen in the fluid medium in stainless steel pipe properly, controlling the production process of stainless steel pipe, or changing the material.
