Can stainless steel be used in continuous high temperature environment (500°C to 850°C)

[Hassaan Riaz]

Can i use stainless steel as a furnace roof. Furnace temperature will be max upto 850°C. If so which ss grade will be the best in this situation. Thanks

[G B Reid MIMechE, SIMarEST]

It very much depends on the design of the furnace. 

Furnaces are generally lines with a ceramic heat-shield internally, so the external never gets any where near the internal temperature.

I appreciate that this is not the answer you saught, but it is an accurate one none-the-less!