Petrochemical Facilities
Copper-Nickel Alloy Tubing for Petrochemical Facilities
Popular Standards
● GB/T8890 ASTM B111/B111M ASTM B466/B466M
● ASTM B619/619M ASTM B622/B622M ASTM B729/B729M
● EN12451 EN10216-5
Process Flowchart
Seamless Pipe
Popular Industrial Copper and Nickel Alloy Materials
|
Alloy |
Type |
Composition |
Main Characteristics |
Common Applications |
| C12200 | Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper | Cu+P (0.015-0.04%) | Excellent Weld-ability, good corrosion resistance, high conductivity | Plumbing, HVAC, piping |
| C44300 | Admiralty Brass | Cu-Zn-Sn + As/Sb | Excellent seawater corrosion resistance, biofouling resistance | Condenser tubes, heat exchangers, marine systems |
| C61400 | Aluminum Bronze | Cu-Al(6-8%)+Fe, Ni | High strength, excellent seawater/erosion resistance, wear-resistant | Marine propellers, pumps, valves, bearings |
| C63000 | Nickel-Aluminum Bronze | Cu-Al-Ni-Fe | Superior corrosion/erosion resistance, high fatigue strength | Aircraft components, heavy-duty marine parts |
| C68700 | Arsenical Aluminum Brass | Cu-Zn-Al-As | Outstanding biofouling/seawater resistance, good formability | Heat exchangers, condensers, desalination plants |
| C70600 | 90-10 Copper-Nickel | Cu-Ni(10%)+Fe/Mn | Excellent seawater corrosion resistance, weldability, moderate strength | Marine piping, offshore platforms, condensers |
| C71500 | 70-30 Copper-Nickel | Cu-Ni(30%）+Fe/Mn | Higher corrosion resistance & strength than C70600, thermal stability | Chemical processing, seawater systems |
| C93200 | High-Lead Tin Bronze | Cu-Sn-Pb | Excellent bearing properties, low friction, machinability | Bushings, bearings, thrust washers |
| Inconel 625 | Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum | Ni-Cr-Mo-Nb | High strength, oxidation/corrosion resistance (acids/chlorides), fatigue-resistant | Aerospace, chemical procession marine |
| Hastelloy C276 | Nickel-Molybdenum-Chromium | Ni-Mo-Cr-W | Extreme corrosion resistance (HCI,chlorides)stress-corrosion cracking resistant | Chemical reactors,pollution control, oil & gas |
| Monel 400 | Nickel Copper | Ni-Cu(66% Ni,33% Cu) | Excellent resistance to seawater,acids and alkalis, good mechnical strength | Marine engineering, chemical tanks, valves |
| Incoloy 825 | Nickel-Iron-Chromium | Ni-Fe-Cr-Mo-Cu-Ti | Sulfuric/phosphoric acid resistance, high-temperature stability | Chemical processing, acid storage, nuclear |
| Nickel 200 | Pure Nickel | 99.6% Ni | Outstanding corrosion resistance(alkalis,salts),high thermal/ conductivity | Chemical equipment, food processing, electronics |
Cold Finished (Cold-drawn or Cold-rolled) Seamless Tube Sizes Available
- Table 01 Unit: MM
- Table to be continued:
Copper-Nickel (Cu-Ni) Alloys in Petrochemical Facilities: Key Applications & Benefits
Copper-nickel alloys (typically 90-10 Cu-Ni and 70-30 Cu-Ni) are increasingly used in petrochemical facilities due to their exceptional corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, and biofouling resistance, making them ideal for seawater cooling, heat exchangers, and corrosive fluid handling.
1. Why Cu-Ni Alloys Are Used in Petrochemical Facilities
A. Outstanding Corrosion Resistance
Resists seawater corrosion (chlorides, sulfides) better than stainless steel in some cases.
Handles acidic and alkaline environments (e.g., amine scrubbing in gas processing).
Superior erosion-corrosion resistance in high-velocity fluid applications (e.g., piping, pumps).
B. Biofouling & Microbiological Resistance
Natural antifouling properties (Cu ions inhibit marine growth), reducing biofilm and sludge buildup in cooling water systems.
Better than carbon/stainless steel in seawater applications where microbial-induced corrosion (MIC) is a problem.
C. Excellent Thermal Conductivity
Ideal for heat exchangers, condensers, and desalination units (better than stainless steel, close to pure copper).
Maintains efficiency in refinery cooling systems.
D. Good Mechanical Properties at High Temperatures
70-30 Cu-Ni retains strength up to ~400°C, suitable for moderate high-temperature petrochemical processes.
E. Compatibility with Hydrocarbon Processing
Resists stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in amine & sour gas environments (unlike some stainless steels).
Low erosion rates in sand-containing crude oil pipelines.
2. Key Applications in Petrochemical Facilities
| Application | Why Cu-Ni is Preferred |
| Seawater Cooling Systems | Resists saltwater corrosion & biofouling better than stainless steel. |
| Heat Exchangers & Condensers | High thermal conductivity improves efficiency. |
| Desalination & Water Treatment | Handles brackish/brine water without heavy scaling. |
| Offshore Oil & Gas Piping | Good for splash zones where carbon steel rusts quickly. |
| Amine & Sulfur Recovery Units | Resists H₂S and amine-induced cracking. |
| Marine & Coastal Refineries | Performs well in humid, salt-laden atmospheres. |
3. Comparison with Stainless Steel & Carbon Steel
| Property | Cu-Ni (70-30) | Stainless Steel (316L) | Carbon Steel |
| Seawater Corrosion Resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆ | ★ (Poor) |
| Biofouling Resistance | ★★★★★ (Self-antifouling) | ★★ (Requires chlorination) | ★ (Rust promotes growth) |
| Thermal Conductivity | ★★★★★ (High) | ★★ (Low) | ★★ (Low) |
| High-Temp Strength | ★★★ (Good up to ~400°C) | ★★★★★ (Up to 800°C+) | ★★★ (Loses strength >300°C) |
| Cost | ★★★ (Moderate) | ★★★★ (High for duplex/Super) | ★ (Cheapest) |
→ Cu-Ni is best where seawater, biofouling, and moderate heat transfer are critical.
4. Can Cu-Ni Improve Petrochemical Facilities?
✅ Yes, in specific cases:
Extends equipment lifespan in corrosive cooling systems.
Reduces maintenance costs (less cleaning, fewer replacements).
Improves heat exchanger efficiency (better thermal transfer).
Prevents flow restrictions (no biofouling buildup).
❌ Limitations:
Not for ultra-high temps (>400°C) (Inconel/special stainless is better).
Higher initial cost than carbon steel (but cheaper lifecycle cost).
Not ideal for strong acids (e.g., HCl, HNO₃)—titanium or Hastelloy may be needed.
5. Future Trends in Petrochemical Materials
Increased use of Cu-Ni in offshore & coastal refineries due to stricter environmental laws.
Combined systems (e.g., Cu-Ni tubes in carbon steel shells) to balance cost & performance.
New Cu-Ni variants (e.g., alloyed with Mn, Fe) for better weldability and strength.
Copper-nickel alloys are not a universal replacement for stainless or carbon steel but excel in seawater cooling, heat transfer, and biofouling-prone environments—making them a strategic choice for improving reliability in petrochemical plants.
For more details on specific carbon and alloy steel tubing and pipes, please refer to the specific product details or contact us at your convenience.