ASTM B111 / ASME B111 C44300 Copper Nickel Alloy Tube for Heat Exchangers
ASTM B111 / ASME SB-111 C44300 tube is a seamless or welded copper alloy tube produced in accordance with ASTM B111 and ASME SB-111 standards, designed for harsh environments.
Its main components are copper (70-73%), zinc (26-29%), tin (0.9-1.2%) and trace arsenic (0.02-0.06%). The addition of arsenic significantly improves the resistance to dezincification corrosion and is suitable for highly corrosive media such as seawater and brackish water. This material has excellent thermal conductivity (high heat exchange efficiency) and mechanical properties (annealed tensile strength of about 380 MPa, elongation of 40%), and is widely used in heat exchange tubes and condenser tubes in ships, power plant steam condensers and chemical equipment.
During manufacturing, it is necessary to pass hydrostatic testing, eddy current/ultrasonic testing and chemical composition verification. The ASME version additionally emphasizes the strict compliance of pressure vessel applications. Similar dezincification-resistant alloys include C44400 (arsenic-containing naval brass) and C68700 (aluminum brass).
O61 usually refers to an annealing state code for copper and copper alloy materials, which is commonly found in ASTM standards. In the production of copper tubes or copper alloy tubes (such as naval brass C44300), the state code indicates the performance state of the material after a specific heat treatment:
"O" stands for annealed, which eliminates work hardening and improves ductility through heating and slow cooling.
"61" indicates specific annealing process parameters (such as temperature, time) and final performance requirements. For example, the O61 state may correspond to a medium soft state, taking into account certain strength and formability, and is suitable for scenes such as condensers and heat exchangers that require both corrosion resistance and processability.
In standards such as ASTM B111, similar codes (such as O60, O61) are used to standardize the mechanical properties of pipes (such as tensile strength and elongation) to ensure that they are suitable for different engineering needs.
Advantage of B111 C44300 Copper Nickel Alloy Tube
One advantage of B111 C44300 Copper Nickel Alloy Tube is its excellent corrosion resistance. This alloy tube is specifically designed to withstand harsh environments, including seawater and brine solutions. It is highly resistant to corrosion caused by chlorides, making it a preferred choice for marine applications.
Additionally, B111 C44300 Copper Nickel Alloy Tube offers good thermal conductivity. This means it can efficiently transfer heat, making it ideal for heat exchanger applications. It helps to maintain optimal temperature levels and improve overall system performance.
Another advantage is its high strength and durability. B111 C44300 Copper Nickel Alloy Tube has good mechanical properties, including high tensile and yield strength. This allows it to withstand high pressure and mechanical stress, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.
Furthermore, this alloy tube offers excellent formability and weldability. It can be easily fabricated and formed into different shapes and sizes, making it versatile for various applications. It also allows for easy welding, enabling efficient installation and assembly.
Overall, B111 C44300 Copper Nickel Alloy Tube provides a combination of corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, strength, and formability, making it a reliable and versatile choice for a wide range of applications, particularly in marine and heat transfer industries.
Chemical Composition:
| Designation |
Chemical Composition % |
| Cu |
Sn |
Al |
As |
Ni |
Fe |
Mn |
Pb max. |
Zn |
| C44300 |
70.0-73.0 |
0.9-1.2 |
– |
0.02-0.06 |
– |
0.06 max |
– |
0.07 |
Rem |
| C68700 |
76.0-79.0 |
– |
1.8-2.5 |
0.02-0.06 |
– |
0.06 max |
– |
0.07 |
Rem |
| C70400 |
Rem |
– |
– |
– |
4.8-6.2 |
1.3-1.7 |
0.3-0.8 |
0.05 |
1.0max |
| C70600 |
Rem |
– |
– |
– |
9.0-11.0 |
1.0-1.8 |
1.0max |
0.05 |
1.0max |
| C71500 |
Rem |
– |
– |
– |
29.0-33.0 |
0.4-1.0 |
1.0max |
0.05 |
1.0max |
| C71640 |
Rem |
– |
– |
– |
29.0-32.0 |
1.7-2.3 |
1.5-2.5 |
0.05 |
1.0max |
Applications
-
Marine engineering: used for ship condensers, seawater desalination equipment, offshore platform heat exchangers, and withstands long-term erosion from seawater.
-
Power and energy: used as steam condenser tubes in thermal/nuclear power plants, with efficient heat transfer and withstanding high-temperature and high-pressure water vapor environments.
-
Chemical and petrochemical: used for evaporators and coolers in acidic or alkaline media to resist chemical corrosion and erosion corrosion.
-
Oil and gas: used for heat exchange systems and seawater cooling pipelines in oil and gas refining.
-
Industrial equipment: Refrigeration units, air conditioning systems, and general industrial heat exchange devices, balancing strength and processability (such as O61 annealing state is suitable for complex forming requirements)
