Table of Contents
Introduction
Hastelloy B3 is a nickel-molybdenum alloy known for its excellent resistance to hydrochloric acid and other highly corrosive environments. It is widely used in chemical processing, aerospace, and marine industries due to its superior mechanical properties and stability under extreme conditions. B3 offers enhanced corrosion resistance, improved thermal stability, and strong mechanical performance.
In this article, we’ll explore its key properties, applications, advantages, and how it compares to other superalloys.
What Is Hastelloy B3?
Hastelloy B3 (UNS N010675) is a corrosion-resistant nickel-molybdenum alloy developed to withstand aggressive reducing environments. It has better thermal stability than previous B-series alloys, minimizing the risk of phase instability.
Industries prefer B3 for its ability to handle high-temperature acid exposure while maintaining mechanical strength. It is widely used in reactors, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels.
Hastelloy B3 Data Sheet
Hastelloy B3 Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Nickel (Ni) | Balance |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 28.5 – 30.5 |
| Iron (Fe) | 1.0 – 3.0 |
| Cobalt (Co) | ≤ 3.0 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 3.0 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.01 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.02 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.01 |
Hastelloy B–3 ASTM Specification
| Standard | Description |
| ASTM B333 | Plate and Sheet |
| ASTM B335 | Rod and Bar |
| ASTM B622 | Seamless Pipe & Tube |
| ASTM B619/B626 | Welded Pipe & Tube |
Hastelloy B3 Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength | 870 MPa (126 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | 410 MPa (60 ksi) |
| Elongation | 40% |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 90 max |
Hastelloy B-3 Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Density | 9.22 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1370 – 1410°C (2500 – 2570°F) |
| Electrical Resistivity | 1.26 μΩ·m |
| Thermal Conductivity | 11.2 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 10.6 μm/m·°C (20–100°C) |
Hastelloy B-3 Corrosion Resistance
| Feature | Description |
| Hydrochloric Acid Resistance | Resistant up to boiling concentrations at all levels. |
| Sulfuric Acid Resistance | Excellent resistance up to ~40% concentration at 80°C. |
| Phosphoric Acid Resistance | Effective up to ~50% concentration at moderate temperatures. |
| Acetic Acid Resistance | Superior performance in glacial acetic acid environments. |
| Stress Corrosion Cracking | Excellent resistance to SCC in chloride environments. |
Hastelloy B-3 Fabrication & Welding
| Process | Description |
| Cold Working | Can be cold worked using conventional methods but requires intermediate annealing due to work hardening. |
| Hot Working | Recommended forging temperature is 1175–1230°C (2150–2250°F). Avoid excessive heating. |
| Machining | Exhibits moderate machinability; use low cutting speeds and adequate cooling. |
| Welding | Can be welded using GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), and SMAW (Stick). Filler metal Hastelloy B-3 (ERNiMo-10) is recommended. |
Hastelloy B3 Heat Treatment
| Treatment Type | Description |
| Solution Annealing | 1065–1120°C (1950–2050°F) followed by rapid quenching. |
| Stress Relieving | Not generally required due to inherent stress corrosion resistance. |
What Are the Key Characteristics of Hastelloy B-3?
- Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Outstanding resistance to hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and other highly reducing environments, making it ideal for aggressive chemical applications.
- Superior Thermal Stability: Enhanced thermal stability minimizes phase formation during welding and processing, ensuring long-term performance.
- High Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance: Excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking in chloride-containing environments, increasing durability in harsh conditions.
Hastelloy B-3 Applications
- Chemical Processing: Reaction Vessels, Condensers, Absorbers, Agitators, Pumps, Valves.
- Aerospace: Jet Engine Components, Aircraft Structural Parts, Fuel Lines, Hydraulic Systems, Heat Exchangers.
- Power Generation: Steam Turbine Blades, Generator Components, Heat Recovery Steam Generators, Flue Gas Treatment Systems, Cooling Towers.
How Does Hastelloy B-3 Compare to Other Superalloys?
Hastelloy B3 vs C22
Hastelloy B3 performs exceptionally well in strongly reducing environments, making it ideal for handling hydrochloric acid and similar chemicals. In contrast, Hastelloy C22 offers superior resistance to oxidizing conditions, including wet chlorine and nitric acid. While B3 provides enhanced thermal stability, C22 is more versatile for various industrial applications.
Hastelloy B3 vs C276
Hastelloy B3 offers superior performance in reducing environments, particularly in hydrochloric acid, due to its excellent resistance to corrosion and phase stability. Hastelloy C276, on the other hand, provides a broader range of corrosion resistance, especially in oxidizing environments, making it more versatile for various industrial applications.
Conclusion
Hastelloy B3 is a top-tier corrosion-resistant alloy designed for extreme environments. Its superior mechanical properties, chemical stability, and versatility make it a preferred choice in chemical processing, aerospace, and power generation industries.
Looking for high-quality Nickle B-3 for your applications? Contact Alloyxpert today to learn more about our available forms, specifications, and pricing!
FAQs
What is Hastelloy B-3 equivalent to?
Hastelloy B-3 is comparable to alloys such as Hastelloy B-2 and Inconel 625 in terms of corrosion resistance, but it has improved thermal stability over Hastelloy B-2.
What is the difference between Hastelloy B-3 and B-2?
The primary difference between Hastelloy B-3 and B-2 is that B-3 has better thermal stability, which helps prevent phase formation during fabrication. This results in improved mechanical properties and resistance to stress corrosion cracking.
What industries use Hastelloy B-3?
Hastelloy B-3 is widely used in chemical processing, aerospace, marine, power generation, pharmaceuticals, and food processing industries.
Read More:
What Is Hastelloy B (UNS N10001)?