ASTM B163
BSTM B163 Basic Info
ASTM B163 encompasses various material grade codes for seamless nickel and nickel alloy condenser and heat-exchanger tubes. Notable grades include Alloy 200 (UNS N02200) and Alloy 201 (UNS N02201), known for their excellent corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity properties. These materials find extensive use in chemical processing, power generation, and marine applications where reliability and durability in corrosive environments are paramount.
Characteristics of ASTM B163
- Corrosion Resistance: ASTM B163 materials exhibit excellent resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for use in corrosive environments such as chemical processing and marine applications.
- High Temperature Performance: These materials maintain their mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, making them ideal for high-temperature applications in heat exchangers and condensers.
- Seamless Construction: ASTM B163 specifies seamless tubes, which provide superior strength and reliability compared to welded tubes, particularly in high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
- Wide Range of Alloys: The standard covers a variety of nickel and nickel alloy compositions, offering flexibility in material selection to meet specific application requirements.
- Precision Dimensions: Tubes specified under ASTM B163 adhere to precise dimensional tolerances, ensuring uniformity and compatibility for use in heat exchanger systems.
- Quality Assurance: Compliance with ASTM B163 ensures that materials meet stringent quality standards, providing assurance of reliability, durability, and performance in demanding applications.
BSTM B163 Data Sheet
ASTM B163 Grades
Dimensions and Tol.
Equivalent Standard
Chemical Composition
Mechanical Properties
ASTM B163 Grades
Nickel 200
Nickel (99.0% min)
Nickel 201
Nickel (99.0% min)
Alloy 400
Nickel (63.0-70.0%)
Copper (Remainder)
Alloy 600
Nickel (72.0% min)
Chromium (14.0-17.0%)
Iron (6.0-10.0%)
Alloy 601
Nickel (58.0-63.0%)
Chromium (21.0-25.0%)
Iron (Balance)
Alloy 800
Nickel (30.0-35.0%)
Chromium (19.0-23.0%)
Iron (39.5% min)
Alloy 800H
Nickel (30.0-35.0%)
Chromium (19.0-23.0%)
Iron (39.5% min)
Alloy 800HT
Nickel (30.0-35.0%)
Chromium (19.0-23.0%)
Iron (39.5% min)
Alloy 825
Nickel (38.0-46.0%)
Chromium (19.5-23.5%)
Iron (22.0% min)
Molybdenum (2.5-3.5%)
Dimensions and Tol.
Outside Diameter
Dimensions: 0.1875 inches (4.76 mm) to 4.0 inches (101.6 mm)
Tolerances:
+/- 0.015 inches (0.38 mm) for tubes up to 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) OD
+/- 0.020 inches (0.51 mm) for tubes over 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) to 1.0 inches (25.4 mm) OD
+/- 0.025 inches (0.64 mm) for tubes over 1.0 inches (25.4 mm) to 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) OD
+/- 0.030 inches (0.76 mm) for tubes over 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) to 2.0 inches (50.8 mm) OD
+/- 0.035 inches (0.89 mm) for tubes over 2.0 inches (50.8 mm) to 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) OD
+/- 0.040 inches (1.02 mm) for tubes over 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) to 3.0 inches (76.2 mm) OD
+/- 0.045 inches (1.14 mm) for tubes over 3.0 inches (76.2 mm) to 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) OD
+/- 0.050 inches (1.27 mm) for tubes over 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) to 4.0 inches (101.6 mm) OD
Wall Thickness
Dimensions: 0.035 inches (0.89 mm) to 0.148 inches (3.76 mm)
Tolerances: +/- 10% of nominal wall thickness
Length
Typically specified by purchaser
Tolerances:
+/- 0.015 inches (0.38 mm) for tubes up to 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) OD
+/- 0.020 inches (0.51 mm) for tubes over 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) to 1.0 inches (25.4 mm) OD
+/- 0.025 inches (0.64 mm) for tubes over 1.0 inches (25.4 mm) to 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) OD
+/- 0.030 inches (0.76 mm) for tubes over 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) to 2.0 inches (50.8 mm) OD
+/- 0.035 inches (0.89 mm) for tubes over 2.0 inches (50.8 mm) to 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) OD
+/- 0.040 inches (1.02 mm) for tubes over 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) to 3.0 inches (76.2 mm) OD
+/- 0.045 inches (1.14 mm) for tubes over 3.0 inches (76.2 mm) to 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) OD
+/- 0.050 inches (1.27 mm) for tubes over 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) to 4.0 inches (101.6 mm) OD
Equivalent Standard
United Kingdom
Equivalent Level: British Standards (BS)
Standard: BS 3074
European Union
Equivalent Level: European Standards (EN)
Standard: EN 10216-5
Japan
Equivalent Level: Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS)
Standard: JIS G3463
Germany
Equivalent Level: German Institute for Standardization (DIN)
Standard: DIN 17458
Chemical Composition
Nickel 200:
- Nickel (Ni): 99.0% minimum
- Copper (Cu): Not specified
- Chromium (Cr): Not specified
- Iron (Fe): Not specified
- Molybdenum (Mo): Not specified
- Other Elements: Not specified
Nickel 201:
- Nickel (Ni): 99.0% minimum
- Copper (Cu): Not specified
- Chromium (Cr): Not specified
- Iron (Fe): Not specified
- Molybdenum (Mo): Not specified
- Other Elements: Not specified
Alloy 400:
- Nickel (Ni): 63.0% – 70.0%
- Copper (Cu): Remainder
- Chromium (Cr): Not specified
- Iron (Fe): Not specified
- Molybdenum (Mo): Not specified
- Other Elements: Not specified
Alloy 600:
- Nickel (Ni): 72.0% minimum
- Copper (Cu): Not specified
- Chromium (Cr): 14.0% – 17.0%
- Iron (Fe): 6.0% – 10.0%
- Molybdenum (Mo): Not specified
- Other Elements: Not specified
Alloy 825:
- Nickel (Ni): 38.0% – 46.0%
- Copper (Cu): Not specified
- Chromium (Cr): 19.5% – 23.5%
- Iron (Fe): 22.0% minimum
- Molybdenum (Mo): 2.5% – 3.5%
- Other Elements: Not specified
Mechanical Properties
Nickel 200
- Tensile Strength: 380-520 MPa
- Yield Strength: 105-148 MPa
- Elongation: 40-15%
Nickel 201
- Tensile Strength: 380-520 MPa
- Yield Strength: 105-148 MPa
- Elongation: 40-15%
Alloy 400
- Tensile Strength: 517-620 MPa
- Yield Strength: 172-483 MPa
- Elongation: 30-20%
Alloy 600
- Tensile Strength: 550-690 MPa
- Yield Strength: 210-550 MPa
- Elongation: 30-15%
Alloy 825
- Tensile Strength: 550-690 MPa
- Yield Strength: 220-550 MPa
- Elongation: 30-15%
How to select seamless nickel and nickel alloy pipes based on the requirements of ASTM B163, considering their corrosion and high temperature resistance characteristics?
When selecting seamless nickel and nickel alloy tubes specified under ASTM B163 for specific applications, it’s crucial to consider various factors to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. The following guidance provides insights into material selection based on corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, and compatibility with process fluids:
Corrosion Resistance: Corrosion resistance is a critical consideration, especially in environments where the tubes are exposed to corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, or saltwater. Different grades of nickel and nickel alloys offer varying levels of corrosion resistance, depending on their composition. For example, Alloy 400 (UNS N04400) provides excellent resistance to various corrosive environments, including seawater, sulfuric acid, and hydrofluoric acid. In contrast, Alloy 825 (UNS N08825) offers enhanced resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing solutions.
Temperature Resistance: Temperature resistance is another essential factor to consider, particularly in high-temperature applications such as heat exchangers and condensers. Nickel and nickel alloys exhibit excellent thermal stability and can withstand elevated temperatures without significant degradation in mechanical properties. Alloy 600 (UNS N06600), for instance, maintains its strength and corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C), making it suitable for use in high-temperature environments.
Compatibility with Process Fluids: Compatibility with process fluids is critical to ensure the integrity and longevity of seamless tubes in service. It’s essential to consider the chemical composition and temperature of the process fluids that will come into contact with the tubes. Certain grades of nickel and nickel alloys may be better suited for specific fluid environments. For example, Alloy 825 (UNS N08825) exhibits excellent resistance to a wide range of corrosive media, including sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and chloride solutions, making it suitable for use in chemical processing and oil refining applications.
In summary, selecting the right grade of seamless nickel and nickel alloy tubes specified under ASTM B163 involves evaluating factors such as corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, and compatibility with process fluids. By carefully considering these factors and consulting material specifications, users can ensure optimal performance and reliability in their specific applications.
