ASTM B111 C44300 Admiralty Brass Tube

ASTM B111 C44300 Admiralty Brass Tube

ASTM B111 C44300 is a naval brass (admiralty brass) tube specifically designed for heat exchanger applications involving seawater or brackish water cooling. It contains a small addition of arsenic to inhibit dezincification corrosion. This alloy is commonly specified for shell and tube heat exchangers, condensers, and evaporators in marine and power plant environments.
Product Introduction

Gnee Steel (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional manufacturers and suppliers of astm b111 c44300 admiralty brass tube in China, specialized in providing high quality copper products with competitive price. Welcome to buy discount astm b111 c44300 admiralty brass tube for sale here from our factory. Customized orders are welcome.

 

ASTM B111 C44300

C44300, also known as admiralty brass or naval brass, is a copper-zinc-tin alloy with arsenic addition. It is fully compliant with ASTM B111 and ASME SB111 standards. The nominal composition is 71% copper, 28% zinc, and 1% tin, with a trace amount of arsenic.

 

The key feature of C44300 is its resistance to impingement corrosion and dezincification. This makes it suitable for heat exchanger condenser and shell tube evaporator applications where cooling water velocity is high or water chemistry varies.

 

Unlike ASTM B111 C12200 (deoxidized copper), C44300 offers better corrosion resistance in flowing seawater. However, it has lower thermal conductivity than pure copper. The trade-off is acceptable for many marine and coastal power plant applications.

 

Typical applications include:

Shell and tube heat exchanger for marine cooling systems

U tube heat exchanger bundles in power plants

Heat exchanger condenser units using seawater

Heat exchanger HVAC systems in coastal locations

 

ASTM B111 C44300 Chemical Composition

C44300 is a standardized alloy under multiple international specifications. We supply tubing certified to ASTM B111 pdf, ASME SB111 pdf, EN 12451, and JIS H3300 depending on customer requirements.

Element Percentage (%)
Copper (Cu) 70.0 – 73.0
Tin (Sn) 0.8 – 1.2
Lead (Pb) 0.07 max
Iron (Fe) 0.06 max
Arsenic (As) 0.02 – 0.06
Zinc (Zn) Remainder

 

The arsenic addition is critical. It prevents dezincification – a form of corrosion where zinc leaches out of the alloy, leaving behind porous copper. Without arsenic, standard brass would fail quickly in seawater service.

 

C44300 is also available as SB111 C44300 for ASME code applications. The chemistry and mechanical properties are identical to ASTM B111, but the certification requirements are more stringent.

 

ASTM B111 C44300 Mechanical and Physical Properties

Property Value
Tensile strength (min) 310 MPa (45 ksi)
Yield strength (0.5% extension) 105 MPa (15 ksi)
Elongation (min) 30%
Hardness (Rockwell B) 55 – 80
Thermal conductivity 100 W/m·K (at 20°C)
Coefficient of thermal expansion 18.4 µm/m·K (20-300°C)
Density 8.52 g/cm³

 

Note that the thermal conductivity of C44300 is approximately one-quarter that of pure copper (C12200). This is an important factor in copper tube heat exchanger calculation. However, in many seawater applications, corrosion resistance takes priority over thermal efficiency.

 

Where Is C44300 Used?

Power plant condensers

Heat exchanger condenser units in coastal power plants frequently use C44300 tubes. The alloy withstands the high water velocities (up to 2.5 m/s) found in once-through seawater cooling systems.

 

Marine heat exchangers

Shell and tube heat exchanger systems on ships, offshore platforms, and desalination plants use C44300 for its resistance to seawater corrosion.

 

U tube condensers

U tube condenser bundles in industrial refrigeration and power generation often specify C44300 when cooling water is from a river estuary or coastal source.

 

Shell tube evaporators

Shell tube evaporator units in seawater desalination plants use C44300 for the tube side where brine flows.

 

Heat exchanger HVAC in coastal areas

For heat exchanger HVAC systems located within a few kilometers of the ocean, airborne salt can corrode standard copper. C44300 provides additional protection in these environments.

 

Heat exchanger boiler applications

For heat exchanger boiler systems using brackish make-up water, C44300 is a common choice.

 

Manufacturing Standards: ASTM B111 & ASME SB111

Quality is non-negotiable for high-pressure systems. If you are reviewing an ASTM B111 pdf or ASME SB111 pdf, you will find that our production process meets every stringent requirement, from chemical composition to non-destructive testing (NDT).

Specification Technical Detail
Material Grade C44300 (Admiralty Brass - Arsenical)
Standard Specs ASTM B111, SB111 C68700, JIS H3300, EN 12451
Dimensions Copper heat exchanger tube 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch
Precision Sizes Copper heat exchanger tube OD 19mm with custom wall thickness
Length Custom copper heat exchanger tube length up to 24 meters

As a global copper heat exchanger tube stockist, we maintain a deep inventory of standard sizes, allowing us to ship quickly to industrial hubs in the USA, Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India.

 

C44300 vs Other Heat Exchanger Tube Alloys

Alloy Best application Limitation
C44300 (admiralty brass) Seawater, brackish water, high velocity Lower thermal conductivity than copper
C12200 (deoxidized copper) Fresh water, HVAC, closed loops Poor seawater resistance
C68700 (aluminum brass) High-velocity seawater, polluted water More expensive than C44300
C70600 (cupronickel 90/10) Very aggressive seawater, long life Significantly higher cost
C71500 (cupronickel 70/30) Highest seawater resistance Most expensive option
Stainless steel 316 Chloride-rich environments Poor thermal conductivity

 

A common question is copper heat exchanger tube vs stainless steel – for seawater, neither is ideal. C44300 or cupronickel are the correct choices.

 

Another frequent comparison is copper heat exchanger tube vs cupronickel. Cupronickel (C70600 tube or C71500 tube) lasts longer in seawater, but C44300 offers better thermal conductivity at a lower price point.

 

Why use copper in heat exchanger applications involving seawater? For many decades, admiralty brass (C44300) has been the standard material for seawater-cooled condensers because it offers an acceptable balance of corrosion resistance, thermal performance, and cost.

 

FAQ

What is ASTM B111 C44300 admiralty brass tube?

It is a copper-zinc-tin-arsenic alloy tube manufactured to ASTM B111 standard for heat exchanger applications. The arsenic addition prevents dezincification corrosion in seawater.

 

What is the difference between C44300 and C12200?

C12200 is deoxidized copper with high thermal conductivity for fresh water applications. C44300 is admiralty brass with lower thermal conductivity but much better resistance to seawater corrosion.

 

Can C44300 be used in seawater?

Yes. C44300 is specifically designed for seawater and brackish water cooling. It resists impingement corrosion and dezincification when manufactured correctly.

 

How to clean copper heat exchanger tube made of C44300?

Use mechanical brushing with nylon or brass brushes. For chemical cleaning, use inhibited acids approved for brass. Never use ammonia-based cleaners or hydrochloric acid.

 

How to bend copper heat exchanger tube in C44300?

Use annealed temper tube and a mandrel bender. Minimum bending radius should be 3.0 × OD. C44300 is less ductile than pure copper, so avoid tight radii.

 

How to weld copper heat exchanger tube in C44300?

TIG welding is possible but requires proper ventilation due to zinc oxide fumes. Use silicon bronze or naval brass filler. For most heat exchangers, mechanical tube expansion is preferred over welding.

 

Copper heat exchanger tube vs stainless steel for seawater – which is better?

Neither is ideal. C44300 or cupronickel (C70600, C71500) are the standard choices for seawater-cooled heat exchangers. Stainless steel can suffer crevice corrosion in seawater.

 

Copper heat exchanger tube vs cupronickel – which lasts longer?

Cupronickel (C70600 tube or C71500 tube) lasts longer in aggressive seawater. However, C44300 offers better thermal conductivity and lower material cost. The choice depends on seawater quality and expected service life.

 

Why use copper in heat exchanger systems with seawater?

Admiralty brass (C44300) has been used for decades in coastal power plants and marine applications because it offers an acceptable balance of corrosion resistance, thermal performance, and cost.

 

What is the life expectancy of C44300 heat exchanger tube?

In properly designed and maintained seawater systems, 15-25 years is typical. Factors affecting life include water velocity, sand content, water temperature, and chemical treatment.

 

What causes corrosion in C44300 tubes?

Common causes: water velocity above 2.5 m/s, entrained sand or air bubbles, ammonia in water, low pH (below 6.5), or improper arsenic content in the alloy.

 

Do you supply C44300 to EN 12451 or JIS H3300?

Yes. While ASTM B111 and ASME SB111 are our primary standards, we can also provide certification to EN 12451 (European) or JIS H3300 (Japanese) standards upon request.

 

What is the difference between ASTM B111 and ASME SB111 for C44300?

ASME SB111 is the ASME code version. Chemistry and properties are identical, but SB111 includes additional quality assurance and certification requirements for pressure vessel applications.

 

Do you have copper heat exchanger tube for sale in small repair quantities?

Yes. We support small replacement bundles for existing heat exchangers as well as large OEM orders. Contact us with your tube sheet drawing and we will quote accordingly.

 

Ordering Information

To request a quote for copper heat exchanger tube in C44300, please provide:

Standard (ASTM B111, ASME SB111, EN 12451, or JIS H3300)

Alloy (C44300 admiralty brass)

Outer diameter

Wall thickness (or BWG gauge)

Length per piece

Total quantity (meters or number of tubes)

Temper (annealed or drawn)

U-bends required? (radius if yes)

Destination port

Contact our technical sales team for pricing and engineering support.

 

 

How Do We Package Copper Heat Exchanger Tubes for Global Delivery?

Poor packaging destroys even the best copper heat exchanger tube. As a professional copper heat exchanger tube factory serving copper heat exchanger tube USA, Europe, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India, we follow military-grade export packaging standards to ensure zero damage during sea or air freight.

 

Our Standard Packaging Process:

Packaging Stage Material / Method Purpose
Individual Tube Protection Anti-rust VCI paper + plastic end caps Prevents moisture, dust, and scratches on copper tube heat exchanger inner surfaces.
Bundling Nylon straps + wooden spacers Keeps copper heat exchanger tube OD 19mm, 1 inch, or 5/8 inch sizes organized and vibration-free.
Moisture Barrier Thick PE film wrap (heat-shrunk) Blocks humidity during long sea voyages to copper heat exchanger tube Germany or Saudi Arabia.
Outer Packing Export-grade plywood cases or steel-banded wooden crates Withstands stacking and rough handling. Each crate labeled with PO number, alloy (e.g., SB111 C70600), and quantity.
Documentation Packing list + Mill Test Certificate (MTC) attached outside Customs clearance support for copper heat exchanger tube stockist and distributor partners.

For U-Bundle Orders: U tube heat exchanger and U tube bundle heat exchanger are placed in dedicated steel jigs inside the crate to prevent bending radius distortion.

copper heat exchanger tube manufacturers

 

Our Factory & Equipment

Equipment Type Specification / Capability Quality Impact
Horizontal Continuous Casting Line 10-ton capacity Produces homogeneous copper alloy tube for heat exchanger billets with zero porosity.
Three-Roll Piercing Mill Up to 60mm OD Precision wall thickness control for heat exchanger tube wall thickness as low as 0.5mm.
Cold Drawing Bench 5 draws in sequence Achieves tight tolerances on copper heat exchanger tube length and heat exchanger pipe diameter.
Straightening & Cutting Line CNC servo-controlled Burr-free cutting for copper heat exchanger tube 3/4 inch and 1 inch to exact project lengths.
U-Bending Machine CNC mandrel type Produces u tube condenser and U tube bundle heat exchanger without kinking or ovality.
Eddy Current Tester NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) 100% inspection of C70600 tube and C71500 tube for pinholes or cracks per ASTM B111 pdf standards.
Hydrostatic Tester Up to 200 bar Validates heat exchanger tube expansion and tube rolling integrity.
Spectrometer Optical emission (OES) Confirms chemical composition of ASME SB111, EN 12451, and JIS H3300 grades on every batch.

 

Our Certifications & Compliance:

ASTM B111 pdf and ASME SB111 pdf full traceability.

ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.

Third-party inspection accepted: SGS, BV, Lloyds, or TUV.

Copper heat exchanger tube life expectancy testing reports available upon request.

copper heat exchanger tube suppliers

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