Copper Nickel Heat Exchanger Tube (C70600/C71500)
Henan Gnee New Material Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional manufacturers and suppliers of copper nickel heat exchanger tube (c70600/c71500) in China, specialized in providing high quality copper products with competitive price. Welcome to buy discount copper nickel heat exchanger tube (c70600/c71500) for sale here from our factory. Customized orders are welcome.
In marine engineering and offshore oil and gas sectors, the relentless nature of seawater corrosion demands materials that go beyond standard alloys. Copper nickel heat exchanger tube solutions, specifically C70600 (90/10) and C71500 (70/30), have become the industry benchmark for durability and thermal efficiency. As specialized copper nickel heat exchanger tube manufacturers, we produce seamless tubing designed to form a natural protective oxide film, ensuring long-term reliability in high-velocity seawater environments.
Available Supply Forms



| Supply Form | Description | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Tubes | Standard seamless tubes supplied in fixed lengths for heat exchanger and condenser fabrication. | Surface condensers, shell & tube heat exchangers |
| U-Bend Tubes | Precision bent tubes manufactured according to specified bend radius and leg length requirements. | Heat exchanger bundles, power plants, desalination plants |
| Finned Tubes | Copper nickel tubes with enhanced external surface area for improved heat transfer efficiency. | Air coolers, fin-fan heat exchangers, offshore cooling systems |
Custom fabricated forms, including cooling coils and special bent tubes, are available upon request.
Available Tempers
Annealed (Soft)
Light Drawn (Half Hard)
Copper Nickel Tube Specifications
Copper nickel heat exchanger tubes are manufactured in accordance with ASTM B111 and are available in C70600 (90/10 Cu-Ni) and C71500 (70/30 Cu-Ni) grades for seawater cooling, marine, offshore, and power generation applications.
| Specification Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Copper Nickel Heat Exchanger Tube |
| Material Grades | C70600 (90/10 Cu-Ni), C71500 (70/30 Cu-Ni) |
| UNS Number | C70600, C71500 |
| Standard | ASTM B111 |
| Product Type | Seamless Heat Exchanger Tubes |
| Manufacturing Process | Extruded & Cold Drawn |
| Supply Forms | Straight Tubes, U-Bend Tubes, Finned Tubes |
| Outside Diameter (OD) | 6.35 mm – 127 mm (1/4" – 5") |
| Wall Thickness | 0.50 mm – 5.00 mm |
| Length | Up to 18,000 mm |
| Temper | Annealed (Soft), Light Drawn (Half Hard) |
| End Finish | Plain Ends (PE), Deburred Ends |
| Surface Finish | Bright Annealed (BA), Mill Finish, Pickled & Cleaned, Protective Coating |
| Testing | Eddy Current Testing, Hydrostatic Testing, Dimensional Inspection |
| Certification | MTC EN 10204 3.1, Third-Party Inspection Available |
| Packaging | Wooden Cases, Bundles, Seaworthy Export Packing |
C70600 vs C71500 – Which Copper Nickel Alloy Should You Choose?
The two most common copper nickel heat exchanger tube alloys are C70600 (90/10) and C71500 (70/30). The table below shows the differences to help you select the right alloy for your shell and tube heat exchanger.
| Property | C70600 (90/10 Cu-Ni) | C71500 (70/30 Cu-Ni) |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Composition | 90% Copper, 10% Nickel, 1.4% Iron, 0.8% Manganese | 70% Copper, 30% Nickel, 0.5% Iron, 0.5% Manganese |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 45,000 psi (310 MPa) | 60,000 psi (415 MPa) |
| Yield Strength (min) | 15,000 psi (105 MPa) | 25,000 psi (170 MPa) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 29 BTU/(hr·ft·°F) (50 W/m·K) | 17 BTU/(hr·ft·°F) (29 W/m·K) |
| Seawater Velocity Limit | Up to 3.5 m/s (11.5 ft/s) | Up to 4.5 m/s (15 ft/s) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent for general seawater | Superior for high-velocity, sour, or polluted seawater |
| Relative Cost | Medium-High | Highest |
| Best Application | heat exchanger condenser, shell tube evaporator on vessels, offshore platforms | Power plant condensers, heat exchanger boiler with high-temperature seawater, sour gas service |
When to choose C70600:
General seawater cooling on ships and offshore platforms
copper heat exchanger tube vs cupronickel – C70600 is the standard answer for most marine duties
Budget-conscious projects that still need excellent corrosion resistance
When to choose C71500:
High-velocity seawater above 3.5 m/s
Polluted or brackish seawater with hydrogen sulfide
High-temperature shell and tube heat exchanger applications (above 120°C / 250°F)
Sour gas or ammonia service where copper heat exchanger tube corrosion is a known risk
Applications requiring maximum copper heat exchanger tube life expectancy (30+ years)
For a detailed copper heat exchanger tube vs stainless steel comparison in seawater, C70600 and C71500 outperform most stainless grades in resistance to crevice corrosion and pitting.
Chemical Composition of Copper Nickel Heat Exchanger Tubes
| Element (%) | C70600 (90/10 Cu-Ni) | C71500 (70/30 Cu-Ni) |
| Copper (Cu) | Remainder | Remainder |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.0 – 11.0 | 29.0 – 33.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | 1.0 – 1.8 | 0.4 – 1.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0 Max | 1.0 Max |
| Zinc (Zn) | 1.0 Max | 1.0 Max |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.05 Max | 0.05 Max |
| Typical Service Environment | General Seawater Service | Severe Seawater Service |
Mechanical Properties of Copper Nickel Heat Exchanger Tubes
| Property | C70600 (90/10 Cu-Ni) | C71500 (70/30 Cu-Ni) |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 275 MPa | ≥ 360 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.5% Extension Under Load) | ≥ 105 MPa | ≥ 125 MPa |
| Elongation (50 mm) | ≥ 30% | ≥ 30% |
| Hardness | 70–100 HV (Typical) | 80–120 HV (Typical) |
| Formability | Excellent | Good |
| Tube Expansion | Excellent | Good |
| Seawater Erosion Resistance | Excellent | Superior |
Physical Properties of Copper Nickel Heat Exchanger Tubes
| Property | C70600 (90/10 Cu-Ni) | C71500 (70/30 Cu-Ni) |
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ | 8.95 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 50 W/m·K | 29 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 7% IACS | 4% IACS |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.38 kJ/kg·K | 0.38 kJ/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 17.0 × 10⁻⁶ /°C | 16.2 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Elastic Modulus | 140 GPa | 152 GPa |
| Melting Range | 1100–1145°C | 1170–1240°C |
| Seawater Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Superior |
ASTM B111 Dimensional Tolerances
| Parameter | Tolerance |
| Outside Diameter (OD) | As specified by ASTM B111 based on tube size |
| Wall Thickness | ±10% of nominal wall thickness |
| Length | +6 mm / 0 mm (standard) or as specified |
| Straightness | In accordance with ASTM B111 requirements |
| End Squareness | Suitable for heat exchanger fabrication and tube sheet installation |
| Ovality | Within ASTM B111 OD tolerance limits |
| Surface Quality | Free from cracks, laps, seams, and other harmful defects |
Surface Finish Options
| Surface Finish | Description | Typical Applications |
| Bright Annealed (BA) | Smooth and bright surface produced in a controlled atmosphere. | HVAC systems, refrigeration equipment, clean heat exchangers |
| Mill Finish | Standard as-manufactured surface condition. | General industrial cooling and heat transfer applications |
| Pickled & Cleaned | Oxide-free surface for improved cleanliness and corrosion performance. | Seawater condensers, marine heat exchangers, desalination plants |
| Protective Coating | Temporary anti-corrosion coating for storage and transportation. | Export projects, long-term storage, offshore projects |
Manufacturing Process

Applications

Power Plant Surface Condensers
Widely used in steam condensation systems with excellent resistance to seawater and brackish water corrosion for long-term stable operation.
Tube Form: Straight Tubes / U-Bend Tubes
Temper: Annealed (Soft)
Surface Finish: Pickled & Cleaned / Bright Annealed (BA)

Seawater Cooling Systems
Applied in seawater heat exchange systems for power stations and industrial plants, providing reliable anti-fouling and corrosion resistance.
Tube Form: Straight Tubes / U-Bend Tubes
Temper: Annealed (Soft)
Surface Finish: Pickled & Cleaned

Offshore Oil & Gas Platforms
Used in offshore cooling and process systems where high resistance to aggressive marine environments is required.
Tube Form: Straight Tubes / U-Bend Tubes
Temper: Annealed (Soft) / Light Drawn
Surface Finish: Pickled & Cleaned

Desalination Plants
Ideal for evaporators and heat recovery systems in seawater desalination with strong resistance to chloride corrosion.
Tube Form: Straight Tubes / U-Bend Tubes
Temper: Annealed (Soft)
Surface Finish: Pickled & Cleaned / Bright Annealed (BA)

Marine Heat Exchangers
Used in shipboard cooling systems such as engine cooling and auxiliary heat exchangers with stable seawater performance.
Tube Form: Straight Tubes / U-Bend Tubes
Temper: Annealed (Soft)
Surface Finish: Pickled & Cleaned

Industrial Cooling & Process Systems
Applied in chemical and industrial cooling equipment where reliable heat transfer and corrosion resistance are required.
Tube Form: Straight Tubes / U-Bend Tubes
Temper: Annealed (Soft) / Light Drawn
Surface Finish: Mill Finish / Pickled & Cleaned
Copper Nickel vs Aluminum Brass
| Property | Copper Nickel (C70600 / C71500) | Aluminum Brass (C68700) |
| Corrosion Resistance (Seawater) | Excellent | Very Good |
| Biofouling Resistance | Excellent | Medium |
| Chloride Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Erosion Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Thermal Conductivity | Medium | Good |
| Mechanical Strength | High | Medium-High |
| Service Life in Seawater | Long | Medium |
| Maintenance Requirement | Low | Medium |
| Cost Level | Higher | Lower |
| Typical Applications | Offshore, marine, desalination, power plants | Marine condensers, coastal cooling systems |
| Recommended Environment | Severe seawater conditions | Mild to moderate seawater conditions |
When to Choose Copper Nickel Tubes (C70600 / C71500)
Copper nickel tubes are recommended when the system operates in severe seawater conditions, especially where long service life, low maintenance, and high resistance to biofouling are required. They are commonly used in offshore platforms, desalination plants, and large power plant condensers.
When to Choose Aluminum Brass Tubes (C68700)
Aluminum brass tubes are a cost-effective solution for mild to moderate seawater environments, such as coastal condensers and industrial cooling systems. They are suitable when good corrosion resistance is required but operating conditions are not highly aggressive.
Key Selection Guidance
Choose Copper Nickel (C70600 / C71500) for high salinity, offshore, and long-life critical systems.
Choose Aluminum Brass (C68700) for cost-sensitive projects with moderate seawater exposure.

| Inspection Item | Method / Standard | Description |
| Eddy Current Testing | ASTM E243 | 100% non-destructive testing to detect surface and subsurface defects |
| Hydrostatic Test | ASTM B111 | Pressure testing to ensure leak-free performance under operating conditions |
| Dimensional Inspection | ASTM B111 | Verification of OD, wall thickness, length, and straightness |
| Chemical Analysis | Spectrometric Analysis | Confirms compliance with C70600 / C71500 composition requirements |
| Mechanical Testing | Tensile Testing | Verifies strength, elongation, and material performance |
| Hardness Test | Brinell / Vickers | Confirms mechanical consistency of finished tubes |
| Surface Inspection | Visual Examination | Checks for cracks, pits, scratches, and surface defects |
| PMI Testing (Optional) | Positive Material Identification | Ensures correct alloy grade for critical marine applications |
How Do We Package Copper Heat Exchanger Tubes for Global Delivery?

| 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.
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.
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FAQ
What is a copper nickel heat exchanger tube?
A copper nickel heat exchanger tube is a seamless tube made from copper-nickel alloys, typically C70600 (90/10) or C71500 (70/30). It is specifically designed for shell and tube heat exchanger, heat exchanger condenser, and shell tube evaporator applications in seawater and corrosive environments.
What is the difference between C70600 and C71500?
C70600 contains 90% copper and 10% nickel. C71500 contains 70% copper and 30% nickel. C71500 has higher strength, higher erosion resistance (up to 4.5 m/s vs 3.5 m/s), and longer copper heat exchanger tube life expectancy, but lower thermal conductivity and higher copper heat exchanger tube price.
Why use copper nickel instead of stainless steel for seawater?
In the copper heat exchanger tube vs stainless steel comparison for seawater, copper nickel offers:
Better resistance to crevice corrosion
Natural biofouling resistance (stainless steel fouls)
No chloride stress corrosion cracking
Easier heat exchanger tube rolling and expansion
Do you have C70600 tube for sale in 3/4 inch?
Yes. Copper heat exchanger tube 3/4 inch (19.05mm) in C70600 is one of our most popular sizes. Copper heat exchanger tube od 19mm in C70600 is stocked for marine heat exchanger hvac and u tube condenser applications.
What causes copper heat exchanger tube corrosion in copper nickel?
Copper heat exchanger tube corrosion in C70600 or C71500 is rare but can occur from:
Erosion corrosion – velocity above 4.5 m/s (C71500) or 3.5 m/s (C70600)
Hydrogen sulfide – polluted seawater
Galvanic corrosion – connection to more noble metals (titanium, graphite)
Do you provide ASTM B111 pdf for copper nickel tubes?
Yes. Request ASTM B111 pdf or ASME SB111 pdf from our team. We also provide EN 12451 and JIS H3300 certification.
Can you supply u tube bundle heat exchanger in C70600 or C71500?
Yes. We manufacture complete u tube heat exchanger and u tube bundle heat exchanger assemblies in C70600 tube and C71500 tube. Send your tube sheet drawing for a quote.
Is SB111 C70600 the same as ASTM B111 C70600?
Yes. SB111 C70600 is the ASME Boiler Code designation. ASTM B111 C70600 is the ASTM designation. The chemistry and mechanical requirements are identical. For heat exchanger boiler applications requiring ASME stamping, specify SB111 C70600.
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