What is C70600 Copper-Nickel Tube?
C70600 copper-nickel tube (also known as 90/10 cupronickel, CuNi 90/10, or UNS C70600) is an alloy containing approximately 90% copper and 10% nickel with small amounts of iron and manganese. GNEE manufactures and supplies this alloy in various forms including seamless pipe, welded tube, condenser tube, heat exchanger tube, U-bend tube, and coiled tubing.
Key advantages of C70600 copper-nickel tube include:
Excellent resistance to seawater corrosion and biofouling
High resistance to erosion and stress corrosion cracking
Good weldability, formability, and moderate strength
This alloy is widely used in marine engineering, power generation condensers, seawater desalination plants, shipbuilding, and chemical processing.
Product Specifications of C70600 Copper-Nickel Pipe
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | C70600 (90/10) Copper-Nickel Pipe and Tube |
| Standards | ASTM B466, ASME SB466, ASTM B111, ASTM B151, MIL-T-16420K, DIN 2.0872, BS 2871 CN102, EN CW352H |
| Type | Seamless, Hot Rolled, Cold Drawn, Welded, ERW |
| Outer Diameter | 1/4" NB to 12" NB (3 mm to 114.3 mm) |
| Wall Thickness | Schedule 10 to Schedule 160 |
| Length | 5-7 meters, 9-13 meters, Single Random, Double Random, or Custom |
| Pipe Ends | Plain Ends or Beveled Ends |
| Delivery Conditions | As Rolled, Cold Drawn, Hot Finish, Stress Relieved, Annealed, Hardened, Tempered |
| Coating | Electropolish, Mechanical Polish, Satin Finish, Passivated |
| Packaging | Loose, Bundle, Wooden Pallet, Wooden Box, Plastic Cloth Wraps, Plastic End Caps |
Equivalent Standards for C70600 Copper-Nickel Tubing
| Standard Organization | Equivalent Designation |
|---|---|
| ASTM / ASME | B111, B151, B171, B359, B395, B466, B467, B543, B608, SB111, SB171, SB359, SB395, SB466, SB467, SB543 |
| DIN (German) | 2.0872 |
| BS (British) | 2871 CN102, BS2870, BS2874 |
| EN (European) | CW352H (CuNi10Fe1Mn) |
| MIL (US Military) | MIL-T-16420K, MIL-C-15726, MIL-T-15005, MIL-T-22214, MIL-15005 |
| SAE | J461, J463 |
| DEF STAN (UK Defence) | DEF STAN 02-879 Annex C, DEF STAN 02-779, NES 779 |
Chemical Composition of C70600 Seamless Tube
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 88.7 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | 1.3 |
Physical Properties of C70600 Welded Pipe
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ | 0.323 lb/in³ |
| Melting Point | 1149°C | 2100°F |
Mechanical Properties of C70600 Condenser Tube
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 303-414 MPa | 43,900-60,000 psi |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 110-393 MPa | 16,000-57,000 psi |
| Elongation at Break | 42% | 42% |
| Machinability | 20% (vs C36000 brass = 100%) | 20% |
| Shear Modulus | 52.0 GPa | 7,540 ksi |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.34 | 0.34 |
| Elastic Modulus | 140 GPa | 20,300 ksi |
Applications of C70600 Heat Exchanger Tube
| Industry Sector | Specific Applications |
|---|---|
| Power Generation | Condensers, heat exchangers, distiller tubes, high capacity power plants |
| Shipbuilding & Repair | Seawater pipework, hydraulic lines, pumps, valves, sheathing, fittings for ship hulls |
| Desalination | Desalination plants, evaporators, ferrules |
| Offshore & Marine | Offshore fire water systems, fish cages for aquaculture |
| Refineries & Chemical | Refineries, chillers, heat exchangers |
| Defence | Naval vessels, defence applications |
Value Added Services for C70600 U-Bend Tube
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Drawing / Expansion | Custom sizing and expansion to meet specific requirements |
| Machining | Precision machining for fittings and custom components |
| Sand Blasting / Shot Blasting | Surface preparation and cleaning |
| Heat Treatment | Annealing, stress relieving, tempering as required |
FAQ
1. What is the difference between C70600 and C71500?
C71500 has higher strength and better seawater corrosion resistance. C70600 (90/10) contains 90% copper and 10% nickel. C71500 (70/30) contains 70% copper and 30% nickel. The higher nickel content makes C71500 stronger and more resistant to aggressive seawater, but C70600 is more affordable and easier to weld.
2. What is the equivalent of C70600?
C70600 equivalents are ASTM B466, DIN 2.0872, BS 2871 CN102, and EN CW352H. These are the same 90/10 copper-nickel alloy under different standards. ASTM B466 is the most common US standard, DIN 2.0872 is German, BS 2871 CN102 is British, and EN CW352H (CuNi10Fe1Mn) is European.
3. Can C70600 be welded to stainless steel?
No, direct welding is not recommended. Welding C70600 to stainless steel requires a nickel-based filler metal like ERNiCu-7. Direct welding creates a galvanic couple that leads to rapid corrosion, especially in seawater. Use a transition piece or flanged connection with isolation.
4. Is C70600 suitable for seawater?
Yes, C70600 is specifically designed for seawater applications. It forms a stable protective film in seawater that resists pitting, crevice corrosion, and biofouling. This is why C70600 is the standard choice for marine cooling systems, desalination plants, and offshore platforms.
5. What is the maximum temperature for C70600?
C70600 can handle up to 315°C (600°F) continuously. Above this temperature, the alloy loses strength and becomes prone to oxidation. For applications above 315°C, consider C71500 or a nickel-based alloy.
6. Does C70600 rust?
No, C70600 does not rust. Rust only occurs on iron and steel. C70600 is a copper-nickel alloy that forms a protective patina instead of rust. This patina actually protects the underlying metal from further corrosion.
7. What is C70600 used for?
C70600 is used for condenser tubes, heat exchanger tubes, seawater piping, and desalination plants. Specific applications include power plant condensers, shipboard cooling systems, offshore platform piping, hydraulic lines, pumps, valves, and evaporator tubes.
8. Is C70600 magnetic?
No, C70600 is non-magnetic. Neither copper nor nickel in this alloy composition creates magnetic properties. This makes C70600 suitable for applications where magnetic interference must be avoided, such as near sensitive electronic equipment.
9. How to weld C70600?
Use TIG or MIG welding with ERCuNi filler metal. No preheating is needed for wall thickness under 1 inch. Use argon shielding gas for TIG or argon-helium mix for MIG. Clean the weld area thoroughly before welding and avoid overheating. Common tempers include soft annealed (O60), light drawn (H55), hard drawn (H80), and hard drawn with end annealed (HE80).
10. What sizes does C70600 come in?
C70600 is available from 1/4" NB to 12" NB (3 mm to 114.3 mm OD). Wall thickness ranges from Schedule 10 to Schedule 160. Standard lengths are 5-7 meters and 9-13 meters, with single random, double random, or custom lengths available.
11. What certificates are available for C70600?
GNEE provides Manufacturer Test Certificate as per EN10204 3.1 or 3.2. Laboratory test certificates from NABL approved labs are also available. Third-party inspection by SGS, TUV, DNV, LLOYDS, or ABS can be arranged upon request.
12. How is C70600 shipped?
C70600 can be shipped by road, sea, or air. By sea: break-bulk conventional vessel, FCL, or LCL in 20/40/45 ft. containers, high cube, or open top containers. By air: freighter or passenger cargo planes. By road: truck or train.
Quality Testing for C70600 Coiled Tubing
| Test Method | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chemical Analysis | Verify copper (88.7%), nickel (10%), and iron (1.3%) content |
| Tensile Testing | Confirm ultimate and yield strength |
| Hardness Testing | Verify specified temper |
| Flattening Test | Check ductility and detect internal defects |
| Flare Test | Evaluate ability to undergo plastic deformation |
| Eddy Current Test (ECT) | Detect surface and near-surface flaws |
| Hydrostatic Test | Verify pressure integrity (100% of pipes) |
| Grain Size Test | Check microstructure uniformity |
| NACE MR0175 | Verify suitability for sour service environments |
Packaging of C70600 Straight Pipe
| Packaging Method | Protection Provided |
|---|---|
| Plastic End Caps | Prevent moisture and debris entry into tube ends |
| Plastic Cloth Wraps | Outer layer protects against dust and abrasion |
| Bundled with Steel Straps | Secure multiple pipes together for safe handling |
| Wooden Pallet / Wooden Box | Facilitates forklift loading and prevents ground contact |
| Beveled Protectors | Protect beveled ends from damage during transit |
| Export Seaworthy Packaging | Compliant with international shipping standards |
Factory Equipment for C70600 Nickel Pipe Production
| Equipment Type | Function |
|---|---|
| Induction Melting Furnaces | Precise control of copper (88.7%), nickel (10%), and iron (1.3%) composition |
| Horizontal Continuous Casting Lines | Produce homogeneous tube billets |
| Extrusion Presses | Form hollow shells from solid billets |
| Cold Pilger Mills | Reduce diameter and wall thickness with high precision |
| Draw Benches (Multiple Capacities) | Achieve final dimensions and surface finish |
| Controlled Atmosphere Annealing Furnaces | Soften material between cold working steps (soft annealed O60, light drawn H55, hard drawn H80, hard drawn and end annealed HE80) |
| 6-Roll Straightening Machines | Correct bending and ensure straightness |
| Cutting and Chamfering Units | Cut to exact lengths and prepare beveled ends |
| Eddy Current and Ultrasonic Test Lines | 100% non-destructive testing |
| Vacuum Annealing Furnace | Bright annealing for corrosion-resistant surface |
All Product Range from GNEE
| Material Category | Key Grades | Common Applications | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Copper | C10100, C10200, C11000, C12200 | Electrical components, busbars, plumbing, HVAC, roofing | ASTM B1, B42, B75, B88, B152 |
| Brass | C26000, C27000, C28000, C46400, C48500 | Plumbing fittings, marine hardware, valve stems, radiators, fasteners | ASTM B16, B21, B36, B134, B135, B283 |
| Copper-Nickel (Cupronickel) | C70600 (90/10), C71500 (70/30), C70400, C71000, C71520, C72200 | Seawater cooling lines, condenser tubes, desalination, shipbuilding | ASTM B111, B151, B171, B466, MIL-T-16420K |
| Bronze | C51000, C52100, C54400, C61400, C62300 | Bushings, wear plates, pump impellers, valves, marine propellers | ASTM B139, B148, B271, B505 |
| Aluminum Bronze | C61400, C62300, C63000, C95400, C95500 | High-strength valve bodies, gears, pump components, marine hardware | ASTM B148, B150, B283, B505 |
| Beryllium Copper | C17000, C17200, C17500 | High-strength springs, downhole tools, connectors, mold inserts | ASTM B194, B196, B197 |
