What is Copper Nickel 90/10 Tube?
Copper Nickel 90/10 tube is made from an alloy of 90% copper and 10% nickel, which makes it unique because it is not only strong but also resists corrosion and has good heat transmission properties. GNEE is a supplier of Copper Nickel 90/10 tubes under standards including ASTM B466, B467, B552, and ASME SB466, SB467, SB552.
Key characteristics of Copper Nickel 90/10 tubes include:
Superb corrosion resistance, especially in seawater
High strength and durability for harsh marine environments
Excellent thermal conductivity for heat exchangers and cooling systems
Good weldability and easy fabrication
These tubes are widely used in shipbuilding, offshore structures, desalination plants, chemical processing, power generation, and oil & gas industries.
Specifications of CuNi 90/10 Seamless Tube
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM B466, B467, B552 / ASME SB466, SB467, SB552 |
| Size | 1/2″ to 6″ OD & NB in various SWG & SCH |
| Length | Single random, double random, and required length |
| Form | Round, square, rectangular, coil, U-shape, pan cake, hydraulic |
| End Finish | Plain end, beveled end, threaded |
| Material | C70600 (Cu-Ni 90/10) |
Manufacturing Process of C70600 Condenser Tube
| Step | Process Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Melting & Casting - Raw materials (90% Cu, 10% Ni) are melted and cast into billets |
| Step 2 | Extruding, Drawing & Pilgering - Billets are extruded and cold drawn to achieve precise dimensions |
| Step 3 | Annealing - Tubes are heat treated to restore ductility and relieve internal stresses |
| Step 4 | Cutting - Tubes are cut to required lengths with precision |
| Step 5 | Packing & Inspection - Final quality check and export packaging |
Types of Copper Nickel 90/10 Heat Exchanger Tube
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Round Tube | Standard circular cross-section for general piping applications |
| Seamless Tube | No welded seam, ideal for high-pressure and critical applications |
| Condenser Tube | Specifically designed for power plant and marine condensers |
| U-Bend Tube | U-shaped for heat exchanger applications requiring directional changes |
| Coiled Tubing | Continuous length wrapped in coils for easy transport and installation |
| Square / Rectangular Tube | Non-circular cross-sections for structural and specialized applications |
Other Product Forms of C70600 Welded Pipe
| Product Form | Common Name |
|---|---|
| ASTM B466 CuNi 90/10 Seamless Pipes & Tubes | Seamless pipe |
| 90/10 Cupro Nickel Tubes | CuNi 90/10 tubing |
| C70600 Pipe | UNS C70600 pipe |
| Cu-Ni 2.0872 Tubing | DIN 2.0872 tubing |
| CuNi 90/10 Heat Exchanger Tubes | Heat exchanger tube |
| Cupro Nickel C70600 Tubes | C70600 cupronickel tube |
| ASTM B467 Cu-Ni 90/10 Pipes | Welded pipe |
| 90/10 Cupro Nickel Capillary Tubing | Small diameter capillary tube |
| ASTM B552 CuNi 90/10 Tubes | General purpose tube |
| UNS C70600 Square Tubes | Square profile tube |
| CuNi 90-10 Rectangular Tubing | Rectangular profile tube |
Chemical Composition of CuNi 90/10 U-Bend Tube
| Element | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 88.6% minimum |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9% to 11% |
| Iron (Fe) | 1.8% maximum |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0% maximum |
| Zinc (Zn) | 1% maximum |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.05% maximum |
Mechanical Properties of C70600 Coiled Tubing
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.323 lb/in³ at 68°F |
| Melting Point | 2260°F (1238°C) |
| Tensile Strength | 50,000 psi |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 20,000 psi |
| Elongation | 30% |
Application Industries for Copper Nickel 90/10 Straight Pipe
| Industry | Specific Applications |
|---|---|
| Shipbuilding | Seawater cooling lines, ballast systems, fire protection systems |
| Offshore Structures | Platform piping, risers, subsea equipment |
| Desalination Plants | Evaporator tubes, heat exchanger tubes, brine piping |
| Chemical Processing | Corrosion-resistant piping for aggressive chemicals |
| Power Generation | Condenser tubes, cooling water systems, steam turbine auxiliaries |
| Oil & Gas | Seawater injection systems, platform utilities |
FAQ
1. What is the difference between C70600 and C71500?
C71500 has 30% nickel and is stronger than C70600 (10% nickel). C70600 contains 90% copper and 10% nickel. C71500 contains 70% copper and 30% nickel. C71500 offers higher strength and better erosion resistance in high-velocity seawater, but C70600 is more affordable, easier to fabricate, and more widely available.
2. What are the equivalent standards for C70600?
C70600 equivalents include ASTM B466 (USA), DIN 2.0872 (Germany), and BS CN102 (UK). Other equivalents are ASME SB466, EN CW352H (CuNi10Fe1Mn), JIS C7060 (Japan), and BG BFe10-1-1 (China).
3. What is the melting point of C70600?
The melting point of C70600 is 2260°F (1238°C). This high melting point allows C70600 tubes to maintain structural integrity in high-temperature applications such as power plant condensers and heat exchangers.
4. What is the tensile strength of C70600?
The tensile strength of C70600 is 50,000 psi minimum. Yield strength (0.2% offset) is 20,000 psi minimum. Elongation is 30% minimum. These properties make C70600 suitable for high-pressure marine and industrial piping systems.
5. Is C70600 suitable for seawater?
Yes, C70600 is specifically designed for seawater applications. Its excellent corrosion resistance in seawater comes from a stable protective film that forms on the surface. This film resists pitting, crevice corrosion, and galvanic corrosion, even in polluted or high-velocity seawater.
6. Can C70600 be welded?
Yes, C70600 has good weldability. Standard welding methods including TIG, MIG, and oxyacetylene are suitable. Use ERCuNi filler metal. No preheating is required for sections under 1 inch thickness. Post-weld heat treatment is generally not needed.
7. What is the density of C70600?
The density of C70600 is 0.323 lb/in³ at 68°F (8.94 g/cm³). This density is similar to other copper alloys and approximately 15% heavier than steel, which is important for weight calculations in shipbuilding and offshore applications.
8. What forms does C70600 come in?
C70600 is available in round, square, rectangular, coiled, U-bend, and pancake forms. End finishes include plain, beveled, and threaded. Standard lengths are single random or double random, with custom lengths available upon request.
9. What is the lead time for C70600 from GNEE?
Standard sizes of C70600 tube are available for immediate shipment from GNEE inventory. Custom sizes typically require 3-4 weeks for production. Urgent orders can be expedited with prior arrangement.
10. What is the maximum temperature for C70600?
C70600 can operate continuously at up to 315°C (600°F). Above this temperature, the alloy loses strength and becomes prone to oxidation and creep. For applications above 315°C, consider C71500 or a nickel-based alloy.
11. Is C70600 magnetic?
No, C70600 is non-magnetic. Neither copper (90%) nor nickel (10%) in this alloy creates magnetic properties. This makes C70600 tubes suitable for use near sensitive electronic equipment, including naval sonar systems and magnetic compasses.
12. What is C70600 used for?
C70600 is used for seawater cooling lines, condenser tubes, heat exchanger tubes, and desalination plant piping. Specific marine applications include shipboard cooling systems, offshore platform firewater lines, ballast systems, and hydraulic lines. Industrial applications include power plant condensers and chemical processing equipment.
Quality Testing for C70600 Nickel Pipe
| Test Type | Method / Standard | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Analysis | Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) | Verify Cu (88.6% min), Ni (9-11%), Fe (1.8% max), Mn (1.0% max) |
| Tensile Test | ASTM E8 / E8M | Confirm tensile strength (50,000 psi min) and yield strength (20,000 psi min) |
| Flattening Test | ASTM B466 | Crush tube between flat plates to detect seams, cracks, or laminations |
| Expansion Test | ASTM B466 | Expand tube with tapered mandrel to check ductility |
| Flaring Test | ASTM B466 | Flare tube end to specified diameter to check workability |
| Reverse Flattening Test | ASTM B466 | Flatten, cut, open, and inspect for internal defects |
| Hardness Test | Rockwell B or Vickers | Verify consistent temper (soft annealed O60: 45 HRB max) |
| Eddy Current Test | ASTM E243 | Non-destructive detection of surface and near-surface flaws |
| Hydrostatic Test | Pressure test | Verify leak-tightness under pressure (100% of tubes) |
| Dimensional Inspection | Micrometer, caliper, gauge | Verify OD, ID, wall thickness, length, and straightness |
| Visual Inspection | Naked eye or borescope | Check surface finish, end condition, and overall appearance |
Packaging for Copper Nickel 90/10 Tube
| Packaging Component | Material / Method | Protection Provided |
|---|---|---|
| End Caps | Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic | Prevents moisture, dirt, and debris from entering tube bores |
| Interleaving | Rust-preventive VCI paper between layers | Prevents metal-to-metal contact and surface scratching |
| Bundling | Galvanized steel straps (3-4 per bundle) | Secures multiple tubes together for handling stability |
| Inner Wrapping | Waterproof plastic sheet (0.15mm thickness) | Blocks moisture and humidity during transit |
| Outer Wrapping | Woven polypropylene fabric | Abrasion resistance and tear protection |
| Edge Protection | Cardboard or plastic corner protectors | Prevents strap cuts and edge damage |
| Pallet / Crate | ISPM-15 certified heat-treated plywood | Forklift access, ground clearance, and export compliance |
| Labeling | Weather-resistant adhesive label | Displays grade (C70600), size, heat number, quantity, and destination |
| Container Loading | Dunnage bags and bracing | Prevents load shifting inside 20ft or 40ft containers |
Factory Equipment for CuNi 90/10 Tube Production
| Equipment | Specification | Function in Production Line |
|---|---|---|
| Induction Melting Furnace | 2-ton capacity, 1000 kW power | Melts copper (90%) and nickel (10%) to precise chemistry |
| Horizontal Continuous Caster | 8-strand, 6-meter billet length | Produces uniform cast billets for extrusion |
| Hydraulic Extrusion Press | 2000-ton force, 900-950°C billet temp | Pierces billet to form hollow tube shell |
| Cold Pilger Mill (2-High) | Roll diameter 300mm, 100 strokes/min | Reduces OD by up to 50% and wall thickness by 40% per pass |
| Draw Bench (Chain-Type) | 25-ton pull force, 15-meter bed length | Cold draws tube to final OD and wall thickness |
| Roller Straightener | 6-roll parallel design, 20-60 m/min | Corrects bending to straightness tolerance 0.5mm/m |
| Annealing Furnace | Bell-type with hydrogen atmosphere, 650-750°C | Restores ductility (soft annealed temper) and relieves work hardening |
| Tube Cutter (Automatic) | Carbide-tipped blade, max 60mm OD | Cuts to precise length (tolerance ±1mm) with square ends |
| End Deburring Machine | Conical grinding wheel | Removes internal and external burrs after cutting |
| Strapping Machine | Pneumatic, 13mm steel strap | Applies 3-4 straps per bundle for secure packing |
| Testing Lab Equipment | OES spectrometer, universal tester, eddy current unit | In-house quality control and certification |
All Product Range from GNEE
| Material Category | Key Grades | Common Applications | Available Forms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Copper | C10100, C10200, C11000, C12200 | Electrical busbars, grounding, plumbing, roofing, HVAC | Pipe, tube, sheet, plate, bar, busbar, wire |
| Brass (Copper-Zinc) | C26000, C27000, C28000, C46400, C48500 | Plumbing fittings, valves, marine hardware, radiator cores, fasteners | Tube, rod, hex bar, sheet, forging, wire |
| Copper-Nickel (Cupronickel) | C70600 (90/10), C71500 (70/30), C70400, C71000, C72200 | Seawater cooling, condensers, heat exchangers, desalination, shipbuilding, offshore platforms | Seamless tube, welded pipe, U-bend tube, coiled tubing, straight pipe, capillary tube |
| Phosphor Bronze | C51000, C52100, C52400 | Springs, electrical contacts, corrosion-resistant bearings, bellows | Rod, bar, sheet, strip, wire |
| Aluminum Bronze | C61400, C62300, C63000, C63200, C95400, C95500 | High-strength valve bodies, pump impellers, gears, marine propellers, landing gear components | Pipe, bar, forging, casting, sheet, plate |
| Silicon Bronze | C65100, C65500 | Welding rod, pump shafts, valve stems, marine hardware | Rod, bar, wire |
| Beryllium Copper | C17000, C17200, C17300, C17500 | High-strength springs, downhole tools, plastic molds, welding tips, connectors | Rod, bar, wire, strip, casting |
