In the demanding environments of marine, power, and chemical processing industries, the selection of piping materials is critical. Among the top contenders for corrosion-resistant tubing are copper-nickel alloys, specified under standards like ASTM B466 for seamless pipe and tube. This standard covers several key copper-nickel (Cu-Ni) grades, primarily UNS C70600, C71500, C71640, and C44300, each offering a unique balance of properties for specific service conditions. ASTM B466 establishes the requirements for seamless pipes and tubes made from these alloys, ensuring consistent quality, dimensions, and mechanical properties for pressure and corrosion-resistant applications.
Why Choose ASTM B466 Copper-Nickel Tubes?
Seawater Corrosion Resistance: These alloys form a protective, adherent oxide film that is stable in seawater, providing long-term resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking.
Excellent Biofouling Resistance: Copper ions leached from the surface inhibit the attachment and growth of marine organisms like barnacles and mussels, reducing maintenance and improving thermal efficiency.
Good Fabricability: ASTM B466 tubes can be readily bent, flared, and brazed using standard techniques, allowing for easy installation and fabrication into complex systems.
Proven Longevity: Systems fabricated from these materials have a documented service life exceeding 40 years in marine environments, offering a low life-cycle cost.
Chemical Composition Comparison (Weight %)
| Element / Property | C70600 (90-10 CuNi) | C71500 (70-30 CuNi) | C71640 (66-30-2-2 CuNi) | C44300 (Admiralty Brass) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | Remainder | Remainder | Remainder | Remainder |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.0 - 11.0 | 29.0 - 33.0 | 29.0 - 32.0 | - |
| Iron (Fe) | 1.0 - 2.0 | 0.40 - 1.0 | 1.7 - 2.3 | 0.06 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.5 - 1.0 | 0.4 - 1.0 | 1.5 - 2.5 | - |
| Zinc (Zn) | 1.0 max | 1.0 max | 0.20 - 0.8 | 70.0 - 73.0 (As Sn+Zn+As) |
| Tin (Sn) | - | - | - | 0.8 - 1.2 |
| Arsenic (As) | - | - | - | 0.02 - 0.06 |
| Lead (Pb) | - | - | 0.01 max | 0.07 max |
| Other Impurities | 0.2 max | 0.2 max | 0.1 max | - |
Physical Properties Comparison
| Property | C70600 | C71500 | C71640 | C44300 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.94 | 8.94 | 8.86 | 8.53 |
| Melting Point, Liquidus (°C) | 1170 | 1240 | 1175 | 990 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) @ 20°C | 50 | 29 | 36 | 111 |
| Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) | 9 | 5 | 7 | 26 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | 150 | 150 | 135 | 110 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (μm/m·°C) 20-300°C | 17.1 | 16.2 | 16.5 | 20.2 |
Mechanical Properties Comparison (Typical for Annealed Condition)
| Property | C70600 | C71500 | C71640 | C44300 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 300 - 380 | 370 - 470 | 450 - 550 | 325 - 400 |
| Yield Strength, 0.2% Offset (MPa) | 115 - 180 | 140 - 220 | 195 - 310 | 125 - 170 |
| Elongation (% in 2 inches) | 40 - 50 | 45 - 55 | 35 - 45 | 60 - 70 |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 40 - 65 | 65 - 80 | 75 - 85 | 45 - 70 |
| Fatigue Strength (MPa) | 130 | 160 | 190 | 110 |
Key Application Areas We Serve
C70600 & C71500: Seawater Cooling Systems, Power Plant Condensers, Heat Exchangers, Desalination Plants.
C71640: High-Velocity Seawater Piping, Pump Impellers, Offshore Platform Systems.
C44300: Freshwater and Clean Brackish Water Condensers, Heat Exchangers, Power Plant Coolers.
Our spot inventory
| ASME SB111 C71500 | C71500 seamless condenser tube | C70600 welded copper nickel pipe |
| ASTM B111 C70600 | ASTM B466 C70600 pipe | C71500 cupronickel boiler tube |
| 70/30 copper nickel pipe | C71500 heat exchanger tube | C71500 welded copper nickel pipe |
| SB111 UNS C71500 | 70/30 cupronickel condenser tube | ASTM B111 C70600 heat exchanger tube |
C70600 copper nickel pipe | ASTM B111 C70600 heat exchanger tube | ASME SB111 C71500 copper nickel pipe |
About us
Gnee is a premier manufacturer and international supplier of comprehensive copper and copper alloy products, committed to delivering excellence in copper tubes, copper sheets, copper plates, copper bars, copper rods, copper wires, and copper strips.
Our Extensive Product Portfolio & Specifications:
Copper Tubes & Pipes:
We supply a full range including **Capillary Tubes, Thin-Walled Copper Tubes, Thick-Walled Copper Tubes, Round Pipes, Square Pipes, Rectangular Pipes, Welded Pipes, Seamless Pipes, Heat Exchanger Tubes, and Condenser Tubes.
Copper Sheets, Plates:
Our flat-rolled products cover Copper Foils, Thin Sheets, Thick Plates, and Circles (Round Plates) in various tempers (O, H) for diverse applications.
Copper Bars, Rods & Profiles:
We offer Round Bars, Square Bars, Hexagonal Bars, and Flat Bars with excellent machinability and strength.
Copper Wires & Strips:
Our lineup includes high-conductivity Bare Copper Wires, Stranded Wires, and precisely manufactured Copper Strips.
Common Alloys & International Standards:
We master a wide array of materials compliant with ASTM, EN, JIS, and GB standards:
Pure Copper: C11000 (ETP Copper), C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper), C12000 (DLP)
Brass Alloys: C26000 (Cartridge Brass), C27200 (Brass), C28000 (Muntz Metal)
Copper-Nickel: C70600 (CuNi90/10), C71500 (CuNi70/30)
Phosphor Bronze: C51900, C52100, C54400
Serving industries from HVAC/R and plumbing to electrical, automotive, and marine engineering, Gnee provides OEM support, competitive pricing, and reliable bulk supply for your global projects.
