C70600 Copper Nickel Pipe is a popular copper-nickel alloy tube, known for its excellent performance in seawater and various corrosive environments. It is often called 90/10 copper-nickel alloy because its nominal composition contains about 90% copper and 10% nickel.
This pipe is widely used in many fields, including oil and gas pipelines, water treatment equipment, chemical industry, and nuclear power industry. GNEE maintains a rich inventory of copper nickel C70600 in forms including bars, plates, tubes, fittings and flanges.
Key advantages of C70600 copper nickel pipe include:
Moderate strength with excellent weldability and formability
Due to added iron and manganese, the 90/10 alloy has excellent resistance to general corrosion and stress cracking
Superior performance under erosion and impact in high-speed turbulent water containing bubbles and silt
Main Features of 90/10 Copper Nickel Pipe
| Feature | Benefit for Buyers |
|---|---|
| Excellent Seawater Corrosion Resistance | Forms a stable protective film in seawater; resists pitting, crevice corrosion and galvanic corrosion |
| High Erosion Corrosion Resistance | Withstands higher flow rates than other copper alloys; protective film remains tough in high-speed water |
| Good Biofouling Resistance | Copper ions prevent marine organism attachment, reducing biofouling and maintaining heat exchange efficiency |
| Medium Strength | Sufficient for most pipeline and heat exchange applications without over-engineering |
| Excellent Weldability | Suitable for gas welding, arc welding, laser welding, and other methods |
| Excellent Thermal Stability | Maintains properties in high-temperature environments (steam and heat exchange equipment) |
ASTM B466 UNS C70600 Pipe Specification Table
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Specification | ASTM SB 466 |
| Size Range | 1/2″ to 6″ NB in various SWG & SCH |
| Outer Diameter | 4.00 to 22.00 mm |
| Wall Thickness | 0.15 mm to 1.50 mm |
| Length Options | Single Random, Double Random, or Custom Required Length |
| Schedule Options | SCH20, SCH30, STD, SCH80, XS, SCH60, SCH120, SCH140, SCH160, XXS |
| Available Forms | Round, Square, Rectangular, Coiled, "U" Shape, Pan Cake Coils, Hydraulic Tubes |
| End Finish | Plain End, Beveled End, or Threaded |
| Equivalent Grades | Copper Nickel 90/10 (C70600), Cupro Nickel 70/30 (C71500), UNS C71640 |
International Standards for C70600 Copper Nickel Tubes
| Standard | Application Scope |
|---|---|
| ASTM B111/B111M | Seamless copper and copper alloy condenser and heat exchanger tubes |
| ASTM B466/B466M | Seamless copper-nickel pipe and tube |
| EN 12451 | European standard for copper and copper alloy heat exchanger tubes |
| EEMUA 144 | UK standard for copper-nickel tubes in offshore and marine applications |
| MIL-T-16420K | US military standard for copper-nickel tubes |
Chemical Composition of ASTM B466 90/10 Copper Nickel Pipe
| Element | Copper Alloy UNS C70600 Specification |
|---|---|
| Copper (incl. Silver) | Remainder |
| Nickel (incl. Cobalt) | 9.0% to 11.0% |
| Lead (max) | 0.05% |
| Iron | 1.0% to 1.8% |
| Zinc (max) | 1.0% |
| Manganese (max) | 1.0% |
Mechanical Properties of 90/10 Copper Nickel Pipe
| Property | Value for C70600 (Soft Annealed Temper) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (min) | 38 ksi (260 MPa) |
| Yield Strength (min) | 13 ksi (90 MPa) |
| Rockwell B Hardness (max) | 45 HRB |
Preferred Dimensions for C70600 90/10 Copper Nickel Pipe
Note: The table below shows standard wall thicknesses for drawn seamless pipe based on NPS diameter.
| NPS | Outside Diameter (in. [mm]) | Regular Wall (in. [mm]) | Extra Strong Wall (in. [mm]) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 0.405 [10.3] | 0.062 [1.57] | 0.100 [2.54] |
| 1/4 | 0.540 [13.7] | 0.082 [2.08] | 0.123 [3.12] |
| 3/8 | 0.675 [17.1] | 0.090 [2.29] | 0.127 [3.23] |
| 1/2 | 0.840 [21.3] | 0.107 [2.72] | 0.149 [3.78] |
| 3/4 | 1.050 [26.7] | 0.114 [2.90] | 0.157 [3.99] |
| 1 | 1.315 [33.4] | 0.126 [3.20] | 0.182 [4.62] |
| 1 1/4 | 1.650 [42.4] | 0.146 [3.71] | 0.194 [4.93] |
| 1 1/2 | 1.900 [48.3] | 0.150 [3.81] | 0.203 [5.16] |
| 2 | 2.375 [60.3] | 0.156 [3.96] | 0.221 [5.61] |
| 2 1/2 | 2.875 [73.0] | 0.187 [4.75] | 0.280 [7.11] |
| 3 | 3.500 [88.9] | 0.219 [5.56] | 0.304 [7.72] |
| 4 | 4.500 [114] | 0.250 [6.35] | 0.341 [8.66] |
| 6 | 6.625 [168] | 0.250 [6.35] | 0.437 [11.1] |
Applications of C70600 Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipe
| Industry Sector | Specific Applications |
|---|---|
| Offshore & Shipbuilding | Seawater cooling systems, fire protection systems, ballast water lines, evaporators, condensers |
| Power Generation | Condensers and heat exchanger tubes in power plants |
| Oil & Gas Industry | Seawater circulation systems on platforms, process piping |
| Chemical & Petrochemical | Heat exchangers and corrosion-resistant piping |
| Desalination | Seawater desalination plants |
FAQ
1. What is the difference between C70600 copper nickel pipe and C71500 copper nickel pipe?
C70600 (90/10 copper nickel pipe) contains approximately 90% copper and 10% nickel, while C71500 (70/30 copper nickel pipe) contains about 70% copper and 30% nickel. C71500 offers higher strength and better corrosion resistance in very aggressive seawater, but C70600 is more economical and more widely available for general marine applications.
2. What are the equivalent standards for C70600 copper nickel pipe?
C70600 copper nickel pipe has the following equivalents: ASTM B466/B466M, EN 12451 (CuNi10Fe1Mn), and BS 2871 (CN102). All these standards cover the same 90/10 copper nickel alloy composition.
3. Can C70600 copper nickel pipe be welded to carbon steel pipe?
Direct welding of C70600 copper nickel pipe to carbon steel pipe is not recommended due to galvanic corrosion risk. Use a transition joint or nickel-based filler metal such as AWS A5.14 ERNiCu-7. Alternatively, use flanged connections with isolation gaskets.
4. What is the maximum operating temperature for C70600 90/10 copper nickel pipe?
C70600 copper nickel pipe can operate continuously at temperatures up to 315°C (600°F) under non-oxidizing conditions. For higher temperatures, C71500 (70/30 copper nickel) is recommended.
5. How does the fabrication process differ between C70600 copper nickel pipe and stainless steel 316 pipe?
C70600 copper nickel pipe is easier to form and weld than stainless steel 316. It requires less force for bending and can be welded using simpler techniques. However, C70600 has lower hardness and is more prone to surface damage during handling.
6. What welding methods are suitable for C70600 90/10 copper nickel pipe?
C70600 copper nickel pipe can be welded using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW/TIG), gas metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and oxyacetylene welding. Use filler metal AWS A5.7 ERCuNi or AWS A5.14 ERNiCu-7 for best results.
7. Is C70600 copper nickel pipe suitable for high-pressure air systems?
Yes, but within limits. C70600 copper nickel pipe schedule 80 or XS can handle pressures up to approximately 1500 psi depending on temperature. For very high-pressure air systems (>3000 psi), stainless steel or alloy steel is preferred due to higher tensile strength.
8. What is the main application difference between C70600 copper nickel pipe and copper C12200 pipe?
C70600 copper nickel pipe is specifically designed for seawater and marine environments due to its superior corrosion resistance. Copper C12200 (DHP copper) is used for plumbing, HVAC, and fresh water but will rapidly corrode in seawater.
9. How does C70600 90/10 copper nickel pipe resist biofouling compared to titanium pipe?
Both materials resist biofouling, but C70600 copper nickel pipe has active biofouling prevention due to copper ion release. Titanium pipe relies only on its smooth surface and requires higher flow rates to prevent attachment. For low-flow seawater systems, C70600 is often superior.
10. What heat treatment is required for C70600 copper nickel pipe after forming?
C70600 copper nickel pipe typically requires annealing at 650-760°C (1200-1400°F) after significant cold forming (bending, drawing). This restores ductility and relieves internal stresses. Quenching is not required; air cooling is sufficient.
Quality Testing for C70600 Copper Nickel Pipe
| Test Method | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chemical Analysis (OES) | Verify copper, nickel, iron, and manganese content |
| Tensile Testing | Confirm yield strength and tensile strength meet ASTM B466 |
| Hardness Testing (Rockwell B) | Ensure maximum 45 HRB for annealed condition |
| Flattening Test | Check ductility and soundness of the pipe |
| Reverse Flattening Test | Detect internal defects and lamination |
| Eddy Current Testing (ECT) | Detect surface and near-surface flaws |
| Hydrostatic Testing | Verify pressure integrity (100% of pipes) |
| Intergranular Corrosion Test | Ensure resistance to corrosive attack along grain boundaries |
| Microscopic Examination | Check grain structure and inclusion content |
Packaging of C70600 Copper Nickel Pipe
| Packaging Method | Protection Provided |
|---|---|
| Plastic end caps | Prevent moisture and debris entry during storage and transit |
| Bundled with steel straps | Secure multiple pipes together for safe handling |
| Plastic woven cloth wrapping | Outer layer protects against dust and minor abrasion |
| Wooden pallets or crates | Facilitate forklift loading and prevent ground contact |
| Waterproof paper interleaving | Prevents direct metal-to-metal contact and scratching |
| Export seaworthy packaging | Compliant with ISPM-15 for international shipping |
Factory Equipment for C70600 Copper Nickel Pipe Production
| Equipment Type | Function |
|---|---|
| Induction melting furnaces | Precise control of alloy composition (90% Cu, 10% Ni, Fe, Mn) |
| Horizontal continuous casting lines | Produce homogeneous tube billets |
| Extrusion presses (2500T+) | Form hollow shells from solid billets |
| Cold pilger mills | Reduce diameter and wall thickness with high precision |
| Draw benches (10-50 tons) | Achieve final dimensions and surface finish |
| Annealing furnaces (controlled atmosphere) | Soften material between cold working steps |
| Straightening machines (6-roll) | 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), C71640 | 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 |
