Copper Nickel Alloys
Copper-nickels are recognized for their excellent resistance to sea water corrosion and are also one of the few alloy systems with natural antifouling properties. Their mechanical properties allow them to be produced in all product forms and readily fabricated even into the most complicated designs. They have provided reliable service for decades while offering effective solutions to today’s technological challenges. The addition of nickel to copper improves strength and corrosion resistance while allowing the alloy to remain ductile. Other elements can be added to copper-nickel to increase strength, corrosion resistance, hardening, weldability and castability.
90-10 copper-nickel (C70600), an alloy with 90% copper and 10% nickel, is the most commonly used alloy. It can be found in naval and commercial shipping, offshore oil and gas production as well as desalination and power generation. Alloys with 30% nickel content (C71500) and those which are more highly alloyed with aluminum, chromium or tin are used where greater resistance to seawater flow, sand abrasion, wear and galling, as well as higher mechanical properties, are required.
The grades of copper-nickel alloys chosen for marine environments have a wide range of applications. They are most often used as heat exchangers and condensers of various sizes, and piping systems. Applications include desalination, offshore oil/gas production, naval and commercial shipping, and the power industry.
Non-marine applications for copper-nickel include cryogenic applications, brake tubing and silver-colored coins, such as the 1- and 2-euro denominations and the 5-cent U.S. nickel. Since copper-nickel alloys have strong antimicrobial properties, they are marketed as hygienic “touch materials” to reduce cross-contamination and infections, particularly in hospital intensive care units.
Farmer’s Copper carries both 90/10 and 70/30 CuNi products in sheet, plate, round bar, pipe fittings and flanges. Call today to inquiry with us!
To learn more about the copper nickel alloys, check out CDA’s presentation at the following link:
http://www.copper.org/applications/marine/cuni/visual_overview/