Hastelloy B-3
About Hastelloy B-3
Name and Equivalent Name: Hastelloy B-3, or Alloy B-3 or UNS N10675, is a high-performance superalloy developed for harsh chemical environments. It complies with ASTM B333, B335, B366, DIN/EN 2.4600, GB/T 14992: NS143C, and AMS 5756 standards. It is recognized by ASME SB-366, ISO 15156, and NACE MR0175, ensuring reliability under corrosive conditions.
Hastelloy B-3 Basic Introduction
Hastelloy B-3 is a nickel-molybdenum alloy designed for optimal performance in reducing chemical environments, particularly hydrochloric acid. It offers excellent corrosion resistance, reducing the risk of pitting, stress corrosion cracking, and crevice corrosion. This makes it ideal for reactors, heat exchangers, and other equipment used in chemical processing.
With high thermal fatigue resistance and mechanical stability, Hastelloy B-3 performs effectively in high-temperature applications. The alloy’s enhanced chemical stability extends its service life, making it suitable for operations where corrosion resistance and mechanical integrity are critical over time.
Alternative Superalloys of Hastelloy B-3
Alternative materials to Hastelloy B-3 include Hastelloy C276, Inconel 625, Alloy 20, and Monel 400. Hastelloy C276 offers better resistance in oxidizing environments, while Inconel 625 performs well under extreme heat. Alloy 20 excels in sulfuric acid applications, and Monel 400 provides superior corrosion resistance in seawater environments. Each alloy offers distinct properties to meet specific environmental demands.
Hastelloy B-3 Design Intention
Hastelloy B-3 was engineered to enhance corrosion resistance to hydrochloric acid and other reducing chemicals. Its improved stability prevents the formation of undesirable phases that can compromise material integrity. This ensures it maintains mechanical strength and corrosion resistance even under fluctuating thermal conditions.
The alloy enhances thermal fatigue resistance, making it ideal for high-temperature chemical reactors and heat exchangers. Its excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking also ensures durability, reducing maintenance costs and downtime in critical applications.
Hastelloy B-3 Chemical Composition
Hastelloy B-3’s chemical composition focuses on enhancing corrosion resistance and mechanical stability. Molybdenum contributes to improved pitting resistance, while cobalt provides additional strength.
Element | Content (wt%) |
|---|---|
Nickel (Ni) | Balance |
Chromium (Cr) | 1.5 max |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 27.0 - 32.0 |
Iron (Fe) | 3.0 max |
Carbon (C) | Max 0.01 |
Cobalt (Co) | Max 3.0 |
Hastelloy B-3 Physical Properties
Hastelloy B-3 exhibits a high density, excellent thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength. These properties ensure its durability and performance under high temperatures and corrosive environments.
Property | Value |
|---|---|
Density (g/cm³) | 9.24 |
Melting Point (°C) | 1370 |
Thermal Conductivity (W/(m·K)) | 10.2 |
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | 205 |
Metallographic Structure of Hastelloy B-3 Superalloy
Hastelloy B-3 possesses a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure, typical of nickel-based alloys. This microstructure enhances corrosion resistance in reducing environments by minimizing phase segregation, which can weaken mechanical properties.
The alloy’s design ensures that it resists carbide precipitation, which can occur during heat treatment. This stability prevents embrittlement and maintains ductility, making it suitable for chemical processing and high-temperature operations. Proper heat treatment ensures the alloy’s consistent performance over extended periods.
Hastelloy B-3 Mechanical Properties
Hastelloy B-3 offers excellent mechanical strength and thermal stability, providing reliable performance under high temperatures. Its resistance to thermal fatigue and stress corrosion cracking ensures longevity in harsh environments.
Mechanical Property | Value |
|---|---|
Tensile Strength (MPa) | 750 - 800 |
Yield Strength (MPa) | 270 - 300 |
Creep Strength | Effective for high-temperature operations |
Fracture Toughness | High |
Fatigue Strength | ~350 MPa |
Creep Rupture Life (600°C) | Long service life |
Hardness (HRC) | Rockwell B90 - 95 |
Elongation (%) | ~40 |
Elastic Modulus (GPa) | ~205 |
Key Features of Hastelloy B-3 Superalloy
1. Superior Corrosion Resistance
Hastelloy B-3 offers exceptional resistance to hydrochloric acid and other reducing agents. It minimizes the risks of pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking, ensuring reliable performance in chemical processing applications.
2. High Thermal Stability
With a melting point of 1370°C, Hastelloy B-3 maintains mechanical integrity at elevated temperatures. This makes it ideal for heat exchangers, reactors, and other equipment exposed to thermal stress.
3. Long Creep Rupture Life
Hastelloy B-3 provides a long creep rupture life at 600°C, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring consistent performance over extended service periods in demanding environments.
4. Excellent Mechanical Strength
The alloy delivers high tensile strength (750-800 MPa) and a high yield strength of 270-300 MPa, making it suitable for applications requiring mechanical durability and chemical resistance.
5. Resistant to Thermal Fatigue
Hastelloy B-3 resists thermal fatigue, allowing it to withstand rapid temperature changes without compromising structural integrity. This makes it valuable for equipment that operates under fluctuating conditions.
Hastelloy B-3 Superalloy’s Machinability
Vacuum Investment Casting: Hastelloy B-3 is not suitable for Vacuum Investment Casting because its high molybdenum content increases cracking risks during casting. Alloys with superior casting fluidity and thermal stability are more commonly used.
Single Crystal Casting: Hastelloy B-3 cannot be used in Single Crystal Casting as its composition does not support the formation of single crystals required for high-stress, high-temperature turbine components.
Equiaxed Crystal Casting: Though feasible, Hastelloy B-3 is not widely used for Equiaxed Crystal Casting because its properties are optimized for chemical resistance, not the mechanical demands typical of turbine applications.
Directional Casting: Hastelloy B-3 is unsuitable for Superalloy Directional Casting due to its lack of creep resistance for directional solidified turbine blades used in aerospace industries.
Powder Metallurgy Turbine Disc: Hastelloy B-3 is not typically employed in Powder Metallurgy Turbine Disc production, as its strength lies in chemical resistance rather than the mechanical endurance required for turbine discs.
Precision Forging: Hastelloy B-3 is suitable for Superalloy Precision Forging, providing high corrosion resistance and durability for components like reactors and heat exchangers in aggressive environments.
Superalloy 3D Printing: Superalloy 3D Printing with Hastelloy B-3 is viable, offering complex part designs and enhanced chemical resistance, particularly for use in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
CNC Machining: CNC Machining of Hastelloy B-3 requires specialized tools and techniques to handle work-hardening and ensure precision. It is ideal for creating complex chemical processing components.
Superalloy Welding: Superalloy Welding is possible with Hastelloy B-3, although careful management is required to minimize heat-affected zone cracking. Proper post-weld heat treatment ensures joint integrity.
Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP): Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) improves the structural integrity of Hastelloy B-3 components by eliminating internal voids, enhancing performance in high-stress chemical environments.
Hastelloy B-3 Superalloy Applications
Aerospace and Aviation: Due to its corrosion resistance and durability, Hastelloy B-3 is used in Aerospace and Aviation for auxiliary components exposed to chemical agents, such as fuel system parts.
Power Generation: In Power Generation, the alloy is used in heat exchangers and condensers, where resistance to corrosive coolants ensures reliable long-term performance.
Oil and Gas: Hastelloy B-3 is essential in Oil and Gas pipelines, valves, and pumps exposed to hydrogen sulfide and acidic environments, providing long-lasting resistance to corrosion.
Energy: Hastelloy B-3 supports Energy operations by ensuring chemical storage systems and reactors maintain integrity under corrosive conditions and elevated temperatures.
Marine: In Marine applications, the alloy’s corrosion resistance makes it ideal for desalination systems and chemical handling equipment in seawater environments.
Mining: Hastelloy B-3 plays a role in Mining operations by offering reliable corrosion resistance in chemical extraction systems and slurry pipelines.
Automotive: While not commonly used in Automotive applications, Hastelloy B-3 is valuable for exhaust systems and battery components exposed to chemicals in electric vehicles.
Chemical Processing: Hastelloy B-3 is widely used in Chemical Processing for reactors and heat exchangers, where its resistance to hydrochloric acid ensures efficiency and longevity.
Pharmaceutical and Food: In the Pharmaceutical and Food industries, the alloy ensures product purity by resisting contamination from harsh cleaning chemicals used in production equipment.
Military and Defense: Hastelloy B-3 is used in Military and Defense applications such as chemical storage systems, where reliability in corrosive environments is critical.
Nuclear: The alloy is employed in Nuclear facilities for reactors and cooling systems that require corrosion resistance and structural stability over long operational periods.
When to Choose Hastelloy B-3 Superalloy
Custom superalloy parts made from Hastelloy B-3 are ideal when operations involve reducing chemical environments, particularly hydrochloric acid. The alloy offers exceptional corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and thermal fatigue resistance, making it a preferred choice for reactors, heat exchangers, and condensers in chemical processing, energy, and pharmaceutical industries.
Hastelloy B-3 should be chosen for applications requiring long-term stability under high temperatures and corrosive conditions. It is especially beneficial in industries where downtime is costly, as its durability reduces maintenance needs. This alloy performs reliably in systems with thermal fluctuations and mechanical stress, ensuring consistent operation over extended periods. When selecting materials for custom parts exposed to harsh chemical environments, Hastelloy B-3 offers an optimal balance of corrosion resistance and mechanical performance.
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