Choosing alloys for high-temperature environments
When it comes to choosing the right alloy to suit your next project, there are plenty of factors that you have to bear in mind. Each of the alloys we stock have their own unique properties that make them well suited to certain applications. Our website is packed with this key information to help you make the right decision, whatever your need.
One environment that needs particularly careful product consideration is exposure to high temperatures. The alloys selected need to be able to withstand these extremes without distortion, cracking or corrosion. But it is not as simple as just considering their performance under optimum working temperatures; you need to consider the whole range of environments that they will be exposed to. For example, when not in operation or during maintenance procedures, will those temperatures drop lower or introduce outside elements? Your chosen alloy needs to be able to maintain its strength and durability under these conditions, as they are an important part of the whole operating process.
One of the most popular alloys that we supply for high-temperature applications is the INCONEL Alloy 625. This nickel-chromium metal can service from cryogenic to 1800ºF (982ºC). This is due to its composition, which adds molybdenum and niobium into the mix. This potent combination gives it superior resistance to common high-temperature effects, such as oxidation and carburization. As such, INCONEL 625 is often the alloy of choice in the oil and gas industries for both upstream (exploration & production) and downstream (oil refining / natural gas processing) applications. Its properties also make it popular in the aerospace, automobile, power, and pulp and paper industries.
The INCONEL Alloy 600 is another popular choice for complex environments. Commonly used in thermal processing, including furnace components, heat-treating trays and brackets, roller hearths and more, the metal is selected due to its high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance. It’s also a standard material in the aeronautical field, where engine parts and airframe components must withstand high temperatures. INCONEL 600 works well in a variety of other applications, other than those already listed, with temperatures of up to 2000ºF (1095ºC). While it is a nickel-chromium like the INCONEL 625 mentioned above, it has a different mix of metals, including iron, manganese and copper, which contribute to its ability to withstand somewhat higher temperatures.
Another option we find is popular among project designers and engineers is the MONEL Alloy 400. This alloy has a high nickel content combined with copper, which reduces the cost over commercially pure nickel while retaining many of its key characteristics. This alloy has been used for over 100 years in petroleum distillation tower internals, fasteners and fittings, pumps and valve internals, and is also popular in high-risk situations, such as the explosives industry, due to its spark-free nature.
Take a closer look at all the alloys we supply and get further information on their key properties and uses on our Grades page.
