ASME SB111 C71500 Copper Nickle Alloy Seamless Tube For Refinery
Heat Exchangers
ASTM B111 C71500 refers to a standard specification for
copper-nickel (Cu-Ni) alloy seamless tubes, specifically made from
C71500 alloy (70/30 copper-nickel). Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Key Features of ASTM B111 C71500 Seamless Tube:
1. Material Composition (C71500 Alloy):
(1) Chemical Composition (ASTM B111 C71500)
| Element | Composition (% Weight, Max unless specified) |
| Copper (Cu) | Remainder (≈65-70%) |
| Nickel (Ni) | 29.0 – 33.0% |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.40 – 1.0% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 – 1.5% |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.05% max |
| Zinc (Zn) | 1.0% max |
| Carbon (C) | 0.05% max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.02% max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.02% max |
| Other Impurities | 0.5% max (total) |
Notes:
The balance is primarily copper (~65-70%).
Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) enhance strength and corrosion
resistance.
Low lead (Pb) ensures good weldability and fabrication.
(2) Mechanical Properties (ASTM B111 C71500 Seamless Tube)
| Property | Annealed (O60) | Drawn (H55, H80, etc.) |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 380 MPa (55 ksi) | 485–620 MPa (70–90 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset, min) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) | 415–550 MPa (60–80 ksi) |
| Elongation (min, % in 50mm) | 30% | 10–20% (varies by temper) |
| Hardness (Rockwell B, max) | 65 HRB | 75–90 HRB |
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ | Same |
| Melting Range | 1170–1240°C (2140–2260°F) | Same |
Notes:
Annealed (O60): Softer, more ductile, used for forming/welding.
Drawn (H55, H80, etc.): Higher strength, used for pressure
applications.
Typical Tempers:
H55: Half-hard
H80: Hard-drawn (higher strength, lower elongation).
(3) Other Key Properties
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent in seawater, brackish water, and
marine atmospheres
- Thermal Conductivity: ~29 W/m·K (lower than pure copper but good
for heat exchangers).
- Electrical Conductivity: ~5% IACS (low, as expected for Cu-Ni
alloys).
(4) ASTM B111 Testing Requirements
- Hydrostatic Test or Eddy Current Test (non-destructive)
- Flattening Test, Flaring Test, or Reverse Bend Test (for ductility
verification).
2. Properties of ASTM B111 C71500 seamless tubes:
- Excellent corrosion resistance, especially in seawater and marine
environments.
- Good erosion and biofouling resistance
- High thermal conductivity and ductility.
- Resistant to stress corrosion cracking.
3. Manufacturing Standard (ASTM B111):
- Covers seamless copper-nickel tubes for condensers, heat
exchangers, and general engineering applications.
- Includes requirements for dimensions, mechanical properties, and
testing (hydrostatic, eddy current, etc.).
4. Equivalent Standards:
UNS: C71500 (Unified Numbering System)
EN: CuNi30 (European Norm)
Other: DIN 2.0882, ISO CN 107
5. Why Choose C71500?
Superior to 90/10 Cu-Ni (C70600) in harsh saline conditions.
More cost-effective than titanium or super duplex stainless steels
for many marine applications.
Applications of ASTM B111 C71500 (70/30 Copper-Nickel) Seamless
Tubes:
ASTM B111 C71500 seamless tubes are widely used in industries
requiring excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and
thermal conductivity, particularly in marine, power generation, and
chemical processing environments.
1. Marine & Offshore Applications
Seawater Cooling & Condenser Systems (ships, offshore platforms)
Desalination Plants (heat exchanger and brine heater tubes)
Shipbuilding & Repair (piping systems, heat exchangers)
Ballast & Bilge Systems (resistant to biofouling and erosion)
Why C71500?
✔ Superior resistance to saltwater corrosion and biofouling
compared to stainless steel.
✔ Good erosion resistance in high-flow seawater conditions.
2. Power Generation & HVAC
Power Plant Condensers (steam surface condensers, feedwater
heaters)
Nuclear Plant Cooling Systems (compatible with high-purity water)
HVAC & Refrigeration Systems (heat exchangers, chiller tubes)
Why C71500?
✔ High thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer.
✔ Resistant to ammonia, steam, and acidic condensates.
3. Oil & Gas Industry
Cooling Systems (refinery heat exchangers, condensers)
Offshore Platform Piping (seawater injection, firewater systems)
LNG & Petrochemical Processing (corrosion-resistant tubing)
Why C71500?
✔ Handles sour gas (H₂S) environments better than carbon steel.
✔ Resistant to stress corrosion cracking (SCC).
4. Chemical & Process Industries
Chemical Processing Equipment (acid and alkali-resistant tubing)
Pharmaceutical & Food Processing (non-toxic, FDA-compliant)
Distillation & Evaporation Systems
Why C71500?
✔ Excellent resistance to organic acids, alkalis, and saline
solutions.
✔ Low corrosion rates in harsh chemical environments.
5. Industrial & General Engineering
Heat Exchangers & Boilers
Hydraulic & Instrumentation Tubing
Water Treatment Plants (cooling loops, brine handling)
