nickel alloy UNS N06600 Seamless Tubes to ASTM B163
nickel alloy UNS N06600 (UNS N06600) is a high-nickel chromium-iron alloy known for excellent corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and high-temperature performance, making it suitable for demanding service in aerospace, petrochemical, nuclear, and heat treatment equipment. Seamless nickel alloy UNS N06600 tubes for superheaters, condensers, boilers, and heat exchangers are supplied to ASTM B163 / ASME SB163, the standard specification for seamless nickel and nickel alloy condenser and heat-exchanger tubes. Note that B163 covers tube products; for nickel alloy UNS N06600 seamless pipe, the applicable standard is ASTM B167 / ASME SB167. Tubes are typically supplied in the annealed and pickled (AP), bright annealed (BA), or cold-drawn condition.
Chemical Composition (UNS N06600)
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Nickel | 72.00 min |
| Chromium | 14.00-17.00 |
| Iron | 6.00-10.00 |
| Carbon | 0.15 max |
| Manganese | 1.00 max |
| Silicon | 0.50 max |
| Sulfur | 0.015 max |
| Copper | 0.50 max |
The high nickel content of nickel alloy UNS N06600 enables it to resist corrosion from a wide variety of organic and inorganic compounds and makes it almost completely immune to chloride stress corrosion cracking.
Mechanical and Physical Properties
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.47 g/cm3 |
| Melting range | 1354-1413 degC (2470-2575 degF) |
| Tensile strength (annealed) | about 655 MPa (95,000 psi) |
| Yield strength, 0.2% offset (annealed) | about 310 MPa (45,000 psi) |
| Elongation | about 40% |
The mechanical values above are typical annealed properties for orientation. The guaranteed minimum tensile, yield, and elongation values are defined by the current edition of ASTM B163 and vary with tube size and condition; always verify against the specification and the mill test certificate.
Sizes, Shapes, and Delivery Conditions
ASTM B163 nickel alloy UNS N06600 tubes are available in round, rectangular, square, hydraulic, straight, U-bend, coiled, and pancake-coil forms. Typical outer diameters range from 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) to 12 inches (304.8 mm) or wider depending on the mill, with wall thicknesses per standard schedule series such as SCH 5, 10, 40, 80, 160, and XXS or specified millimeter and SWG dimensions. Lengths can be single random, double random, or cut to length, up to about 26 meters for special runs. Delivery conditions include annealed and pickled (AP), polished, bright annealed (BA), cold drawn, and mill-finished. For welded tube requirements, ASTM B516 covers welded nickel-chromium-iron tubes of UNS N06600, N06601, N06603, and N06690.
nickel alloy UNS N06600 is recognized internationally under several designations: W.Nr 2.4816 and EN NiCr15Fe in the European system, NCF 600 in JIS, NA 13 in British practice, and N06600 in UNS. When ordering or substituting across standards, confirm that the equivalent grade meets the required chemistry and mechanical property limits of the governing specification, since nominal equivalency does not guarantee identical limits.
Applications
nickel alloy UNS N06600 tubes are used in high-temperature, oxidizing, and corrosive environments across the petrochemical, aerospace, nuclear, heat treating, and power generation industries, including boiler tubes, heat exchanger tubes, superheater and condenser tubing, and equipment exposed to chlorides, caustics, and high-temperature gases. Its combination of corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and mechanical strength at temperature is the basis of its long service record in these industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does nickel alloy UNS N06600 rust? In normal service, no. The high nickel content gives it resistance to a wide range of organic and inorganic corrodents and near-immunity to chloride stress corrosion cracking. Like all corrosion-resistant alloys, it can show surface staining or attack in specific aggressive environments, so the service chemistry should always be checked.
What is the difference between ASTM B163 and B167? B163 covers seamless nickel and nickel alloy condenser and heat-exchanger tubes, while B167 covers seamless nickel and nickel alloy pipe. Both cover UNS N06600; choose by product form.
What is the minimum nickel content of nickel alloy UNS N06600? 72.00%. Chromium is 14.00-17.00% and iron 6.00-10.00%, with carbon 0.15% maximum.
00%. Chromium is 14.00-17.00% and iron 6.00-10.00%, with carbon 0.15% maximum.? annealed and pickled (AP) is standard for most heat exchanger service, with bright annealed (BA) and cold-drawn conditions available for special requirements such as close tolerances or clean surfaces.
Which delivery condition is standard for B163 nickel alloy UNS N06600 tubes? approximately 1354-1413 degC (2470-2575 degF), with a density of about 8.47 g/cm3.
What is the melting range of nickel alloy UNS N06600? Yes. Its very high nickel content makes it almost completely immune to chloride stress corrosion cracking, which is why it is a standard material for heat treating, chemical, and nuclear equipment in chloride-bearing environments.
Can nickel alloy UNS N06600 be used in chloride service? Yes. Its very high nickel content makes it almost completely immune to chloride stress corrosion cracking, which is why it is a standard material for heat treating, chemical, and nuclear equipment in chloride-bearing environments.
