What are the applications of Inconel 600?

Inconel 600 – summary

Inconel 600 is a nonmagnetic, nickel-based high temperature alloy possessing an excellent combination of high strength, hot and cold workability, and resistance to ordinary form of corrosion. This alloy also displays good heat resistance and freedom from aging or stress corrosion throughout the annealed to heavily cold worked condition range. Inconel 600 is a nickel-chromium alloy with good oxidation resistance at higher temperatures, with good resistance in carburizing and chloride containing environments. Its chromium content gives the alloy resistance to sulfur compounds and various oxidizing environments. The chromium content of the alloy makes it superior to commercially pure nickel under oxidizing conditions. In strong oxidizing solutions like hot, concentrated nitric acid, 600 has poor resistance. Alloy 600 is relatively un-attacked by the majority of neutral and alkaline salt solutions and is used in some caustic environments. The alloy resists steam and mixtures of steam, air and carbon dioxide.

Inconel 600 is a nickel-chromium alloy designed for use from cryogenic to elevated temperatures in the range of 2000 deg F(1093 deg C). The high nickel content of the alloy enables it to retain considerable resistance under reducing conditions and makes it resistant to corrosion by a number of organic and inorganic compounds. The nickel content gives it excellent resistance to chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking and also provides excellent resistance to alkaline solutions.

Alloy 600 is non-magnetic, has excellent mechanical properties and a combination of high strength and good workability and is readily weldable. Inconel 600 exhibits cold forming characteristics normally associated with chromium-nickel stainless steels. Typical corrosion applications include titanium dioxide production (chloride route), perchlorethylene syntheses, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), and magnesium chloride. Alloy 600 is used in chemical and food processing, heat treating, phenol condensers, soap manufacture, vegetable and fatty acid vessels and many more.

Chemical Properties of Inconel 600

Alloy 600 is a nickel-chromium-iron solid solution strengthened alloy with a nominal chemical composition of 72% nickel, 16% chromium, and 8% iron. It is commonly referred to by the tradename Inconel 600 and the universal designation UNS N06600. Alloy 600 offers good corrosion resistance in many media with superior oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. The following table shows the chemical composition of super alloy Inconel 600.

Typical Mechanical Properties for Inconel 600

High-Temperature Strength

Inconel 600 exhibit exceptional strength and stability at elevated temperatures, making them ideal for heat exchangers, furnace components, and aerospace engineering applications. They retain their mechanical properties even in extreme heat, ensuring reliable performance in demanding thermal processing operations.

Corrosion Resistance

Inconel 600 offer excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidation in a wide range of environments, including acidic and alkaline solutions, seawater, and high-temperature gases. The alloy’s chromium content forms a protective oxide layer on the surface, providing long-term protection against corrosion and erosion.

Versatility

Inconel 600 is highly versatile and can be used in various applications across industries, including chemical processing, petrochemicals, power generation, and marine engineering. They are well-suited for internal and external environments where corrosion and heat resistance are critical.

Fabrication and Weldability

Inconel 600 is easily fabricated and welded, allowing seamless integration into complex systems and structures. Their excellent weldability ensures reliable joints and connections, minimizing the risk of leaks and failures in piping systems.

Maintenance and Repair

Inconel 600 require proper maintenance to ensure long-term performance. Regular cleaning and inspection are necessary to prevent corrosion and degradation. Repair of Inconel 600 should only be done using matching materials and processes. Any repairs should be inspected and tested to meet the required standards.

Availability and Cost

Inconel 600 is widely available from metal suppliers and manufacturers. They are sold in a range of sizes and thicknesses. The cost of Inconel 600 can vary depending on the size, thickness, and quantity required. However, the cost of Inconel 600 is generally higher than other alloys due to their superior properties and performance.

In what applications is Inconel 600 used?

Aerospace and aviation

Alloy 600’s exceptional strength and resistance to oxidation at high temperatures make it ideal for aerospace and aviation applications. Its use in jet engines is well-documented, serving in gas turbines’ exhaust liners, turbine seals, combustion-can liners, and containment rings. These components demand materials that can withstand extreme heat and stress without compromising performance. Alloy 600’s durability also extends to high-temperature airframe components, including diffuser assemblies and jet-engine igniters, ensuring reliability and safety in critical flight operations.

Chemical and process industries

The chemical and process industries benefit significantly from Alloy 600’s corrosion resistance, especially in environments involving acidic substances and high temperatures. Bubble towers, condensers for processing fatty acids, and evaporator tubes are examples of Alloy 600’s properties being invaluable. Its resistance to corrosion by many organic and inorganic compounds and the ability to maintain structural integrity in high-temperature applications make it indispensable. Additionally, Alloy 600 is used in catalyst grid supports in nitric acid production and condenser tubes in sour-water strips, showcasing its adaptability in various chemical processing environments.

Thermal processing

In environments where materials are subjected to extreme heat, Alloy 600 stands out for its thermal stability. This alloy is utilised in retorts, muffles, and roller hearths for its ability to endure high temperatures without losing strength. Furnace components, heat-treating baskets, and trays also benefit from Alloy 600 is resistance to scaling and other types of high-temperature corrosion. This makes it an excellent choice for furnaces, ovens, and other thermal processing equipment, ensuring operational longevity and efficiency.

Petrochemical processing

Inconel 600 is pivotal in the petrochemical industry, where high temperature and corrosion resistance are crucial. Air preheaters, catalyst regenerators, and other components exposed to corrosive gases and high temperatures rely on Alloy 600’s resilience. Its ability to function effectively in such harsh environments reduces downtime and maintenance costs, enhancing operational efficiency. The material’s robustness ensures that petrochemical processing plants can operate continuously and reliably, even under some of the most challenging conditions.

Power generation and waste processing

In power generation, Alloy 600 is used in ash handling systems, grid barriers, and superheater tube supports, where its resistance to oxidation and carburisation at high temperatures is crucial. These applications highlight Alloy 600’s ability to maintain performance in the aggressive environments found in power plants. Furthermore, in waste processing, including combustion chambers in solid waste incinerators and thermal reactors in exhaust systems of gasoline engines, Alloy 600 ensures the integrity and longevity of equipment designed to manage and reduce waste effectively.