Referenced Documents
Key standards:
- ASTM B751: General requirements for nickel alloy tubes.
- ASTM E8/E8M: Tensile testing.
- ASTM E29: Rounding test data.
Ordering Information
Buyers must specify:
- ASTM designation (B163 or B163M) and year of issue.
- Alloy UNS number (e.g., N06690).
- Dimensions (OD, wall thickness, length).
- Quantity (total length or number of tubes).
- Certification/Test Reports (if required).
- Special Requirements (e.g., hydrostatic testing, non-destructive examination).
Material and Chemical Composition
-
UNS Alloy Codes: Common grades include:
- Pure Nickel: N02200, N02201.
- Nickel-Copper: N04400.
- Nickel-Chromium-Iron: N06600, N06690.
- Chemical Limits: Strict adherence to composition ranges (e.g., Ni, Cu, Fe, Cr) per ASTM B163 tables.
Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, Elongation: Varies by alloy (e.g., N06600: min. tensile 80 ksi [550 MPa]).
- Hardness Requirements: Optional, if specified.
- Hydrostatic Testing: Mandatory unless waived; pressure calculated per standard formulas.
Inspection and Testing
- Chemical Analysis: Performed on each heat/lot.
- Mechanical Tests: Tensile tests on samples from finished tubes.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Eddy current or ultrasonic testing optional unless specified.
- Visual Inspection: Surface defects must not exceed specified limits.
- Certification: Manufacturer must provide compliance certification if requested.
Dimensions and Tolerances
- Outside Diameter (OD): ±0.005 in. or ±0.13 mm for precision tubes.
- Wall Thickness: ±10% typical (varies by size).
- Length: ±1/8 in. for cut lengths; longer tolerances for uncut tubes.
Marking and Packaging
- Marking: Includes ASTM standard, alloy UNS, heat number, size, and manufacturer’s ID.
- Packaging: Protected against damage during shipment (e.g., wooden crates for long tubes).
Keywords & Material Codes
Nickel alloy tubes, seamless tubes, condensers, heat exchangers, corrosion-resistant, high-temperature service.
The ASTM B163/B163M standard covers seamless nickel and nickel alloy tubes for condenser and heat-exchanger applications. Below is a list of the material codes (UNS numbers) included in the latest version of the standard, along with their corresponding alloy names:
| UNS Number | Alloy Name / Common Designation | Primary Composition |
|---|---|---|
| N02200 | Nickel 200 | 99.6% min. Nickel (Ni) |
| N02201 | Nickel 201 (low-carbon Nickel 200) | 99.6% min. Ni, low carbon |
| N04400 | Monel 400 | Ni-Cu (66% Ni, 31.5% Cu) |
| N06600 | Inconel 600 | Ni-Cr-Fe (72% Ni, 15% Cr) |
| N06601 | Inconel 601 | Ni-Cr-Fe (61% Ni, 23% Cr) |
| N06603 | Inconel 603GT | Ni-Cr-Fe with Al & Ti |
| N06690 | Inconel 690 | Ni-Cr-Fe (60% Ni, 30% Cr) |
| N08800 | Incoloy 800 | Fe-Ni-Cr (32% Ni, 21% Cr) |
| N08810 | Incoloy 800H | High-carbon Incoloy 800 |
| N08811 | Incoloy 800HT | Thermally treated 800H |
| N08825 | Incoloy 825 | Ni-Fe-Cr-Mo-Cu (42% Ni, 21.5% Cr) |
| N10276 | Hastelloy C-276 | Ni-Mo-Cr (57% Ni, 16% Mo, 15% Cr) |
Notes:
- UNS (Unified Numbering System) codes are standardized alloy identifiers.
- Common Trade Names: Some alloys are widely known by commercial names (e.g., Monel, Inconel, Incoloy).
- Chemical & Mechanical Properties: Each alloy has specific requirements for composition, tensile strength, and corrosion resistance, detailed in ASTM B163/B163M tables.