print this page
AAA

Seawater

Copper Nickel Alloys

Due to their naturally occurring resistance to seawater corrosion and intrinsic biofouling properties copper-nickel alloys have long been widely used in the components of seawater systems. From offshore oil and gas platforms to power and desalination plants and from commercial shipping to naval shipping, copper-nickel fittings have performed superbly in a host of marine applications.

Now, a comprehensive body of information and engineering data, compiled by a team of subject-matter experts on the use of copper-nickel alloys in seawater applications resides in Copper Nickel section. The content is provided by the Copper-nickel Task Group, a team of representatives from manufacturers of copper-nickel products as well as various specialists in the field metallurgy and marine corrosion.

Papers on Other Copper Alloys

Below are some papers of interest on the other copper alloys, such as nickel aluminum bronze:

Effects of Microstructure on the Seawater Jet Impingement Resistance of Nickel Aluminum Bronze
Nickel-aluminum bronzes are metallurgically complex alloys. Small variations in composition can result in markedly different microstructures. In a previous study, the microstructures of selected alloy compositions were characterized and correlated with seawater corrosion resistance. The present study discusses the results from seawater jet impingement tests conducted on these same alloy compositions.


Effect of Composition and Microstructure on the Seawater Corrosion Resistance of Nickel-Aluminum Bronze
Nickel aluminum bronze alloys were developed to minimize the occasional instances of selective phase attack or dealuminifaction observed in aluminum bronze under certain conditions. However, in order to attain the best combination of properties in nickel aluminum, its chemistry must be controlled. This paper illustrates the effort of alloy chemistry and heat treatment on microstructure. This, in turn, had an effect on quiescent seawater corrosion resistance.


Materials Selection for High Reliability Copper Alloy Seawater Systems
Seawater systems are used by many industries such as shipping, offshore oil and gas production, power plants and coastal industrial plants. The main use of seawater is for cooling purposes but it is also used for fire-fighting, oil field water injection and for desalination plants. This paper examines the use of copper alloys to provide high reliability systems covering piping valves, pumps, water boxes and strainers.


Guidelines for the Use of Copper Alloys in Seawater
Copper alloys are widely utilized in the design of seawater systems for their excellent resistance to corrosion and biofouling and many other excellent properties. This paper discusses general guidelines that should be considered when choosing copper alloys for service in a marine environment. Topics discussed include: protective film formation, effects of velocity, seawater cavitation, effects of sulfides, marine biofouling, stress corrosion cracking, galling and sizing resistance, and use in desalination environments.