Alloy 20 is a corrosion-resistant alloy whose composition is based on iron, chromium, and nickel. Even in sulfuric acid-containing environments, Alloy 20 tubes work exceedingly well. The stabilization of the alloy is done by adding niobium to its chemical composition. This step is extremely crucial as it helps the alloy in resisting intergranular corrosion.
Is Alloy 20 Better than Stainless Steel
Yes! In most cases, Alloy 20 bars have proven to outshine Stainless Steel not only in terms of performance but also cost-efficiency.
This blog will help you have a brief overview of the applications that utilize alloy 20 pipes.
Applications and Uses of Alloy 20 pipes
Industrial applications
Alloy 20 bars have found their application in numerous industries that otherwise opt for Stainless Steel tubing. These industries include marine, food production, pharmaceutical, petrochemical industry, and refineries. End product applications of Alloy 20 tubes and pipes include fittings, agitators, mixing tanks, etc.
Alloy 20 bars can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Corrosion Resistance
In several chemical and acidic solutions, Alloy 20 tubes show better corrosion-resisting properties than Stainless Steel. Alloy 20 bars can resist sulfuric solutions, salt solutions, and nitric acid solutions with ease. The corrosion resistivity of Alloy 20 bars comes with incredible durability. The chloride ions present in the alloying chemistry tend to increase the corrosion resistivity of Alloy 20 Bars over time.
Heat and Fabrication
Traditional hot and cold working methods can be used to carry out the fabrication of Alloy 20 Bars and Tubes. Hot-rolling or Hot-Forging demands for the material to be heated up to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the metal alloy has to be maintained throughout the forging process. It is prohibited to let the temperature reduce below 1800 F during the forming process. Annealing Alloy 20 pipes and tubes after hot working are extremely essential. Annealing assures retention of properties both mechanical and chemical.
To obtain lower or lesser hardness of the alloy, one can treat it at a temperature such as 2100 F. However, this process tends to harm the stabilized structure of the Alloy 20 tubes. Stress-relieving step post-high heated treatment is a requisite. This process is known as annealing, and it should be carried out at a certain temperature ranging between 1730 F and 1850 F.