Heat Exchanger Material Selection

Nickel Alloys and Stainless Steels for Heat Exchangers

Select nickel alloys and stainless steels for heat exchangers. Compare Inconel 625, Incoloy 825, Hastelloy C-276, Duplex 2507, 2205, pipe, tube, plate and RFQ details.

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Quick Answer: Heat exchanger alloys are selected by tube-side and shell-side media, temperature, pressure, chloride level, fouling, welding and inspection requirements. Common choices include Inconel 625 for chloride and seawater service, Incoloy 825 for acid service, Hastelloy C-276 for severe corrosion, Duplex 2507 for high-strength chloride systems and 2205 for moderate chloride applications.

For quotation, buyers should define pipe or tube size, wall thickness, schedule, standard, heat treatment, inspection requirement, quantity and service medium.

Recommended Alloys

AlloyCommon ServiceWhy It Is ConsideredProduct Page
Inconel 625Seawater, chloride and heat exchanger tubesStrong corrosion resistance with good strengthView product
Incoloy 825Acid service heat exchangersGood sulfuric and phosphoric acid resistanceView product
Hastelloy C-276Severe acid/chloride heat exchanger partsHigh resistance to aggressive mixed mediaView product
Duplex 2507High-strength chloride systemsSuper duplex option for seawater and desalinationView product
Duplex 2205Moderate chloride process waterCost-effective duplex stainless steelView product

Selection Guide

If Your Project NeedsStart WithRFQ Notes
Seawater-cooled exchangerStart with Inconel 625, Duplex 2507 or 254SMOConfirm chloride level, velocity, crevice design and cleaning method.
Acid process streamStart with Incoloy 825 or Hastelloy C-276Provide acid type, concentration, temperature and contaminants.
Moderate chloride waterCompare Duplex 2205 and Duplex 2507Choose based on chloride severity and strength requirement.
Severe mixed corrosionStart with Hastelloy C-276Use when stainless steels and lower nickel alloys are not enough.

Common Product Forms

Product FormTypical MaterialsRelated Landing Page
Pipe / TubeInconel 625, Incoloy 825, Duplex 2507Related page
Plate / SheetHastelloy C-276, 254SMO, Duplex gradesRelated page
Bar / ComponentsInconel 625, Duplex 2507, 17-4PHRelated page

Standards and Inspection Notes

Standards

Confirm ASTM, ASME, AMS, NACE, EN or project-specific standards before quotation. Material availability and inspection scope depend on the requested product form and condition.

Service Conditions

Include medium, concentration, chloride level, pH, temperature, pressure, flow condition and whether crevice corrosion, welding or stress is expected.

Inspection

Available quotation options may include EN 10204 3.1 MTC, PMI, dimensional inspection, mechanical tests, UT or third-party inspection depending on product form.

Application FAQ

What materials are used for heat exchanger tubes?

Common heat exchanger tube materials include stainless steels, duplex stainless steels, super duplex stainless steels and nickel alloys such as Inconel 625, Incoloy 825 and Hastelloy C-276 depending on corrosion severity.

Which alloy is used for seawater heat exchangers?

Inconel 625, Duplex 2507 and 254SMO are common candidates for seawater heat exchanger service. Final selection depends on chloride level, velocity, temperature, crevice conditions and project standard.

What RFQ details are needed for heat exchanger tube material?

Send alloy grade, pipe or tube standard, OD, wall thickness, length, quantity, condition, inspection requirement, medium, temperature and pressure.

Related Material Links

Request an Application-Based Alloy Quote

Send us the service medium, concentration, temperature, pressure, alloy grade if known, product form, size, quantity, material condition, applicable standard, inspection requirement and destination country.

  • Material need: application, medium and target alloy family
  • Product form: pipe, tube, plate, sheet, bar, wire, flange, fitting or forging
  • Inspection: MTC, PMI, UT, mechanical tests or third-party inspection
  • Delivery: destination country, quantity and required lead time
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