How to ｓｅｌｅｃｔ different types of metal alloys based on intended use?

Picture a petrochemical plant: vats of acids, high-temperature reactors, and pipes carrying crude oil at thousands of psi. Here, corrosion resistance and pressure tolerance aren't "nice-to-haves"—they're life-savers. So what alloys thrive here?

Start with stainless steel —its chromium content forms a protective oxide layer, fighting off rust even in harsh chemical environments. For example, stainless steel tube is a staple in refineries, used for everything from distillation columns to heat exchangers. But when temperatures spike (think 600°C+), you'll want nickel alloys like B167 Ni-Cr-Fe alloy tube —its nickel and chromium blend handles extreme heat without losing strength.

Don't forget pressure tubes —these thick-walled workhorses are often made from carbon & carbon alloy steel , which balances strength and cost. And for heat transfer systems? u bend tubes are a game-changer. Their curved design maximizes surface area, boosting efficiency in heat exchangers that cool or heat chemicals.

Pro tip: In coastal petrochemical plants, add a layer of copper & nickel alloy to pipes—salt air won't stand a chance.

The ocean is a metal's worst enemy: saltwater eats through steel like a termite through wood, and constant wave motion tests structural strength. For marine & ship-building , the name of the game is saltwater corrosion resistance and toughness .

Enter copper & nickel alloy —a dynamic duo where copper fights biofouling (algae and barnacles) and nickel cranks up strength. BS2871 copper alloy tube is a classic here, used in ship hulls and cooling systems. Need something even hardier? EEMUA 144 234 CuNi pipe is designed for offshore rigs, standing up to salt spray and extreme pressure.

For structural parts like hull frames, carbon & carbon alloy steel shines—its high tensile strength keeps ships rigid in rough seas. And let's not overlook pipe flanges and copper nickel flanges —these connect pipes on deck, and their corrosion resistance ensures leaks (and costly repairs) stay off your radar.

Whether it's a coal-fired power plant or a rocket launching into space, high-temperature stability and weight-to-strength ratio take center stage. Let's start with power plants: boilers and turbines operate at 1,000°C+, so you need alloys that laugh at heat.

Heat efficiency tubes are critical here—think finned tubes , which have metal "fins" to spread heat faster, and u bend tube designs that snake through boilers to maximize energy transfer. For the tubes themselves, B407 Incoloy 800 tube is a star; its nickel-iron-chromium mix resists oxidation even at red-hot temps.

Aerospace? Weight is everything. alloy steel tube (like B165 Monel 400 tube ) offers the strength of steel but at a fraction of the weight, making it ideal for aircraft frames and rocket components. And for nuclear power plants? RCC-M Section II nuclear tube is non-negotiable—its strict specs ensure it can handle radiation and extreme pressure without compromising.

Skyscrapers, bridges, and oil pipelines don't just need to "work"—they need to endure . Here, structural strength and cost-effectiveness are king. So what's the go-to?

Carbon & carbon alloy steel is the backbone of construction. For example, GB/T 8162 seamless structure pipe is used in building frames—it's strong, easy to weld, and won't break the bank. For pipelines spanning hundreds of miles (like those carrying natural gas), API 5L steel pipe is the standard; its high carbon content resists cracks from ground movement and pressure surges.

Need something fancier? Stainless steel is perfect for visible structures (think stadium roofs) where rust would ruin the look. And for connections, don't sleep on pipe fittings — BW fittings (butt-welded) and threaded fittings keep pipes sealed tight, even in high-vibration areas like industrial zones.

Heat exchangers in HVAC systems, refrigerators, or industrial chillers rely on one thing: moving heat efficiently. Here, thermal conductivity and resistance to thermal fatigue (cracking from repeated heating/cooling) are key.

Copper alloy tubes are naturals here—copper conducts heat 20x better than steel. JIS H3300 copper alloy tube is a favorite in air conditioners, while GB/T 8890 copper alloy tube works wonders in large-scale condensers. For systems with both heat and corrosion (like marine condensers), copper & nickel alloy (Cupro-nickel) is a hybrid hero—combining copper's conductivity with nickel's rust resistance.

And let's not forget finned tubes —these have tiny metal "fins" that boost surface area, making them perfect for radiators or industrial coolers. Pair them with heat exchanger tube made from nickel alloys , and you've got a system that'll keep cooling (or heating) for decades.

Still overwhelmed? Use this table to match your project to the right alloy and products: