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AMS 5766 Incoloy Alloy: Composition, Properties, and Uses

Imagine a material that can withstand the harshest environments, from the intense heat of a petrochemical plant to the corrosive depths of marine engineering. Enter Incoloy alloy 800, a powerhouse alloy known for its remarkable strength and resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Whether you’re an engineer looking to select the perfect material for high-temperature applications or a designer seeking a reliable alloy for critical components, understanding the composition, properties, and uses of Incoloy 800 is essential.

In this article, we will dive deep into the chemical makeup of Incoloy 800, revealing how its unique blend of nickel, chromium, and iron contributes to its extraordinary durability. We’ll explore its mechanical and physical properties, showcasing why it stands out in demanding industrial environments. Additionally, we will examine the alloy’s impressive resistance to various forms of corrosion and its performance under extreme temperatures. Finally, we’ll highlight the diverse applications of Incoloy 800 across multiple industries and compare it with similar alloys to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re in the petrochemical sector, nuclear power, or any field requiring top-tier materials, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights into why Incoloy 800 is a material you can trust.

Introduction

Overview of Incoloy Alloy 800

Incoloy Alloy 800 is a nickel-iron-chromium alloy known for its outstanding strength and resistance to oxidation and carburization at high temperatures. This alloy is widely used in applications that require prolonged exposure to high temperatures, where its stability and durability are highly valued.

Historical Development and Significance

Incoloy 800 was developed in the mid-20th century to meet the need for more reliable materials in the petrochemical and power generation industries, where components face extreme conditions. Over the years, Incoloy 800 has proven its worth in numerous applications, thanks to its ability to maintain structural integrity and resist various forms of corrosion.

Key Properties

High-Temperature Strength

Incoloy 800’s properties make it ideal for high-temperature applications and resistance to various forms of corrosion. This property is essential for furnace components, heat exchangers, and other equipment used in high-temperature environments. The alloy’s resistance to thermal degradation ensures long-term performance and reliability.

Corrosion Resistance

Incoloy 800 is highly resistant to oxidation and carburization, making it suitable for environments with sulfur and other corrosive elements. This resistance is attributed to the alloy’s high chromium and nickel content, which form a protective oxide layer on the surface. Additionally, Incoloy 800 is less susceptible to chloride stress-corrosion cracking, a common issue in many industrial environments.

Applications in Various Industries

Petrochemical and Chemical Processing

In the petrochemical and chemical processing industries, Incoloy 800 is used in furnace tubes, heat exchangers, and piping systems due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and corrosive media. The alloy’s resistance to carburization and oxidation helps extend the life of critical components, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

Nuclear Power

In the nuclear power industry, Incoloy 800 is employed in steam generator tubing and other components exposed to high temperatures and corrosive conditions. The alloy’s stability and resistance to radiation damage make it a reliable choice for nuclear reactors, where safety and longevity are crucial.

Marine Engineering

Incoloy 800 is ideal for marine engineering applications due to its resistance to seawater and marine atmospheres. Components such as heat exchangers and piping systems benefit from the alloy’s ability to resist corrosion in both fresh and saltwater environments.

Conclusion

Incoloy Alloy 800’s combination of high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and stability has made it essential in many industries, including petrochemical, nuclear power, and marine engineering. As technology evolves, Incoloy 800 remains a top choice for engineers and designers seeking durability and performance.

Chemical Composition

Introduction

Incoloy alloys 800, 800H, and 800HT are renowned for their high-temperature strength and exceptional resistance to oxidation and carburization, making them essential in various industrial applications. Understanding their chemical composition is key to maximizing their performance.

Chemical Composition

Incoloy Alloy 800:

  • Iron (Fe): Approx. 45%
  • Nickel (Ni): 32.5%
  • Chromium (Cr): 21%
  • Titanium (Ti): 0.38%
  • Aluminum (Al): 0.38%
  • Carbon (C): Max 0.10%
  • Manganese (Mn): Max 1.50%
  • Sulfur (S): Max 0.015%
  • Silicon (Si): Max 1.0%
  • Copper (Cu): Max 0.75%

Incoloy Alloy 800H:

  • Iron (Fe): Balance
  • Nickel (Ni): 30-35%
  • Chromium (Cr): 19-23%
  • Carbon (C): 0.05-0.10%
  • Aluminum (Al): 0.15-0.60%
  • Titanium (Ti): 0.15-0.60%
  • Manganese (Mn): Max 1.50%
  • Sulfur (S): Max 0.015%
  • Silicon (Si): Max 1.0%
  • Copper (Cu): Max 0.75%

Incoloy Alloy 800HT:

  • Iron (Fe): Balance
  • Nickel (Ni): 30-35%
  • Chromium (Cr): 19-23%
  • Carbon (C): 0.06-0.10%
  • Aluminum (Al): 0.15-0.60%
  • Titanium (Ti): 0.15-0.60%
  • Manganese (Mn): Max 1.50%
  • Sulfur (S): Max 0.015%
  • Silicon (Si): Max 1.0%
  • Copper (Cu): Max 0.75%

Importance of Chemical Composition

The specific chemical makeup of Incoloy alloys 800, 800H, and 800HT ensures they maintain their mechanical properties and resist corrosion under harsh conditions. High nickel content provides excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking, while chromium offers protection against oxidation and carburization. Aluminum and titanium enhance stability, especially at elevated temperatures.

The minor variations in chemical composition between Incoloy 800, 800H, and 800HT are tailored to meet specific performance criteria. This makes each alloy suitable for different applications based on the required operating conditions, ensuring optimal performance in diverse environments.

Mechanical and Physical Properties

Mechanical Properties

Incoloy 800 is renowned for its impressive mechanical properties, making it ideal for challenging industrial uses. These properties include high tensile strength, robust yield strength, and excellent elongation, ensuring the alloy can handle significant mechanical loads.

Tensile Strength

Incoloy 800 has a tensile strength ranging from 65 KSI (448 MPa) to 86.5 KSI (596 MPa), which means it can withstand considerable stress without breaking.

Yield Strength

The yield strength of Incoloy 800 is at least 25 KSI (172 MPa), indicating the stress level at which the material starts to deform permanently.

Elongation

With an elongation of about 30-35%, Incoloy 800 is very ductile, allowing it to stretch significantly before breaking.

Fatigue Strength

The alloy also has excellent low-cycle fatigue strength, meaning it can endure repeated loading and unloading cycles without failure.

Physical Properties

Besides its mechanical strengths, Incoloy 800 also boasts several important physical properties, making it highly effective in high-temperature and corrosive environments.

Density

Incoloy 800 has a density of approximately 0.287 lb/in³ (7.94 g/cm³), typical for nickel-iron-chromium alloys, contributing to its strength and durability.

Melting Range

With a melting range between 2475°F and 2525°F (1357°C and 1385°C), Incoloy 800 is well-suited for high-temperature applications.

Specific Heat

The specific heat capacity of Incoloy 800 is about 0.11-0.12 Btu/lb·°F (460-500 J/kg·°C), important for applications involving temperature changes.

Thermal Conductivity

Incoloy 800 has moderate thermal conductivity, affecting its efficiency in conducting heat.

Electrical Resistivity

The electrical resistivity of Incoloy 800 changes with temperature, making it useful where electrical insulation is needed.

Modulus of Elasticity

The modulus of elasticity for annealed Incoloy 800 varies with temperature and measures the material’s stiffness, crucial for applications involving elastic deformation.

Poisson’s Ratio

Poisson’s ratio, which indicates the ratio of transverse to axial strain, helps understand how Incoloy 800 deforms under mechanical stress.

Summary of Key Properties

In summary, Incoloy 800’s high tensile and yield strength, excellent elongation, and significant fatigue strength, along with its favorable physical properties, make it an excellent choice for high-performance applications in industries like petrochemical processing, nuclear power, and heat-treating equipment manufacturing.

Corrosion Resistance and High-Temperature Properties

General Corrosion Resistance

Incoloy Alloy 800 is known for its excellent resistance to various types of corrosion. This is due to its high chromium and nickel content, which forms a protective oxide layer on the alloy’s surface. This protective layer significantly enhances its resistance to aggressive environments, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

Specific Corrosive Environments

Aqueous Media

Incoloy Alloy 800 resists both general and localized corrosion in many aqueous environments. The chromium content is crucial for resisting oxidizing conditions, while the nickel content helps in reducing environments.

Molten Salts and Eutectic Deposits

The alloy performs well in molten carbonates and eutectic salt deposits, which can degrade other materials. Its stability in these harsh conditions highlights its robustness.

Acid Resistance

The alloy is particularly resistant to sulfuric acid, corroding minimally in 5% sulfuric acid at 50°C. This makes it suitable for environments where acidic exposure is a concern.

Resistance to Stress Corrosion Cracking

Incoloy Alloy 800 is highly resistant to stress corrosion cracking, especially in chloride-rich environments. The high nickel content helps mitigate the formation of metal chlorides that often cause SCC, enhancing its reliability.

High-Temperature Properties

Oxidation and Carburization Resistance

The alloy resists oxidation, carburization, and sulfidation at high temperatures, up to 1500°F (816°C). These properties make it ideal for applications involving prolonged high-temperature exposure, such as furnace components and heat processing equipment.

Creep and Rupture Strength

It maintains high tensile strength and exceptional creep rupture strength at elevated temperatures. For even greater resistance to stress rupture and creep, especially above 1500°F (816°C), variations like Incoloy 800H and 800HT are preferred due to their optimized compositions.

High-Temperature Strength

Even at temperatures up to 1600°F (870°C), Incoloy Alloy 800 retains significant yield and tensile strengths, ensuring reliable performance in demanding conditions. This makes it ideal for components that must endure both high stress and high temperatures.

Summary

Incoloy Alloy 800 combines corrosion resistance, stress corrosion cracking resistance, and high-temperature strength, making it ideal for challenging industrial applications. Its ability to withstand aggressive media and maintain integrity at elevated temperatures ensures long-term reliability and durability.

Applications and Uses

Applications of Incoloy Alloy 800

Incoloy Alloy 800 is a versatile material used in various industries due to its excellent high-temperature strength and resistance to corrosion.

Petrochemical and Chemical Processing

In the petrochemical and chemical processing industries, Incoloy Alloy 800 is essential for heat exchangers, furnace tubes, and piping systems, where it efficiently handles high temperatures and corrosive environments.

Nuclear Power

In the nuclear power industry, Incoloy Alloy 800 is prized for its stability under radiation and resistance to high-temperature corrosion, making it ideal for steam generator tubing and reactor components.

Marine Engineering

Marine engineering utilizes Incoloy Alloy 800’s resistance to seawater and marine atmospheres in heat exchangers and piping systems used in desalination plants.

Heat-Treating Equipment

The alloy’s high-temperature strength and resistance to oxidation and carburization make it perfect for trays, baskets, and fixtures in heat-treating equipment.

Domestic Appliances

Incoloy Alloy 800 is used in domestic appliances that require high-temperature resistance, such as heating elements in electric ovens and protective sheathing for electrical heating elements.

Food Processing

Its corrosion resistance makes Incoloy Alloy 800 ideal for food processing equipment, ensuring hygiene and durability in cooking, heating equipment, and processing vessels.

Carburizing Equipment

Incoloy Alloy 800’s resistance to carburization makes it suitable for furnace components and protective sheathing for electrical heating elements in high-temperature environments.

Special Variants

For applications requiring enhanced resistance to stress rupture and creep at temperatures above 1500°F (816°C), variants like Incoloy 800H and 800HT are ideal for high-temperature equipment and industrial furnace parts.

Overall, Incoloy Alloy 800 and its variants are critical in numerous industries for their exceptional durability and performance in extreme conditions.

Comparison with Inconel 800

Composition Differences

Incoloy 800 (AMS 5766)

Incoloy 800 and Inconel 800 are both high-performance alloys, but they differ in composition and properties. Incoloy 800 contains approximately 45% iron, 32.5% nickel, and 21% chromium, with small amounts of titanium (0.38%), aluminum (0.38%), and carbon (max 0.10%). Other elements include manganese (max 1.50%), sulfur (max 0.015%), silicon (max 1.0%), and copper (max 0.75%).

Inconel 800

Inconel 800 has a higher nickel content, over 50%, and includes 19-23% chromium. It also contains iron and other elements such as carbon, manganese, silicon, copper, aluminum, and titanium.

Properties Comparison

Corrosion Resistance

Both alloys offer excellent corrosion resistance. Incoloy 800 resists stress corrosion cracking and oxidation at high temperatures. Inconel 800, with its higher nickel content, is even more resistant to high temperatures and maintains its structure under extreme conditions.

Mechanical Properties

Incoloy 800, in a solution-treated condition, has a yield strength of 25 KSI minimum and tensile strength of 65 KSI minimum. Inconel 800 is known for superior high-temperature strength, maintaining mechanical integrity better at higher temperatures.

Uses and Applications

Incoloy 800 is typically used in low-stressed components requiring heat, corrosion, and oxidation resistance, such as bars and forgings. It is suitable for environments with steam, acids, seawater, sour gas, and brine. Inconel 800 is used in high-temperature and corrosive environments, such as pressure vessels, boilers, and engine parts, where high thermal stress is a factor.

Key Differences

Inconel 800 has a higher melting point and is more resistant to high temperatures, making it suitable for demanding applications. Incoloy 800, with a higher iron content, is generally cheaper and better for less stressed components. Inconel 800’s higher nickel content makes it more expensive but better for high-temperature and highly corrosive environments.

Standards and Specifications

Overview of Standards and Specifications

Incoloy Alloy 800 is renowned for its high strength and excellent resistance to oxidation and carburization at high temperatures. These standards ensure that the alloy meets necessary quality, performance, and safety requirements across various applications.

AMS 5766 Standards

The AMS 5766 standards outline the requirements for Incoloy Alloy 800 in terms of its chemical composition, mechanical properties, and conditions under which it should be used. This standard ensures consistency and reliability in the alloy’s performance.

Chemical Composition

AMS 5766 specifies the nominal chemical composition for Incoloy Alloy 800:

  • Iron (Fe): approximately 45%
  • Nickel (Ni): approximately 32.5%
  • Chromium (Cr): approximately 21%
  • Titanium (Ti): approximately 0.38%
  • Aluminum (Al): approximately 0.38%

Mechanical Properties

AMS 5766 defines the mechanical properties as a minimum yield strength of 25 KSI (172 MPa), a minimum tensile strength of 65 KSI (448 MPa), and an elongation of 30%.

ASTM Standards

Incoloy Alloy 800 also meets ASTM standards, which ensure material quality and consistency.

ASTM B408 and ASTM B163

ASTM B408 covers the standard specification for nickel-iron-chromium alloy bars and shapes, including Incoloy Alloy 800. ASTM B163 applies to seamless nickel and nickel alloy condenser and heat-exchanger tubes. Compliance with these standards ensures suitability for high-temperature and corrosive environments.

ASME Standards

ASME provides guidelines crucial for using Incoloy Alloy 800 in pressure vessels and boilers. ASME SB-408 is the specification for nickel-iron-chromium alloy bars and shapes for use in high-temperature applications. The Unified Numbering System (UNS) designation for Incoloy Alloy 800 is N08800, aiding standardized identification across industries.

Industry Standards and Compliance

Incoloy Alloy 800 is manufactured to meet various industry standards, ensuring high quality and performance. These standards include ISO standards for international compliance and other relevant industry-specific standards, ensuring broad applicability.

Condition and Form

Typically supplied in a solution-treated condition, Incoloy Alloy 800 is available in bars, forgings, and other shapes to meet specific application needs.

Conclusion

By adhering to these stringent standards, Incoloy Alloy 800 guarantees reliable performance in demanding environments, making it a trusted choice for high-stress, high-temperature applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is the chemical composition of Incoloy alloy 800?

The chemical composition of Incoloy alloy 800, as specified under AMS 5766, includes the following major components: Nickel (Ni) 30.0-35.0%, Chromium (Cr) 19.0-23.0%, Iron (Fe) 39.5% minimum, Carbon (C) 0.10% maximum, Manganese (Mn) 1.50% maximum, Sulfur (S) 0.015% maximum, Silicon (Si) 1.0% maximum, and Copper (Cu) 0.75% maximum. Additionally, it contains Aluminum (Al) 0.15-0.60% and Titanium (Ti) 0.15-0.60%, with a combined Aluminum and Titanium content of 0.30-1.20%. This composition ensures the alloy’s excellent resistance to oxidation, carburization, and sulfidation, as well as its good corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength.

What are the mechanical properties of Incoloy alloy 800?

Incoloy alloy 800 demonstrates excellent mechanical properties, making it highly suitable for various industrial applications. The key mechanical properties include high tensile strength, with approximately 86.5 ksi (596 MPa) at room temperature. This strength remains substantial across a broad temperature range, gradually decreasing up to 1500°F (816°C). The alloy also exhibits good creep and rupture strength, particularly in the 800H and 800HT variants, which are optimized for high-temperature performance through higher carbon content and solution annealing. Additionally, Incoloy 800 has good low-cycle fatigue strength and maintains high impact strength even at cryogenic temperatures. These characteristics, combined with its excellent weldability and fabricability, make Incoloy alloy 800 a versatile and reliable material for demanding applications.

How does Incoloy 800 resist corrosion and high temperatures?

Incoloy 800 resists corrosion and high temperatures due to its carefully balanced chemical composition, primarily consisting of nickel, chromium, and iron. The high nickel content (minimum 30%) provides excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking, particularly in chloride environments. The chromium content (19-23%) imparts significant resistance to oxidation, sulfidation, and carburization, even at elevated temperatures up to 816°C (1500°F) and above. Additionally, the alloy’s iron content enhances its overall strength and stability, reducing the risk of internal oxidation. These properties make Incoloy 800 highly effective in corrosive and high-temperature environments, maintaining its mechanical integrity and performance in various industrial applications.

What are the common applications of Incoloy alloy 800?

Incoloy alloy 800 is commonly used in several industries due to its exceptional high-temperature strength and resistance to oxidation, carburization, and corrosion. In high-temperature equipment, it is utilized in heat-treating equipment such as baskets, trays, and fixtures, as well as in industrial furnaces for ethylene furnace quench boilers and hydrocarbon cracking. In chemical and petrochemical processing, it is employed in heat exchangers and piping systems, particularly in nitric acid media, where chloride stress-corrosion cracking resistance is required. In power plants, it is used for super-heater and re-heater tubing due to its high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance. Additionally, Incoloy 800H/HT is used in valves, fittings, and components exposed to corrosive environments at high temperatures, as well as in the construction of pressure vessels and heat exchangers. Specific industry applications include use in steam-generator tubing in nuclear power plants, digester-liquor heaters in the paper pulp industry, and sheathing electric heating elements in domestic appliances.

How does Incoloy 800 compare to Inconel 800?

Incoloy 800 and Inconel 800 are both high-performance alloys known for their excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature properties, but they have some key differences. Incoloy 800 contains 30-35% nickel, 19-23% chromium, and a minimum of 39.5% iron, while Inconel 800 has a higher nickel content of over 50%. This difference in composition affects their cost, with Incoloy 800 generally being less expensive due to its lower nickel content.

Both alloys exhibit excellent corrosion resistance, but Incoloy 800 is particularly noted for its resistance to carburization, oxidation, and nitriding atmospheres, making it suitable for applications in the oil and gas industries, ethylene pyrolysis, and hydrocarbon cracking. Inconel 800, on the other hand, is used in more critical and extreme temperature applications, such as marine engineering, aerospace, and chemical processing, due to its ability to form a thick, stable oxide layer when heated.

In terms of mechanical properties, both alloys maintain high strength at elevated temperatures, but Incoloy 800 is favored for its good tensile strength, ductility, and low thermal expansion, making it versatile for various high-temperature applications. Inconel 800’s higher nickel content provides enhanced strength and stiffness, ideal for demanding environments.

Overall, Incoloy 800 is an economical choice for high-temperature applications where aggressive corrosion resistance is needed, while Inconel 800 is better suited for extreme conditions requiring higher nickel content and superior thermal creep resistance.

What standards does Incoloy alloy 800 comply with?

Incoloy alloy 800 and its variants, 800H and 800HT, comply with several industry standards, ensuring their quality and suitability for various applications. These standards include:

  • ASME Standards: The alloys meet the requirements defined by ASME, including design stresses in ASME Code Case 1325-7 for Section I and Divisions 1 and 2 of Section VIII. Incoloy 800HT also complies with ASME Code Case 1987.
  • ASTM Standards: The alloys are manufactured to meet ASTM standards, including specific grain size requirements for Incoloy 800H and 800HT.
  • UNS Designations: Incoloy 800 is designated as UNS N08800, Incoloy 800H as UNS N08810, and Incoloy 800HT as UNS N08811.
  • Other International Standards: These alloys also comply with standards from JIS, GB, DIN, and BS, making them suitable for global use.

These standards ensure that Incoloy 800 and its variants are reliable for high-temperature and corrosive environments across various industries.

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