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Hastelloy B-3 (UNS N10675) supplier — ASTM B574/B619/B622. Improved thermal stability vs B-2. Resistant to HCl, H2SO4, acetic acid. Chemical reactors, heat exchangers. ISO certified.

By Shanghai Hangbo Alloy Group Co., Ltd. - China Supplier | ISO 9001:2015 | Est. 2012

Contact: sales@hangboalloy.com | hangbo@nickel-alloy.com | WhatsApp (Lisa): +86 13611656360

Quick Answer: What Is Hastelloy B-3?

Hastelloy B-3 (UNS N10675) is the third generation of the nickel-molybdenum (Ni-Mo) alloy family, specifically engineered to provide superior thermal stability compared to its predecessors, B and B-2. It maintains excellent resistance to hydrochloric acid at all concentrations and temperatures, while offering improved ductility during fabrication and better resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

Technical Specifications (ASTM B335 Standard)

Chemical Composition (wt.%) of Hastelloy B-3 (UNS N10675)
Ni Mo Fe Cr Mn Co W Si C Al Ti Zr Cu P S
Bal. 27.0-32.0 1.0-3.0 1.0-3.0 3.0* 3.0* 3.0* 0.10* 0.01* 0.50* 0.20* 0.10* 0.50* 0.030* 0.010*
*Maximum values unless range is specified.

Mechanical Properties of Hastelloy B-3 (ASTM B335 Round Bar)
Tensile Strength (min) Yield Strength (0.2% Offset, min) Elongation (min)
760 MPa (110 ksi) 350 MPa (51 ksi) 40%

Key Characteristics of Hastelloy B-3

  • Exceptional Thermal Stability: B-3 alloy possesses a high degree of thermal stability, which facilitates easier fabrication and prevents the formation of deleterious intermetallic phases during welding.
  • Superior Corrosion Resistance: It is highly resistant to pure hydrochloric acid at all concentrations and temperatures. It also resists other non-oxidizing acids like sulfuric, phosphoric, and organic acids.
  • Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Resistance: Excellent resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking compared to common stainless steels.
  • Pitting & Crevice Corrosion Resistance: The high molybdenum content provides robust protection against localized attack in reducing environments.

Typical Applications

  • Chemical Processing: Reactors, heat exchangers, and piping systems handling hydrochloric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acids.
  • Acetic Acid Production: Critical equipment for acetic acid manufacturing where reducing conditions prevail.
  • Vacuum Furnaces: Components exposed to high temperatures and reducing atmospheres.
  • Pharmaceutical Industry: Equipment requiring high purity and corrosion resistance.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Unrivaled resistance to hydrochloric acid. Susceptible to rapid attack in oxidizing environments (e.g., presence of ferric or cupric salts).
Excellent thermal stability for welding and forming. Higher cost compared to B-2 or standard stainless steels.
Maintains high ductility after heat exposure. Requires strict control of impurities in the medium.

Global Case Study: Acetic Acid Manufacturing

In a major acetic acid production facility, Hastelloy B-3 was selected for the reactor internals and primary heat exchangers. Previously, standard Ni-Mo alloys suffered from embrittlement in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of welds during extended service. The transition to Hastelloy B-3, with its superior thermal stability, significantly reduced downtime and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for post-weld heat treatment and ensuring long-term structural integrity in the aggressive reducing environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main difference between Hastelloy B-2 and B-3?
A: The primary difference is thermal stability. B-3 alloy is less prone to embrittlement during welding and fabrication, making it much easier to work with while maintaining the same level of corrosion resistance as B-2.

Q2: Can Hastelloy B-3 be used in oxidizing environments?
A: No. Hastelloy B-3 is specifically designed for reducing environments. The presence of oxidizing contaminants like ferric ions, cupric ions, or free chlorine will lead to rapid failure.

Q3: Is post-weld heat treatment necessary for B-3?
A: Generally, no. Thanks to its enhanced thermal stability, B-3 maintains its properties after welding, unlike earlier B-series alloys that often required solution annealing to restore corrosion resistance.

Q4: What concentrations of Hydrochloric Acid can B-3 handle?
A: It can handle all concentrations (from dilute to concentrated) at temperatures ranging from ambient to boiling point.

Q5: What are the common product forms for ASTM B335?
A: ASTM B335 specifically covers round bars. Other forms like plates (ASTM B333) and pipes (ASTM B622) are covered by different ASTM standards.

Q6: Why is Hastelloy B-3 more expensive?
A: The cost is driven by the high molybdenum content (~30%) and the advanced manufacturing processes required to ensure its specific microstructure for thermal stability.

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