Tube fittings material selection can be a tricky process, where cost and availability are at the forefront for many industries.
Quick tip: Charts for aqueous corrosion resistance and material composition can be found on our special metals page.
Tube Fittings Material Selection
All products from our compression Tube fittings (single and double) range are available in special metals.
Other products that can be manufactured include pipe fittings for high or low pressure applications and valves for full flow control of media.
| Material | Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 316 Stainless Steel | Most commonly specified material for a range of environments | Immediate with next day delivery |
| 6MO Stainless Steel | Pitting, crevice corrosion and strength increased from 316 | Moderate stocks |
| Monel 400 | Great choice for general seawater application. Popular with pump manufacturers. | Moderate stocks |
| Duplex SS | A natural step-up from 316 and 6MO | Moderate stocks |
| Super Duplex SS | Fantastic atmospheric corrosion | Moderate stocks |
| Incoloy 825 | Outstanding resistance in reducing environments, used extensively in chemical processing | Immediate and Moderate |
| Inconel 625 | High strength, excellent corrosion resistance and welding abilities | Deliveries less than 8 weeks |
| Hastelloy C276 | Outstanding corrosion resistance. Almost unmatched in seawater application especially under crevice conditions which would attack 316, 6MO and Monel 400. | Immediate for popular size fittings and Moderate material stock |
| Titanium | Excellent strength, corrosion resistance and used extensively in the aerospace and automotive industries. Outstanding all-round resistances. | Manufacture-to-order, no more than 6 weeks |
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Tube Material Selection
| Tubing Material | General Application | Rec. Temp Range* |
|---|---|---|
| 316 Stainless Steel | High pressure, High Temperature, Generally Corrosive Media | -225C to 605C |
| Monel 400 | Recommended in Sour Gas, Marine and Chemical application | -198C to 425C |
| Hastelloy C-276 |
Excellent corrosion resistance to Oxidizing and Reducing Media | -198C to 535C |
| Titanium | Resistant to Many Natural Environments such as Seawater and Salt solutions | -59C to 315C |
Main Considerations When Selection The Right Material
- Media (Internal)
- Environment (External)
- Intended Application and Process
- Strengths and possible Weaknesses
- Cost effectiveness (Selecting a special metal over 316 stainless steel is often considered a long-term investment. Costs for maintenance are dramatically reduced.)
- Availability
- Health and Safety Regulations
Corrosive Environments
Possible corrosive environments are a key factor for the durability of tube fittings and pipe fittings. Certain materials will cope better than others when faced with the different types of corrosion.
You will need to find out the effectiveness of the materials you are considering for your fittings against main consideration factors. (Media, environment, strengths, cost effectiveness, availability, safety…)
Corrosion By Acids
*Chart is to be used as a guideline only. Please discuss with us the internal media and external environment for your tube and pipe instrumentation.
| Acidic Media | Resistance Material Choices |
|---|---|
| Sulphuric | 6M0 (When the temperature is moderate and concentration is over 65%)
Incoloy 825 (Good general resistance) Hastelloy C276 or Inconel 625 (At higher temperature ranges) |
| Hydrochloric | 6M0 (Diluted)
Incoloy 825 (Diluted) Inconel 625 (Diluted) Hastelloy C276 (The best choice with aggressive solutions) |
| Phosphoric | 6M0 (Pure phosphoric)
Incoloy 825 (Recommended – holds resistance to pure phosphoric at all concentrations and temperatures up to boiling 85%) Hastelloy C276 and Inconel 625 (In the presence of chlorides and fluorides) |
| Nitric | Incoloy 825 (Resistance to solutions up to boiling 65%)
Inconel 625 Titanium |
The Main Considerations In Acidic Corrosion Resistance
- Concentration of the acid
- Working temperatures and aeration
- Inclusion of any other medias
- The external environment
- Dilution methods
- Surrounding health and safety considerations
*Information provided in this blog post are to be used for general material selection guidance only. We recommend you speak to one of our specialists for applying your special metal tube, fittings and valves for the working application.
DON’T MISS OUT
With Waverley Brownall’s vast choice of tube fittings, pipe fittings and valves – you will be sure to find what you need with us.
Common thread types include NPTF, BSP, BSPT and BSPP.
In sizes up to 2″ for standard fittings,
materials include all listed in this post.