ASTM B168 Inconel 617 Sheet/Plate Corrosion-Resistant Nickel Chromium Alloy for Petrochemical Use

ASTM B168 Inconel 617 Sheet/Plate Corrosion-Resistant Nickel Chromium Alloy for Petrochemical Use

Products Specification

ASTM B168 Inconel 617 Sheet/Plate Corrosion-Resistant Nickel Chromium Alloy for Petrochemical Use

Inconel 617 is a high-performance, corrosion-resistant nickel-chromium alloy specifically designed for high-temperature applications, particularly in petrochemical industries. This alloy is widely used in harsh environments, offering excellent oxidation and carburization resistance at elevated temperatures. The ASTM B168 standard covers the specification for the alloy in sheet and plate forms, ensuring its use in various applications such as gas turbines, heat exchangers, and industrial furnaces.

Chemical Composition of Inconel 617

Inconel 617's composition is designed to withstand extreme environments. Its primary elements include:

• Nickel (Ni): 50.0% - 60.0%

• Chromium (Cr): 20.0% - 23.0%

• Cobalt (Co): 10.0% max

• Molybdenum (Mo): 8.0% - 10.0%

• Iron (Fe): Balance

• Aluminum (Al): 1.0% max

• Titanium (Ti): 0.5% max

• Silicon (Si): 0.5% max

• Carbon (C): 0.15% max

• Manganese (Mn): 1.0% max

This alloy is primarily composed of nickel and chromium, with significant amounts of molybdenum and cobalt to provide high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and durability.

Mechanical Properties of Inconel 617

The mechanical properties of Inconel 617 are critical for its high-temperature performance. These properties make it an ideal choice for applications in both oxidizing and carburizing environments. The key mechanical properties include:

• Tensile Strength: 700 MPa (102 ksi)

• Yield Strength (0.2% Offset): 250 MPa (36.3 ksi)

• Elongation: 30% min (for 50 mm gauge length)

• Hardness: HRB 90 max

• Modulus of Elasticity: 207 GPa (30 x 10^6 psi)

• Poisson's Ratio: 0.31

These values indicate that Inconel 617 maintains its mechanical strength even at elevated temperatures, up to 2000°F (1093°C), without significant loss of performance.

Product Standards

Inconel 617 sheet/plate conforms to the following key industry standards:

• ASTM B168: Standard Specification for Nickel-Chromium Alloys for Gas Turbines

• ASME SB168: Specification for Nickel-Chromium Alloys for Pressure Vessels

• AMS 5590: Aerospace Material Specification for Inconel 617

These standards ensure that the material meets stringent requirements for both mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. ASTM B168 specifically outlines the size and dimensional tolerances for sheets and plates made from Inconel 617, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Features and Benefits of Inconel 617

Inconel 617 is well-regarded for its impressive array of features that make it ideal for use in demanding environments:

• High-Temperature Resistance: The alloy offers excellent oxidation and carburization resistance up to 2000°F (1093°C), maintaining strength and performance in extreme conditions.

• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Inconel 617 is highly resistant to both oxidizing and carburizing environments, making it ideal for use in chemical processing, petrochemical industries, and other applications exposed to corrosive elements.

• High Strength and Stability: Even at high temperatures, Inconel 617 retains significant strength, ensuring long-term reliability in both static and dynamic loads.

• Ease of Fabrication: The alloy’s composition allows for relatively easy welding and fabrication, making it versatile for various manufacturing processes, including forming, welding, and machining.

• Good Weldability: Inconel 617 displays excellent weldability, particularly with filler metals designed for high-temperature service, which is crucial in applications involving complex geometries and high thermal stress.

• Long-Term Durability: The alloy’s resistance to thermal fatigue and its ability to maintain mechanical properties over extended periods of exposure to high temperatures make it a durable solution for critical applications.

Applications of Inconel 617

Inconel 617 is widely used across various high-temperature and high-stress applications. Its corrosion resistance, strength, and thermal stability make it suitable for a broad range of industries, including petrochemical processing, power generation, and aerospace. Some of the most common applications include:

• Gas Turbines: Inconel 617 is commonly used for turbine blades, vanes, and other critical components in high-temperature, high-stress environments in power generation and aviation industries.

• Heat Exchangers: The alloy’s resistance to both oxidation and carburization makes it ideal for heat exchangers operating in harsh chemical environments.

• Furnace Components: Inconel 617 is used for furnace tubes, radiant tubes, and other components exposed to high-temperature gases in industrial furnaces.

• Chemical Processing: The alloy’s ability to resist corrosion in both oxidizing and reducing environments makes it highly effective in chemical reactors, piping systems, and heat exchangers used in the petrochemical industry.

• Aerospace Applications: Due to its excellent performance under high thermal and mechanical stresses, Inconel 617 is used in the aerospace industry for components like combustor liners and transition ducts.

• Cement and Power Plants: Components used in cement production and power generation plants also benefit from Inconel 617’s strength at high temperatures, making it ideal for use in processes involving combustion gases.

Fabrication and Processing

Inconel 617 can be processed through various methods, including welding, machining, and forming. For welding, it is essential to use filler rods that are compatible with the alloy’s composition. Some common welding methods include:

• TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas): This is the most common method for welding Inconel 617, ensuring a high-quality, clean weld.

• MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas): MIG welding is also suitable for Inconel 617, especially in automated or production environments.

• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): This method provides excellent control and precision for welding complex geometries or thin-walled components.

Machining and forming are more difficult due to the alloy’s strength and hardness. However, with the appropriate tools and techniques, Inconel 617 can be drilled, milled, and shaped to meet design specifications.

Conclusion

Inconel 617, conforming to ASTM B168, is a versatile, high-performance material ideal for use in high-temperature and corrosive environments. With its exceptional strength, oxidation resistance, and weldability, Inconel 617 sheet and plate are widely used in industries like petrochemical, aerospace, and power generation. Its ability to maintain mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, along with its superior corrosion resistance, ensures long-term reliability and performance, making it a top choice for demanding applications. Whether in gas turbines, heat exchangers, or chemical processing plants, Inconel 617 offers unparalleled durability and efficiency, making it an essential material in modern industrial engineering.