HASTELLOY B-3 (UNS N10675) is a nickel-molybdenum alloy renowned for its exceptional resistance to a wide range of aggressive chemicals, including hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and other strong reducing agents. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to HASTELLOY B-3, covering its chemical composition, mechanical properties, performance characteristics at different temperatures, industry applications, available shapes and sizes, production standards, welding and processing capabilities, as well as advantages, disadvantages, and comparisons with similar products.
Chemical Composition
Element
Composition (%)
Nickel (Ni)
65.0 min
Molybdenum (Mo)
28.0 – 32.0
Iron (Fe)
1.0 max
Chromium (Cr)
1.5 max
Cobalt (Co)
2.5 max
Manganese (Mn)
1.0 max
Silicon (Si)
0.10 max
Carbon (C)
0.01 max
Phosphorus (P)
0.015 max
Sulfur (S)
0.010 max
Mechanical Properties
Property
Value
Tensile Strength, ksi (MPa)
110 (760) min
Yield Strength (0.2% offset), ksi (MPa)
51 (350) min
Elongation (% in 2 inches)
40 min
Hardness, Rockwell B (HRB)
94 max
Performance at Different Temperatures
HASTELLOY B-3 demonstrates excellent performance across various temperature ranges:
Room Temperature: Superior resistance to reducing acids like hydrochloric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acids, making it ideal for chemical processing equipment.
Elevated Temperatures (up to 1000°F / 538°C): Maintains high strength and corrosion resistance in aggressive industrial environments.
Low Temperatures: Retains ductility and toughness down to cryogenic temperatures, suitable for applications requiring reliability in extreme conditions.
Industry Applications
HASTELLOY B-3 is widely used in several critical industries:
Industry Sector
Applications
Chemical Processing
Reactor vessels, heat exchangers, and piping systems handling corrosive acids and chemicals.
Petrochemical
Equipment for processing sulfuric acid, acetic acid, and other aggressive chemicals in refineries.
Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical processing equipment requiring corrosion resistance to acids and harsh environments.
Pulp and Paper
Bleach plant equipment, digesters, and other components exposed to corrosive chemicals in paper production.
Shapes, Sizes, and Production Standards
Product Form
Shapes Available
Sizes Available
Production Standards
Sheets
Plates, Sheets
Thickness: 0.025″ – 4.000″ (0.64mm – 101.6mm)
ASTM B333
Bars
Round bars, hexagonal bars
Diameter: 0.25″ – 4.0″ (6.35mm – 101.6mm)
ASTM B335
Tubes/Pipes
Seamless tubes, welded pipes
OD: 0.5″ – 8.0″ (12.7mm – 203.2mm)
ASTM B619, ASTM B622
Standards and Corresponding Grades
Country/Region
Standard/Grade
USA
UNS N10675
Europe
2.4600
Germany
NiMo29
France
NiMo29
Welding, Processing, Polishing, Heat Treatment
Process
Details
Welding
Excellent weldability using TIG, MIG methods, ensuring strong and reliable joints in corrosive environments.
Processing
Machinable using conventional methods, offering flexibility in fabrication processes.
Polishing
Capable of achieving smooth finishes for enhanced corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.
Heat Treatment
Solution annealing at 1950°F (1065°C) followed by rapid quenching optimizes material properties and performance.
Cold Processing, Advantages, and Disadvantages
Aspect
Details
Cold Processing
Retains ductility and formability at room temperature, facilitating shaping and fabrication.
Advantages
Exceptional resistance to a broad range of corrosive chemicals, high mechanical strength, and reliability in harsh environments.
Disadvantages
Higher initial cost compared to conventional stainless steels, potential limitations in availability of specific shapes and sizes.
Similar Products
Product Name
Comparison
Hastelloy C-276 (UNS N10276)
Higher nickel and molybdenum content, broader resistance to oxidizing and reducing environments.
Hastelloy B (UNS N10001)
Similar nickel content, lower molybdenum content, suitable for less severe corrosive conditions.
Comparison of Similar Products
Property/Feature
Hastelloy B-3
Hastelloy C-276
Hastelloy B
Nickel Content (%)
65.0
57.0
65.0
Molybdenum Content (%)
28.0 – 32.0
16.0
1.0
Chromium Content (%)
1.5
16.0
1.0
Tensile Strength (ksi)
110 min
100 min
110 min
Yield Strength (ksi)
51 min
40 min
51 min
Corrosion Resistance
Excellent in reducing acids like hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, high resistance to pitting and stress corrosion cracking.
Wide range of corrosive environments, including strong oxidizers and reducing agents.
Good resistance to reducing acids, moderate resistance to oxidizing environments.
This article serves as a detailed introduction to HASTELLOY B-3 (UNS N10675), highlighting its chemical composition, mechanical properties, performance in various environments, industry applications, available forms and sizes, production standards, welding and processing capabilities, as well as advantages, disadvantages, and comparisons with similar alloys. The structured presentation using tables ensures clarity and accessibility of technical information, catering to engineers, manufacturers, and professionals seeking corrosion-resistant materials for demanding applications.
