What is the Difference Between Hastelloy C22 and C276

Hastelloy C22 and C276 are two widely used nickel-based alloys known for their exceptional corrosion resistance in harsh environments. While both offer protection against corrosion, they possess distinct compositions and properties that make them suitable for specific applications. Understanding the difference between Hastelloy C22 and C276 is crucial for selecting the optimal material for various industrial and chemical processing needs.

What is the difference between HastelloyC22 and C276? Hastelloy C22 has a higher chromium content compared to C276.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Hastelloy C22 
      – Definition, Features, Applications
2. What is Hastelloy C276
      – Definition, Features, Applications 
3. Similarities Between Hastelloy C22 and C276
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Hastelloy C22 and C276
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Hastelloy C22 and C276
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Hastelloy C22, Hastelloy C276

Difference Between Hastelloy C22 and C276 - Comparison Summary

What is Hastelloy C22

Hastelloy C22 is a nickel-based alloy known for its exceptional resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, particularly those involving strong oxidizing agents such as chlorides, ferric and cupric chlorides, hot contaminated media (organic and inorganic), formic and acetic acids, acetic anhydride, and seawater.

This alloy belongs to the Hastelloy family, which encompasses several high-performance alloys developed for use in aggressive environments. Hastelloy C22 was specifically engineered to provide improved resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking compared to earlier generations of Hastelloy alloys.

One of the key features of Hastelloy C22 is its high chromium content, which enhances its resistance to oxidizing media. Additionally, it contains significant amounts of molybdenum and tungsten, further enhancing its corrosion resistance. Its composition also includes controlled levels of iron and other elements to optimize its mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion.

Hastelloy C22 finds applications in various industries, including chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, pollution control, pulp and paper production, waste treatment, and metal pickling. It is commonly used in reactors, heat exchangers, scrubbers, and piping systems where corrosion resistance is critical for maintaining process integrity and equipment longevity.

Hastelloy C22 and C276

The alloy is available in various forms, such as plates, sheets, bars, pipes, tubes, fittings, and welding products, allowing for versatile fabrication options to suit specific application requirements. Its excellent weldability further enhances its appeal for use in complex structures and assemblies subjected to corrosive environments.

What is Hastelloy C276

Hastelloy C-276 is a nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloy renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance in a wide range of aggressive environments. Developed by Haynes International, Inc., it has become a staple material in industries such as chemical processing, pollution control, pulp and paper production, and waste treatment.

The key to Hastelloy C-276’s corrosion resistance lies in its composition. The high nickel content provides excellent resistance to reducing environments, while the molybdenum and chromium additions enhance its resistance to oxidizing media, including chlorides and sulfuric acid. This combination makes it particularly well-suited for handling harsh chemicals, acids, and seawater.

Beyond its corrosion resistance, Hastelloy C-276 offers impressive mechanical properties, including high strength and toughness at both ambient and elevated temperatures. It retains its strength even in extreme environments, making it suitable for applications where reliability and longevity are critical.

Additionally, Hastelloy C-276 can be easily fabricated and welded, allowing for the construction of complex and customized components. Its versatility extends to various forms such as plates, sheets, bars, pipes, and fittings, accommodating diverse engineering requirements.

Despite its superior performance, Hastelloy C-276 is not immune to certain limitations, such as susceptibility to attack in strongly oxidizing environments containing ferric or cupric salts.

Similarities Between Hastelloy C22 and C276

  1. Both alloys offer exceptional resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, including acids, chlorides, and oxidizing agents.
  2. They both contain a significant amount of nickel.

Difference Between Hastelloy C22 and C276

Definition

Hastelloy C22 is a nickel-chromium-molybdenum-tungsten alloy with enhanced resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking. Hastelloy C276, on the other hand, is a nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloy with excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of aggressive environments, including those containing chlorides, sulfuric acid, and reducing acids.

Chromium Content

Hastelloy C22 has a higher chromium content (20-22%) compared to Hastelloy C276 (14.5-16.5%).

Applications

Furthermore, Hastelloy C22 is preferred for applications involving reducing acids, while Hastelloy C276 is more suitable for environments with oxidizing agents.

Weldability

Hastelloy C22 generally has better weldability compared to Hastelloy C276.

Corrosion Resistance

When it comes to corrosion resistance, Hastelloy C22 outperforms C276. It’s more resistant to issues like pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking in both oxidizing and reducing environments. This makes C22 especially suitable for tough chemical environments with chloride ions, sulfuric acid, and other aggressive chemicals.

Conclusion

Both Hastelloy C22 and C276 offer exceptional corrosion resistance in aggressive environments, with subtle differences in their chromium content and application suitability. Hastelloy C22, with its higher chromium content, excels in reducing acid environments, while C276 is preferred for oxidizing agents. Despite their similarities, C22 generally boasts better weldability. Both alloys find extensive use across various industries, ensuring reliability and longevity in critical applications. While each alloy has its advantages, the choice ultimately depends on specific environmental conditions and performance requirements.

FAQ: Hastelloy C22 and C276

1. What is the difference between Hastelloy C276 and C2000?

Hastelloy C276 and Hastelloy C2000 have similar compositions, including chromium, molybdenum, nickel, iron, manganese, and silicon. However, Hastelloy C2000 contains additional elements, such as copper and tungsten, which improve its resistance to corrosion in various environments.

2. What is Hastelloy C276 used for?

Because of Hastelloy C-276’s outstanding corrosion-resistant capabilities, it is used by a wide variety of industries for critical applications, including almost anything used around sulfuric acid (heat exchangers, evaporators, filters, and mixers), bleach plants, and digesters for the manufacturing of paper and pulp.

3. Which is better, Inconel or Hastelloy?

Choosing between Inconel and Hastelloy depends on the application. Inconel is better for high-temperature oxidizing environments, like gas turbine blades, while Hastelloy is preferred for its resistance to a wider range of corrosive substances, making it suitable for chemical processing and industrial use.

4. What are the disadvantages of Hastelloy?

Hastelloy has some disadvantages. For instance, it can be prone to stress cracking when subjected to high stress during processes like welding or machining, which might compromise the integrity of components. Additionally, obtaining Hastelloy can be challenging due to its higher cost, particularly in industries like chemicals, where it’s frequently used, which impacts procurement and project budgets.

5. Which has better corrosion resistance?

Hastelloy C22 generally has better corrosion resistance than Hastelloy C276. This is because of its higher chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten levels, which make it more effective against pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking in harsh chemical settings, including those with chloride ions and sulfuric acid.

Reference:

1. “What is Hastelloy?” Metal Superwork.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Válvula de bola en Hastelloy CX2MW, Hastelloy C22 y Hastelloy C276, una aleación de níquel, similar al inconel, monel e incoloy” By JohnLockeLost – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Hasini A

Hasini is a graduate of Applied Science with a strong background in forestry, environmental science, chemistry, and management science. She is an amateur photographer with a keen interest in exploring the wonders of nature and science.

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