Nickel pipes are primarily manufactured from commercially pure nickel or various nickel-based alloys. They are essential in industries requiring high corrosion resistance, excellent mechanical strength at extreme temperatures, and, for pure grades, high product purity.

The most common grades of commercially pure nickel pipes are Nickel 200 and Nickel 201.

 Commercially Pure Nickel Grades

The two primary grades of pure wrought nickel used for piping differ mainly in their carbon content, which affects their performance at elevated temperatures. Both contain at least 99.0% nickel.

Core Properties

• Corrosion Resistance: Outstanding resistance to caustic alkalies (sodium hydroxide) in various concentrations and temperatures. Also highly resistant to many reducing chemicals and organic acids.
• Conductivity: Exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity compared to most nickel-based alloys.
• Mechanical: Possess good ductility, malleability, and excellent weldability.

Applications of Pure Nickel Pipes

The unique properties of Nickel 200/201 make the pipes indispensable in several critical industrial applications:

• Chemical Processing: Used extensively for handling and processing highly corrosive substances like caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), especially in the production of caustic evaporators and synthetic fibers.
• Food Processing: The high purity of the nickel helps maintain product purity, making these pipes ideal for food and beverage handling equipment.
• Electronics: Utilized in electronic components and battery connections due to their high electrical and thermal conductivity.
• High-Temperature & Pressure Vessels: Nickel 201 is specifically chosen for applications above 315℃, such as pressure vessels and heat exchanger tubing, where its low carbon content prevents intergranular corrosion.

Nickel-Based Alloy Pipes

Beyond pure nickel, pipes are also made from numerous nickel-based alloys, each tailored for specific extreme conditions by alloying nickel with elements like chromium, iron, copper, or molybdenum:

• Monel Alloys (Ni-Cu): Excellent resistance to seawater and hydrofluoric acid. (You previously asked about these!)
• Inconel Alloys (Ni-Cr-Fe): Superior strength and oxidation resistance at very high temperatures, often used in aerospace and gas turbines.
• Hastelloy Alloys (Ni-Mo-Cr): Exceptional resistance to a wide range of severe, corrosive media, including strong oxidizing and reducing acids.
• Incoloy Alloys (Ni-Fe-Cr): Good for high-temperature service and resistance to carburization and high-pressure steam.