Material Family

Commercially Pure Nickel (Unalloyed)

The baseline, ductile nickel pipe material with no intentional alloying additions for strength.

Common Forms

Seamless Pipe (SMLS) & Welded Pipe are both available.
• Seamless: Preferred for high-purity, high-integrity, and high-pressure applications.
• Welded: Cost-effective for large diameters and structural applications.

Seamless pipe is the standard for critical corrosion service like caustic evaporators.

Chemical Composition (Typical wt.%)

Ni (+Co): ≥ 99.0
C: ≤ 0.15
Fe: ≤ 0.40
Mn: ≤ 0.35
Cu: ≤ 0.25
Si: ≤ 0.35
S: ≤ 0.01

High purity is key to its corrosion resistance and electrical properties. Note: For service >315°C, Nickel 201 pipe must be used.

Mechanical Properties (Annealed, Room Temp)

Tensile Strength (Rm): 380 - 550 MPa
Yield Strength (Rp0.2): 100 - 275 MPa
Elongation (A): 40 - 55%

Lower strength than alloyed nickels but exceptional ductility and toughness. Excellent for tube expanding.

Physical Properties

Density: 8.89 g/cm³
Melting Point: 1435-1445 °C
Thermal Conductivity: 70 W/m·K (at 100°C)
Useful Service Range: Cryogenic to ~315°C (600°F).

Notable for its high thermal and electrical conductivity among nickel alloys.

Key Corrosion Resistance Attributes

• Excellent resistance to hot, concentrated caustic alkalis (NaOH, KOH) in all concentrations up to the boiling point.

• Excellent resistance to neutral and reducing salts, and organic acids.

• Good resistance to dilute hydrochloric and sulfuric acids at room temperature.

• Poor resistance to oxidizing acids (e.g., nitric acid) and ammonia solutions.

The benchmark pipe material for handling hot, concentrated caustic soda (NaOH).

Key Standards (Pipe)

Seamless Pipe: ASTM B161 / ASME SB-161 (Standard Specification for Nickel Seamless Pipe and Tube)
Welded Pipe: ASTM B725 / ASME SB-725, ASTM B730 / ASME SB-730 (Welded Pipe)

ASTM B161 is the primary specification for seamless pipe.

Common Sizes & Schedules

OD Range: 1/8" NPS to 24" NPS+
Wall Thickness: Sch 5S, 10S, 40S, 80S, 160 (per ASME B36.19M)
Length: Random, Double Random, Cut to Length.

Available in a full range of standard piping schedules. Thin walls are common for heat exchanger and condenser tubing.

Typical Applications

• Chemical Processing: Tubes and piping for caustic evaporators, melters, and handling systems.
• Food & Pharmaceutical: Process piping requiring high purity and cleanability.
• Electroplating: Anode baskets, bus bars, fixture components.
• Aerospace & Electronics: High-purity gas and fluid lines, waveguide tubes.
• Alkaline Battery & Fuel Cell Manufacturing.

The primary pipe material for caustic handling and applications requiring pure nickel's unique physical properties.