Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipes & Tubes (UNS C70600) Manufacturer & Supplier - USA Piping Solution

Navigating the challenges of marine environments and demanding industrial processes requires materials that offer more than just basic functionality. Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipes & Tubes (UNS C70600) stand out as a premier choice, renowned for their exceptional resistance to saltwater corrosion and biofouling. As a leading manufacturer and globally recognized supplier, USA Piping Solution provides these critical CuNi 90/10 Tubes and pipes, engineered for reliability in shipbuilding, offshore platforms, desalination facilities, power plant condensers, and heat exchangers. We understand that performance in these harsh conditions is non-negotiable. That's why we offer comprehensive stocks, custom manufacturing options, including Copper Nickel Seamless Tubes and welded forms, and dedicated technical support, ensuring you receive top-quality UNS C70600 Pipes perfectly suited for your application's rigorous demands.

Overview of Copper Nickel 90/10 (UNS C70600) - The Marine Workhorse

Copper Nickel 90/10, often designated as UNS C70600 or CuNi 90/10, is a highly regarded copper alloy where nickel constitutes approximately 10% of its composition. While seemingly simple, this formulation is further enhanced by crucial, controlled additions of iron and manganese. It's these minor additions that significantly boost its strength and, critically, its resistance to certain forms of corrosive attack, particularly erosion corrosion in flowing seawater.

What truly distinguishes UNS C70600 Pipes and tubes is their remarkable performance in saline environments. This alloy exhibits:

1. Outstanding Seawater Corrosion Resistance: It stands up exceptionally well to general corrosion, pitting, and crevice attack in seawater, brackish water, and brine solutions. This inherent resistance makes it a default choice for systems constantly handling these aggressive fluids.
2. Excellent Anti-Biofouling Properties: Copper ions are naturally resistant to the attachment and growth of marine organisms like barnacles, mussels, and algae. CuNi 90/10 retains this beneficial property, significantly reducing the rate of marine growth compared to steels or other alloys. This translates to lower maintenance costs and sustained system efficiency, especially in heat exchangers and intake pipes.
3. Good Fabricability: Despite its robustness, CuNi 90/10 remains reasonably ductile and readily formable. It can be easily bent, flared, and fabricated using standard workshop techniques, facilitating complex piping layouts and heat exchanger designs. Its weldability is also considered good using appropriate procedures.
4. Resistance to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC): It demonstrates good resistance to SCC, particularly in chloride-containing environments where some stainless steels might be susceptible.
5. Reliable Strength: While not a high-strength structural alloy, it offers sufficient mechanical strength for typical pressure piping and heat exchanger applications within its intended service scope.

These characteristics, combined with reasonable thermal conductivity, have cemented Marine Grade Copper Nickel Pipes like C70600 as the industry standard for countless applications battling the corrosive effects of the sea and related industrial processes.

Technical Specifications for CuNi 90/10 Pipes & Tubes

Ensuring performance and compatibility requires adherence to specific industry standards and dimensional controls. USA Piping Solution supplies Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipes & Tubes manufactured and tested according to these recognized benchmarks.

Key Standards and Grades

Category	Relevant Designations
UNS Designation	C70600
DIN Standard	2.0872
Common Name	CuNi 90/10, 90/10 Copper Nickel, Cupro-Nickel 90/10
ASTM Standards	B466 / ASME SB466: Seamless Pipe and Tube
B467 / ASME SB467: Welded Pipe
B111 / ASME SB111: Seamless Condenser Tubes and Ferrule Stock
B543 / ASME SB543: Welded Condenser and Heat Exchanger Tubes
B608 / ASME SB608: Welded Pipe (Alternative)
Military Spec	MIL-T-16420K (Often specifies pressure classes like Class 200)
European Norm	EN 12449 (Seamless Tubes - designates CW352H)
British Standard	BS 2871 CN102 (Largely superseded but sometimes referenced)

Verification of the specific governing standard for your application is recommended.

Dimensional Range & Tolerances

Dimension	Typical Scope and Considerations
Outer Diameter (OD)	Pipe (NPS): Typically 1/8" to 24". Tube (Actual OD): Commonly 1/4" to 8" or larger.
Wall Thickness (WT)	Pipe: Standard Schedules (Sch 10, 40, 80 etc.) & MIL-T-16420K Classes. Tube: Specified by BWG or direct measurement (inches/mm), typically 0.5mm to 20mm range.
Length	Standard random lengths (SRL/DRL), or custom cut-to-length up to ~12-15 meters available.
Tolerances	OD, WT, Length, Straightness tolerances are defined by the specific ASTM/ASME/EN/DIN standard invoked. Seamless cold-drawn generally offers tighter tolerances.

Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties Deep Dive

The reliable performance of CuNi 90/10 is directly attributable to its carefully controlled chemistry and the resultant physical characteristics.

Chemical Composition (Typical - UNS C70600)

Achieving the optimal balance of corrosion resistance, strength, and fabricability requires precise control over the alloy's ingredients:

Element	Symbol	Nominal Content (% by Weight)	Key Function in the Alloy
Copper	Cu	88.6% minimum (Balance)	Forms the primary matrix, providing the base corrosion resistance, excellent thermal conductivity, and inherent resistance to biofouling.
Nickel	Ni	9.0 – 11.0%	The main alloying element significantly boosting resistance to general corrosion, erosion corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking, especially in seawater.
Iron	Fe	1.0 - 1.8%	A critical minor addition. This controlled amount of iron substantially improves resistance to erosion and impingement attack in flowing seawater systems.
Manganese	Mn	≤ 1.0%	Acts as a deoxidizer during melting, enhances strength slightly, and improves hot workability.
Lead	Pb	≤ 0.05% (often much lower)	Strictly limited as an impurity, as lead can negatively impact corrosion resistance and hot workability.
Zinc	Zn	≤ 1.0%	Generally considered an impurity in C70600.
Other Impurities	-	Minimal levels	Elements like P, S are tightly controlled to ensure material quality.

Composition limits primarily based on ASTM B466/B111. Minor variations might exist in other international standards.

Mechanical Properties (Typical - Annealed Condition)

In its typical annealed supply condition, DIN 2.0872 Tubes offer a practical combination of moderate strength and excellent formability:

Property	Representative Values / Range	Significance in Application
Tensile Strength (UTS)	303 – 414 MPa (Approx. 44 - 60 ksi)	Sufficient strength to handle typical pressures encountered in piping and heat exchanger systems.
Yield Strength (0.2% or 0.5% Offset)	110 – 393 MPa (Approx. 16 - 57 ksi)*	Lower yield strength contributes to excellent ductility and ease of forming/bending. (*Wide range reflects influence of slight cold work or temper variations possible even within 'annealed' specs).
Elongation (% in 50mm/2")	≥ 42%	Very high elongation underscores its exceptional ductility, crucial for fabrication processes like flaring, bending, and tube expansion.
Hardness (Rockwell B)	Typically HRB 45-70	Relatively low hardness in the annealed state facilitates easy forming and machining (though somewhat 'gummy').
Modulus of Elasticity	Approx. 140 GPa (Approx. 20,300 ksi)	Material stiffness.

Cold working significantly increases hardness and strength while reducing elongation.

Seamless versus Welded CuNi 90/10: Making the Right Choice

USA Piping Solution offers UNS C70600 Pipes and tubes produced by both primary methods – seamless and welded. Selecting the appropriate type is an important design consideration:

• Seamless CuNi 90/10 Tubes & Pipes:
• How they're made: By working a solid billet through piercing and drawing processes, completely eliminating any weld seam.
• Key Advantages: Offer the highest level of inherent structural integrity and material uniformity. Generally preferred for high-pressure systems, critical heat exchanger bundles (often per ASTM B111), and applications where even the slightest potential for preferential weld corrosion is unacceptable. Copper Nickel Seamless Tubes provide maximum assurance.
• Points to Consider: Production methods can sometimes limit the maximum achievable OD/WT ratios compared to welded products. Can carry a higher initial cost, particularly in larger diameters.
• Welded CuNi 90/10 Tubes & Pipes:
• How they're made: By taking flat CuNi 90/10 strip or plate, forming it into a tubular shape, and fusing the longitudinal edges using high-quality welding techniques (like TIG or Plasma Arc).
• Key Advantages: Often more economical, especially for pipe sizes above 8-10 inches NPS. Welded construction can sometimes allow for thinner walls relative to the diameter than certain seamless methods. Readily produced to pipe standards like ASTM B467.
• Points to Consider: While modern welding techniques produce excellent, high-integrity joints, the weld zone itself is metallurgically distinct from the base metal. Rigorous non-destructive testing (NDT) is essential to confirm weld quality for pressure service.

The decision often balances the demands of the application code, operating pressure/temperature, size requirements, potential corrosion mechanisms, and project budget.

Industries and Applications: Where CuNi 90/10 Makes its Mark

The exceptional resistance of Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipes & Tubes to seawater corrosion and biofouling makes them a preferred material in several key sectors:

• Marine & Shipbuilding: Foundational material for:
• Seawater cooling pipelines
• Firewater systems
• Bilge and ballast systems
• Sanitary piping
• Inert gas systems
• Hydraulic lines exposed to marine conditions
• Offshore Oil & Gas Platforms: Utilized extensively for seawater service piping, fire suppression systems, platform cooling utilities, and sheathing of structural members in the splash zone.
• Power Generation: Especially in coastal power plants, used for:
• Main steam surface condenser tubing
• Auxiliary heat exchanger tubing (lube oil coolers, etc.)
• Saltwater service water piping
• Desalination: A critical material in both Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) and Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) thermal desalination plants for heat transfer tubing (brine heaters, condensers) and associated piping handling hot, concentrated seawater.
• Heat Exchangers & Condensers (Industrial): Used in various industrial process coolers and condensers where cooling water is brackish or sourced from the sea, or where process fluids demand CuNi 90/10's specific corrosion resistance.
• Chemical Processing: Employed in specific applications handling process streams where C70600 offers suitable resistance, often related to cooling water circuits.
• Aquaculture: The anti-fouling properties make it ideal for constructing durable fish farming cages and related seawater piping.

Its long history of reliable performance solidifies its status as premium Marine Grade Copper Nickel Pipe.

Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipes & Tubes Size Chart

USA Piping Solution stocks and supplies CuNi 90/10 Pipes and tubes across a broad spectrum of standard industry sizes. The chart below offers a representative overview.

(Insert Size Chart Table - Needs clear separation between Pipe (NPS/Schedule/Class) and Tube (OD/WT-BWG/mm/inch). Include common sizes as shown in competitor examples, covering a reasonable range.)

Example Snippet (Requires better structure & more data):

Typical Pipe Sizes (Ref: ASTM B466 / B467 / MIL-T-16420K)

NPS	OD (in)	Common Walls (Sch 40, Sch 80, Class 200)
1/2"	0.840"	0.109" (Sch 40), 0.147" (Sch 80), ~0.109" ( Cl 200 )
1"	1.315"	0.133" (Sch 40), 0.179" (Sch 80), ~0.133" ( Cl 200 )
2"	2.375"	0.154" (Sch 40), 0.218" (Sch 80), ~0.154" ( Cl 200 )
...	...	...
6"	6.625"	0.280" (Sch 40), 0.432" (Sch 80), ~0.280" ( Cl 200 )

Typical Tube Sizes (Ref: ASTM B111)

OD (in)	Common Wall Thicknesses (BWG / inches / mm)
3/4"	18 BWG (~0.049"/1.24), 16 BWG (~0.065"/1.65)
1"	18 BWG (~0.049"/1.24), 16 BWG (~0.065"/1.65)
...	...

Our inventory is significantly more comprehensive. Please contact USA Piping Solution with your precise dimensional requirements (OD, WT/Schedule/Class, Length) for accurate stock and delivery information.

Assuring Quality: Certifications & Compliance

Reliability starts with quality materials. USA Piping Solution guarantees that all Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipes & Tubes meet stringent industry certifications and compliance standards:

• ASTM / ASME Standard Conformance: Materials are certified to fully comply with the specified ASTM standards (B466, B467, B111, B543 etc.) and relevant ASME SB counterparts.
• UNS C70600 Verification: Chemical composition and properties strictly adhere to the UNS C70600 designation requirements.
• ISO 9001:2015 Certified: Our quality management system ensures consistent processes, reliable sourcing, and customer satisfaction.
• Mill Test Reports (MTRs): We provide comprehensive MTCs according to EN 10204 3.1 as standard, offering complete material traceability (heat/lot identification) and verified chemical analysis and mechanical test results.
• Optional EN 10204 3.2 Certification: We can coordinate third-party inspection agency validation for enhanced 3.2 certification when required.
• NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156: While primarily used for its seawater resistance, C70600 can often meet NACE requirements for specific sour service conditions; verification is recommended.
• PED 2014/68/EU Capability: For projects subject to the European Pressure Equipment Directive, we can supply materials with appropriate certification on request.
• Third-Party Inspection (TPI): We readily accommodate and manage inspections by recognized independent bodies (ABS, Lloyds, DNV, etc.) to meet client or project-specific verification needs.

Why Choose USA Piping Solution for Your CuNi 90/10 Needs?

Selecting USA Piping Solution as your supplier for Copper Nickel 90/10 brings distinct advantages:

• Substantial Inventory: Our significant stock levels of common C71500 pipe and tube sizes, in both seamless and welded forms, often allow for faster project commencement.
• Deep Material Knowledge: We understand the specific benefits, applications, and fabrication considerations for CuNi 90/10, providing more than just material – we offer solutions.
• Seamless & Welded Availability: Access both primary production methods from a single source, allowing for optimized selection based on technical merit and cost-effectiveness.
• Tailored Services: Utilize our precision cutting capabilities to get exact lengths. Discuss other potential processing needs like bending or end preparation with our team.
• Proven Global Supplier: Our well-established logistics network ensures dependable delivery across the US and to international project sites, complete with expert documentation handling.
• Commitment to Quality: Rigorous adherence to standards, meticulous sourcing, and comprehensive MTCs provide unwavering assurance of material quality.
• Customer-Centric Approach: We focus on clear communication, prompt responses, and providing reliable support throughout your entire procurement process.

Exploring Related Material Options

Our portfolio includes other alloys frequently considered for similar or related service conditions:

Final Call to Action

Secure your CuNi 90/10 supply with USA Piping Solution and benefit from:
✅ Access to extensive stock across a wide range of sizes.
✅ Custom solutions including precise lengths tailored to your needs.
✅ Fast, efficient global delivery backed by complete certifications.
✅ Knowledgeable technical support from alloy specialists.

Ready to combat corrosion effectively? Contact us today to request your competitive quote! Or, consult with our expert team to discuss the optimal Marine Grade Copper Nickel Pipe solution for your specific project requirements. Let USA Piping Solution deliver the quality you demand.

Request Your Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipes & Tubes Quote Today!