Overview of Hastelloy C276
Hastelloy C276, often simply called C276, offers an ideal solution to some of the most challenging industrial problems related to corrosion and material degradation.
What Is C276 Hastelloy?
Hastelloy C276 is an extremely versatile material that has found usage in a wide variety of severe environments. It has shown corrosion resistance to chloride-containing media, organic acids, oxidizing media, reducing acids, seawater and brine and sulfuric flue gases.
Hastelloy C276 replaced Alloy C (UNS N10002), which contained slightly less chromium and molybdenum. The high nickel, molybdenum and tungsten content make it expensive when compared to austenitic stainless. By far, it is the most popular Super Alloy.
The alloy’s unique composition allows it to resist pitting, crevice corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking — common issues that can severely compromise other materials. Its versatility and durability make alloy C276 crucial in industries ranging from chemical processing to pollution control.
Is Hastelloy Better Than Stainless Steel?
When compared to stainless steel, Hastelloy C276 generally offers superior performance:
- Corrosion resistance: While stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, Hastelloy C276 outperforms this material in harsher environments, particularly those involving chlorides and acidic conditions.
- Mechanical properties and durability: C276 also offers superior strength and durability over stainless steels, maintaining its integrity under both oxidative and reductive conditions, and high mechanical stress.
Hastelloy C276 Composition
The chemical makeup of Hastelloy C276 is what provides its robust resistance to corrosion and its mechanical strength. The alloy primarily consists of:
- Nickel: 57%
- Molybdenum: 15-17%
- Chromium: 14.5-16.5%
- Iron: 4-7%
- Tungsten: 3-4.5%
- Cobalt: Up to 2.5%
- Manganese, vanadium, silicon, carbon, phosphorous and sulfur: Less than 1%
Hastelloy C276 Applications
Hastelloy C276 is used across a broad spectrum of industries due to its remarkable ability to resist corrosion in both oxidizing and reducing environments.
- Chemical processing: In chemical plants where materials are constantly exposed to highly corrosive substances such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, alloy C276 is indispensable. It is commonly used in reactors, heat exchangers and pressure vessels, where its resistance to aggressive media helps ensure continuous, safe operations.
- Oil and gas: The oil and gas industry faces significant corrosion challenges due to exposure to sour gas and seawater. Hastelloy C276 is often used in separators, stack liners, scrubbers and flowlines, where its ability to resist both localized corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking is critical.
- Power generation: In coal-fired and nuclear power plants, Hastelloy C276 is used in components like steam generators and reactors. The alloy’s resistance to oxidation and its ability to maintain strength at high temperatures make it ideal for these applications.
Hastelloy C276 Fasteners
Durable Hastelloy C276 fasteners are essential for maintaining the integrity of structures and equipment exposed to corrosive environments. We have various types of these fasteners available at Nickel Systems, including: