Industrialists and material engineers have the constant challenge of designing fittings and systems for abrasive and corrosive environments. Industries such as marine engineering, oil and gas, and chemical manufacturing spend a lot of money to ensure their systems work well for a long time in such environments. One of the most popular alloys for such applications is the Copper-Nickel alloy or CuNi as it is generally known in the industry. CuNi fittings are employed extensively in piping distribution systems, power generation activities, offshore platforms and processing, construction of hulls of boats and ships, and seawater systems.
Cuni Fittings and Corrosion
CuNi is a copper(base metal) alloy with a smaller percentage of nickel and other metals such as zinc and manganese for strength and other desired properties. The combination of copper and nickel makes the alloy remarkably resistant to corrosion, especially in seawater. CuNi fittings are found to be resistant to the effect of seawater, alkaline solutions, and moisture as well. In addition to corrosion resistance, the alloy is also found to be resistant to the action of microorganisms found in marine environments.
CuNi fittings are also employed in desalination plants, offshore platforms, and power generation factories. These industries use seawater in their processes in a high-temperature environment. Other steel alloys are found to undergo galvanic corrosion, chloride crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking in such applications. CuNi fittings however are found to be an ideal fit for these circumstances.
Cuni Fittings Physical Properties
Another reason why manufacturers prefer CuNi fittings is due to their many favorable physical properties. Copper and nickel alloy with each other easily and the resultant alloy is seen to have a combination of properties from both metals. CuNi fittings have great ductility, and weldability, and can be easily formed in sheets and pipes of various thicknesses. This makes it easy to use in different types of projects across industries. In addition to pipe fittings, CuNi is also used to protect other marine and offshore structures such as boats, ships, and platforms from getting affected by seawater.
Conclusion
CuNi fittings have been popular in the marine and seawater-based industries for a long time and have proved to be a valuable ally in corrosive working conditions. Cuni fittings suppliers in UAE such as the New World Horizons follow ASTM, EN, and ISO standards to give you the best product possible. You can find different types of CuNi fittings with them as buttweld fittings, elbow, reducer, tee, and caps for your different requirements.