B3 Nickel Molybdenum Alloy (2.4600)

B3 Alloy delivers high strength and excellent ductility, critical in systems where mechanical stress combines with corrosive exposure. It maintains performance under internal pressure, structural load, and thermal cycling.

Typical Mechanical Properties:

Tensile Strength: 760–1000 MPa - Supports high internal pressures and structural loads without deformation or cracking.

Yield Strength: ~350 MPa - Provides reliable performance in pressure-rated systems and mechanical assemblies.

Elongation at Break: ~50% - Maintains excellent formability and tolerance to stress concentrations without brittleness.

Hardness (Brinell): ~220 HB - Balances hardness and machinability, supporting precision fabrication in aggressive service environments.

Modulus of Elasticity: ~206 GPa - Delivers stiffness and dimensional stability in welded systems and load-bearing components.

These properties make B3 a dependable solution for pressure vessels, containment units, and flow systems in acid recovery, refining, and chemical processing.

B3 Nickel Alloy is thermally and electrically stable under fluctuating service conditions. Its physical profile supports long-term performance in highly corrosive, high-temperature, or pressure-variable environments.

Typical Physical Properties:

Density: 9.22 g/cm³ - High density reflects a robust atomic structure, supporting heavy-duty applications and consistent material behaviour.

Melting Point: 1370–1418 °C - Allows for safe use in high-temperature chemical processing without risk of softening or degradation.

Thermal Conductivity: ~9.0 W/m·K - Provides moderate heat transfer capacity, important in acid recovery systems and high-temperature reactors.

Thermal Expansion: ~11.0 × 10⁻⁶/K - Delivers predictable thermal growth, reducing the risk of joint stress or warping in multi-metal assemblies.

Electrical Resistivity: ~1.24 µΩ·m - Provides consistent performance in systems exposed to moisture or reactive agents where electrochemical stability is vital.

These physical characteristics allow B3 to perform reliably in equipment like heat exchangers, reactor linings, and piping exposed to cyclic thermal loads and aggressive chemicals.

While B3 does not have official variants, several related alloys exist with overlapping or expanded capabilities. These may be selected based on specific fabrication, strength, or corrosion resistance requirements.

Common Alternatives Include:

Alloy B2: An earlier generation with comparable molybdenum content but less stability during thermal cycling or fabrication.

Alloy C22: Offers broader corrosion resistance across both oxidising and reducing media.

Alloy 625: Provides greater mechanical strength and additional resistance to seawater, oxidation, and acid chlorides.

Each alloy is selected based on operational demands such as temperature range, acid concentration, fabrication constraints, or pressure conditions.