The oil and gas industry demands materials that can withstand extreme temperatures, high pressure, and corrosive environments. That’s where Inconel pipes come into play. Inconel is a family of super alloys made of nickel-chromium-based elements that exhibit excellent mechanical and thermal properties. Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 are two popular grades of Inconel pipes used in the oil and gas industry. If you’re wondering which the right choice for your project is, keep reading this blog post.
What is Inconel 600 Pipes and Inconel 601 Pipes?
Inconel 600 and 601 pipes are two of the most popular and commonly used alloys from the Inconel family of super alloys. They are known for their exceptional corrosion resistance, strength, durability, and heat-resistant qualities. The main difference between the two is that Inconel 600 has higher chromium content (minimum 15%) while Inconel 601 has higher nickel content (minimum 85%). Both have a high tensile strength in extreme temperatures, able to withstand up to 2200°F with minimal degradation, making them ideal for various industrial applications such as cryogenic tanks, nuclear reactors and gas turbines. Additionally, they have excellent formability characteristics, so they can be formed into complex shapes without losing their structural integrity or surface finish.
Difference Between Inconel 600 Pipes vs Inconel 601 Pipes
Chemical Composition:
Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 contain different chemical compositions that affect their properties in various applications. Inconel 600 has a chemical composition of nickel, iron, and chromium, with some additions of copper, manganese, and silicon. Inconel 601 has a higher percentage of nickel and aluminium, with smaller amounts of iron, chromium, and carbon. Inconel 601’s higher aluminium content gives it better oxidation resistance at high temperatures.
Temperature Resistance:
One of the most significant factors to consider when choosing between Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 is their temperature resistance. Inconel 600 has a maximum operating temperature of 1,150°C (2,102°F) and is suitable for applications that require high strength and excellent resistance to oxidation and carburization at high temperatures. In comparison, Inconel 601 has a maximum operating temperature of 1,200°C (2,192°F) and is more suitable for applications requiring high-temperature and corrosion resistance in sulfur-containing environments.
Corrosion Resistance:
Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 both exhibit excellent corrosion resistance in various environments. However, their resistance to specific types of corrosion may be different due to their chemical composition. Inconel 600 is resistant to sulfuric and hydrochloric acids but may be susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking in chloride environments. On the other hand, Inconel 601 is more resistant to stress-corrosion cracking. It exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in sulfur-containing environments, making it an ideal choice for applications in the chemical processing industry.
Welding and Fabrication:
Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 are both easily wieldable and fabricated. However, Inconel 601 may be easier to form and machine due to its lower nickel content. Additionally, Inconel 601’s higher oxidation resistance may require less post-weld heat treatment, making it more cost-effective than Inconel 600.
Cost:
The cost of Inconel 600 Pipes and Inconel 601 Pipes depends on the length, diameter, wall thickness and type of alloy used in the pipes. Generally speaking, Inconel 600 pipes are more expensive than those made with Inconel 601 due to their superior resistance to corrosion at higher temperatures. The cost range for a 10-foot long 1/2 inch pipe is normally around $100 – $400 depending on the grade & size.
The cost of Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 may differ due to their chemical composition, availability, and demand. Inconel 601 tends to be more expensive than Inconel 600. However, the price difference may be negligible compared to the cost of equipment and maintenance required for the application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 depends on the specific application requirements. If the application requires high strength, excellent oxidation resistance, and good corrosion resistance in non-sulfuric environments, Inconel 600 may be the right choice. However, if the application requires high-temperature resistance, excellent corrosion resistance in sulfur-containing environments, and less post-weld heat treatment, Inconel 601 may be the better choice. Talk to a qualified supplier to determine which Inconel alloy fits your project best.
