Limiting Factors of Hastelloy B-3

Alloy B-3 has poor corrosion resistance to oxidizing environments, therefore,  it is not recommended for use in oxidizing media or in the presence of ferric or  cupric salts because they may cause rapid premature corrosion failure. These  salts may develop when hydrochloric acid comes in contact with iron and copper.  Therefore, if this nickel steel alloy is used in conjunction with iron or copper  piping in a system containing hydrochloric acid, the presence of these salts  could cause the alloy to fail prematurely.

What are the characteristics of Hastelloy B-3?

· Maintains excellent ductility during transient exposures to intermediate  temperatures

· Excellent resistance to pitting, corrosion and stress-corrosion  cracking

· Excellent resistance to knife-line and heat-affected zone attack

· Excellent resistance to acetic, formic and phosphoric acids and other  non-oxidizing media

· Resistance to hydrochloric acid at all concentrations and temperatures

· Thermal stability superior to alloy B-2

Chemical Composition, %

In what applications is Hastelloy B-3 used?

· Chemical processes

· Vacuum furnaces

· Mechanical components in reducing environments

Fabrication with Hastelloy B-3

Problems associated with fabrication of alloy B-2 components should be  minimized with alloy B-3 due to its improved thermal stability. A low carbon  content permits alloy B-3 to be used in the as-welded condition. Hastelloy B-3  has good overall forming and welding characteristics. This alloy can be forged  or otherwise hot-worked, providing that it is held at 2250° F for a sufficient  amount of time to bring the entire piece to temperature. Since it is a low  carbon alloy, the use of lower hot finishing temperatures may be necessary to  achieve grain size control. It may also be formed by cold working. Although it  does work-harden somewhat rapidly, B-3 alloy components can be made using all  common cold forming techniques. All common welding techniques may be used with  alloy B-3, however, oxyacetylene and submerged arc welding processes are not  recommended when the fabricated item is to be used in corrosive service.

For more information on fabrication and machining click here.

ASTM Specifications