What is Alloy 20 Material?
Alloy 20, Carpenter 20, or Incoloy 20, is a material with a high degree of corrosion protection, designed for application in industries that involve exposure to aggressive environments. It is a superalloy of iron, nickel and chromium, with additions of molybdenum and copper, it is resistant to acidic environments, especially sulfuric acid. Alloy 20 is known for its superior resistance to pitting, stress-corrosion cracking and general corrosion.
What are Alloy 20 Valves?
Alloy 20 valves are components designed to control the flow of fluids in systems prone to corrosion. These valves are as corrosion resistant as the parent material and are thus appropriate for use in such applications as chemical processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Alloy 20 valves are resistant to acids including sulfuric acids and are crucial in minimizing contamination as well as maintaining the reliability of a system in industries which require high levels of corrosion resistance.
Composition
The composition of Alloy 20 primarily consists of iron (49.0-55.0%), nickel (32.0-38.0%), chromium (19.0-21.0%), molybdenum (2.0-3.0%) and copper (3.0-4.0%). The presence of nickel gives the alloy excellent resistance to sulfuric acid and molybdenum which also improves its chloride pitting corrosion resistance.
Properties
Alloy 20 exhibits several key properties that make it ideal for demanding industrial applications. It is particularly used in environments with high concentrations of sulfuric acid and chloride solutions. Additionally, it has good weldability and excellent formability and is highly resistant to scaling and oxidation at elevated temperatures.
Applications
Alloy 20 is widely used in industries where resistance to aggressive chemicals is necessary. They are used in chemical processing, especially in the handling of sulfuric acid; food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing and power plants. It is commonly used in the production of tanks, heat exchangers, pipes, valves and pumps.
Maintenance and Precautions
Alloy 20 requires regular maintenance and care, however, it is necessary to extend its lifespan and achieve optimum performance. To check for wear, corrosion, or damage, regular inspections should be conducted. When using the Alloy 20 valves, it is important to use them properly and not expose them to conditions that may cause stress-corrosion cracking such as being in contact with high concentrations of chloride solutions at high temperatures.
Conclusion
Its excellent mechanical properties and ability to withstand acidic and chloride-induced corrosion make it ideal for various industries. With proper maintenance, Alloy 20 components, including valves, can offer long-term durability and reliability, ensuring efficiency and safety in industrial applications.
