The development of high performance nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys and of advanced nickelchromium-
iron-molybdenum-copper alloys has offered important solutions to corrosion issues of the chemical
process industry.
The most important nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys for engineering purposes are the so-called
C-type alloys, where alloy EN 2.4819 / UNS N10276 and alloy 59 (EN 2.4605 / UNS N06059) are among the
predominant ones. UNS N10276 has its main areas of use for corrosive attack by reducing acids as sulphuric
acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and organic acids. It has succeeded in conquering a wide range of
applications in the chemical industry; today, however, these are increasingly being taken over by the
subsequently developed alloy 59, which can be used on a more universal scale. Alloy 59 is not only far
superior to the other nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys in handling reducing acids, it has also been
successfully qualified for further duties such as production of fine chemicals, handling of highly corrosive salt
solutions and control of critical crevice corrosion problems in seawater.
The nickel-chromium-iron-molybdenum-copper alloys include traditional materials such as alloy UNS
N08825. Alloy 31 (EN 1.4562 / UNS N08031) is an advanced material within this group, characterized by
lower content of nickel in order to save on cost of raw materials. Alloy 31 has been qualified for handling of
sulphuric acid and for the production of phosphoric acid where it has successfully replaced higher alloyed
materials. Its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, e.g. in seawater is excellent. Surprisingly, alloy 31 is
also outstandingly resistant in oxidizing media. This combination makes alloy 31 a widely used material for
the CPI’s corrosion issues. Additional applications of alloy 31 are in oil and gas extraction, in the pulp and
paper industry, in salt manufacturing and, last but not least, in flue gas desulphurization applications in modern
coal-fired power stations.
Keywords: CPI, material solutions, alloy 59 (EN 2.4605 / UNS N06059), alloy 31 (EN 1.4562 / UNS
N08031), acids, salt solutions, seawater, oil and gas extraction, flue gas desulphurization