Alloy 20

Alloy 20 and Carpenter 20

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Alloy 20, also known as Carpenter 20, is a nickel-iron-chromium austenitic alloy that was developed for maximum resistance to acid attack, specifically sulfuric acid. This superalloy has excellent resistance to general corrosion, pitting, and crevice corrosion in chemicals containing chlorides and sulfuric, phosphoric, and nitric acids. It also contains niobium for stabilization against sensitization and resultant intergranular corrosion. Carpenter 20 combines excellent corrosion resistance with elevated mechanical properties and relatively easy fabrication. Although originally designed for use in sulfuric acid related industries, Alloy 20 is now a popular choice for a wide variety of industries including the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, and plastics industries. In addition, this superalloy is used in heat exchangers, mixing tanks, metal cleaning and pickling equipment, and piping.

There has long been a debate on whether Carpenter 20 is a stainless steel or a nickel alloy because the nickel content is right on the border of defining it as one way or the other. So, depending on who you talk to this alloy may be referred to as alloy 20 Stainless Steel or as a nickel alloy. Either way it is still great for corrosion resistance..

What are the characteristics of Alloy 20?

Excellent general corrosion resistance to sulfuric acid

Excellent resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking

Excellent mechanical properties and fabricability

Minimal carbide precipitation during welding

Excels in resisting corrosion to hot sulfuric acids

Chemical Composition(%)

In what applications is Alloy 20 used?

Synthetic rubber manufacturing equipment

Processing of pharmaceuticals, plastics and organic and heavy chemicals

Tanks, piping, heat exchangers, pumps, valves, and other process equipment

Acid cleaning and pickling equipment

Chemical process piping, reactor vessels

Bubble caps

Petrochemical process equipment

Food and dye production

ASTM Specifications

Mechanical Properties

Annealed Material