ASTM B111 C44300 Aluminum Brass Tubes: High-Performance Seawater Corrosion Resistance
ASTM B111 C44300 (UNS C44300) is a lead-free aluminum brass alloy specifically engineered for marine and industrial applications requiring exceptional resistance to dezincification, erosion, and biofouling. These seamless tubes are ideal for condensers, heat exchangers, and desalination systems operating in seawater or brackish environments.
Key Features:
- Material Type: CuZn21Al1As (Aluminum Brass with Arsenic addition)
- Standards: ASTM B111, ASME SB111, EN 12451
- Temperature Range: -40°C to 150°C (-40°F to 302°F)
- Certifications: NACE MR0175, ISO 9001:2015
C44300 Chemical Composition (ASTM B111)
Element | Min (%) | Max (%) | Role in Alloy |
Copper (Cu) | 70.0 | 73.0 | Base metal for corrosion resistance |
Zinc (Zn) | 26.7 | 29.3 | Enhances strength and workability |
Arsenic (As) | 0.02 | 0.10 | Prevents dezincification in seawater |
Aluminum (Al) | - | 0.02 | Improves oxide layer adhesion |
Iron (Fe) | - | 0.06 | Controlled impurity |
Lead (Pb) | - | 0.07 | Maintains machinability |
Equivalent Grades & International Standards
Standard | Grade | Region/Application |
UNS | C44300 | Global marine systems |
EN | CW702R | European heat exchangers |
DIN | 2.0460 | German shipbuilding |
JIS | C6870 | Japanese condensers |
GB | HAl77-2 | Chinese industrial standards |
Mechanical Properties of C44300 Tubes
Property | Annealed Condition | Hard Temper | Test Method |
Tensile Strength (MPa) | 340 - 410 | 440 - 520 | ASTM E8/E8M |
Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥125 | ≥275 | ASTM E8/E8M |
Elongation (%) | ≥45 | ≥15 | ASTM E8/E8M |
Hardness (Rockwell B) | 65 - 75 | 80 - 90 | ASTM E18 |
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 116 | 105 | ASTM E1225 |
Industrial Applications of C44300 Tubes
Industry | Typical Uses | Performance Advantage |
Marine Engineering | Shipboard condensers, desalination plant heat exchangers | Resists biofouling and saltwater pitting (0.05 mm/year corrosion rate) |
Power Generation | Steam turbine cooling systems, nuclear plant tubing | Withstands high-velocity seawater (up to 3 m/s) |
Oil & Gas | Offshore platform cooling loops, LNG heat exchangers | Compatible with chlorinated fluids (up to 5 ppm Cl⁻) |
Chemical Processing | Acidic fluid transfer systems, evaporators | Stable in pH 6-8.5 environments |
Why Choose ASTM B111 C44300 Tubes?
- Superior Lifespan: 20-30 years in seawater applications (vs. 10-15 years for Admiralty Brass).
- Cost-Efficiency: 15-20% lower lifecycle cost compared to titanium alternatives.
- Manufacturing Flexibility: Available as seamless/ERW tubes, U-bends, or custom lengths (1-12 meters).
- Testing Guarantee: 100% eddy current tested (ASTM E309), hydrostatic pressure tested (ASTM B88).
