Introduction: The Growing Market for High-Performance Piping Connections
The global industrial sector is witnessing significant growth in demand for copper-nickel (Cu-Ni) flanges, particularly in marine, offshore, and chemical processing applications. These specialized flanges, manufactured to ASTM B151/ASME SB151 standards in both 90/10 (UNS C70600) and 70/30 (UNS C71500) alloys, are becoming the preferred choice for engineers dealing with corrosive environments. The market for copper-nickel flanges is projected to grow at 7.2% CAGR through 2028, driven by increasing investments in LNG infrastructure, desalination plants, and naval shipbuilding programs worldwide.
Material Superiority: Why Copper-Nickel Flanges Outperform
Copper-nickel flanges offer exceptional properties that make them indispensable for critical applications:
• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Withstands seawater, brackish water, and chemical exposure better than stainless steel
• Excellent Biofouling Resistance: Naturally inhibits marine organism growth
• High Thermal Conductivity: Ideal for heat exchanger and condenser applications
• Proven Longevity: Service life exceeding 40 years in marine environments
• Good Mechanical Properties: Tensile strength of 290-440 MPa (90/10) and 380-520 MPa (70/30)
Product Range and Specifications
TOBO manufactures a comprehensive range of copper-nickel flanges:
√ Raised Face (RF) Flanges: Standard sealing surface for general applications
√ Welding Neck Flanges: 300# pressure rating for high-stress systems
√ 90/10 Cu-Ni (UNS C70600): The economical choice with excellent corrosion resistance
√ 70/30 Cu-Ni (UNS C71500): Higher strength solution for demanding conditions
√ Full Size Range: DN15 to DN1200 (½" to 48") available
Manufacturing Excellence: Precision Production Process
Our state-of-the-art manufacturing ensures top quality:
◉ Sand Casting & Forging: Produces homogeneous grain structure
◉ CNC Machining: Achieves EN 1092-1 dimensional tolerances
◉ Solution Annealing: Optimizes material properties
◉ Non-Destructive Testing: 100% radiographic (RT) and liquid penetrant (PT) inspection
◉ Surface Finishing: Pickling and passivation for corrosion protection
Technical Specifications
Table: Key Performance Parameters
Parameter 90/10 (C70600) 70/30 (C71500)
Standard ASTM B151/ASME SB151
Pressure Rating 300# (PN50)
Temperature Range -50°C to 300°C -50°C to 400°C
Tensile Strength 290-440 MPa 380-520 MPa
Yield Strength 125 MPa min 170 MPa min
Elongation 35% min 30% min
Hardness 65 HRB max 80 HRB max
Industry Applications
Marine & Offshore
Seawater cooling systems
Ballast water piping
Firefighting systems
Desalination plants
Oil & Gas
LNG processing equipment
Offshore platform piping
FPSO vessel systems
Subsea pipelines
Chemical Processing
Acid production plants
Chemical transport systems
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Power plant condensers
Quality Assurance and Certification
TOBO flanges meet the most stringent international standards:
ASTM B151/ASME SB151 material compliance
EN 1092-1 dimensional standards
PED 2014/68/EU for European markets
DNV/GL/Lloyds marine certifications
NACE MR0175 for sour service applications
Installation and Maintenance Advantages
• Easy Welding Compatibility: Standard techniques including TIG and MIG
• Superior Machinability: 20% better than austenitic stainless steels
• Low Maintenance Requirements: 60% less than stainless steel systems
• Proven Compatibility: Works with existing piping materials
• Long-Term Performance: Minimal degradation over decades
Market Trends and Future Outlook
Key industry developments:
15% annual growth in LNG infrastructure driving demand
Naval shipbuilding programs specifying Cu-Ni as standard
Desalination boom in Middle East and Asia-Pacific
Smart flange technology with embedded sensors
Sustainable manufacturing using 80% recycled content
Case Studies: Proven Performance
Middle East Desalination Plant: 5,000+ 90/10 RF flanges with 10 years zero-corrosion
North Sea Offshore Platform: 70/30 welding neck flanges solving galvanic corrosion
Australian LNG Terminal: 300# flanges in cryogenic service
US Navy Vessel Program: Standardized on 90/10 Cu-Ni flanges
Conclusion: The Future of Corrosion-Resistant Flanges
Copper-nickel flanges manufactured to ASTM B151/ASME SB151 standards represent the gold standard for marine and industrial applications where corrosion resistance is critical. Their unique combination of proven performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness makes them the intelligent choice for engineers specifying piping systems in aggressive environments.
As global infrastructure projects continue to push into more challenging operating conditions, these 90/10 and 70/30 copper-nickel flanges are poised to play an increasingly vital role. With their 40+ year service life, minimal maintenance requirements, and excellent sustainability profile, they offer not just a component solution, but a long-term investment in operational reliability.
For project engineers and procurement specialists, specifying 300# copper-nickel flanges ensures decades of trouble-free service in the world's most demanding applications - from offshore platforms to chemical plants and beyond. As technology advances, these flanges continue to prove why they remain the material of choice where failure is not an option.