In high-temperature applications, Incoloy 800 and Alloy 800 are two popular choices. However, it’s easy to get confused between the two due to their similar names. Are they the same? Should you opt for Incoloy 800 or Alloy 800 for your application? In this blog post, we’ll explore these two nickel-iron-chromium alloys and highlight their differences, helping you make an informed decision.
What is Incoloy 800?
Incoloy 800 is a nickel-iron-chromium alloy with low carbon content. It can withstand high temperatures up to 1100°C and is highly resistant to oxidation, carburization, and sulfidation. Incoloy 800 is commonly used in furnace, petrochemical, and chemical processing applications due to its excellent high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance. It is also ideal for welding due to its low susceptibility to strain-age cracking.
What is Alloy 800?
Alloy 800, on the other hand, is also a nickel-iron-chromium alloy but comprises 0.1% carbon. It has similar high-temperature properties as Incoloy 800, with the ability to withstand temperatures up to 1100°C. Alloy 800 is commonly used in the chemical and nuclear industries due to its excellent resistance to stress-corrosion cracking. It is also ideal for manufacturing heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and steam generators.
Difference Between Incoloy 800 and Alloy 800
Carbon Content
The primary difference between Incoloy 800 and Alloy 800 is their carbon content. Incoloy 800 has less than 0.1% carbon, while Alloy 800 has 0.1% carbon. This difference affects their high-temperature properties. Incoloy 800 has a higher creep rupture strength at temperatures above 593°C than Alloy 800 and has lower thermal expansion. However, Alloy 800 has superior resistance to stress-corrosion cracking in steam environments.
Applications of Incoloy
As mentioned earlier, Incoloy 800 is commonly used in high-temperature furnace and chemical processing applications, where it needs to withstand high temperatures and resist oxidation, carburization, and sulfidation. On the other hand, Alloy 800 is ideal for chemical processing and nuclear power plants, where it needs to withstand high stress-corrosion cracking resistance in steam environments. It is also commonly used in heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and steam generators.
Cost Considerations
The cost of Incoloy 800 and Alloy 800 varies depending on the application and availability. However, due to its superior high-temperature properties, Incoloy 800 is generally more expensive than Alloy 800. If your application requires high-temperature resistance but not necessarily stress-corrosion resistance, then Incoloy 800 may be a suitable option. However, Alloy 800 may be better if your application requires the latter.
Conclusion
Incoloy 800 and Alloy 800 are nickel-iron-chromium alloys commonly used in high-temperature applications. Although they share some similarities, their carbon content, high-temperature properties, and applications differ. Incoloy 800 is ideal for high-temperature furnace and chemical processing applications that require excellent high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance. At the same time, Alloy 800 is ideal for chemical processing and nuclear power plants that require superior resistance to stress-corrosion cracking in steam environments. The cost of both alloys varies depending on the application and availability, but Incoloy 800 is generally more expensive due to its superior high-temperature properties. Choose the alloy that best suits your application requirements and budget.
Rachana is a dedicated and ambitious young woman who has made a name for herself in the metal industry. From her earliest days in the industry, Rachana showed a natural talent for problem-solving and a keen eye for detail. In her free time, She enjoys reading up on the latest advancements in the industry, as well as exploring new ways to innovate and improve upon existing processes.
