Hastelloy B-3
Supplied by Huaxiao-Alloy – Your Trusted Global Alloy Partner
1. Introduction to Hastelloy B-3
Hastelloy B-3 is a nickel molybdenum alloy that represents an advancement over Hastelloy B-2, with significantly improved thermal stability and fabrication properties. Designed for exceptional resistance to hydrochloric acid at all concentrations and temperatures, it also resists strong reducing agents such as hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and acetic acid.
Unlike earlier B-series alloys, Hastelloy B-3 offers greater structural integrity at elevated temperatures and improved resistance to localized corrosion. These enhancements make it an ideal choice for the chemical processing, petrochemical, energy, and pollution control industries.
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we manufacture and supply Hastelloy B-3 in multiple forms—plates, sheets, strips, bars, rods, tubes, pipes, wires, fittings, and custom parts. Our materials comply with international ASTM and ASME standards, ensuring top quality for demanding global projects.
2. Chemical Composition of Hastelloy B-3
| Element | Typical wt.% | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | Balance | Provides corrosion resistance |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 27–31 | Ensures resistance to reducing acids |
| Iron (Fe) | 1–3 | Balance element |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1.5 max | Controlled to prevent oxidation weakness |
| Cobalt (Co) | 3 max | Minor strengthening element |
| Tungsten (W) | 3 max | Improves corrosion resistance |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.01 | Very low to avoid carbide precipitation |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.1 | Maintains ductility |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤1 | Deoxidizer and stabilizer |
| Vanadium (V) | ≤0.35 | Strengthening addition |
The inclusion of tungsten and cobalt enhances B-3’s performance compared to B-2, giving it better structural stability in higher temperature service.
3. Mechanical Properties of Hastelloy B-3
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 9.22 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 1370–1410 °C |
| Tensile Strength | 760–800 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2 percent offset) | 350–380 MPa |
| Elongation | 40–45 percent |
| Hardness | 88–92 HRB |
These properties confirm that Hastelloy B-3 provides an excellent balance of strength, ductility, and toughness, even after welding or fabrication.
4. Key Features of Hastelloy B-3
Outstanding resistance to hydrochloric acid at all concentrations.
Enhanced thermal stability compared with B-2.
Better resistance to localized corrosion such as pitting and stress corrosion cracking.
Excellent ductility and workability.
Maintains corrosion resistance in both annealed and welded conditions.
Suitable for fabrication of complex equipment without compromising corrosion resistance.
5. Heat Treatment
Solution annealed at 1065–1175 °C.
Rapid quenching in water to maintain corrosion resistance.
Recommended after cold working to restore ductility.
6. Applications of Hastelloy B-3
6.1 Chemical Processing
Reactors and vessels exposed to hydrochloric and sulfuric acids.
Heat exchangers in acetic acid production.
Acid handling pipelines and pumps.
6.2 Petrochemical Industry
Components for chlorinated hydrocarbon processing.
Catalyst regenerators and pickling line equipment.
6.3 Pollution Control
Scrubbers for acidic off-gas treatment.
Waste acid neutralization units.
6.4 Pharmaceuticals and Food Industry
Storage vessels for high-purity chemical cleaning solutions.
Corrosion-resistant components in hygienic environments.
6.5 Energy and Power Generation
Condensers and heat exchangers in acidic condensate systems.
Acid-resistant equipment for biomass and renewable energy facilities.
7. Advantages of Hastelloy B-3
Superior resistance to hydrochloric acid compared to stainless steels and many nickel alloys.
Improved fabrication flexibility compared with Hastelloy B-2.
Long service life and reduced maintenance costs.
High mechanical integrity at elevated service temperatures.
Broad availability from Huaxiao-Alloy’s extensive stock.
8. Limitations of Hastelloy B-3
Not suitable for oxidizing conditions, such as nitric acid or ferric and cupric salts.
Higher cost compared to stainless steels.
Requires careful handling during fabrication to prevent contamination.
9. Comparison with Other Alloys
| Alloy | Strengths | Weaknesses | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hastelloy B-2 | Excellent HCl resistance | Poor thermal stability | Reactors, pipes |
| Hastelloy B-3 | Enhanced thermal stability, strong in reducing acids | Limited in oxidizing environments | Chemical processing, pharmaceuticals |
| Hastelloy C-22 | Excellent in oxidizing environments | Lower in reducing acids | Pollution control, marine |
| Hastelloy C-276 | Versatile corrosion resistance | Slightly less HCl resistance | Oil and gas, chemical |
| Stainless Steel 316L | Affordable | Fails in hydrochloric acid | General processing |
10. Standards and Specifications
UNS: N10675
W. Nr.: 2.4600
Standards:
ASTM B333 – Plate, Sheet, Strip
ASTM B335 – Bar, Rod, Forging
ASTM B622 – Seamless Pipe and Tube
ASTM B619 – Welded Pipe
ASTM B626 – Welded Tube
ASTM B366 – Pipe Fittings
11. Product Forms Available at Huaxiao-Alloy
Plates and sheets
Strips and coils
Rods and bars
Seamless and welded tubes
Pipes and fittings
Wires and electrodes
Forgings and custom-machined components
12. Fabrication and Processing
Forming: Can be hot formed at 870–1175 °C. Cold forming requires intermediate annealing.
Welding: Good weldability with GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW. Use matching filler metals.
Machining: Requires rigid tooling and coolant due to work hardening.
Cleaning: Avoid oxidizing cleaning solutions; use mild acid pickling if necessary.
13. Why Choose Huaxiao-Alloy?
ISO-certified manufacturer with global supply capability.
Extensive inventory of Hastelloy B-3 in various dimensions.
Custom fabrication services including cutting, machining, and welding.
Expert technical team for alloy selection and application guidance.
Competitive pricing with fast worldwide delivery.
📩 Contact us today at [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (579) 300-2733
It is mainly used in chemical process equipment requiring strong resistance to hydrochloric and sulfuric acids.
Hastelloy B-3 has better thermal stability and improved fabrication properties compared with B-2.
Yes, it has good weldability when using appropriate filler metals and controlled procedures.
No, it is not recommended for oxidizing environments such as nitric acid.
We offer plates, sheets, bars, pipes, tubes, wires, and customized components.
15. Conclusion
Hastelloy B-3 is a high-performance nickel molybdenum alloy with superior resistance to hydrochloric acid and other reducing chemicals. Its thermal stability and fabrication advantages make it a better option than B-2 for critical chemical processes.
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we supply Hastelloy B-3 globally with assured quality, technical expertise, and tailored solutions. Whether you need raw material stock or custom-fabricated components, we are your trusted partner for corrosion-resistant alloys.
📩 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (579) 300-2733
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