What Is Aluminum Bronze Valve?
Aluminium Bronze Valve is an alloy composed of copper and aluminum; aluminum serves as the primary alloying metal. Such valves are valued for their exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, biostatic properties that deter marine organisms like algae and lichen colonization, and antimicrobial treatments that provide greater hygiene control in marine environments..The common specification is ASTM B148 C95800 although the AB2 specification is also used. These are similar to C95500 and C95400 specifications and offer good castability, reasonable bearing material, easy machining and high tensile strength.
Aluminum bronze valves are used in various industrial applications where a reliable, durable, and corrosion-resistant valve is required. Here are some common applications of aluminum bronze valves:
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Marine Industry
- Chemical Processing Industry
- Power Generation Industry
- Mining Industry
- Water Treatment Industry
Aluminum-bronze valves are a suitable and far cheaper substitute to duplex, super duplex, and monel for many seawater applications, especially in low-pressure applications. Its major drawback is its low tolerance to heat. Aluminium-bronze is also referred to as nickel-aluminum bronze and abbreviated as NAB.
Aluminum bronze material introduction
C95800 offers superior saltwater corrosion resistance. It also is resistant to cavitation and erosion. Along with the advantage of pressure tightness, this high-strength alloy is excellent for welding and is available in many forms at a lower cost to you. So NAB C95800 Globe valves are typically used for shipbuilding with seawater or fire water application.
Aluminum bronze is a type of bronze in which aluminum is the main alloying metal added to copper. A variety of aluminum bronzes of differing compositions have found industrial use, with most ranging from 5% to 11% aluminum by weight, the remaining mass being copper; other alloying agents such as iron, nickel, manganese, and silicon are also sometimes added to aluminum bronzes.
Aluminum Bronze Alloys are important materials due to their excellent physical, mechanical, anti-corrosive, and wearing properties. Add Nickel to the alloy and you can achieve an increase in strength without diminishing it’s excellent ductility, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Nickel Aluminum Bronze Alloys are used in a wide array of components in many different industries. Normally specified for their high strength, good wear resistance, abrasion resistance, and excellent resistance to corrosion in seawater and many other aggressive environments.
The corrosion-resistant property relies on the formation of a copper/aluminum oxide film. This film is self-repairing in media containing even low levels of oxygen.
This oxide film provides the following benefits:
-It adheres firmly to the surface of the substrate
-It has a resistance to liquid penetration
-The hardness of the alumina content creates higher resistance to erosion and abrasion
Nickel Aluminum Bronze alloys can be considered for service in the following chemicals. The selection must take into account the operational temperature, concentrations, service conditions, and impurities.
- Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum bronze valves boast superior corrosion resistance due to an aluminum component that reacts with atmospheric oxygen to form a thin, tough layer of aluminum oxide that acts as a protective barrier against acidic or salty liquids that might harm these valves.
Aluminum bronze has several advantageous properties that make it suitable for industrial applications, including its resistance to corrosive chemicals, high electrical conductivity, and strength – qualities that make it the go-to material in many instances.
- Durability
Aluminum bronze valves are an excellent solution for environments prone to corrosion due to their superior corrosion resistance and performance, including being able to withstand harsh temperatures while managing high pressures.
These devices come in different pressure categories, sizes, and styles to meet any need you might have. Furthermore, they can even be customized specifically to meet those needs.
These valves are designed to open and close a passageway when activated. Their mechanism uses a ball, disk, or globe connected to an external handle stem or actuator for easy operation.
- Easy to Work With
Aluminum bronze valves boast several distinct advantages that make them easier to use, including their malleable construction that makes them user-friendly and has heavy-duty usage for years without cracking.
Valve styles and pressure categories vary considerably. From solid disc to wedge or two-piece split designs, these valves work by having their closure element (disc or gate) slide into an opening in the pipeline to block off fluid pathways.
- Customizable
Aluminum bronze valves offer numerous advantages that make them an excellent choice for various applications, including low costs, corrosion resistance, and durability.
Easy to work with and maintain portable air conditioners require little care or attention in terms of their upkeep. Inspection and cleaning sessions should be held regularly to keep them operating optimally.
Aluminum bronze valves provide another distinct advantage; they can be tailored to meet various applications ranging from marine, chemical processing, and industrial uses that demand resistance against corrosion and wear.
Applications for Nickel Aluminum Bronze Valves
The various types of nickel aluminum bronze alloys are a popular choice for industrial applications such as landing gear bushings and bearings for the aerospace industry, propeller hubs, wear rings, and hardware for the marine industry, piping for vertical pump columns, firefighting and fire suppression systems, and seawater lift pumps for the oil and gas industry, hydraulic bushings for earth moving equipment, as well as many other applications. This is due specifically to the addition of nickel which improves the corrosion resistance of the already versatile aluminum bronze alloys. Iron acts as a grain refiner and increases tensile strength without diminishing its excellent ductility and toughness.
Aluminum bronzes are most commonly used in applications where their resistance to corrosion makes them preferable to other engineering materials. These applications include plain bearings and landing gear components on aircraft, engine components (especially for seagoing ships), underwater fastenings in naval architecture, and ship propellers. The attractive gold-toned coloration of aluminum bronzes has also led to their use in jewelry.
Aluminum bronzes are in the highest demand from the following industries and areas:
-General sea water-related service
-Water supply
-Oil and petrochemical industries eg tools for use in non-sparking environments
-Specialized anti-corrosive applications
-Certain structural retrofit building applications
C95800 Valves
-cost-effective (cheaper than the exotic alternatives);
- long-lasting (comparable in performance on general corrosion, pitting, and cavitation to super duplex alloys and significantly better than the standard alloys), and
-a good valve material (does not gall, has excellent anti-fouling properties, and is a good thermal conductor), makes it an excellent choice for valves in seawater service.
Common used Valve Material Construction
Body, Bonnet, Disc Cast Ni-Alu bronze ASTM B148-C95800
Stem, Back Seat Ring Alu-Bronze ASTM B150-C63200 or Monel 400
Gaskets & Packing Graphite or PTFE
Bolting, Fasteners Stainless Steel A194-8M & A193-B8M
Hand Wheel Cast Iron A536+Anti-corrosive plastic
Related Specifications
ASTM B148
ASTM B150
ASTM B271
ASTM B584
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