Pollution Control, Waste Disposal, and Power Generation
Sulfur dioxide emissions are tightly regulated in many countries due to the pollution caused by fossil fuel combustion, particularly in coal-fired power plants. Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) employs chemical reactions to remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust flue gases, effectively limiting SO2 emissions.
Several technologies have been developed for FGD, with the most common being wet scrubbing—using seawater or an alkaline sorbent slurry, often lime or limestone—and dry scrubbing, which also utilizes alkaline sorbents. Regardless of the chosen method, FGD processes involve highly corrosive materials, making Alloy C22 a natural choice for manufacturing related equipment.
Alloy C22 excels in constructing containers for corrosive waste and is frequently used as a protective overlay on boiler tubes and waterwalls in coal-fired power plants. Its resistance to extreme heat and corrosion is crucial, particularly because sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide, and water vapor from fossil fuel combustion can condense at high temperatures, forming sulfuric and sulfurous acids. Alloy C22 is approved under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII, Division 1, for pressure vessels and components operating at temperatures up to 677°C.
Pulp and Paper Processing
In the pulp and paper processing industry, metal components must withstand highly corrosive environments. Mills utilize harsh chemicals such as bleaches, acids, and salts, often at elevated temperatures. Therefore, a highly resistant alloy is necessary to prevent deformation, pitting, cracking, or corrosion over time. INCONEL Alloy C22 is a preferred option due to its excellent resistance to various corrosive media at high temperatures.
Marine Applications
Alloy C22's aqueous corrosion resistance is particularly advantageous in marine environments. Seawater, with its high saline content, corrodes metal five times faster than freshwater. Components used in shipbuilding and offshore applications are often exposed to seawater, requiring materials that can withstand prolonged exposure. Component failures can lead to increased maintenance costs, compromised safety, and shortened lifespans for vessels and installations.
Nickel alloys, in general, are standard for marine and offshore applications, and INCONEL Alloy C22 is highly regarded by marine engineers for its exceptional resistance to seawater, both in stagnant and flowing conditions. Its applications include piping and heat exchanger tubing in the offshore oil and gas industry.
Chemical and Petrochemical Processing
Alloy C22's remarkable resistance to various corrosive media makes it highly valued in the chemical and petrochemical processing sectors. Pipes or containers made from Alloy C22 can safely contain or channel harsh chemicals without corroding, pitting, or cracking in hot and corrosive environments. As an austenitic alloy with less than 3% iron content, Alloy C22 also resists creep—deformation from repeated mechanical stress at high temperatures—and embrittlement.
The advantages of INCONEL Alloy C22 in these applications are clear: it offers a longer operational life, easier cleaning due to the absence of pitting and cracking, reduced maintenance needs, and improved cost efficiency. Using Alloy C22 in manufacturing containers, components, and tubing provides significant protection against leaks, contamination, and other hazardous outcomes. In high-stakes, high-pressure applications, Alloy C22’s exceptional corrosion resistance and ability to endure high temperatures make it a standout choice among nickel alloys.
Similar Alloys
If your project requires a nickel alloy with excellent corrosion resistance, considerINCONEL Alloy 625as an alternative to Alloy C22. This versatile alloy includes niobium for added strength without the need for heat treatment and is popular across various sectors, including marine, power, pulp and paper processing, as well as aerospace and oil extraction.
Another option isINCOLOY Alloy 825, which is also favored by marine engineers. It was the first nickel alloy to incorporate molybdenum and remains one of the best choices available. Like Alloy C22, it offers exceptional corrosion resistance across a variety of media, although it performs best at moderately high temperatures.
