Alloy 20 (UNS N08020) is a highly regarded superaustenitic stainless steel, known for its exceptional corrosion resistance in aggressive chemical environments. It contains nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and copper, a combination that provides robust defense against various corrosive agents, most notably sulfuric acid across a wide range of concentrations and temperatures.
Key Characteristics and Advantages
The primary allure of Alloy 20 steel plate lies in its superior performance attributes:
- Outstanding Sulfuric Acid Resistance: It is specifically engineered to handle hot sulfuric acid, making it invaluable in processes where this acid is prevalent.
- Broad Corrosion Resistance: Beyond sulfuric acid, Alloy 20 exhibits good resistance to phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and many other challenging industrial chemicals.
- Resistance to Chloride Attack: It offers excellent resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (SCC), as well as good resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, which are common concerns in chloride-containing environments.
- Fabricability: Alloy 20 possesses good mechanical properties, allowing it to be readily formed and welded using standard fabrication techniques applicable to austenitic stainless steels.
These properties ensure longevity and reliability in demanding service conditions. Many industrial projects source this material from established suppliers; for instance, entities like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company often stock Alloy 20 plate to meet diverse industry needs.
Typical Applications of Alloy 20 Plate
Given its robust corrosion resistance, Alloy 20 steel plate is extensively used in industries where harsh conditions are the norm:
- Chemical Processing: Manufacturing of synthetic rubber, plastics, explosives, and organic chemicals often involves equipment like reactors, heat exchangers, tanks, piping, pumps, and valves made from Alloy 20.
- Pharmaceuticals and Food Processing: Its resistance to contamination makes it suitable for processing equipment where product purity is critical.
- Petrochemical Industry: Used in various applications where corrosive crude oil fractions or process streams are handled.
- Pollution Control: Components in flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) systems and other environmental control equipment.
- Metal Pickling: Used for pickling racks, tanks, and heating coils in sulfuric acid pickling operations.
The selection of Alloy 20 plate, often facilitated by experienced metal distributors such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, ensures operational integrity in these critical sectors.
Material Composition and Standards
Alloy 20’s nominal composition typically includes approximately 32-38% Nickel, 19-21% Chromium, 2-3% Molybdenum, 3-4% Copper, with the balance being Iron, and controlled amounts of other elements like Manganese, Silicon, and Columbium (Niobium) for stabilization. This precise chemistry, often verified by suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, is crucial for its performance. The material is generally produced to meet standards such as ASTM B463 (plate, sheet, and strip) and ASME SB-463. When procuring, ensuring the material meets these specifications is paramount, and reliable sources such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company can provide the necessary certifications and quality assurance. For specialized requirements, discussing with a knowledgeable supplier like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company is always recommended.
