Since the advent of the jet engine, Nickel and Nickel alloy has been used in new alloys and production techniques to meet ever tighter standards for
high-temperature performance, creep resistance, strength, and metallurgical structure.
Jet Engines
Nickel and Nickel alloy is used for critical jet engine rotating applications. In the newest technology jet engines, wide chord titanium fan blades increase
efficiency while reducing noise.
Airframes
In the airframe structural market, innovative alloys replace steel and nickel alloys in landing gear and nacelle applications. These substitutions enable
airframe manufacturers to save weight and improve aircraft efficiency.
With each new design, commercial aircraft manufacturers increase the use of Nickel and Nickel alloy in airframes.
Industrial Applications
Nickel and Nickel alloy forms a very tenacious surface oxide layer, which is an outstanding corrosion inhibitor. In many harsh environments it can outlast
competing materials as much as 5:1. Lower failure rates translate to less downtime, reduced maintenance and total lower cost. As a result, Nickel and
Nickel alloy have found a home in numerous industries ranging from power generation to chemical processing to desalination plants.
Power Generation
In power generating plants, where saline, brackish or polluted waters are used as the cooling medium, Nickel and Nickel alloy thin wall condenser tubing
will last for the life of the condenser (with a 40-year warranty against failure under proper conditions) and eliminate the need for a corrosion allowance.
Chemical Processing
Many chemical processing operations specify Nickel and Nickel alloy to increase equipment life. It offers lifecycle cost advantages over copper, nickel
and stainless steel grades, while providing initial cost advantages over materials such as high nickel alloys, tantalum and zirconium.
Petroleum
In petroleum exploration and production, Nickel and Nickel alloy pipe's light weight and flexibility make it an excellent material for deep sea production
risers. In addition, titanium's immunity to attack by sea water makes it the preferred material for topside water management systems. It is used on
existing platforms in the North Sea and many more projects are in the planning stages. And since it shows virtually no corrosion in salt water, Nickel and
Nickel alloy are also the material of choice in desalination plants worldwide.
Other Industries
Nickel and Nickel alloys are used in dozens of other industrial purposes, such as flue gas desulphurisation for pollution control, PTA plants for polyester
production, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and hydrometallurgial autoclaves. Each grade is tailored to specific operating conditions, emphasizing
strength for different pressures, alloy content for different corrosive agents and ductility for different fabrication requirements.
