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Alloy 20 Stainless Steel

Alloy 20 (UNS N08020) is a nickel-iron-chromium-based austenitic alloy known for its superior resistance to corrosion, especially in sulfuric acid environments. This alloy offers significant protection against pitting and crevice corrosion while exhibiting immunity to chloride stress corrosion cracking. Designed for high-resistance applications, Alloy 20 is ideal for various chemical, petrochemical, and marine environments, often performing better than standard stainless steels like 316L.

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Chemical Composition of Alloy 20 Stainless Steel

Element Composition (%)
Nickel (Ni) 32.0 – 38.0
Chromium (Cr) 19.0 – 21.0
Molybdenum (Mo) 2.0 – 3.0
Copper (Cu) 3.0 – 4.0
Niobium (Nb) + Tantalum (Ta) 8 x C – 1.0
Manganese (Mn) ≤ 2.0
Silicon (Si) ≤ 1.0
Carbon (C) ≤ 0.07
Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.045
Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.035
Iron (Fe) Balance

Technical Specifications of Alloy 20 Stainless Steel

Physical Properties

Property Value (Metric) Value (Imperial)
Density 8.08 g/cm³ 0.292 lb/in³
Modulus of Elasticity 195 GPa 28,300 ksi
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 13.9 µm/m·°C 7.72 µin/in·°F
Thermal Conductivity 10.3 W/m·K 71.5 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F
Melting Range 1357 – 1439°C 2475 – 2625°F

Mechanical Properties

Property Value (Metric) Value (Imperial)
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) 241 MPa 35,000 psi
Ultimate Tensile Strength 586 MPa 85,000 psi
Elongation at Break 30%
Hardness (Brinell) ≤ 217

Thermal Properties

Property Metric Imperial
Thermal Conductivity 10.3 W/m·K 71.5 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 13.9 µm/m·°C 7.72 µin/in·°F
Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K 0.12 BTU/lb·°F

Electrical Properties

Property Value
Electrical Resistivity 0.85 µΩ·m

Processing Properties of Alloy 20 Stainless Steel

  • Heat Treatment:
    • Annealing: Heat to 1725 – 1850°F (941 – 1010°C) for 30 minutes per inch of thickness, then water quench to maintain stability.
    • Stress Relieving: If required, heat below 1000°F (538°C), then water quench.
  • Machining: Moderate machinability; lower speeds and ample lubrication are recommended due to work hardening tendencies.
  • Welding: Ideal for TIG, MIG, and submerged arc welding using ER320LR filler metal. Preheating is not necessary, but caution should be exercised to avoid excessive heat that may affect corrosion resistance.
  • Hot Working: Recommended between 2100 – 2250°F (1149 – 1232°C) with careful control to prevent cooling below 1800°F before completion.

Product Specifications for Alloy 20 Stainless Steel by Solitaire Steel & Engineering LLP

Product Type Standards Sizes Types Applications
Sheets & Plates ASTM B463 Thickness: 3mm – 100mm Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled Chemical storage, processing tanks
Pipes & Tubes ASTM B729, B464, B468 Diameter: 6mm – 500mm Seamless, Welded Corrosive piping, marine structures
Bars ASTM B473 Diameter: 6mm – 200mm Round, Square, Hex Valve parts, fasteners, pump components
Angles, Channels, Beams ASTM B463 Custom sizes available L-Angles, U-Channels Structural supports, marine equipment
Fittings ASTM B366 Size: 1/2″ – 36″ Buttweld, Socket Weld Corrosive environments, chemical processing

Applications of Alloy 20 Stainless Steel

Alloy 20 is a preferred material in industries requiring high corrosion resistance and durability, especially in environments where sulfuric acid and chlorides are present:

  • Chemical Processing: Tanks, agitators, and heat exchangers for acid and salt solutions.
  • Petrochemical and Refining: Marine and offshore piping, valves, and storage tanks.
  • Food and Pharmaceutical Processing: Equipment exposed to high-purity water and acid cleaners.
  • Power Plants: Flue gas desulfurization systems and scrubbers.

Comparison with Other Alloys

When compared to 316L stainless steel, Alloy 20 exhibits significantly enhanced resistance to sulfuric acid, pitting, and crevice corrosion. It also surpasses standard austenitic steels in chloride stress corrosion cracking resistance, making it suitable for more aggressive environments without requiring costly nickel alloys.