ASTM SB163 UNS N04400 pipes for power plant cooling systems
Gnee Steel
ASTM SB163 UNS N04400 pipes for power plant cooling systems
ASTM B163 UNS N04400 pipe, also known as Monel 400, is a nickel-copper alloy tube highly regarded in power plant cooling systems for its excellent resistance to seawater corrosion and high strength over a wide temperature range. The ASTM B163 specification covers seamless tubing for condensers and heat exchangers, the types of applications used in power plant cooling systems.

Gnee Steel
What is UNS N04400?
MONEL Nickel-Copper Alloy 400
MONEL Nickel-Copper Alloy 400 (UNS N04400/W.Nr. 2.4360 and 2.4361) is a solid-solution alloy that can only be hardened by cold working. It exhibits high strength and toughness over a wide temperature range and offers excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of corrosive environments.

ASME SB163 UNS N04400 Pipe Specification Chart
| ASTM Specification | ASTM B163 |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM, ASME, JIS, AISI, AMS, EN, SAE, DIN, NF, TOCT, DS, DTD, GB |
| ASTM B163 UNS N04400 Seamless Pipe Size | 4 to 219mm W. T.: 0.5 to 20mm |
| ASTM B163 N04400 Welded Pipe Size | 5.0 - 1219.2 mm |
| ASME SB 163 N04400 EFW Pipe size | 5.0 - 1219.2 mm |
| Swg & Bwg | 10 Swg., 12 Swg., 14 Swg., 16 Swg., 18 Swg., 20 Swg. |
| B163 N04400 Pipe Schedule | SCH5, SCH10, SCH10S, SCH20, SCH30, SCH40, SCH40S, STD, SCH80, XS, SCH60, SCH80, SCH120, SCH140, SCH160, XXS |
| ASME SB 163 UNS N04400 Pipe Length | Single Random, Double Random, Standard & Cut length Pipe |
| Finish | Polished, AP (Annealed & Pickled), BA (Bright & Annealed), MF, NO.1, NO.4, 2B, BA, HL, 8K, Mirror finish, etc |
| Form | ASME SB 163 UNS N04400 Pipe are available in form of Round, Square, Hollow, Rectangular, Hydraulic, Coiled, Straight Pipes, "U" Shape, Pan Cake Coils etc. |
ASTM B163 UNS N04400 Chemical Composition
| Alloy | Nickel | Copper | Manganese | Iron | Sulfur | Carbon | Silicon | Chromium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNS N04400 | 63.0 min | 28.0 – 34.0 | 2.0 max | 2.5max | 0.024 max | 0.3max | 0.5 | … |
ASTM B163 UNS N04400 Mechanical Properties
| Material and Condition | Tensile Strength Min. Ksi(MPa) | Yield Strength(0.2% Offset)Min,Ksi(MPa) | Elongation in 2in. or 50mm(or 4D)min. % | Rockwell Hardness(or Equivalent) for Annealed Ends[Note(1)] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stress-relieved Alloy UNS N04400: | 85(586) | 55(379) | 15 | B75max |
Key Applications in Power Plant Cooling Systems
Condenser and Heat Exchanger Tubing: ASTM B163 specifically addresses seamless nickel alloy tubing used in condensers and heat exchangers. Its high corrosion resistance to water and steam makes it ideal for these components, which are critical for transferring heat away from the plant.
Pipeline Systems: Monel 400 is used in complex piping networks that circulate coolant, particularly in plants using seawater as a coolant. Its resistance to high water flow rates is a major advantage.
Valves and Pumps: For components requiring both high strength and corrosion resistance, Monel 400 is often used in valves and pumps within cooling infrastructure.
Key Features and Benefits
High Corrosion Resistance: Monel 400 offers excellent corrosion resistance in marine environments, including fast-moving seawater, steam, and saline solutions. It also exhibits strong resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking.
High-Temperature Strength: The alloy maintains excellent mechanical properties from subzero temperatures to approximately 1000°F (538°C). This thermal stability is essential for withstanding the temperature fluctuations found in cooling systems.
Durability and Long Life: Monel 400 pipe exhibits a low corrosion rate in brackish and seawater, and the corrosion rate is predictable and slow over time. This results in a longer service life and significantly reduced maintenance costs compared to many copper alloys.
Machinability: Monel 400 exhibits good weldability and can be hot- and cold-worked, allowing it to be fabricated into complex parts and assemblies suitable for a variety of cooling system designs.

Gnee Steel specializes in the production and sale of various nickel-based alloys, including Nickel 201, Nickel 202, Hastelloy C-276, Hastelloy C-22, Hastelloy B, Hastelloy C-4, Inconel Alloy 600, Inconel 625, Inconel 718, Inconel X-750, Incoloy Alloy 800, Incoloy 800H/HT, Incoloy 825, Monel Alloy 400, Monel K500, and high-temperature alloys. Gnee Steel's products are widely used in aerospace, chemical, electric power, automotive, and nuclear energy applications. We also offer customized alloy solutions tailored to customer needs. For alloy pricing inquiries or customized alloy solutions, please contact us for a quote at ss@gneesteel.com.





