Application of copper alloy in energy and petrochemical industry

1) Energy industry

Both thermal and nuclear power generation depend on steam for work. The return of steam is as follows: the boiler generates steam - the steam drives the steam turbine to do work - the steam after work is sent to the condenser - cooled to water - back to the boiler to become steam again. The main condenser is composed of tube plate and condensing tube. Because steel conducts heat well and resists water corrosion, they are made of pan brass, aluminum brass, or white copper. According to the information, 5 tons of condensing tubes are required for every 10 thousand kilowatts installed capacity. A 600,000-kilowatt power plant needs 300 tons of condensing pipe.

(2) Petrochemical industry

Copper and many copper alloys, in aqueous solution, hydrochloric acid and other non-oxidizing acids, organic acids (such as: acetic acid, citric acid, fatty acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, etc.), in addition to ammonia, all kinds of alkali and non-oxidizing organic compounds (such as: oil, phenol, alcohol, etc.), have good corrosion resistance; Therefore, in the petrochemical industry, a large number of containers, piping systems, filters, pumps, valves and other devices in contact with corrosive media. Also use its thermal conductivity, the manufacture of various evaporator, heat exchanger and condenser. Because the plasticity of copper is very good, it is especially suitable for the manufacture of heat exchangers with complicated structure and cross arrangement of copper tubes in modern chemical industry. Bronze production tools are used in the refinery because they do not emit sparks on impact, preventing fires.

(3) Marine industry

The ocean accounts for more than 70% of the earth's surface area. Many engineering metals, such as steel, aluminum and even stainless steel, are not resistant to corrosive chlorine ions in seawater. Copper is not resistant to seawater corrosion; And the copper ions dissolved in the water have bactericidal effect, can prevent Marine organisms from fouling. Therefore, copper and copper alloys are very important materials in the Marine industry, and have been widely used in desalination plants, offshore oil and gas production platforms, and other coastal and seabed facilities. For example, piping systems, pumps and valves used in seawater desalination, and equipment used in oil and gas production platforms, including bolts for splash zones and underwater use, biostain resistant casing, pump valves and piping systems, etc.