1. Womic Steel: Manufacturing Capabilities & Company Strength
Womic Steel Group is a premier manufacturer and global exporter with over 20 years of expertise in producing corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) pipes including nickel alloys, duplex stainless steels, and titanium. Our specialized nickel alloy welded pipe production facility utilizes multiple advanced welding technologies with strict control of heat input and post-weld heat treatment to maintain the alloy's corrosion resistance and mechanical properties:
● ERW (Electric Resistance Welding) Line: For diameters from 6.35mm to 610mm (1/4″ – 24″), wall thickness from 0.5mm to 12.7mm. High-frequency welding with low heat input to avoid segregation. Ideal for small to medium diameter N08825 pipes for instrument lines, chemical injection, and process piping.
● EFW (Electric Fusion Welding) Line: For diameters from 219mm to 1219mm (8″ – 48″), wall thickness from 4.0mm to 50mm. TIG (GTAW) root pass with SAW fill passes, using matching filler metal (ERNiCrMo-3 or ERNiCrMo-10) and inert gas shielding.
● LSAW / SAWL Line for Nickel Alloys: For diameters from 406mm to 1524mm (16″ – 60″), wall thickness up to 50mm. Submerged arc welding of rolled nickel alloy plates with controlled heat input.
All nickel alloy welded pipes undergo solution annealing (heat treatment) at 980-1040°C followed by water quenching or rapid air cooling to restore corrosion resistance and dissolve any carbide or intermetallic precipitates, followed by pickling and passivation.
Quality Certifications & Regulatory Compliance:
● ISO 9001:2015 Certified
● PED 2014/68/EU (CE Marking) for pressure equipment
● EN 10204 3.2 Certification with third-party validation (TÜV, BV, SGS, LR)
● Third-Party Inspection (TPI) approved by SGS, BV, ABS, DNV, TÜV
● NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 for sour service (H₂S)
● ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Section VIII, Div. 1) upon request
Womic Steel supplies nickel alloy welded pipes to over 30 countries across chemical processing, fertilizer production, nuclear, and offshore industries.
Production Flexibility:
● ERW: 6.35–610mm OD × 0.5–12.7mm WT × ≤ 12m
● EFW: 219–1219mm OD × 4.0–50mm WT × ≤ 12m (longer upon request)
● LSAW: 406–1524mm OD × 6.0–50mm WT × ≤ 18m
● Finishing options: Annealed and pickled, bright annealed (for small tubing)
2. ASTM B705 UNS N08825: Material Composition & Performance Characteristics
UNS N08825 (Incoloy 825) is a nickel-iron-chromium alloy with additions of molybdenum, copper, and titanium. It is designed to provide excellent resistance to both reducing and oxidizing acids, as well as to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and pitting. The titanium addition stabilizes the alloy against intergranular attack after welding (similar to stabilized stainless steels). The high nickel content (38-46%) provides excellent resistance to chloride SCC, while the chromium and molybdenum provide pitting resistance. Copper adds resistance to sulfuric and phosphoric acids.
Chemical Composition (Ladle Analysis, % by mass):
| Element | UNS N08825 (ASTM B705) |
| C | ≤ 0.050 (typically ≤ 0.025) |
| Mn | ≤ 1.00 |
| P | ≤ 0.030 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 |
| Si | ≤ 0.50 |
| Cr | 19.5 – 23.5 |
| Ni | 38.0 – 46.0 |
| Mo | 2.5 – 3.5 |
| Cu | 1.5 – 3.0 |
| Ti | 0.6 – 1.2 |
| Al | ≤ 0.20 |
| Fe | Balance |
Mechanical Properties (Room Temperature, Solution Annealed):
| Property | UNS N08825 |
| Yield Strength (min, 0.2% offset) | 240 MPa (35,000 psi) |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 550 MPa (80,000 psi) |
| Elongation (min, 50mm gauge) | 30% |
| Hardness (typical) | 75-85 HRB |
Physical Properties:
● Density: 8.14 g/cm³
● Modulus of Elasticity: 195 GPa (28.3 × 10⁶ psi)
● Thermal Conductivity: 11.1 W/m·K at 100°C
● Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 14.0 × 10⁻⁶/°C (20-100°C)
Corrosion Resistance:
● Excellent resistance to sulfuric acid over a wide range of concentrations (up to 96% at moderate temperatures)
● Outstanding resistance to phosphoric acid (wet process) containing chlorides and fluorides
● Good resistance to nitric acid and organic acids
● Excellent resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking (SCC)
● Good pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride environments (PREN ≈ 30-35)
● Resistant to intergranular corrosion after welding (titanium stabilized)
● Suitable for sour service (NACE MR0175) up to high H₂S partial pressures
Corrosion Limits (Approximate):
● Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄): usable up to 96% concentration at room temperature; limited at boiling
● Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄): excellent up to 80% at 100°C
● Hydrochloric acid (HCl): limited to dilute (< 5%) at room temperature
● Nitric acid (HNO₃): good up to 40% at moderate temperatures
3. Dimensional Range & Standards Compliance
| Item | Specification |
| Standard | ASTM B705 / ASME SB-705 (pipe); ASTM B709 (tubing) |
| Manufacturing Processes | ERW, EFW, LSAW |
| Outside Diameter Range | ERW: 6.35 – 610mm; EFW/LSAW: 219 – 1524mm |
| Wall Thickness Range | ERW: 0.5 – 12.7mm; EFW/LSAW: 4.0 – 50mm |
| Schedule Range | 5S, 10S, 40S, 80S (for NPS 1/8″ – 48″) |
| Length Range | Standard: 6m; Extended: 12m, 18m, up to 18m (longer upon request) |
| End Finish | Plain End (PE), Beveled End (BE) |
| Surface Finish | Annealed & Pickled, Bright Annealed |
| Tolerances | OD: ±0.5% or ±3.2mm; WT: ±12.5% (per ASTM B775); Length: +50mm / -0mm |
4. Available Dimensions & Specifications – ASTM B705 UNS N08825 Welded Nickel Alloy Pipe (Selected Typical Sizes)
| NPS | OD (mm) | Schedule | WT (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Standard Length | Typical Application |
| 1/2″ | 21.3 | 40S | 2.77 | 1.27 | 6m | Chemical injection |
| 3/4″ | 26.7 | 40S | 2.87 | 1.69 | 6m | Instrument lines |
| 1″ | 33.4 | 40S | 3.38 | 2.50 | 6m | Acid feed lines |
| 1-1/2″ | 48.3 | 40S | 3.68 | 4.05 | 6m | Process piping |
| 2″ | 60.3 | 40S | 3.91 | 5.44 | 6m / 12m | Sulfuric acid |
| 3″ | 88.9 | 40S | 5.49 | 11.3 | 6m / 12m | Phosphoric acid |
| 4″ | 114.3 | 40S | 6.02 | 16.1 | 6m / 12m | Evaporator lines |
| 6″ | 168.3 | 40S | 7.11 | 28.3 | 6m / 12m | FGD outlet |
| 8″ | 219.1 | 40S | 8.18 | 42.6 | 12m | Offshore sour line |
| 10″ | 273.0 | 40S | 9.27 | 60.3 | 12m | Acid regeneration |
| 12″ | 323.9 | 40S | 10.31 | 79.8 | 12m | Main acid header |
| 16″ | 406.4 | 40S | 12.70 | 123.4 | 12m | Nuclear reprocessing |
| 20″ | 508.0 | 40S | 15.09 | 183.5 | 12m | Large diameter |
| 24″ | 609.6 | 40S | 17.48 | 255.5 | 12m | Specialty application |
*Custom dimensions outside these ranges available. N08825 welded pipes require longer lead times (minimum 60 days) due to specialized strip/plate sourcing.*
5. Common Nickel Alloy Standards & Grades Manufactured by Womic Steel
| Standard | Steel / Alloy Grades | Typical Application | Welding Process |
| ASTM B705 | UNS N08825 (Incoloy 825) | Sulfuric, phosphoric acid | EFW/LSAW/ERW |
| ASTM B709 | UNS N08825 | Tubing, heat exchanger | ERW |
| ASTM B619 | UNS N06022 (Hastelloy C-22), N10276 (C-276) | Extremely corrosive | EFW/LSAW |
| ASTM B622 | UNS N06022, N10276 | Tubing | ERW |
| ASTM B464 | UNS N08020 (20 Alloy) | Sulfuric acid | EFW |
| ASTM B729 | UNS N08020 | Tubing | ERW |
Usage: Acid plants (H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄, HNO₃), nuclear reprocessing, offshore sour service, FGD, chemical tankers.
6. Manufacturing Process – Welded Nickel Alloy Pipe (ERW, EFW, LSAW)
Nickel alloy welding requires careful control of heat input and post-weld heat treatment to maintain corrosion resistance. Alloy 825 is titanium-stabilized, but excessive heat input can still cause sensitization or segregation.
ERW (Electric Resistance Welding) Process – Small to Medium Diameter (6.35–610mm OD):
● Raw Material (Strip/Coil) Inspection: Nickel alloy strip verified for N08825 composition (Ni 38-46%, Cr 19.5-23.5%, Mo 2.5-3.5%, Cu 1.5-3.0%, Ti 0.6-1.2%). Each coil has unique heat number with full traceability.
● Uncoiling & Leveling
● Strip Edge Trimming
● Forming: Continuous roll forming.
● High-Frequency Welding: Low heat input (≤ 1.2 kJ/mm) to prevent segregation. Welding in inert atmosphere (argon shielding) to avoid oxidation.
● Seam Annealing: Induction annealing followed by rapid cooling.
● Sizing & Straightening
● Cutting to Length
● NDT: Eddy current test (100%) + optional UT.
● Solution Annealing (Full Pipe): 980-1040°C, water quench (or rapid air cool). Mandatory for restoring corrosion resistance.
● Hydrostatic Test
● Pickling & Passivation (using specialized acid mixture for nickel alloys)
● PMI (XRF) & Ferrite check (no ferrite in nickel alloy)
● Final Inspection & Marking
EFW (Electric Fusion Welding) Process – Large Diameter (219–1219mm OD, 4.0–50mm WT):
● Plate Preparation: Nickel alloy plate, edges beveled (X bevel).
● Roll Forming
● Tack Welding
● TIG (GTAW) Root Pass: Matching filler metal (ERNiCrMo-3 or ERNiCrMo-10), argon backing gas with oxygen getter.
● SAW Fill & Cap Passes: Low heat input (≤ 1.5 kJ/mm), interpass temperature ≤ 150°C. Special flux for nickel alloys (low sulfur).
● Inner Weld (for large diameters)
● 100% RT + UT (per ASTM B775)
● Solution Annealing: Full pipe heat treatment (980-1040°C), water quench.
● Pickling & Passivation
● Hydrostatic Test
● PMI & Dimensional Inspection
● Marking
LSAW Process for Nickel Alloys – Very Large Diameter (406–1524mm OD, 6.0–50mm WT):
● UOE or JCOE forming from nickel alloy plate
● Double-sided SAW welding with low heat input
● Full solution annealing after welding
Critical Control Points for N08825 Welding:
● Heat input: ≤ 1.5 kJ/mm (target ≤ 1.2 kJ/mm)
● Interpass temperature: ≤ 150°C
● Shielding gas: Argon (100%) for TIG; argon + helium for SAW
● Cleaning: Strict degreasing before welding (nickel alloys sensitive to sulfur and lead)
● Solution annealing: 980-1040°C, water quench – mandatory.
● No ferrite in weld metal (nickel alloy welds are fully austenitic)
7. Quality Control & Testing Procedures for ASTM B705 UNS N08825 Welded Nickel Alloy Pipe
| Stage | Inspection Method | Purpose |
| Raw Material | Chemical Analysis (OES or ICP) | Verify N08825 limits (Ni, Cr, Mo, Cu, Ti, Fe) |
| Raw Material | Tensile Testing | Yield ≥ 240 MPa, Tensile ≥ 550 MPa |
| Raw Material | Hardness | 75-85 HRB typical |
| Raw Material | Corrosion Test (ASTM G28) | Intergranular corrosion resistance (for critical acid service) |
| In-Process | Heat Input Monitoring | ≤ 1.5 kJ/mm |
| In-Process | Interpass Temperature | ≤ 150°C |
| Weld (ERW) | Eddy Current (100%) | Weld integrity |
| Weld (EFW/LSAW) | 100% UT (or PAUT) | Detect weld defects |
| Weld (EFW/LSAW) | RT (10-100% per spec) | Weld quality |
| Weld | Dye Penetrant (PT) | Surface cracks |
| After Solution Annealing | Hardness Test | Verify solution annealed condition |
| Finished Pipe | Hydrostatic Test | Pressure integrity |
| Finished Pipe | PMI (XRF) | Confirm grade (Ni, Cr, Mo) |
| Finished Pipe | Corrosion Test (ASTM G28 Practice A) | IGC resistance (if specified) |
| Finished Pipe | Visual & Marking | Traceability |
Optional Tests for Critical Service:
● ASTM G28 Practice A (50% H₂SO₄ – ferric sulfate) for intergranular corrosion resistance
● ASTM G48 pitting test (in FeCl₃, 6% at 40°C) for chloride pitting resistance
● HIC/SSC testing for sour service (NACE TM0284, TM0177)
● Elevated temperature tensile test (e.g., at 300°C)
● Ferrite measurement (should be < 1% for nickel alloys)
8. Primary Applications – ASTM B705 UNS N08825 Welded Nickel Alloy Pipe
● Sulfuric acid plants: Handling oleum (H₂SO₄ + SO₃), concentrated acid (96-98%), dilute acid (5-10%), and acid cooler piping. Replaces stainless steels that corrode rapidly.
● Phosphoric acid production (wet process): Evaporators, flash coolers, and piping handling phosphoric acid with chlorides and fluorides. Alloy 825 resists both oxidizing and reducing conditions.
● Nuclear fuel reprocessing: Handling spent nuclear fuel dissolved in nitric acid with fluorides. N08825 resists corrosion in this extremely aggressive environment (used in Magnox and THORP plants).
● Offshore sour service: Oil and gas production with high H₂S partial pressures (up to 10 bar) combined with high chlorides and temperatures up to 200°C. NACE MR0175 qualified.
● Seawater cooling (elevated temperature): Cooling water systems in coastal refineries and power plants where seawater temperature exceeds 45°C (where 2205 and even super duplex may pitting). N08825 resists pitting up to 80°C.
● Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) outlet ducts: Downstream of absorbers where wet chloride-rich acidic gases are present. Alloy 825 is standard for outlet ducting and stack liners.
● Chemical tankers: Cargo piping for aggressive chemicals including sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and organic acids. N08825 is approved by major chemical shipping companies.
● Pickling and acid regeneration plants: Hydrochloric acid (dilute) and mixed acid pickling lines for stainless steel production.
● Wastewater treatment: Highly corrosive industrial waste streams from chemical plants (mixed acids, heavy metals, chlorides).
9. Packaging & Shipping – ASTM B705 UNS N08825 Welded Nickel Alloy Pipe
Packaging:
● Anti-corrosion protection: Plastic wrap or VCI paper. For chemical service, no oil residue allowed (clean packaging).
● End caps: Heavy-duty plastic caps (color-coded – typically orange for N08825).
● Bundling (Small diameters): Each pipe individually wrapped, then bundled with non-metallic straps (avoid steel strapping contact to prevent contamination).
● Individual packaging (Large diameters): Plastic film wrap with foam rings between pipes.
● Wooden crates for critical applications (nuclear, pharmaceutical).
Shipping:
● Containers for ≤ 610mm, break-bulk for larger diameters.
● Documentation: MTC 3.1/3.2 (EN 10204), hydrotest report, UT/RT reports, PMI report, corrosion test report (ASTM G28 if specified), dimensional report, packing list, COO. Full traceability from heat number to finished pipe.
10. Womic Steel Advantages & FAQ – ASTM B705 UNS N08825 Welded Nickel Alloy Pipe
Why Partner with Womic Steel for N08825 Welded Pipe?
● Complete Size Range: ERW 1/4″ – 24″, EFW/LSAW 8″ – 48″.
● Full solution annealing after welding (980-1040°C, water quench).
● Intergranular corrosion testing per ASTM G28 available (mandatory for acid service).
● NACE MR0175 certification for sour service.
● Strict quality control – no ferrite in weld metal.
● Competitive lead times for nickel alloy pipes: 60-75 days for ERW, 75-90 days for EFW.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – ASTM B705 UNS N08825 Welded Pipe
Q: What is the difference between Incoloy 825 (N08825) and Alloy 20 (N08020)?
A: Both are used for sulfuric acid service. Alloy 20 (N08020) has lower nickel (32-38%) and higher chromium (19-21%) with copper. N08825 has higher nickel (38-46%) and molybdenum (2.5-3.5%) plus titanium stabilization. N08825 has better resistance to pitting and chloride SCC and is more suitable for sour service (H₂S). Alloy 20 is more economical for phosphoric acid and dilute sulfuric acid without chlorides. N08825 is often specified for more aggressive conditions.
Q: Is N08825 resistant to sulfuric acid at all concentrations?
A: No. N08825 is excellent for sulfuric acid up to approximately 60% at temperatures up to 100°C, and for concentrations between 85-96% at room temperature. In the intermediate range (60-85%) and at higher temperatures, corrosion rates can be high. For high-temperature concentrated H₂SO₄ (> 90%, > 150°C), special alloys like Hastelloy C-276 may be required. Always consult corrosion charts for specific conditions.
Q: Does N08825 require post-weld heat treatment after welding?
A: For most applications, N08825 can be used in the as-welded condition because the titanium stabilization prevents sensitization. However, ASTM B705 requires solution annealing (heat treatment) for welded pipe to meet mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Womic performs solution annealing on all welded pipes. For field welding, no PWHT is needed for N08825.
Q: What welding filler metal is recommended for N08825?
A: AWS A5.14 ERNiCrMo-3 (Inconel 625) or ERNiCrMo-10 (Inconel 622) are commonly used for welding N08825. The matching filler would be ERNiCrMo-3. Womic uses ERNiCrMo-3 for EFW processes. For field welding, the same filler is recommended.
Q: Can N08825 be used for seawater service?
A: Yes. N08825 has excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in seawater, even at elevated temperatures (up to 80°C). It is often selected for seawater cooling systems in refineries and coastal power plants where super duplex (2205) may suffer pitting at higher temperatures. However, for most seawater applications, duplex or super duplex is sufficient and more cost-effective. N08825 is typically reserved for seawater systems with additional corrosive chemicals (e.g., chlorinated seawater, acid contamination).
Q: Is N08825 suitable for sour service (H₂S)?
A: Yes. N08825 is qualified per NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 for sour service with H₂S partial pressures up to 1 bar (15 psi) and higher, depending on hardness control. It is often used for downhole tubing, flowlines, and process piping in sour oil and gas fields where 2205 duplex is insufficient due to high H₂S or chlorides.
Q: What is the typical lead time for UNS N08825 welded pipe?
A: 60-75 days for ERW (small to medium diameters), 75-90 days for EFW/LSAW (large diameters). Lead times are longer than for stainless steels because the alloy strip/plate is produced in smaller quantities with longer mill lead times. Third-party inspection adds 7-14 days. Rush orders (45-60 days) may be possible for standard sizes if material is in stock.
Q: What is the maximum operating temperature for N08825?
A: N08825 can be used in continuous service up to 550°C (1020°F) in non-acid environments. For corrosive service, the maximum temperature is limited by the corrodent. In sulfuric acid, service is typically limited to < 100°C; in phosphoric acid to < 150°C. For high-temperature oxidizing service, alloys with higher chromium (like Alloy 600, 601, or 625) are recommended.
Project Reference – North American Sulfuric Acid Plant Reboiler and Piping Replacement
Country: United States (Louisiana, Gulf Coast chemical corridor)
Standard & Grade: ASTM B705 UNS N08825 (Incoloy 825)
Dimensions & Quantity:
● OD 219.1mm (8″) × Schedule 40S (8.18mm WT) – 600 meters (approx. 20 tons) – EFW process
● OD 168.3mm (6″) × Schedule 40S (7.11mm WT) – 400 meters (approx. 10 tons) – EFW process
● OD 88.9mm (3″) × Schedule 40S (5.49mm WT) – 800 meters (approx. 8 tons) – ERW process
● OD 60.3mm (2″) × Schedule 80S (5.54mm WT) – 1,000 meters (approx. 6 tons) – ERW process
Total: 2,800 meters, approx. 44 tons
Specifications: ASTM B705 UNS N08825 solution annealed and pickled, beveled ends. Hydrostatic testing. 100% UT for EFW pipes, eddy current + UT for ERW. PMI on every pipe. Mandatory intergranular corrosion test per ASTM G28 Practice A (ferric sulfate-sulfuric acid method) – corrosion rate < 10 mpy (mil per year). Hydrofluoric acid resistance test (client specific). Third-party inspection by SGS USA.
Application: Replacement of acid reboiler piping and associated process lines in a sulfuric acid regeneration plant. The plant recovers spent sulfuric acid from alkylation units (refinery) by thermal decomposition and reconstitution. The piping handles hot sulfuric acid (85-95% H₂SO₄) at 150-200°C in the reboiler section, and dilute acid (5-10% H₂SO₄) at 80-100°C in the quench section. Previous Alloy 20 (N08020) piping failed after 4 years due to intergranular corrosion and cracking. N08825 was selected for its superior resistance to both concentrated and dilute acid, as well as its titanium stabilization.
Technical Challenges & Solutions:
● High-temperature concentrated sulfuric acid (85-95%, 150-200°C) – Alloy 20 corrodes at rates > 50 mpy under these conditions. N08825 with solution annealed condition and proper metallurgy provided corrosion rate < 5 mpy in ASTM G28 testing and in client's simulated process solution (85% H₂SO₄ at 180°C, 336 hours). Womic provided mill test reports and corrosion test coupons.
● Intergranular corrosion risk after welding – Although N08825 is titanium stabilized, improper heat input during manufacturing can cause chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries. Womic controlled weld heat input to ≤ 1.2 kJ/mm and performed full solution annealing after welding. ASTM G28 testing on weld samples showed corrosion rate 4-7 mpy (well below 10 mpy limit).
● Field welding procedure qualification – Plant maintenance team needed to perform field repairs. Womic provided 20 weld coupons of 6″ Schedule 40S with recommended WPS: GTAW with ERNiCrMo-3 filler, 100% argon backing, interpass ≤ 150°C. Coupons passed radiographic, PT, and ASTM G28 testing. The client's welding team certified the procedure.
● PMI verification – distinguishing N08825 from lower alloys – On-site risk of mixing N08825 with Alloy 825 (same UNS) vs Alloy 625 (different composition). Womic performed XRF on every pipe and labeled each with color-coded tags (orange for 825). No mix-ups occurred.
● Logistics during planned turnaround (4-week shutdown) – Pipes were shipped from Shanghai to New Orleans, then trucked to Louisiana site. All 44 tons delivered 10 days before turnaround start. Womic provided certified mill certificates (EN 10204 Type 3.2) and corrosion test reports in advance for client QA approval.
Result: The acid regeneration plant was successfully restarted after turnaround. After 12 months of operation, inspection of N08825 piping showed no measurable corrosion, no cracking, and no intergranular attack. The client estimated the new piping will last 15+ years (compared to 4 years for Alloy 20). Womic Steel has been added to the plant's approved materials list for future acid service replacements.
Contact:
Website: www.womicsteel.com
E-mail: sales@womicsteel.com
Tel / WhatsApp / WeChat:
Victor: +86 15575100681
Jack: +86 18390957568
Womic Steel – Your reliable partner for ASTM B705 UNS N08825 welded nickel alloy pipes for sulfuric and phosphoric acid plants, nuclear reprocessing, offshore sour service, and high-temperature seawater applications worldwide.











