ASTM B161 UNS N02201 Low Carbon Pure Nickel Tube , commonly known as Nickel 201 tube, is a seamless industrial-grade pure nickel product specifically designed for high-temperature alkali environments. Compared with standard Nickel 200 (UNS N02200), Nickel 201 contains significantly lower carbon content, which prevents graphite formation at elevated temperatures.
Under ASTM B161 specification, these tubes are primarily used in heat exchangers, condensers, evaporators, and chemical processing systems where resistance to caustic alkalis and long-term thermal stability are critical.
At DLX, we manufacture seamless UNS N02201 pure nickel tubes with tight dimensional control, stable chemical composition, and export-ready quality standards. For alkali industry applications, material purity and structural reliability directly impact equipment lifespan, and that is exactly where Nickel 201 performs best.
Chemical Composition
| Grade | Nickel (Ni)+ Cobalt (Co) | Copper (Cu) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | Carbon (C) | Magnesium (Mg) | Sulfur (S) | Phosphorus (P) | Iron (Fe) |
| 99.9% | ≤0.015 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.002 | ≤0.01 | ≤0.01 | ≤0.001 | ≤0.001 | ≤0.04 | |
| 99.6% | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.05 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.005 | 0.002 | 0.1 |
Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Grades | N4/Ni201 | N6/Ni200 |
| Density | 8.9g/cm³ | 8.9g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1455°C | 1445-1470℃ |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 13.0µm/m·°C | 13.3×10⁻⁶/℃ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 10.1W/m·K | 90.7 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.103×10⁻⁶Ω·/m (at 20℃) | |
| Electrical Conductivity | 14.6% IACS | |
| Tensile Strength | ≥450MPa | ≥450 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥200MPa | ≥150 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ≥40% | ≥40% |
| Hardness | ≤150 |
Chemical Composition of UNS N02201
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | ≥ 99.0 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.02 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.40 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.25 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.35 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.35 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.01 |
The key difference lies in the carbon content. By reducing carbon to ≤ 0.02%, Nickel 201 avoids intergranular graphite precipitation at temperatures above 315°C. This makes it more suitable for elevated-temperature caustic systems.
Mechanical and Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 345 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 80 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 40% |
| Density | 8.89 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 1435–1446°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 70 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.096 μΩ·m |
Nickel 201 offers excellent ductility, allowing it to withstand fabrication processes such as bending, flaring, and welding without cracking.
International Grade Equivalents
| Standard | Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM | UNS N02201 | Nickel 201 |
| ASTM | UNS N02200 | Nickel 200 |
| DIN | 2.4068 | Low Carbon Nickel |
| DIN | 2.4066 | Nickel 200 |
| GB/T | N6 (Low Carbon Type) | Industrial Pure Nickel |
| JIS | NW 2201 | Pure Nickel |
These international equivalents allow seamless integration into global alkali and chemical systems.
Comparison Table: Nickel 200 vs Nickel 201
| Item | Nickel 200 (N02200) | Nickel 201 (N02201) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content | ≤ 0.15% | ≤ 0.02% |
| High Temp Stability | Moderate | Excellent |
| Graphitization Risk | Possible above 315°C | Minimal |
| Typical Application | General Chemical | High Temp Alkali |
| Cost | Slightly Lower | Slightly Higher |
For alkali evaporators and heat exchangers operating above 315°C, Nickel 201 is the safer and more stable choice.
Main Applications in Alkali Industry
1. Caustic Soda Evaporators
Nickel 201 is highly resistant to sodium hydroxide solutions at high concentrations and temperatures.
2. Chlor-Alkali Production Equipment
Electrolyzers and piping systems benefit from Nickel 201’s corrosion resistance.
3. Heat Exchangers and Condensers
Its thermal conductivity supports efficient heat transfer in alkaline systems.
4. Hydrogen Production Systems
Nickel 201 performs reliably in alkaline electrolysis environments.
5. Reactor Vessels and Storage Tanks
Low carbon content improves structural stability during long-term operation.
Industry Trend Analysis
The alkali chemical industry continues expanding globally, especially in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Growing demand for:
Caustic soda
PVC production
Hydrogen energy
Industrial cleaning chemicals
is driving material upgrades in chemical plants.
Traditional carbon steel systems struggle in high-temperature alkali conditions. Companies are increasingly shifting toward high-purity nickel materials to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
Another major driver is green hydrogen production. Alkaline electrolysis technology requires corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand high-pH electrolytes for extended periods. Nickel 201 tube demand is rising in this segment.
From our experience at DLX, buyers are no longer only comparing price per ton. They analyze lifecycle cost, corrosion rate, and maintenance frequency. Low carbon pure nickel offers long-term operational savings.
About Us:
Our 12,000㎡ factory is equipped with complete capabilities for research, production, testing, and packaging. We strictly adhere to ISO 9001 standards in our production processes, with an annual output of 1,200 tons. This ensures that we meet both quantity and quality demands. Furthermore, all products undergo rigorous simulated environment testing including high temperature, high pressure, and corrosion tests before being dispatched, ensuring they meet customer specifications.
For all our clients, we offer timely and multilingual after-sales support and technical consulting, helping you resolve any issues swiftly and efficiently.
Client Visits
Building Stronger Partnerships
We support all kinds of testing:
1. What is the main difference between N02200 and N02201?
N02201 has much lower carbon content, improving high-temperature stability.
2. Why is low carbon important?
It prevents graphite precipitation at elevated temperatures, preserving mechanical strength.
3. Is Nickel 201 suitable for strong alkali solutions?
Yes, it has excellent resistance to concentrated sodium hydroxide.
4. Can UNS N02201 be welded easily?
Yes, it offers excellent weldability with proper filler materials.
5. What form is supplied under ASTM B161?
Primarily seamless tubes for condensers and heat exchangers.
6. What temperature can Nickel 201 handle?
It performs well above 315°C compared to Nickel 200.
7. Is it suitable for acidic environments?
It performs well in reducing acids but not in strongly oxidizing acids.
8. What industries purchase Nickel 201 tubes?
Chlor-alkali plants, hydrogen production facilities, petrochemical factories, and power plants.
DLX Manufacturing Advantage
At DLX, we focus on more than just producing Nickel 201 tubes. We build corrosion-resistant solutions tailored for alkali industry clients.
1. Strict Chemical Control
Every batch is analyzed to ensure carbon stays within ≤ 0.02%. This is critical for high-temperature performance.
2. Seamless Tube Precision
Our manufacturing process ensures:
Accurate outer diameter tolerance
Consistent wall thickness
Smooth inner surface finish
This improves flow efficiency and reduces scaling.
3. Project-Based Customization
We support:
Special length cutting
Custom dimensions
Third-party inspection
Export-compliant packaging
4. Stable Supply Chain
With mature production capacity, we provide stable lead times for long-term contracts.
5. Real B2B Experience
We understand documentation requirements for India, Russia, Iran, and Southeast Asia. We communicate efficiently and solve technical questions quickly.
Many suppliers compete only on price. At DLX, we compete on reliability, stability, and long-term cooperation.
In chemical plants, a small material defect can shut down an entire production line. That risk costs far more than material price differences. Our clients choose us because they want predictable performance.
Product Positioning
ASTM B161 UNS N02201 Low Carbon Pure Nickel Tube is positioned as a high-performance material for elevated-temperature alkali environments.
It offers:
Superior corrosion resistance in caustic media
Stable mechanical properties
Excellent heat transfer performance
Long service life
As global demand for hydrogen energy and alkali chemicals increases, this product category continues to grow steadily.
DLX remains focused on delivering stable quality, competitive pricing, and engineering support. We work with clients not just as a supplier, but as a long-term partner.
Conclusion
ASTM B161 UNS N02201 Low Carbon Pure Nickel Tube is a reliable solution for alkali industry applications requiring high temperature stability and corrosion resistance. Its low carbon composition prevents structural degradation and ensures long service life in caustic environments.
With increasing global investment in alkali chemicals and hydrogen production, Nickel 201 tubes are becoming an essential material for industrial systems.
At DLX, we combine strict quality control, seamless manufacturing expertise, and export experience to deliver stable, corrosion-resistant solutions for B2B clients worldwide.
