In the oil, gas, and chemical processing industries, equipment reliability and material durability are critical to maintaining safe and efficient operations. Components in these sectors face extreme temperatures, high pressure, and exposure to corrosive chemicals, requiring alloys that can withstand such harsh environments. One material that consistently meets these challenges is the Nickel Alloy 716 Round Bar.
Known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability, Nickel Alloy 716 has become a trusted material for manufacturing valves, shafts, fasteners, and downhole tools in energy and petrochemical applications. This article explores the composition, mechanical properties, and advantages of Nickel Alloy 716 Round Bar and highlights its key applications in the oil, gas, and chemical processing industries. We also examine why SASAALLOY continues to be a preferred global supplier of this high-performance alloy.
1. Overview of Nickel Alloy 716
Nickel Alloy 716, also known as Inconel 716, is a precipitation-hardenable nickel-chromium-iron alloy that combines excellent mechanical strength with outstanding resistance to oxidation and corrosion. It is a derivative of Inconel 718, optimized for better weldability, creep strength, and stress-rupture resistance.
Typical Chemical Composition:
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Nickel (Ni): 50–55%
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Chromium (Cr): 17–21%
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Iron (Fe): Balance
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Molybdenum (Mo): 2.8–3.3%
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Niobium + Tantalum (Nb + Ta): 4.75–5.5%
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Titanium (Ti): 0.65–1.15%
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Aluminum (Al): 0.2–0.8%
This chemical balance provides a strong protective oxide layer that allows Alloy 716 to perform reliably in acidic, chloride, and sulfur-containing environments—conditions commonly found in oil refining and chemical plants.
2. Key Mechanical Properties
Nickel Alloy 716 Round Bar offers a remarkable combination of strength, ductility, and thermal stability that makes it ideal for industrial applications under extreme service conditions.
Typical Mechanical Properties (at room temperature):
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Tensile Strength: up to 1300 MPa
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Yield Strength: approx. 1000 MPa
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Elongation: ≥ 15%
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Hardness: Rockwell C 35–45
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Density: 8.19 g/cm³
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Melting Range: 1330–1380°C
Even at high operating temperatures, Nickel Alloy 716 maintains its structural integrity and resistance to stress rupture, reducing downtime and ensuring long-term equipment performance.
3. Advantages of Using Nickel Alloy 716 in Oil, Gas, and Chemical Processing
Engineers and designers prefer Nickel Alloy 716 Round Bar because it addresses the most demanding conditions found in refineries, drilling rigs, and processing plants.
3.1 Superior Corrosion Resistance
The high chromium and nickel content provide resistance to a wide range of corrosive agents, including hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), chlorides, sulfuric acid, and seawater—essential for both offshore and onshore operations.
3.2 High Strength and Stress Rupture Resistance
The alloy maintains its mechanical strength at temperatures exceeding 700°C, ensuring reliability in high-pressure vessels, turbine parts, and compressor components.
3.3 Excellent Creep and Fatigue Resistance
Nickel Alloy 716 can withstand cyclic loading, vibration, and long-term exposure to high stress, making it suitable for rotating equipment in refineries and pipelines.
3.4 Outstanding Weldability
Unlike many other high-strength alloys, Nickel Alloy 716 is easy to weld and fabricate without significant risk of post-weld cracking—reducing repair costs and simplifying maintenance.
3.5 Extended Service Life
Due to its high durability and resistance to corrosion and oxidation, components made from this alloy enjoy a much longer operational lifespan, reducing maintenance downtime and replacement frequency.
4. Applications in the Oil and Gas Industry
The oil and gas sector demands materials that can resist chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking, sulfide stress cracking, and thermal fatigue. Nickel Alloy 716 Round Bar meets all these requirements and is widely used in critical upstream and downstream applications.
4.1 Valves and Fittings
Nickel Alloy 716 is commonly used to produce valve bodies, stems, and seat rings that maintain sealing performance in corrosive or high-temperature service.
4.2 Drilling and Downhole Tools
In oil exploration, Alloy 716 is used for drill collars, subs, mandrels, and completion tools, offering exceptional fatigue and stress resistance in high-pressure wells.
4.3 Pump Shafts and Couplings
The alloy’s mechanical strength and corrosion protection make it ideal for centrifugal pump shafts and coupling assemblies operating in chemical-laden or saltwater environments.
4.4 Fasteners and Bolting Materials
Nickel Alloy 716 is used to produce bolts, nuts, and studs for high-pressure flanges and manifolds, where material reliability is essential for safety and performance.
4.5 Offshore and Subsea Equipment
With its ability to resist both pitting and crevice corrosion, this alloy is a preferred choice for subsea components, riser connectors, and control system hardware exposed to seawater and hydrocarbons.
5. Applications in Chemical Processing Plants
The chemical processing industry involves continuous exposure to acids, chlorides, and oxidizing agents. Nickel Alloy 716’s corrosion resistance and mechanical stability make it indispensable in plant operations.
5.1 Reactor and Heat Exchanger Components
Used in reactor vessels, heat exchanger tubes, and condenser plates, the alloy resists both oxidizing and reducing chemical attack at high temperature and pressure.
5.2 Pumps, Valves, and Agitators
The excellent mechanical strength and fatigue resistance make it suitable for agitator shafts, valve bodies, and pump impellers that operate in aggressive chemical fluids.
5.3 Flanges and Piping Systems
Nickel Alloy 716 is used in flanges, elbows, and connectors that handle high-temperature acids, ensuring safe and leak-free transport of corrosive liquids.
5.4 Pressure Vessels and Bolting
The material’s combination of strength and ductility helps pressure vessels and bolted assemblies maintain sealing integrity under high stress and fluctuating pressure.
6. Fabrication, Machining, and Heat Treatment
Nickel Alloy 716 is highly adaptable to hot and cold working processes, and it can be forged, machined, and heat-treated to achieve tailored performance.
Heat Treatment Process:
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Solution Annealing: 980–1000°C followed by rapid cooling to dissolve carbides and refine grain structure.
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Aging Treatment: 720–780°C for precipitation hardening to increase strength and hardness.
After heat treatment, the material shows optimal toughness, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance, ideal for long-term industrial applications.
7. Quality Standards and Testing
Every Nickel Alloy 716 Round Bar supplied by SASAALLOY undergoes strict quality inspection and certification to ensure compliance with global industrial standards such as:
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ASTM B637
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AMS 5662 / AMS 5663
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EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 Certification
Testing Includes:
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Positive Material Identification (PMI)
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Ultrasonic and Eddy Current Testing
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Tensile, Yield, and Impact Testing
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Hardness and Microstructure Examination
This ensures that every batch of Alloy 716 meets precise specifications required for oil, gas, and chemical applications.
8. Why Choose SASAALLOY
SASAALLOY is an experienced manufacturer and global supplier specializing in high-performance nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, and corrosion-resistant materials. With advanced equipment, strict quality management, and professional technical expertise, SASAALLOY delivers premium-grade Nickel Alloy 716 Round Bars trusted by engineers worldwide.
Key Advantages of SASAALLOY:
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Certified production under ISO and ASTM standards
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Wide stock range for quick delivery
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Custom sizes and machining services available
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In-house heat treatment and non-destructive testing
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Comprehensive material certification and traceability
Whether used in offshore drilling platforms, chemical reactors, or high-pressure pump systems, SASAALLOY’s Nickel Alloy 716 Round Bars guarantee performance, safety, and reliability for the most demanding industrial applications.
9. Conclusion
The oil, gas, and chemical processing industries operate in environments where ordinary metals cannot survive. Nickel Alloy 716 Round Bar stands as a proven solution, offering superior strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability that ensure long-term performance under the harshest conditions.
Its versatility in fabrication, outstanding mechanical integrity, and long service life make it the preferred choice for critical components such as valves, pumps, fasteners, and downhole tools.
Backed by advanced production technology, strict quality control, and expert technical support, SASAALLOY continues to lead the global market in supplying reliable Nickel Alloy 716 Round Bars for energy and chemical industries — ensuring durability, safety, and efficiency in every operation.
Post time: Nov-03-2025