Why are copper-nickel alloys used in seawater equipment?

Copper-nickel alloys are highly valued for seawater equipment primarily due to their exceptional resistance to corrosion, even when exposed to rapidly flowing seawater.12

This durability makes them ideal for various marine applications, including:

• Marine Engineering: Monel metal, which typically contains about 66–67 percent nickel, is widely used for components such as propeller shafts due to its high strength and corrosion resistance.12
• Heat Exchange: Alloys containing 10 percent or 30 percent nickel are frequently used as tubing for condensers and heat interchangers.2
• Desalination: Their ability to withstand the corrosive effects of salt water makes these materials essential for infrastructure in desalination plants.2

These alloys are preferred because they combine structural strength with the ability to maintain integrity in harsh, saline environments, preventing the degradation that would affect less resistant metals.132