Nuclear Power Plant Condenser Tubes: Why Titanium Outperforms Cu-Ni Alloys

In nuclear power plants, the condenser plays a vital role in converting exhaust steam from the turbine back into water, ensuring efficient thermal cycle operation. The performance and durability of condenser tubes directly affect plant reliability, operational efficiency, and maintenance costs. While Cu-Ni (Copper-Nickel) alloys have been widely used for decades, titanium tubes are increasingly recognized as the superior choice for modern nuclear power plant condensers.

At Jiangsu Hongbao Group Co., Ltd., we manufacture high-quality titanium and titanium alloy tubes specifically designed for nuclear condenser applications. Complying with ASTM B338, ASTM B861, ASME SB338, and SB861 standards, our products are available in grades such as Gr2, Gr7, and Gr12, offering unmatched performance in aggressive marine and cooling water environments.

Why Titanium Outperforms Cu-Ni Alloys in Condensers:

Superior Corrosion Resistance – Titanium is virtually immune to corrosion in seawater and brackish water, even at high flow velocities, whereas Cu-Ni alloys may suffer from pitting or erosion-corrosion over time.

Longer Service Life – Titanium condenser tubes often last over 40 years without replacement, reducing downtime and lifecycle costs significantly.

Higher Strength-to-Weight Ratio – Titanium provides excellent mechanical strength with 45% less weight compared to Cu-Ni, allowing lighter and more compact designs.

Biofouling Resistance – Titanium resists marine biofouling naturally, reducing cleaning frequency and improving heat transfer efficiency.

Thermal Efficiency Stability – Unlike Cu-Ni, titanium maintains consistent thermal performance even after decades of operation.

We supply titanium condenser tubes with outer diameters ranging from 6mm to 270mm, wall thicknesses from 0.5mm to 22mm, and lengths up to 18 meters. Our advanced manufacturing capabilities—such as 2T vacuum consumable electrode furnaces, 1250T extrusion presses, and precision cold-rolling machines—ensure exceptional dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and weldability.

Backed by PED, DNV, and Lloyd’s Register certifications and with options for third-party inspection (SGS, TÜV, etc.), Jiangsu Hongbao guarantees product quality for the most demanding nuclear applications. Our titanium tubes are already in service in multiple nuclear power plants worldwide, providing stable, maintenance-free operation for decades.