Copper-Nickel alloy mesh

Copper-nickel alloy mesh, also known as cupronickel mesh, is a versatile and durable material with a wide range of applications, particularly in marine and industrial environments. This is due to its unique properties, which are derived from its composition.

Composition and Key Properties

Copper-nickel alloys are primarily composed of copper and nickel, with small amounts of other elements like iron and manganese often added to enhance specific characteristics. The most common grades are:

• 90/10 Cu-Ni: Contains approximately 90% copper and 10% nickel. This alloy is known for its excellent resistance to uniform corrosion, localized corrosion in chlorinated seawater, and superior resistance to biofouling (the accumulation of organisms on surfaces).
• 70/30 Cu-Ni: Contains approximately 70% copper and 30% nickel. This grade offers higher strength and even better resistance to corrosion than the 90/10 alloy.

Other key properties of copper-nickel alloys include:

• High corrosion resistance: They are highly resistant to corrosion in seawater, brackish water, and other corrosive environments. This resistance is due to the formation of a thin, protective surface layer when exposed to seawater.
• Antimicrobial properties: The copper content gives the mesh antimicrobial properties, making it useful in medical and other applications where hygiene is important.
• Resistance to erosion: The alloys resist erosion caused by fast-moving water, making them ideal for pipes and heat exchangers.
• Good thermal and electrical conductivity: These properties make them suitable for heat exchangers and certain electrical applications.
• Ductility and workability: The alloys are easy to work with, allowing them to be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes, including different mesh weaves.

Applications

The unique properties of copper-nickel alloy mesh make it a preferred choice for demanding environments, including:

• Marine and Offshore:
  • Seawater intake screens
  • Heat exchangers, condensers, and coolers
  • Piping and fire water systems on ships, boats, and offshore oil platforms
  • Boat hulls and sheathing for platform legs to prevent biofouling
• Desalination Plants: Used in various components like condenser tubes, heat recovery sections, and flash chambers due to their resistance to hot, de-aerated seawater.
• Medical Devices: The antimicrobial and biocompatible nature of the alloys makes them suitable for surgical tools and implantable devices.
• Filtration: The mesh is used in filters for various liquids and gases, especially in chemical and petrochemical industries.
• Electromagnetic Shielding: Copper-nickel mesh can be used to shield against radiation and radio waves.

Mesh Types and Weaves

Copper-nickel mesh is available in various forms and weaves to suit specific applications:

• Plain Weave: The most common type, with wires passing over and under each other in a simple, balanced grid. It’s used for general filtration, sieving, and shielding.
• Twilled Weave: A stronger, denser weave where wires pass over and under two wires at a time. This is used for high-pressure filtration.
• Dutch Weave: Features a finer mesh for filtering very small particles.
• Welded Mesh: Used for structural purposes like grates and industrial screens.