Copper-Nickel Grades We Handle
Copper-nickel is sold by grade because the nickel content, and so the value, differs threefold between the two common alloys.
| Property | 90/10 (C70600) | 70/30 (C71500) |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel (incl. cobalt), wt% | 9.0 to 11.0 | 29.0 to 33.0 |
| Iron, wt% | 1.0 to 1.8 | 0.40 to 1.0 |
| Manganese, wt% | 1.0 max | 1.0 max |
| Density, kg/dm³ | 8.90 | 8.95 |
| Thermal conductivity, W/m·K | 50 | 29 |
Composition limits per the Copper Development Association; density and conductivity per the Nickel Institute.
Where Copper-Nickel Scrap Comes From
- Condenser and heat exchanger retubing in power stations and refineries.
- Seawater piping replaced on ships and offshore platforms.
- Desalination plant tube bundles and piping.
- Fabrication offcuts from tube, pipe and fittings makers.
Seamless copper-nickel tube is usually made to ASTM B466 / ASME SB-466. Related industries: marine and shipbuilding, desalination and power generation.
How Copper-Nickel Scrap Is Sorted
| Check | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Nickel about 10% | 90/10 |
| Nickel about 30% | 70/30 |
| Zinc in the reading | Brass or aluminium brass from the same condenser |
| Nickel about 65%, copper about 31% | Monel 400, a nickel alloy, not cupronickel |
Keep 90/10 and 70/30 apart, keep both away from brass tube and tube-sheet pieces, and drain and dry tube before dispatch.
Selling or Buying Copper-Nickel Scrap
Send the grade, form, weight, location and photos. We review incoming enquiries and respond with relevant next steps. Copper is the largest element, so the scrap is declared under heading 7404.00, copper waste and scrap; confirm the national line with your customs broker.
Copper-nickel FAQ
What is cupronickel scrap?
Scrap of copper-nickel alloys, mainly 90/10 (about 10% nickel) and 70/30 (about 30% nickel), most of it from seawater tube and pipe.
What is the difference between 90/10 and 70/30 copper-nickel?
70/30 has about three times the nickel (29 to 33% against 9 to 11%), less iron and lower thermal conductivity. It is also non-magnetic.
Is copper-nickel the same as Monel?
No. Copper-nickel is a copper alloy with up to about 33% nickel. Monel is a nickel alloy with about 65% nickel and 31% copper.
Which HS code applies to copper-nickel scrap?
Heading 7404.00, copper waste and scrap.
Sources and Review
Figures are quoted as published in these sources; any value we could not confirm has been left out.
- Copper Development Association, UNS Standard Designations for Wrought Copper Alloys: Copper Nickels (C70000 to C73499), composition limits.
- Nickel Institute, Physical and mechanical properties of copper-nickel alloys: density, thermal conductivity and magnetic behaviour of 90-10 and 70-30.
- Monel 400 values as listed on this site.
Published by Mipra Steel, Khetwadi, Mumbai · Last updated