Nuclear Industry Nickel Alloy Scrap
Source industry
Nuclear plants use Inconel 690, Inconel 600 and Inconel 718 for steam generator tubing, reactor internals and springs. Material from nuclear sites can only be traded after formal radiological clearance.
Background
Why Nuclear Uses Nickel Alloys
Nuclear steam generators need tubing that resists stress-corrosion cracking in high-purity water for decades. Inconel 690 was developed for exactly that, replacing Inconel 600 in newer designs.
Scrap arises from steam generator replacements, maintenance and decommissioning, but only material that has been formally cleared can leave the site.
The chain
From Component to Scrap
Where the alloy served, which grades are used there, and the scrap that comes back.
Inconel 690 (newer), Inconel 600 (older plants)
Tube at replacement
Inconel 718, Inconel X-750 class
Components
Inconel 690, 600 and their weld metals
Plate and forgings
Grades
Grades from This Industry
Open a grade for its composition, identification and standards.
| Grade | Typical use in this industry |
|---|---|
| Inconel 690 | Pressurised-water reactor steam generator tubes, tube sheets and nozzles |
| Inconel 600 | Furnace muffles, retorts and heat-treatment fixtures |
| Inconel 718 | Jet engine discs, shafts, casings and rings |
Standards
Standards Behind This Scrap
Steam generator and reactor components in alloys 600 and 690 are made to ASTM B163, B166, B167 and B168, adopted into the ASME code. Nuclear material carries strict traceability, and scrap from nuclear sites is released only through the site’s radiological clearance process.
| Grade | Main product standards |
|---|---|
| Inconel 690 | ASTM B168, ASTM B166, ASTM B167, ASTM B163 |
| Inconel 600 | ASTM B168, ASTM B166, ASTM B167, ASTM B163 |
| Inconel 718 | ASTM B637, ASTM B670, AMS 5596, AMS 5662 |
Before you sell
Things to Know
We only handle material from nuclear sites that comes with official free-release documentation from the site operator and regulator.
Questions
FAQ
Can nickel alloy scrap from nuclear plants be recycled?
Only after it has been formally cleared as non-radioactive by the operator under the national regulator’s rules. Uncleared material cannot be traded.
Why did Inconel 690 replace Inconel 600 in steam generators?
Inconel 600 tubing suffered stress-corrosion cracking in service. The higher chromium content of 690 greatly improves resistance to that cracking.
Keep exploring
Other Industries
Selling Scrap from Nuclear?
Tell us the components, grades and approximate weight. We review incoming enquiries and respond with relevant next steps.