Is Hastelloy C-276 suitable for springs used as sealing energizers?

Yes — C-276 wire is available and used for canted coil, helical, garter and other spring types when corrosion resistance is the priority. Validate with sample testing.

Does C-276 require post-weld heat treatment?

Often no — C-276 resists carbide precipitation and in many welded assemblies can be used as-welded, but welding procedures must be qualified.

What are the main corrosion strengths of C-276?

Outstanding resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion and stress corrosion cracking in chloride-bearing media, and resistance in mixed oxidizing and reducing acid environments.

Hastelloy C-276 Springs Energized Seals

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Hastelloy® C-276 (UNS N10276) is a wrought nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy with tungsten and very low carbon—designed for outstanding resistance to a wide variety of aggressive chemical environments. It is commonly specified for corrosion-critical spring-energized seals and canted coil springs used in chemical processing, pollution control, and subsea applications.

Contents

Introduction & quick summary
Core characteristics
Typical applications
Forming into springs & spring types
Alternatives & comparison
Selection guidance
FAQ
References

Introduction & quick summary

Hastelloy C-276 is highly regarded for chemical corrosion resistance — resisting pitting, crevice corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking across many aggressive media. Designers choose C-276 when chemical attack is the primary failure mechanism rather than mechanical strength or very-high-temperature creep. For comparisons: Inconel 625 (excellent chloride resistance) and Elgiloy / MP35N (better for SSC / sour service).

Need C-276 spring energizers or technical support? Request a quote — include fluid chemistry, full temperature range and gland geometry.

Core characteristics

Typical chemical composition (wt%) — representative

Typical nominal composition ranges for Hastelloy C-276 (UNS N10276). Always confirm actual lot values on the supplier mill certificate.

Element	Typical (wt%)
Nickel (Ni)	Balance
Molybdenum (Mo)	15.0 – 17.0
Chromium (Cr)	14.5 – 16.5
Tungsten (W)	3.0 – 4.5
Iron (Fe)	4.0 – 7.0
Cobalt (Co)	≤ 2.5
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.01
Mn / Si / P / S / V	Trace (see mill cert)

Key physical data (typical)

Typical physical & thermal properties — verify with supplier datasheet for the specific product form & temper used for springs.

Property	Hastelloy C-276 (typical)
Density	8.89 g/cm³ — (8890 kg/m³)
Elastic modulus (E)	≈ 205×10⁹ Pa — (≈ 205 GPa)
Shear modulus (G)	≈ 79×10⁹ Pa — (≈ 79 GPa)
Tensile strength (annealed, typical)	≈ 690×10⁶ Pa — (≈ 690 MPa / 100 ksi) typical minimum; cold-worked spring tempers can be significantly higher (confirm with supplier).
Yield strength (0.2% offset, typical)	≈ 310×10⁶ Pa — (≈ 310 MPa)
Min service temperature	≈ −196 °C (≈ −320.8 °F)
Short-term / intermittent max	≈ 1038 °C (≈ 1900.4 °F) — corrosion behaviour at very high T is application dependent.
Recommended long-term continuous	≈ 400 °C (≈ 752 °F) — conservative for spring mechanical performance; always use supplier stress-relaxation data.

Typical applications

Spring-energized seals and canted coil springs in aggressive chemical process environments (mixed acids, chlorinated streams).
Piping, valves and fittings where pitting & crevice corrosion are a concern.
Pollution control equipment (scrubbers), heat exchangers, and tanks handling oxidizing media.
Subsea components in chloride + oxidizer exposures — verify NACE requirements for SSC.

Forming into springs & spring types

Reminder: spring energizers are formed from wire (round or profiled) or strip. C-276 is selected when corrosion resistance is the primary need. Available spring forms include:

Hastelloy C-276 Nickel Alloys Helical Spring | Handa Springs

Hastelloy C-276 Garter Spring(Oil &gas Spring Seals)

Hastelloy C-276 Helical Springs | Handa Spring

Hastelloy C-276 Cantilever V Springs / Cantilever U Springs | Handa Spring

Forming & finishing notes

C-276 is generally formed from annealed wire/strip and may be cold-worked to increase strength — final mechanicals depend on cold work & diameter.
Weldability is good; C-276 often retains corrosion resistance as-welded — still, verify welding procedure for your assembly.
Surface finishing (electropolish) improves corrosion fatigue life in aggressive fluids.
For critical energizers request supplier stress-relaxation data at the operating temperature and representative corrosion test data in the actual fluid.

Alternatives & comparison

Comparison table (Min/Max temps + corrosion/strength) to help selection. Values are engineering guidance — verify with supplier datasheets and mill certificates.

Material	Corrosion / behaviour	Strength (typical)	Min service temp	Short-term max	Recommended long-term continuous
Hastelloy C-276 (UNS N10276)	Outstanding general corrosion resistance; excellent vs oxidizers & reducing acids	Moderate (annealed); can be cold-worked	≈ −196 °C (≈ −320.8 °F)	≈ 1038 °C (≈ 1900.4 °F)	≈ 400 °C (≈ 752 °F)
Inconel 625 (UNS N06625)	Excellent pitting/crevice resistance; very good chloride SCC resistance	Moderate → high (cold-worked)	≈ −200 °C (≈ −328.0 °F)	≈ 982 °C (≈ 1799.6 °F)	≈ 593 °C (≈ 1099.4 °F)
Elgiloy® (cobalt-nickel)	Excellent SSC resistance; great elastic recovery	Very high (cold-worked)	≈ −200 °C (≈ −328.0 °F)	≈ 454 °C (≈ 849.2 °F)	≈ 454 °C (≈ 849.2 °F)
MP35N®	Excellent SSC, chloride & hydrogen resistance	Very high (work-hardened)	≈ −200 °C (≈ −328.0 °F)	≈ 399 °C (≈ 750.2 °F)	≈ 399 °C (≈ 750.2 °F)
Hastelloy C-22 / other CRAs	Comparable in many acids; some CRAs offer better high-T oxidation resistance	Varies	Varies	Varies	Depends on alloy — consult supplier

Note: “Min service temp” indicates typical cryogenic suitability; “Short-term max” indicates hot-work or short exposure limits; “Recommended long-term continuous” is conservative engineering guidance for prolonged spring service. Always design from supplier stress-relaxation and mill data for the selected temper/diameter.

Selection guidance

Practical selection rules — pick the alloy matching your dominant constraint:

Dominant: Chemical corrosion (mixed acids, oxidizers) — choose Hastelloy C-276 for the broadest chemical resistance.
Dominant: Chloride / marine exposure + cold-worked strength — consider Inconel 625 or MP35N depending on SSC risk.
Dominant: Elastic recovery & miniature spring fatigue — choose Elgiloy or MP35N.
Dominant: High continuous temperature creep resistance — high-temperature nickel alloys (e.g., X-750) may be preferred; check corrosion at temperature.

Quick validation checklist (must-do before final selection)

Obtain supplier mill certificate and diameter-by-temper mechanical tables.
Request stress-relaxation / creep curves at intended operating temperature and diameter.
Run representative corrosion + fatigue tests in the actual process fluid/temperature.

FAQ

Q1: Is Hastelloy C-276 suitable for spring energizers in chloride-bearing process fluids?

A1: Yes — C-276 offers excellent resistance to pitting & crevice corrosion in many chloride environments; however, for SSC-prone sour H₂S service evaluate NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 requirements and consider Elgiloy or MP35N where SSC risk & hardness control are critical.

Q2: What is the recommended long-term temperature to expect for C-276 springs?

A2: For spring mechanical performance a conservative long-term recommendation is ≤ ≈ 400 °C (≈ 752 °F); consult supplier corrosion & stress-relaxation data for specific service.

Q3: Can Hastelloy C-276 be welded without special post-weld heat treatment?

A3: Yes — C-276 resists grain-boundary precipitates and often retains corrosion resistance in the as-welded condition; still verify welding procedure and qualification for your service.

Q4: What product forms are available for spring manufacture?

A4: Wire, strip and round bar are available from specialty suppliers — confirm diameters, tempers and finishes with your supplier before ordering.

Hastelloy C-276