High Chromium Irons

Description High chromium irons provide excellent erosion resistance and a reasonable
degree of corrosion resistance due to their high alloy content, thus surpassing all
other cast irons for use in aggressive services. They are recommended for a pH
range of 2 to 11 where erosives are present.

Specifications Flowserve offers three grades of high chromium irons, with the 28 Cr grade
complying to ASTM A532 Class III, Type A. The 29 and 35 chromium grades are
proprietary alloys that are enhancements of ASTM A532 Class III, Type A.

Chemical Element CR28 CR29 CR35

Composition
Chromium 28.0% 29.0% 35.5%
Nickel 2.5% max. 2.5% max. ---
Molybdenum 3.0% max. 2.5% max. ---
Silicon 1.5% max. 2.0% max. 1.5%
Carbon 2.9% max. 1.8% max. 2.0%
Manganese 1.5% max. 1.5% max. 0.5%
Sulfur --- --- 0.04% max.
Phosphorus --- --- 0.04% max.
Iron Balance Balance Balance

Nominal Because these alloys are designed for erosion resistance, hardness is the
Mechanical key mechanical property and tensile properties are not required by the
Properties specifications. The ASTM A532 Class III grade, CR28, is capable of the highest
hardness at 600 Brinell. The CR29 and CR35 grades are designed to provide
some corrosion resistance but at some slight expense to their hardness. The
hardness of the CR29 grade is 500 Brinell whereas the CR35 alloy has a
hardness of 450 Brinell. However, these hardness levels are still suitable for
most applications.

Corrosion Although these alloys are used for their erosion resistance, when chromium
Resistance levels exceed 20%, high chromium irons exhibit good resistance to oxidizing
acids, particularly HNO3. High chromium irons are not resistant to reducing acids.
They are used in saline solutions, organic acids, and marine and industrial
atmospheres.
The erosion resistance of the 29% chromium alloy is comparable to the 28%
chromium material, but CR29 has the advantage of resisting atmospheric rusting.
The 35% chromium alloy was specifically developed to resist intergranular
corrosion in applications like flue gas desulfurization (FGD) and phosphate-
based fertilizer manufacturing.

Flowserve Corporation, 2200 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45402, (937) 226-4000

Flowserve Corporation, 1999