ASTM B391-18
(Specification)Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Ingots
Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Ingots
ABSTRACT
This specification covers unalloyed and alloyed niobium ingots prepared by vacuum- or plasma-arc melting or electron-beam melting to produce consolidated metal for processing to various mill shapes. The materials covered by this specification are R04200-Type 1 which is a reactor grade unalloyed niobium, R04210-Type 2 which is a commercial grade unalloyed niobium, R04251-Type 3 which is a reactor grade niobium alloy, and R04261-Type 4 which is a commercial grade niobium alloy. The ingot metal for all four types shall be vacuum or plasma arc melted, vacuum electron-beam melted, or any combination of these three methods. The materials shall conform to the required chemical composition for carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, zirconium, tantalum, iron, silicon, tungsten, nickel, molybdenum, hafnium, titanium, boron, aluminum, beryllium, chromium, and cobalt. The ingots shall also conform to the required maximum Brinell hardness.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
10.1 For the purpose of determining compliance with the specified limits for requirements of the properties listed in the following tables, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded as indicated in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers unalloyed and alloyed niobium ingots prepared by vacuum- or plasma-arc melting or electron-beam melting to produce consolidated metal for processing to various mill shapes.
1.2 The materials covered by this specification are:
1.2.1 R04200-Type 1—Reactor grade unalloyed niobium,
1.2.2 R04210-Type 2—Commercial grade unalloyed niobium,
1.2.3 R04251-Type 3—Reactor grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium, and
1.2.4 R04261-Type 4—Commercial grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium.
1.3 Unless a single unit is used, the values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Mar-2018
- Technical Committee
- B10 - Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys
- Drafting Committee
- B10.03 - Niobium, Tantalum, and Vanadium
Relations
- Replaces
ASTM B391-09e1 - Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Ingots (Withdrawn 2018) - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-May-2002
- Effective Date
- 10-May-1999
- Referred By
ASTM B393-18 - Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2018
- Referred By
ASTM B394-18 - Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Seamless and Welded Tubes - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2018
Overview
ASTM B391-18: Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Ingots defines requirements for the production and quality of unalloyed and alloyed niobium ingots. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and end users working with niobium materials in various industrial applications. The ingots covered by ASTM B391-18 are produced using vacuum-arc melting, plasma-arc melting, or electron-beam melting, ensuring a high purity consolidated metal suitable for processing into a variety of mill shapes.
This specification applies to four main types:
- R04200 (Type 1) - Reactor grade unalloyed niobium
- R04210 (Type 2) - Commercial grade unalloyed niobium
- R04251 (Type 3) - Reactor grade niobium alloy (with 1% zirconium)
- R04261 (Type 4) - Commercial grade niobium alloy (with 1% zirconium)
Key Topics
- Production Methods: The standard requires niobium ingots to be prepared by vacuum-arc melting, plasma-arc melting, electron-beam melting, or a combination, ensuring minimal contamination and consistent quality.
- Chemical Composition: Strict limits on impurity elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and various metals (e.g., zirconium, tantalum, iron) help maintain the performance and characteristics of the finished material. Chemical analysis must confirm conformance to prescribed limits for each type.
- Quality and Soundness: Ingots must show uniform quality and be free from defects, verified through nondestructive tests like dye penetrant or ultrasonic inspection, as mutually agreed upon by supplier and purchaser.
- Sampling and Testing: Representative samples must be taken and analyzed using standardized or agreed-upon techniques. If discrepancies arise, retesting is required following the specified procedures.
- Marking and Certification: Each ingot is marked for identification and accompanied by a producer’s or supplier’s certification to ensure traceability and conformity to the standard.
Applications
ASTM B391-18 is widely used in industries where high-purity and performance of niobium and niobium alloy ingots are critical. Common applications include:
- Aerospace and Defense: Niobium's high strength, corrosion resistance, and stability at elevated temperatures make it invaluable in aerospace components, jet engines, and turbine blades.
- Nuclear Industry: Reactor-grade niobium (Types 1 and 3) is utilized in nuclear reactors due to its low neutron-capture cross-section and excellent structural integrity under radiation.
- Electronics and Superconductors: High-purity niobium is used to manufacture superconducting magnets, wire, and sensitive electronic components.
- Medical Devices: Niobium and its alloys are biocompatible, making them suitable for medical implants and surgical tools.
- Chemical Processing: Components exposed to corrosive environments benefit from the chemical resistance provided by niobium alloys.
Related Standards
ASTM B391-18 is part of a broader set of standards related to reactive and refractory metals. Users may also reference:
- ASTM E29: Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
- ASTM E2626: Guide for Spectrometric Analysis of Reactive and Refractory Metals (withdrawn, but sometimes referenced)
- Other ASTM niobium and tantalum product standards for sheet, bar, rod, and tubing
Practical Value
Adhering to ASTM B391-18 ensures consistent quality, safety, and material performance for critical applications. Following this specification during procurement and manufacturing facilitates traceability, reliable supply chain management, and compliance with international trade and industry requirements. Incorporating ASTM B391-18 in quality assurance programs minimizes the risks of material failure and supports successful project execution in high-demand sectors.
Keywords: ASTM B391-18, niobium ingots, niobium alloy ingots, ASTM niobium, vacuum arc melting, electron-beam melting, zirconium alloy, quality specification, industrial niobium standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM B391-18 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Ingots". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers unalloyed and alloyed niobium ingots prepared by vacuum- or plasma-arc melting or electron-beam melting to produce consolidated metal for processing to various mill shapes. The materials covered by this specification are R04200-Type 1 which is a reactor grade unalloyed niobium, R04210-Type 2 which is a commercial grade unalloyed niobium, R04251-Type 3 which is a reactor grade niobium alloy, and R04261-Type 4 which is a commercial grade niobium alloy. The ingot metal for all four types shall be vacuum or plasma arc melted, vacuum electron-beam melted, or any combination of these three methods. The materials shall conform to the required chemical composition for carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, zirconium, tantalum, iron, silicon, tungsten, nickel, molybdenum, hafnium, titanium, boron, aluminum, beryllium, chromium, and cobalt. The ingots shall also conform to the required maximum Brinell hardness. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 10.1 For the purpose of determining compliance with the specified limits for requirements of the properties listed in the following tables, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded as indicated in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers unalloyed and alloyed niobium ingots prepared by vacuum- or plasma-arc melting or electron-beam melting to produce consolidated metal for processing to various mill shapes. 1.2 The materials covered by this specification are: 1.2.1 R04200-Type 1—Reactor grade unalloyed niobium, 1.2.2 R04210-Type 2—Commercial grade unalloyed niobium, 1.2.3 R04251-Type 3—Reactor grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium, and 1.2.4 R04261-Type 4—Commercial grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium. 1.3 Unless a single unit is used, the values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers unalloyed and alloyed niobium ingots prepared by vacuum- or plasma-arc melting or electron-beam melting to produce consolidated metal for processing to various mill shapes. The materials covered by this specification are R04200-Type 1 which is a reactor grade unalloyed niobium, R04210-Type 2 which is a commercial grade unalloyed niobium, R04251-Type 3 which is a reactor grade niobium alloy, and R04261-Type 4 which is a commercial grade niobium alloy. The ingot metal for all four types shall be vacuum or plasma arc melted, vacuum electron-beam melted, or any combination of these three methods. The materials shall conform to the required chemical composition for carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, zirconium, tantalum, iron, silicon, tungsten, nickel, molybdenum, hafnium, titanium, boron, aluminum, beryllium, chromium, and cobalt. The ingots shall also conform to the required maximum Brinell hardness. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 10.1 For the purpose of determining compliance with the specified limits for requirements of the properties listed in the following tables, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded as indicated in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers unalloyed and alloyed niobium ingots prepared by vacuum- or plasma-arc melting or electron-beam melting to produce consolidated metal for processing to various mill shapes. 1.2 The materials covered by this specification are: 1.2.1 R04200-Type 1—Reactor grade unalloyed niobium, 1.2.2 R04210-Type 2—Commercial grade unalloyed niobium, 1.2.3 R04251-Type 3—Reactor grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium, and 1.2.4 R04261-Type 4—Commercial grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium. 1.3 Unless a single unit is used, the values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM B391-18 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.150.99 - Other products of non-ferrous metals. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM B391-18 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM B391-09e1, ASTM E29-08, ASTM E2626-08e1, ASTM E2626-08, ASTM E29-06b, ASTM E29-06a, ASTM E29-06, ASTM E29-04, ASTM E29-02e1, ASTM E29-93a(1999), ASTM B393-18, ASTM B392-18, ASTM B394-18. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM B391-18 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:B391 −18
Standard Specification for
Niobium and Niobium Alloy Ingots
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B391; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers unalloyed and alloyed niobium 2.1 ASTM Standards:
ingots prepared by vacuum- or plasma-arc melting or electron- E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
beam melting to produce consolidated metal for processing to Determine Conformance with Specifications
various mill shapes. E2626 Guide for Spectrometric Analysis of Reactive and
Refractory Metals (Withdrawn 2017)
1.2 The materials covered by this specification are:
1.2.1 R04200-Type 1—Reactor grade unalloyed niobium,
3. Ordering Information
1.2.2 R04210-Type 2—Commercial grade unalloyed
3.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
niobium,
the following information, as applicable:
1.2.3 R04251-Type 3—Reactorgradeniobiumalloycontain-
3.1.1 ASTM standard number and year of issue,
ing 1 % zirconium, and
3.1.2 Type (see 1.2),
1.2.4 R04261-Type 4—Commercial grade niobium alloy
3.1.3 Quantity in weight or pieces,
containing 1 % zirconium.
3.1.4 Size, diameter and length,
1.3 Unless a single unit is used, the values stated in
3.1.5 Chemistry (see 5.2),
inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values
3.1.6 Permissible overshipment (see 6.1),
given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units
3.1.7 Quality and finish (see 7.2 and 7.6),
that are provided for information only and are not considered
3.1.8 Sampling (Section 8)
standard.
3.1.9 Packaging (Section 15), and
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
3.1.10 Required reports (Section 13).
test method portions of this specification: This standard does
4. Materials and Manufacture
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
4.1 The ingot metal for all four types may be vacuum or
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ-
plasma arc melted, vacuum electron-beam melted, or any
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
combination of these three methods.
limitations prior to use.
5. Chemical Requirements
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 The finished ingot shall conform to the requirements for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
chemical composition as prescribed in Table 1.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.2 Analysis for elements not listed in Table 1 and not
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
normally expected in niobium shall not be required unless
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
specified at time of purchase.
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B10 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Subcommittee B10.03 on Niobium and Tantalum. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally the ASTM website.
ɛ1 3
approvedin1962.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2009asB391 – 09 whichwas The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
withdrawn January 2018 and reinstated in April 2018. DOI: 10.1520/B0391-18. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B391−18
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Type 1 (Reactor Type 2 (Commercial Type 3 (Reactor Type 4 (Commercial
Element Grade Unalloyed Grade Unalloyed Grade Niobium–1 % Grade Niobium–1 %
Niobium) Niobium) Zirconium) Zirconium)
R04200 R04210 R04251 R04261
Max Weight % (Except Where Otherwise Specified)
Each Ingot:
Carbon 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
Nitrogen 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
Oxygen 0.015 0.025 0.015 0.025
Hydrogen 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015
Zirconium 0.02 0.02 0.8 to 1.2 (range) 0.8 to 1.2 (range)
Tantalum 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.5
Iron 0.005 0.01 0.005 0.01
Silicon 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Tungsten 0.03 0.05 0.03 0.05
Nickel 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Molybdenum 0.010 0.020 0.010 0.050
Hafnium 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02
Titanium 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.03
When Specified:
Boron 2 ppm . 2 ppm .
Aluminum 0.002 0.005 0.002 0.005
Beryllium 0.005 . 0.005 .
Chromium 0.002 . 0.002 .
Cobalt 0.002 . 0.002 .
6. Permissible Variations 8. Sampling
6.1 Quantity—For orders requiring up to 100 lb (45.4 kg) of 8.1 Care shall be exercised to ensure that the sample
ingots, the manufacturer may overship up to a maximum of selected for testing is representative of the material and that it
20 %. For orders up to and including 1000 lb (454 kg), the is not contaminated by the sampling procedure. If there is any
manufacturer may overship up to a maximum of 10 %. The question relating to the sampling techniques or to the analysis
permissible overshipment shall be negotiated for orders larger thereof, the methods for sampling and analysis shal
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