Admiralty Brass: Composition, Properties, and Applications

• Exceptional dezincification-resistant brass composition for reliable marine and industrial performance.

• Optimal balance of mechanical strength (310–380 MPa) and thermal conductivity (110 W/m·K) for heat exchanger tubing.

• Proven lifecycle cost savings (25–40%) and full compliance with ASTM B111, BS 2871, and EN ISO 1652 standards.

Admiralty Brass (C44300) has set the benchmark for copper-zinc alloys in demanding marine, industrial, and process applications.

Developed in the 19th century to meet the Royal Navy’s need for a dezincification-resistant alloy, it now serves as the material of choice for engineers and procurement specialists who require reliable, long-lasting components. These marine-grade, dezincification-resistant brass tubes ensure reliability in even the harshest saltwater conditions.

In this article, we provide technical buyers and project managers with an in-depth overview of Admiralty Brass composition, performance characteristics, and application best practices, plus examples demonstrating its cost-saving benefits.

Admiralty Brass is a high-performance brass alloy alloyed with tin (0.9–1.2%) and trace elements such as arsenic and iron. Its precise chemistry prevents zinc leaching in seawater and harsh chemicals, making it ideal for tubes, fittings, and components in heat exchangers, condensers, pumps, and valves. Engineers appreciate its balance of strength, conductivity, and machine-ability, while buyers value its proven lifecycle savings over competing alloys.

As an ASTM B111 brass alloy, each additive is calibrated to meet ASTM B111 / ASME SB-111 and BS 2871 CZ-111 standards, guaranteeing consistent quality for critical applications.

• Corrosion Resistance: As a dezincification-resistant brass alloy, engineered against dezincification, achieving over 25 years of service in seawater condensers. Engineered against dezincification, achieving over 25 years of service in seawater condensers.

• Thermal Conductivity: Approximately 110 W/m·K, enabling efficient heat exchanger tubing performance in high-capacity systems.

• Mechanical Strength: Tensile strengths of 310–380 MPa and yield strengths of 180–220 MPa, supporting pressures up to 25 bar.

• Workability: Lead-assisted chip breaking and fine-grained structure facilitate CNC machining, bending, and forming without micro-cracking.

• Used in offshore drilling rigs and heat recovery systems in refineries.

• Applied in subsea structures where durability is require.

• Tube Stock & U-Bends: Custom lengths, OD 12–50 mm, WT 1–4 mm

• Pump Components: Impellers, housings, and valve bodies

• Condenser & Evaporator Tubes: Compatible with standard tube bundles

• Finstock & Coil Assemblies: Pre-formed coils with brazing-ready surfaces

• Fittings & Flanges: ASME B16.22 certified

• Heat Exchanger Plates: Plate-and-frame assemblies per customer drawings

• Precision Fittings: Compression fittings and sanitary tri-clamp ferrules

• Instrumentation Tubes: OD as small as 6 mm for control systems

All products are available in full compliance with EN ISO 1652, with certificates of conformity and material test reports delivered upon request.

By reducing unplanned downtime and extending service intervals, Admiralty Brass products yield a 25–40% reduction in lifecycle cost compared to alternatives.

• Standards: ASTM B111 / ASME SB-111, BS 2871 CZ-111, EN ISO 1652

• Inspection: 100% eddy-current testing on tubes; ultrasonic thickness gauging

• Documentation: Mill Test Reports (MTR), Certificates of Origin, and 3.1/3.2 certification

• Custom Services: CNC machining, bending, brazing, and final assembly support

Our in-house metallurgical lab and QA team ensure that every batch meets or exceeds specification requirements.

Example 1: container vessel condenser tubes
A 12,000 TEU vessel experienced condenser tube failures within five years. Tube bundles per ASTM B111 were installed. After installation, no tube leaks occurred over eight years, reducing dry‑dock costs by $300,000 annually.

Example 2: Middle East district cooling plant
An 80 MW plant faced tube fouling and shutdowns after three years. Admiralty Brass plate‑and‑frame exchanger plates were retrofitted, delivering a 12 % efficiency boost and cutting unplanned shutdowns from six to one per year, projecting a 30 % reduction in total cost of ownership over 15 years.

For engineering teams and procurement professionals, Admiralty Brass represents a strategic investment: superior performance, lower lifecycle cost, and full compliance with global standards.

Contact the Admiralty Industries’ sales team today to discuss your project requirements.