CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a division of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/574,203, filed on Oct. 30, 2006, which is the U.S. national phase application based upon International Application No. PCT/SE2004/001288, having an international filing date of Sep. 8, 2004, and designating the United States, the entire contents of each of which applications is hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if fully rewritten. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an austenitic Fe—Cr—Ni alloy for use at high temperatures. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Austenitic Ni-base alloys containing Cr up to 30 wt %, Si up to 3 wt %, varying amounts of Fe and sometimes additions of R.E.-elements (Rare Earth) have long been used for a variety of high temperature parts up to 1100° C. service temperature. Regarding electric resistance alloys used for heating in industrial furnaces and in appliances, several alloys with varying amount of Ni are standardized in ASTM B 344-83 and in DIN 17470. These standards are not fully compatible as seen from Table 1. There are several commercial resistance alloys using variations on the theme, such as the 37-21 alloy, comprising 37% Ni, 20 to 21% Cr, 2% Si, and the balance Fe, and minor additions of rare earth elements including Yttrium (designated R.E.). 
         [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide alloy compositions that combine the lower cost of a Ni content in the range, if possible, close to NiCr 30/20, i.e., 30 wt % Ni and 20 wt % Cr, with 
         [0007]    i) a good hot form stability; and 
         [0008]    ii) an oxidation resistance; and 
         [0009]    iii) a relatively high electrical resistance and low change of resistance (Ct); of a higher Ni content alloy such as NiCr 60/15. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Summary of ASTM and DIN Standards for resistance eCr(Fe) alloys 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 DIN *) 1774 
               
               
                 - W. .Cr Ni+C Fe Al Si Mn C Oth Note p Ct 
               
               
                 Nr. o er (pQm) 900° C . NiCr 2.4 19- &gt;75 &lt;1,0 &lt;0, 0,5- &lt;1, &lt;0,  
               
               
                 R.E 1,12( 1, 14 80 869 21 3 2,0 0 15 .1,08) 20 
               
               
                 NiCr 2.4 ...30 &gt;60 &lt;5,0 &lt;0, 0,5- &lt;1, &lt;0, R.E 1,19( 1,27 )  
               
               
                 - 70 658. .3 2,0 0 10 .1,16) 30 .~ 
               
               
                 NiCr 2.4 14- &gt;59 19,0 &lt;0, 0,5- &gt;2, &lt;0, R.E 1,13( 1,23 -)  
               
               
                 60 867 19 -3 2,0 0 15 .1,11) 15 ...25,0 . 
               
               
                 NiCr 1.4 20,028.,0 ba1 2,00 &lt;1, &lt;0, Only 1,04 1,28 30 860..-  
               
               
                 --5 20 17470 20 22,031,0 3,00 
               
               
                 NiCr 1.422,0 19,0 bal 1,5- &lt;2, &lt;0, Only 0,95 1,24 25 843  
               
               
                 --2,5 00 20 17470 20 25,022,0 
               
               
                 ASTM B 344-83 
               
               
                 80Ni 19- bal. &lt;1,0 0,75 &lt;2, &lt;0, S&lt;O,O 1,081 ″ , 21 -5 15 1 :) 20Cr 1,75 
               
               
                 60Ni 14- &gt;57 0,75 &lt;1, &lt;0, S&lt;O,O 1,122 , 18 -0 15 1  
               
               
                 16Cr 1,75 .. 35Ni 18- 34- bal 1,0- &lt;1, &lt;0, R.E S&lt;O,O 1,014 
               
               
                 . , 21 37 3,0 0 15 .1 20Cr 
               
               
                 * Maximum 1% Co 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0010]    In general, the maximum operating temperature and lifetime of an alloy increases with increased Ni-content, but several other elements have great impact on these properties as well. All of these alloys form a protective oxide layer composed of mainly Cr 2 O 3 , and in case of Si additions also SiO 2  to some extent. Smaller additions like rare earth elements have been used to further enhance the properties of the oxide layer, and several patents advise additions to provide a material with good oxidation life, see, e.g., EP 0 531 775 and EP 0 386 730. 
         [0011]    In addition to good oxidation there is also a demand for good hot strength. In case of electric elements, the cost for hangers and support systems can be reduced if the material is strong enough to support its own weight, and therefore to maintain its shape at operating temperature. 
         [0012]    For use as electric elements, the relatively high resistivity and low Ct=R hot /R cold  ratio of resistance change from room temperature to working temperature is an important parameter. In general, the higher the Ni, the higher the resistivity and the lower the Ct factor. 
         [0013]    Addition of elements such as Mo and W up to levels of several wt % are known to enhance the mechanical properties at high temperatures, but they are expensive and are therefore not desirable additions in applications where cost is important. 
         [0014]    In a wide range of open coil electric resistance heating elements, NiCr 60/15 and NiCr 30/20 type (DIN) or 60 Ni, 16 Cr and 35 Ni, 20 Cr (ASTM) alloys are used. From a cost point of view, the NiCr 30/20 or 35Ni, 20Cr type is preferred due to their lower content of expensive Ni. In applications where the watt density and therefore the element temperature are high, the oxidation life of alloys with this level of Ni has up to now been insufficient. At the same time, the mechanical properties at working temperatures have to be within acceptable limits. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The present invention relates to an alloy for high temperature use. The alloy mainly comprises Fe, Ni, and Cr and has the following main composition, given in weight %, 
         [0016]    Ni 38-48, 
         [0017]    Cr 18-24, 
         [0018]    Si 1.0-1.9, 
         [0019]    C&lt;0.1, 
         [0000]    and in that Fe is the balance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a test setup for measuring deformation of a heating coil; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a graph showing linear relationships between Si content and Ni content for an alloy in accordance with the invention and in comparison with existing alloys; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a graph showing linear relationships between Cr content and Ni content for an alloy in accordance with the invention and in comparison with existing alloys; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a graph showing additional linear relationships between Si content and Ni content for an alloy in accordance with the invention and in comparison with existing alloys; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a graph showing additional linear relationships between Cr content and Ni content for an alloy in accordance with the invention and in comparison with existing alloys. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    It is important that the content of C is below 0.1 wt %. 
         [0026]    Eight test melts were cast, hot rolled, and cold drawn to wire according to standard practice with chemical composition according to Table 2. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Chemical composition of test melts 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Melt # 
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 6 
                 7 
                 8 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Ni 
                 45.5 
                 44.2 
                 44.3 
                 44.8 
                 35.0 
                 35.0 
                 35.3 
                 35.2 
               
               
                 Cr 
                 25.4 
                 25.3 
                 14.9 
                 15.0 
                 26.5 
                 24.8 
                 15.0 
                 15.0 
               
               
                 Si 
                 2.64 
                 1.10 
                 3.69 
                 1.18 
                 2.72 
                 1.16 
                 3.06 
                 1.13 
               
               
                 Al 
                 0.08 
                 0.13 
                 0.14 
                 0.16 
                 0.12 
                 0.13 
                 0.14 
                 0.13 
               
               
                 N 
                 0.04 
                 0.05  
                 0.02  
                 0.02  
                 0.04  
                 0.04 
                 0.04 
                 0.02 
               
               
                 C 
                 0.07 
                 0.06 
                 0.09 
                 0.07 
                 0.08 
                 0.10 
                 0.10 
                 0.08 
               
               
                 S 
                 0.001 
                 0.002 
                 0.001 
                 0.002 
                 0.003 
                 0.002 
                 0.002 
                 0.002 
               
               
                 P 
                 0.007 
                 0.008 
                 0.006 
                 0.006 
                 0.008 
                 0.009 
                 0.006 
                 0.006 
               
               
                 Other 
                 &lt;1 
                 &lt;1 
                 &lt;1 
                 &lt;1 
                 &lt;1 
                 &lt;1 
                 &lt;1 
                 &lt;1 
               
               
                 Fe 
                 Bal. 
                 Bal. 
                 Bal. 
                 Bal. 
                 Bal. 
                 Bal. 
                 Bal. 
                 Bal. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0027]    The wires were coiled into helixes and mounted on sample holders. These were exposed to a high temperature, 950° C., by means of a laboratory furnace for 168 hours. Deformation of the helixes was measured by means of a micrometer screw according to the setup in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0028]    Since these products are working at a high temperature, the oxidation life and in particular the cyclic oxidation life is an important design factor. In order to evaluate this property a cyclic oxidation test was performed. The sample wires were heated by passing electric current through them and the wires were exposed to a 2 minutes on/2 minutes off cycle. The time to burn off was recorded and the results were grouped according to performance. 
         [0029]    A combination of the deformation performance that occurs from relatively small applied forces, such as gravity acting on, e.g., suspended heater coils, and oxidation performance at high temperature, is therefore an object of the present invention. 
         [0030]    The results indicate that not only the level of each element, but in addition the relative contents of the base elements Nickel, Chromium, and Silicon, have a surprisingly large impact on performance. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Results from deformation and oxidation tests. “+’ designates a better 
               
               
                 than average result. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Melt # 
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 6 
                 7 
                 8 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Sag 
                   
                 + 
                   
                 + 
                   
                 + 
                   
                 + 
               
               
                 Life 
                 + 
                 + 
                   
                   
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0031]    It has now been found that the relation between these elements has to be within a narrow range that is given on the one hand by sufficient deformation performance and on the other hand by adequate oxidation performance. Only in this narrow band of compositions was the optimum compromise achieved that gave the working solution. 
         [0032]    An alloy in accordance with the invention has the main composition (in wt %) of Ni ranging from 38 to 48. The Cr level is larger than 
         [0000]      Cr=−0.1Ni+24
 
         [0033]    and is smaller than 
         [0000]      Cr=−0.1667Ni+30.
 
         [0034]    At the same time, the Si level is larger than 
         [0000]      Si=1.0 
         [0035]    and is smaller than 
         [0000]      Si=−0.01Ni+1.9.
 
         [0036]    In  FIGS. 2 and 3  the above-mentioned Si content and Cr content are shown by means of graphs, where alloys in accordance with the invention are compared with existing alloys. 
         [0037]    The alloy can also contain up to 5% Co as a substitute for Ni and Mn up to 2%. Further, it contains Al up to 0.6%, and preferably above 0.03%, and R.E., Y, and Ca up to a level of 0.2% in total. C should be &lt;0.1 and N in a range up to 0.15%, preferably above 0.03%. Nitride and carbide formers such as Ti, Zr, Hf Ta, Nb, and V can be added up to a total level of 0.4% but are not necessary to benefit from the advantages of the invention. The remainder consists of iron and various elements originating from the raw materials and the production process, up to a total level of &lt;2%. 
         [0038]    A specific example of an alloy according to the invention contains (in wt %)
       Ni 39-41,   Cr 20-22,   Si 1-1.5,   N 0.15,   Ce 0.01-0.04,   C&lt;0.1,   impurities up to 2%, and   Fe the balance.       
 
         [0047]    Another example of an alloy in accordance with the invention having further improved oxidation performance due to the higher Ni content, but with otherwise comparable properties, is
       Ni 44-46,   Cr 20-22,   Si 1-1.5,   N&lt;0.15,   Ce 0.01-0.04,   C&lt;0.1,   impurities up to 2%, and   Fe the balance.       
 
         [0056]    Preferred embodiments are as follows, with the composition in weight %. In  FIGS. 4 and 5  the below-mentioned Si content and Cr content are shown by means of graphs, where alloys in accordance with the invention are compared with existing alloys. 
         [0057]    An alloy comprising
       Ni 38-48,   Cr between −0.1Ni+23 and −0.2667Ni+36,   Si between 0.8 and −0.0133 Ni+2.2, and   Fe the balance.       
 
         [0062]    An alloy comprising
       Ni 40,   Cr 21,   Si1.2,   N&lt;0.15,   Ce 0.03,   C&lt;0.1,   impurities up to 2%, and   Fe the balance.       
 
         [0071]    An alloy comprising
       Ni 45,   Cr 21,   Si1.2,   N&lt;0.15,   Ce 0.03,   C&lt;0.1,   impurities up to 2%, and   Fe the balance.       
 
         [0080]    Another alloy that is preferred comprises
       Ni 38-48,   Cr larger than Cr=−0.1Ni+24 and smaller than Cr=−0.1667Ni+30,   Si larger than Si=1.0 and smaller than Si=−0.01 Ni+1.9, C&lt;0.1,   Al up to 0.6, and   Fe the balance.       
 
         [0086]    The alloy can also contain up to 5% Co as substitute of Ni
       Mn up to 2,   Al up to 0.3,   R.E., Y and Ca up to a level of 0.2% in total,   C&lt;0.1,   N&lt;0.15,   Ti, Zr, Hf, Ta, Nb, and V up to a total level of 0.4, &lt;50 wt ppm S,   various elements originating from the raw materials and the production process up to a total level of &lt;2, and   Fe the balance.       
 
         [0095]    An alternative is:
       38-48 Ni,   18-22 Cr,   1.0-1.5 Si,   Al&lt;0.6,   &lt;0.15,   N&lt;0.15,   &lt;1 Mn,   &lt;50 wt ppm S,   &lt;0.5 in total sum of elements belonging to the group Ti, Zr, Hf, Y, Rare Earth Elements (Lantanoid group), Ca, Mg, Ta,   &lt;5 totally of elements belonging to the group Mo, Co, Ta, W,   &lt;0.4 totally of elements belonging to the group Ti, Zr, Hf, Ta, Nb, and V,   &lt;1 of other elements arising from impurities in the melting process, and Fe the balance.       
 
         [0108]    Further preferred embodiments are an alloy comprising,
       Ni 39-41,   Cr 20-22,   Si1-1.5,   Mn 0.5   C 0.02,   N&lt;0.15,   Ce 0.01-0.04,   impurities up to 2%,   and in that Fe is the balance.       
 
         [0118]    And an alloy comprising,
       Ni 44-46,   Cr 20-22,   Si1-1.5,   Mn 0.5,   C 0.02,   N&lt;0.15,   Ce 0.01-0.04,   impurities up to 2%,   and in that Fe is the balance.       
 
         [0128]    Table 4 below is a comparison of commercially available alloys with alloys in accordance with the invention. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Alloys 
                 Ni 
                 Cr 
                 Si 
                 Other 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 353MA 
                 35 
                 25 
                 1.5 
                 N  
                 0.17 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Incoloy DS 
                 37 
                 18 
                 2.3 
                   
               
               
                 Incoloy 800 
                 32 
                 21 
                 0.5 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Incoloy 617 
                 52 
                 22 
                 0.5 
                 Al  
                 1.2 
               
               
                 Haynes HR-120 
                 37 
                 25 
                 0.6 
                 Nb  
                 0.7 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Nikrothal 80 
                 80 
                 20 
                 1.35 
                   
               
               
                 Nikrothal 60 
                 57.5 
                 16 
                 1.5 
                   
               
               
                 Nikrothal 40 
                 37 
                 20 
                 2 
                   
               
               
                 Nikrothal 30 
                 30 
                 21 
                 2 
                   
               
               
                 Nikrothal 20 
                 21 
                 25 
                 2.3 
                   
               
               
                 Invention ex 1 
                 40 
                 21 
                 1.3 
                   
               
               
                 Invention ex 2 
                 45 
                 21 
                 1.2 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0129]    The alloy 353MA is produced by Outokumpo Oyj, Espoo, Finland. The alloy Incoloy is produced by Special Metals Corp., Huntington, W. Va., USA. The Haynes alloy is produced by Haynes International, Inc., Kokomo, Ind., USA. Nikrothal is produced by the assignee. 
         [0130]    As is apparent from the above, the present invention fulfills the objects mentioned in the opening part of the present application.
An austenitic alloy for high temperature use, particularly for use in resistance heating elements. The alloy includes primarily the elements Fe, Ni, and Cr, and it has the following main composition, given in weight %, Ni 38-48, Cr 18-24, Si 1.0-1.9, C<0.1, and the balance Fe. The alloy provides good hot form stability, good oxidation resistance, and a relatively high electrical resistance coupled with a low change in resistance as a function of temperature.