B. Copper-nickel alloy: Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and heat transfer properties.
Explanation:
Copper-nickel alloys are the preferred choice for seawater cooling pipes due to their exceptional resistance to corrosion in marine environments. This is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of the piping system. Additionally, copper-nickel alloys exhibit good heat transfer properties, which can enhance the efficiency of the cooling system.
While other materials like stainless steel offer corrosion resistance, copper-nickel alloys generally excel in this area, especially in seawater conditions. Cast iron and ductile iron are susceptible to corrosion, and while they might be cost-effective initially, the long-term costs associated with maintenance and replacement can outweigh the initial savings.
Why the other answers are incorrect:
- A. Cast iron: While cast iron is strong and cost-effective, it is highly susceptible to corrosion in the marine environment. This would quickly degrade the pipe and lead to leaks and other issues.
- C. Stainless steel: While stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance, it can be more expensive than copper-nickel alloys for large-diameter pipes. Additionally, the thermal conductivity of stainless steel is lower than copper-nickel, which can affect heat transfer efficiency in cooling systems.
- D. Ductile iron: Ductile iron is stronger than cast iron, but it is still susceptible to corrosion in seawater. It may not offer the same level of durability and longevity as copper-nickel alloys in this specific application.
Copper-nickel alloys provide the optimal combination of corrosion resistance, heat transfer properties, and durability for seawater cooling pipes in marine vessels.
B. Copper-nickel alloy: Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and heat transfer properties.
Explanation:
Copper-nickel alloys are the preferred choice for seawater cooling pipes due to their exceptional resistance to corrosion in marine environments. This is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of the piping system. Additionally, copper-nickel alloys exhibit good heat transfer properties, which can enhance the efficiency of the cooling system.
While other materials like stainless steel offer corrosion resistance, copper-nickel alloys generally excel in this area, especially in seawater conditions. Cast iron and ductile iron are susceptible to corrosion, and while they might be cost-effective initially, the long-term costs associated with maintenance and replacement can outweigh the initial savings.
Why the other answers are incorrect:
- A. Cast iron: While cast iron is strong and cost-effective, it is highly susceptible to corrosion in the marine environment. This would quickly degrade the pipe and lead to leaks and other issues.
- C. Stainless steel: While stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance, it can be more expensive than copper-nickel alloys for large-diameter pipes. Additionally, the thermal conductivity of stainless steel is lower than copper-nickel, which can affect heat transfer efficiency in cooling systems.
- D. Ductile iron: Ductile iron is stronger than cast iron, but it is still susceptible to corrosion in seawater. It may not offer the same level of durability and longevity as copper-nickel alloys in this specific application.
Copper-nickel alloys provide the optimal combination of corrosion resistance, heat transfer properties, and durability for seawater cooling pipes in marine vessels.