B. Copper-nickel alloy: Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and heat transfer properties.
Explanation:
Copper-nickel alloys, specifically those containing copper and nickel, are the preferred choice for seawater-cooled heat exchangers in marine vessels. These alloys offer exceptional corrosion resistance, which is crucial for components in direct contact with seawater. Additionally, copper-nickel alloys have excellent heat transfer properties, ensuring efficient heat exchange.
While other materials like stainless steel and aluminum alloys have some advantages, copper-nickel alloys provide the optimal combination of properties for this specific application.
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 heat exchanger's performance.
- C. Stainless steel: Stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance, but it is generally less efficient at heat transfer compared to copper-nickel alloys. This can impact the overall efficiency of the heat exchanger.
- D. Aluminum alloy: Although aluminum alloys have good heat transfer properties and are lightweight, they are susceptible to corrosion in seawater, especially in the presence of salts and other impurities. This would significantly reduce the heat exchanger's lifespan.
Copper-nickel alloys provide the optimal combination of corrosion resistance and heat transfer efficiency for seawater-cooled heat exchangers in marine applications.
B. Copper-nickel alloy: Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and heat transfer properties.
Explanation:
Copper-nickel alloys, specifically those containing copper and nickel, are the preferred choice for seawater-cooled heat exchangers in marine vessels. These alloys offer exceptional corrosion resistance, which is crucial for components in direct contact with seawater. Additionally, copper-nickel alloys have excellent heat transfer properties, ensuring efficient heat exchange.
While other materials like stainless steel and aluminum alloys have some advantages, copper-nickel alloys provide the optimal combination of properties for this specific application.
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 heat exchanger's performance.
- C. Stainless steel: Stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance, but it is generally less efficient at heat transfer compared to copper-nickel alloys. This can impact the overall efficiency of the heat exchanger.
- D. Aluminum alloy: Although aluminum alloys have good heat transfer properties and are lightweight, they are susceptible to corrosion in seawater, especially in the presence of salts and other impurities. This would significantly reduce the heat exchanger's lifespan.
Copper-nickel alloys provide the optimal combination of corrosion resistance and heat transfer efficiency for seawater-cooled heat exchangers in marine applications.