APPLICATIONS OF TITANIUM

The corrosion resistance of titanium is due to a stable, protective, strongly adherent oxide film layer. This film forms instantly when a fresh surface is exposed to air or moisture. This film growth is accelerated under strong oxidizing conditions. The titanium oxide film is capable of healing itself instantly in the presence of moisture or oxygen. Please see our Technical Resource Sectionfor much more detailed information on the application and corrosion resistance of Titanium.

Industrial Applications

Titanium has found a niche in many industrial applications where corrosion resistance is required. Here are some of the common applications of titanium in corrosion resistant service:

Chlorine Chemicals

The corrosion resistance of Titanium in chlorine gas and chlorine containing solutions is the basis for a large amount of Titanium installations. Titanium is widely used in chloro-alkali cells as anodes, cathodes, bleaching equipment for pulp and paper, heat exchangers, piping, vessels, and pumps for the manufacture of other intermediate organic chemicals.

Fresh and Sea Water

Titanium resists all forms of corrosive attack in fresh and sea water to temperatures of 500°F (260°C). Titanium tubing has been used in surface condensers successfully for more than 15 years in polluted sea water with no sign of corrosion. Titanium has provided over thirty years of trouble-free sea water service for the chemical, oil refining and desalination industries.

Nitric Acid

Titanium is resistant to highly oxidizing acids over a wide range of temperatures and concentrations. Titanium has been extensively used in the handling and production of nitric acid. Titanium offers excellent resistance over a full concentration range at temperatures below boiling.

Phosphoric Acid

Unalloyed Titanium is resistant to phosphoric acid up to 30% concentration at room temperature. The resistance extends to about 10% pure acid at 140°F.

Hydrochloric Acid

Titanium has useful corrosion resistance in dilute hydrochloric acid applications. Small amounts of multivalent metal ions in solution can effectively inhibit corrosion.

Sulfuric Acid

Titanium is corrosion resistant to sulfuric acid only at low temperatures and concentrations such as 20% acid at 32°F and 5% acid at room temperature. Like hydrochloric acid, small amounts of multivalent metal ions in solution can effectively inhibit corrosion.

Organic Acids

Unalloyed Titanium generally has good resistance to many organic acids.

Do Not Use Titanium with Red Fuming Nitric Acid

Although Titanium has an excellent corrosion resistance to nitric acid over a wide range of temperatures and concentrations, it should not be used in applications with red fuming nitric acid, as a dangerous pyrophoric reaction product can be produced.

Please see our Technical Resource Section for detailed corrosion resistance charts.