Titan Metal Fabrigator

APPLICATIONS OF ZIRCONIUM

One of the major applications for Zirconium is as a corrosion-resistant material of construction for the chemical processing industry. Zirconium exhibits excellent resistance to corrosive attack in most organic and inorganic acids, salt solutions, strong alkalis, and some molten salts. In certain applications, the unique corrosion resistance of Zirconium can extend its useful life beyond that of the remainder of the plant. Consequently, maintenance costs are reduced and downtime is minimized. Some of the more important areas in the chemical processing industry where Zirconium is being used include reboilers, evaporators, tanks, packings, trays, reactor vessels, pumps, valves and piping.

Zirconium is commonly used for corrosion resistance when dealing with the following chemicals:

Nitric Acid

Nitric acid is one of the most widely used acids in the Chemical Processing Industry. It is a key raw material in the production of ammonium nitrate for fertilizer, and is also utilized in a variety of manufacturing processes, including the production of industrial explosives, dyes, plastics, synthetic fibers, metal pickling and the recovery of uranium.

Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid is undoubtedly the most important raw material in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry today. Few chemicals are manufactured without sulfuric acid being involved. It is a strong dibasic acid and can be a reducing acid, an oxidizing acid, and/or a dehydrating agent.

In the chemical industry, sulfuric acid has many diverse applications. The largest quantities are used to manufacture phosphate and nitrogen based fertilizers. The petrochemical sector utilizes sulfuric acid in alkylation and paraffin refining. The inorganic branch of the chemical industry uses sulfuric acid in the production of chromic and hydrofluoric acids, aluminum sulfate and sodium sulfate. The organic arm employs sulfuric acid in the manufacture of explosives, soaps, detergents, dyes, isocyanates, plastics, pharmaceuticals, etc. Wherever one turns today, you'll encounter products which use sulfuric acid in their manufacturing process.

Many chemical plants use sulfuric acid in one or more process steps and this generally results in severe corrosion problems. Each process has unique minor constituents that can change the way metals corrode. Zirconium has been used very successfully in many sulfuric acid applications. The advantage of zirconium is that corrosion rate will be very small if properly applied and equipment life of over 20 years is expected. Since there is no corrosion maintenance, repair, downtime and replacement costs do not exist and will quickly pay back for the slightly higher initial cost.

Acetic Acid

Acetic acid is one of the basic components in a wide range of organic materials including acetate esters, acetic anhydride, terephthalic acid, aspirin and other pharmaceuticals. Zirconium is considered the most corrosion resistant material in virtually all acetic acid solutions.

Formic Acid

More corrosive than acetic acid, formic acid is used in the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes and artificial flavors. The leather, textile, rubber, and pulp and paper industries also use formic acid in their process.

Want to know more?

Zirconium maybe an economical choice for your application. Please give us a call at (805) 487-5050 or by email at info@titanmf.com. We can quickly help you determine if you should consider Zirconium.