TITAN Metal Fabricators is globally known as an expert Tantalum Column manufacturer, specializing in process equipment constructed from reactive metals.

The following information is background on Tantalum, the alloy characteristics, strengths and how consideration of a Tantalum Column could be the answer to corrosion in your application.

Life Cycle Benefits of Tantalum Columns

A Tantalum Column can be the most cost-effective solution to corrosion over the entire life cycle of the equipment.  Properly maintained, TITAN’s Tantalum Columns can operate for decades with little to no downtime.

Tantalum Columns can:

  • Deliver many years of economical service life
  • Eliminate expensive process downtime due to equipment failure
  • Provide outstanding corrosion resistance
  • Provide excellent stress cracking resistance

A Tantalum Column may solve many of the problems inherent with other materials of construction. It is not brittle and is not prone to cracking. TITAN’s Tantalum Columns are of a fully welded design and will not leak like lesser materials.

As plants are designed, some facilities recognize the superior corrosion resistance potential of Tantalum, which generally allows an in process temperature and pressure to within Tantalum’s capabilities, affording excellent improvements in process reaction efficiencies, plant throughput and profitability.

While the initial purchase cost is higher than some other materials, a Tantalum Column is more cost effective over the entire life cycle of the equipment. Properly maintained, TITAN’s Tantalum Columns can operate for decades.

Tantalum the Metal

Tantalum is the most corrosion-resistant metal in common use today. It is inert to practically all organic and inorganic compounds. Tantalum is inert to Sulfuric and Hydrochloric Acid below 300°F. Attack up to 400°F is not significant and is common use up to 500°F. It has good thermal conductivity and erosion resistance. It forms easily, is highly workable and weldable.

Please visit TITAN’s Applications of Tantalum page for additional Tantalum uses, some comparative corrosion resistance data including media, concentrations and temperatures.

TITAN does not purchase any materials that are known to come from conflict resources. See our Conflict-Free Materials Sourcing Policy.

Our Technical Resources area also has a complete section on properties and corrosion resistance.

Tantalum Column Designs

TITAN designs and custom fabricates many different styles of Tantalum Columns.  They can be combined with fiberglass, PTFE lined, glass-lined Carbon Steel or Tantalum-lined Carbon Steel. Tantalum can also be explosive-clad to Carbon Steel to form a bimetallic material of construction for added strength.

TITAN manufactures pressure equipment in accordance with all major international design standards and pressure vessel codes.

Manufacturing capacities include widths from 4”up to 120″ diameter, 300’ in length and weights up to 200 tons.

Please see the Applications of Tantalum for typical mils of corrosion of various materials in hostile environments.

Designs and accessories to Tantalum Columns include:

  • Solid construction
  • Explosive clad
  • Standard jacket
  • Half pipe jacket
  • Baffles
  • Tray rings
  • Outlet valves
  • Dip tubes
  • Spargers

Tantalum Corrosion Resistance

Tantalum Columns should be considered for any application where corrosion is a factor and the long-term benefits of reduced process line downtime, increased life expectancy and profitability are important.

TITAN Tantalum Columns are used in a wide variety of oxidizing and reducing environments. To view a list of process materials where Tantalum is commonly used, please visit Applications of Tantalum.

*Note: Final selection of material must be based on actual evaluation of the metal in the corrosive medium.

For a general guide on corrosion resistance, temperatures and concentrations please see TITAN’s publication, “Corrosion Resistance of Metals in Various Chemical Media” for additional information.*

 

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