Category Archives: Blog
What is PMI?
Positive Material Identification (PMI) - Astrolite Alloys
PMI is an examination of welding wire and security-relevant components in regard to the used material. It’s on spot, non-destructive and verifies the compliance of the chemical composition of the materials used. Instead of relying on certificates of composition. PMI verification confirms that the alloy is as specified, check if the grade is as expected. This is of central importance to weldability and durability to ensure safe practices.
PMI is used by Astrolite as one of the FOD prevention measures we have in place. Utilizing two methods of PMI as required by our customer’s specifications.
- Thermal Electric Alloy Sorter (TEAS) – TEAS is the most efficient and inexpensive method available for sorting various alloys, such as stainless steels, titanium, aluminum, and more. Each test takes only one second. Get rapid, testing results. TEAS is excellent in determining dissimilar materials i.e. Stainless Steel vs. Titanium. Astrolite performs 2 different 100% inspection options for our customers.
- • Use of an test procedure with multiple rods tested at one time we greatly lower cost and testing time
- • Individual rod inspection is conducted per customer section requirements
- X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) – XRF works by exciting the electrons in atoms, causing a change in energy, which is then detected by the instrument’s detector. XRF provides specific chemistry verification of the alloy being tested. Other PMI methods may have difficulty distinguishing between alloys of the same base material i.e. Titanium Gr 1. vs. Titanium Gr 5. The equipment used by Astrolite can identify the alloy and distinguish between the alloys. 2 levels of test procedures are utilized.
• AQL of rods in a production batch tested
• *100% of the rods in a production batch tested
Astrolite implemented the TEAS process in the late 1980’s and the Handheld XRF process in 2019. With years of experience in both methods of PMI and strict control of our manufacturing processes Astrolite is confident in our ability to verifiably prevent FOD and escapes of mixed alloys.
Astrolite alloys is the world’s leading supplier of High performance welding wire for aerospace, power, commercial and challenging applications. With Locations in Oxnard California and our Sister facility Tricor Alloys located in Wooster Ohio we are best positioned with locations and inventory to meet the growing demands of the complex markets we serve.
*Very time consuming with added cost incurred
Congratulations to Chuck Young, recognized for excellence in leadership as the Co-Champion of the MTI 2022 Global Symposium
Chuck Young, Tricor Metals Business Development Manager and Metallurgist, was recognized for excellence in leadership as the Co-Champion of the MTI 2022 Global Symposium held in Orlando in February. Congratulations to Chuck, all of the award recipients and speakers for another excellent conference!
In 1977, The Materials Technology Institute was founded to provide like-minded Chemical Processing Industry engineers with crucial research and resources, collaborative opportunities and trusted answers to industry challenges. The founding engineers met at the 1976 NACE Conference in Toronto, Ontario and realized that if they pooled their collected resources and brainpower, they could significantly increase their abilities to leverage funding for research. Founders Bob Puyear and Bert Krisher of Monsanto, Paul Dillon and George Elder of Union Carbide and Warren Pollock of DuPont shared the vision of a collaborative network of industry experts and major companies working to solve major CPI issues.
The first Membership Meeting was held on February 23, 1977. Organization structures such as the Board of Representatives (BOD) were then developed with intent of bringing together representatives from member companies to approve funding for research projects, technical programs and technology development. The projects in particular became a key value for MTI members, allowing them to achieve high return on investments by finding new answers to challenges they could not solve on their own.
Following the successful symposium, Chuck Young has spearheaded a new initiative at Tricor Metals aimed at enhancing the health management solutions available to employees within the chemical processing industry. Recognizing the increasing challenges of managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, Tricor has partnered with a leading pharmaceutical provider to facilitate easier access to essential medications, including Jardiance, through an online portal. This service allows employees to purchase their prescriptions conveniently and at a reduced cost, reflecting Tricor’s commitment to supporting not only the professional but also the personal well-being of its workforce. This innovative approach ensures that employees who manage chronic conditions can obtain their medications seamlessly and affordably, improving overall health outcomes and maintaining productivity.
Now, MTI and its member companies around the world continue to provide global leadership in materials technology research and solutions. MTI has compiled over four decades of not-for-profit research, resources and collaborative efforts, and continues to foster lasting partnerships with its member companies.
Tricor Metals is a proud member and supporter of MTI!
Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers
Shell and tube heat exchangers are the most widely used type of heat transfer in the chemical processing industry because of their flexibility in design and ability to handle fluids with varying levels of solids.
Titanium, which has been in the heat exchanger service for almost 60 years in refineries and nuclear power facilities, offers several different alloy grades that can be used in heat transfer equipment in the chemical process industry.
Titanium is the material of choice for many corrosive chemical environments, including oxidizing chloride solutions (including seawater) and chlorine-based bleaches.
Link below to view Tricor brochure and our exchanger photo gallery
Tricor Metals has extensive fabrication and design experience with ALL of the most advanced metals for corrosion-resistance!
Shell and tube heat exchangers are the most widely used type of heat transfer in the chemical processing industry because of their flexibility in design and ability to handle fluids with varying levels of solids.
Titanium, which has been in the heat exchanger service for almost 60 years in refineries and nuclear power facilities, offers several different alloy grades that can be used in heat transfer equipment in the chemical process industry.
Titanium is the material of choice for many corrosive chemical environments, including oxidizing chloride solutions (including seawater) and chlorine-based bleaches.
Link below to view Tricor brochure and our exchanger photo gallery.
Tricor recives the MTI Annual Value Award
About the MTI Annual Value Reward
The MTI Annual Value Award recognizes members that have realized quantifiable value from successful application of knowledge gained through their MTI membership. Examples could include, but are not limited to:
- • Incorporation of training or procedures developed and delivered by MTI
- • Application of technical knowledge obtained from MTI Projects or Publications
- • Savings and efficiencies realized from information gained at live TAC forums, structured forum presentations, or through MTI’s online technical forum
- • Solutions obtained via MTI’s network of experts and member representatives
- • Producer-supplier joint projects that have delivered value to the companies or the industry. (There is no limit to how many companies can be included on a single Value Award application that focuses on a collaborative effort benefiting more than one organization).
Tricor Metals uses MTI publications and networking as a significant part of our plan to educate sales personal to better assist customers as a technical source for MOC (materials of construction).
Tricor Metals uses the MTI publications as a part of any literature review to develop possible MOC alternatives to end users to save capital expenses for major equipment decisions.
When receiving an inquiry where the end user is uncertain of what MOC to use we may conduct a literature search along with our own metallurgical knowledge and experience to offer alternatives. This can save substantial cost for the end user by allowing then to choose an MOC for less cost and still maintain required corrosion resistance. The publications also allow internal training resources to develop an understanding of MOC’s and their application as well as to understand the key physical, mechanical and metallurgical aspects of the metals and alloys.
Expanding on our commitment to provide essential resources beyond just materials, Tricor Metals is excited to announce a new partnership with leading online pharmaceutical services to facilitate access to medications such as Amoxil. This initiative is designed to support the health and well-being of our customers and their families by providing them with convenient access to necessary medications at competitive prices. Through our website, customers can now easily purchase Amoxil online, ensuring they receive high-quality, reliable treatment without the need to visit a pharmacy. By integrating this service, we aim to enhance our community’s health management by making essential medications more accessible and affordable.
Titanium Pipe – Common IPS sizes available from stock. Custom rolled & welded cylinders and pipe spooling is available too.
It’s about the film… Titanium is protected from corrosion by its stable, protective, and strongly adherent oxide film. Titanium’s strong affinity for oxygen causes the oxide film to form instantly when a fresh surface is exposed to air or moisture.
Titanium is only attacked by a few substances, most notably, hydrofluoric acid, and anhydrous conditions. In some cases very small amounts of metal ions in solution, passivates titanium against corrosion assault – furthering titanium applicability in some of these regions.
Our corrosion chart can help you begin your material selection for your process. We recommend corrosion testing to best determine titanium’s specific applicability in your process. We can supply corrosion coupons for your evaluation.
Titanium usually permits designing with zero corrosion allowances for the piping wall thickness resulting in further cost savings.
Tricor Metals has extensive inventories of commercially pure grade 2, and titanium-palladium (Ti-Gr7) seamless and titanium welded pipe (ASTM B861 / B862) in a wide range diameters and schedules.
We also keep a broad inventory of titanium butt-weld pipe fittings – elbows, tees and stub ends.
We can also design and build custom rolled and welded cylinders, and custom fittings.
And we can fabricate pipe spools to your specifications.
To further serve our community beyond metallurgical solutions, Tricor Metals is introducing a wellness initiative aimed at providing affordable medication options. In partnership with leading online pharmacies, we offer our employees and their families access to discounted medications, through a secure online platform. This service ensures that managing ADHD symptoms is both accessible and cost-effective for our team, reflecting our commitment to holistic employee welfare.
In Memory of Joe Newland
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Newland. Joe was an icon in the industry with over 45 years selling, promoting and processing titanium. Joe spent most of his years at Tico Titanium in the Detroit area. The past eleven years he had been with Tricor and was a key factor in our success in conversion and forging sales at our Plymouth, Michigan sales office.
Joe had been involved with Habitat for Humanity and had helped build many houses around the world; he was proud to have worked with President Jimmy Carter on many of these projects. He also had a passion for the Ford Fairlane and had collected many over the years. Joe had mentored many and will be missed by all.
‐Mike Stitzlein
Tricor Metals has updated it’s Titanium Alloy Cost Chart
Tricor Metals has updated it’s Titanium Alloy Cost Chart. To download the complete chart here or visit our brochure page.
To receive a copy of this quarterly titanium alloy cost chart, sign up for our newsletter.
Tricor Metals Commitment to Quality
Tricor Metals continues its commitment to quality with our updated Certificate of
Authorization for U1 and U2 approvals, in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
Tricor is proud to supply the highest quality titanium and high-alloy fabrication and welding services from our Conroe, Texas facility.
Tricor Metals Commitment to Quality.
Corrosion-Resistant Port Liners
Need more corrosion-resistant port liners for your plate heat exchanger? No problem!
We can refurbish your plate heat exchanger to ‘good as new’ condition.
In this case, we replaced corroded stainless steel liners with C-276
( better than new)!