This technical white paper explores the design, fabrication, and lifecycle considerations for hypochlorite storage tanks, focusing on the use of titanium as the material of choice. Due to the challenges associated with hypochlorite storage, such as corrosive environments, traditional materials like carbon steel and stainless steel often face reduced lifespans. Titanium provides a durable, corrosion-resistant alternative, extending the service life of these tanks significantly. This paper covers essential design elements, compares ASME and API code standards, details fabrication techniques for both shop and field applications, and presents lifecycle cost analyses comparing titanium tanks to alternative materials.
Category Archives: Technical
Best Practice Recommendations for Storing Sodium Hypochlorite in Titanium Storage Tanks
Titanium, grade 2, is an excellent material choice for storage of Sodium Hypochlorite. It is the longest lasting and lowest maintenance solution for storage tanks in this service. There are some key design, fabrication, operation and maintenance considerations to keep in mind to ensure maximum performance and reliability.
Titanium Grade 12 – Alternative Alloy for Cost Reduction & Corrosion Resistance
Titanium Grade 2/2H (UNS R50400) is the workhouse alloy used in the Chemical Processing Industry (CPI) to combat against corrosion and give a long, maintenance-free life. This Grade is essentially pure titanium with a yield strength minimum of 40 ksi and a minimum ultimate tensile strength of 58 ksi for Grade 2H.
Click here to download Whitepaper on Titanium for Industrial Application
Titanium: Available and Affordable Material of Construction for Industrial Applications
When you hear the word ‘titanium’, what do you think? Most people would think aerospace and airplane applications, when it is much more than that. Many also associate the word titanium with ‘expensive’, when in reality, it is actually cost effective.
Many would also think ‘unobtainable’, when it is readily available. While a majority of the titanium used today goes into the aerospace industry, there has been much progress made in the use of titanium in the corrosion control market – in chemical processing, refining, offshore, and other industrial markets. In fact, the use of titanium continues to grow as more and more design engineers, process engineers, reliability engineers, plant engineers, and company executives understand the value of this metal and its alloys, and specify its use for their projects that require corrosion resistance
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The Use of Titanium for Heat Transfer in the Chemical Processing Industry
The transfer of heat from one fluid to another is an essential component of all chemical processes. Whether it is to cool down a chemical after it has been formed during an exothermic reaction, or to heat-up components before starting a reaction to make a final product, understanding the elements to design an effective, efficient heat transfer system is the key to cost-effective manufacturing of most chemicals today. This understanding not only includes having the knowledge of various fluids’ physical characteristics and chemical makeup but also flow rates, system temperatures, and allowable pressures and pressure drops.
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.
Click here to download Whitepaper on Titanium for Heat Transfer in the Chemical Processing Industry
White Paper – Clad Metal Repairs
Clad metal materials are widely used in industrial applications due to their enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. However, damage can occur to the cladding due to various factors, necessitating a repair. This whitepaper offers specific guidance based on tests performed in Tricor’s shop by welders experienced in welding of Titanium and executing these types of repairs.
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Tantalum Heat Exchangers for Hydrochloric and Sulfuric Acid Pickling Applications
For more than two decades Tantalum has proven itself to be a superior material when used in hydrochloric and sulfuric acid steel pickling applications.
Tantalum, being a refractory metal, gets its corrosion resistance from a continuously regenerating oxide layer that occurs during the use in chemical service. The oxide layer is both corrosion resistant and erosion resistant proving itself a superior choice for corrosion resistance and reliability in hydrochloric acid steel pickling applications. Tantalum is totally up inert in the concentrations and temperatures of hydrochloric acid used in steel pickling.
Tantalum heat exchangers utilize it fully welded metal design that has proven to meet the mechanical challenges associated with steel mill operations. Tantalum heat exchangers are smaller than other heat exchangers used in this service and are easily accessible for inspection and cleaning.
The erosion resistance of the tantalum tubes allows for acid velocities through the heat exchanger that improves heat transfer as well as reduce fouling associated with the reprocessing of pickled steel.
Benefits of tantalum heat exchangers in steel pickling applications are:
- Tantalum heat exchangers can be designed to utilize up to 150 psig steam with standard gauge tantalum tubing. The use of higher-pressure steam reduces the heat transfer surface area required at a given heat load, reducing the cost of tantalum equipment over other materials.
- Tantalum heat exchangers are a fully welded metal that are dye penetrant tested, helium leak tested and then hydrostatically tested to ensure a 100% leak free heat exchanger at time installation. Tantalum heat exchangers are considered more rugged than heat exchangers of other materials used in this application I have been known to be damaged in handling, installation, and transportation.
- Tantalum utilizes standard off the shelf, gaskets and hardware that are available from your parts inventory or from local pipe and valve distributors.
- Tantalum heat exchangers can be designed to fit into the mounting and acid piping footprint of carbon block or other heat exchangers.
White Paper – Working with a Fabricator
When working with a chemical process equipment fabricator there are many important considerations to be made. The attached White Paper explains the important elements to be considered to ensure a successful project and receive quality chemical process equipment that meets your design specifications, quality expectations and project schedule.
Click Here To Download Working with a Fabricator White Paper
Tantalum For Corrosion Resistant Applications in the Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Petrochemical Industries
Tantalum is a highly corrosion-resistant metal that finds extensive use in corrosive applications across various industries. Here’s a brief description of the benefits of using tantalum in your application:
Broad Chemical Compatibility:
Tantalum exhibits exceptional resistance to a wide range of corrosive media, including high concentration and high temperature acids (such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, bromine, phosgene), salt solutions, and organic compounds. It can withstand aggressive environments where other materials might corrode or degrade.
Passive Oxide Layer:
Tantalum forms a thin, protective oxide layer on its surface when exposed to corrosive substances. This oxide layer acts as a barrier, preventing direct contact between the metal and the corrosive media. It provides excellent resistance to both uniform and localized corrosion.
Stability in Extreme Conditions:
Tantalum maintains its corrosion resistance properties even in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, elevated pressures, and highly concentrated solutions. It remains stable and does not undergo significant degradation or deterioration in harsh environments.
Non-Reactive and Inert:
Tantalum is non-reactive and chemically inert in many corrosive media. It does not readily participate in chemical reactions, ensuring the integrity and purity of the media being handled. This property is crucial in applications where contamination or product purity is a concern.
Mechanical Durability:
Tantalum possesses high mechanical strength and toughness, allowing it to withstand physical stresses and mechanical wear in corrosive environments. It can resist erosion, abrasion, and impact, making it suitable for applications involving turbulent flow or high-velocity fluids.
Long Service Life:
Tantalum’s exceptional corrosion resistance contributes to a longer service life for equipment and components used in corrosive applications. This leads to reduced maintenance costs, extended operational uptime, and improved overall efficiency.
Equipment can be designed and fabricated in solid, loose lined and explosion clad constructions to meet the design requirements of your applications.
Common Chemical Applications for Tantalum
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Sulfuric Acid
- Nitric Acid
- Bromine
- Phosgene
- Multi Purpose Operations (Acids, Solvents, Etc.)
Equipment Commonly Fabricated With Tantalum
- Tantalum Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
- Tantalum Bayonet Heat Exchangers
- Tantalum Lined Pipe
- Tantalum Lined Dip Pipes / Spargers
- Tantalum Lined Columns
- Tantalum Explosion Clad Reactors / Pressure Vessels
Chemical Applications That Commonly Use Tantalum Equipment
- MDI / TDI
- Ethylene Dichloride
- Pharmaceutical
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Manufacturing
- Steel Pickling
- Fine Chemical
- Specialty Chemicals
- Herbicides
- Pesticides
For More Information Please Contact:
Larry Haubner
Director of Sales
Tricor Metals
Email: lhaubner@tricormetals.com
Phone: 1-800-421-5141 Ext. 9860
Technical White Papers Applicable to Tantalum Chemical Process Equipment
Equipment for Pharmaceutical, API and Fine Chemical Operations
This white paper highlights the materials, equipment and design features of the equipment that is commonly used in Pharmaceutical, API and Fine Chemical applications.