TITANIUM

Titanium is the ninth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and the fourth most commonly used structural metal. In nature, it occurs only as a mineral (ore) in combination with oxygen or iron (rutile, TiO 2, or ilmenite, FeTiO 3). Titanium is a lightweight material whose density is approximately 60 percent of steel density and 50 percent of nickel-copper alloys.
It was recognized in the 1950’s as a desirable material for applications, especially aerospace structures and engine components. In the 1960s and 1970s, titanium was considered for use in vessels and heat exchangers in corrosive chemical process environments. Typical applications included marine, refineries, pulp and paper, chlorine and chlorate production, hydrometallurgy, and various other oxidizing and mildly reducing chemical services.
In the 1980s and 1990s, titanium began to be used for many non-traditional applications, including tubular products for geothermal energy extraction and oil and gas production, consumer goods (such as sports equipment), food processing, implants. biomedical, and automotive components.

Titanium Properties

Titanium is well known for its unique combination of properties, which include a low modulus of elasticity, a stable and firm oxide film (which provides excellent corrosion and erosion resistance), and a high density strength ratio. As for conformation, titanium can be cold bent. In addition, most industrial titanium alloys do not require stress relief annealing after cold forming.

Titanium Pipe – Types and Uses

Grade 2 titanium is considered the flagship of the titanium family and is suitable for most applications. If greater corrosion resistance is required, welded tubes can be produced in grades 7, 12, 16 or 26 per ASTM B-338. If greater strength is required, grade 3 and 12 tubing is available.