Titanium solves corrosion problems in petroleum processing

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Met. Prog.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7228030

Covington, L C

Titanium answers many severe corrosion problems caused by sulfides, chlorides, and other corrodents in refinery products and cooling water. Consequently, the metal is used in many refinery processes, the main application being heat exchanger tubing. Ti resists corrosion because a stable, protective, strongly adherent film of TiO/sub 2/ forms instantly when a fresh surface is exposed to air or moisture. The potential--pH equilibrium diagram for the Ti--H/sub 2/O system at 25C is discussed, and the idea of anodic protection is explained. Corrosion resistance can be increased by thickening the oxide film, adding oxidizing agents or certain multivalent metal ions which passivate Ti, or impressing a direct current (anodic protection). Because of its high hardness, smooth surface, and resistance to corrosion, Ti resists fouling or deposit buildup in most environments. In general, Ti failures fall into one of three categories: crevice corrosion, pitting, and cracking. Many applications in the chemical process industries involve high-temperature brines; the use of Ti is limited because of its susceptibility to crevice corrosion. Such applications can be handled by an alloy designated Ti-Code-12, which contains 0.3 Mo and 0.8 Ni. 3 figures, 1 table. (RWR)

• Research Organization: Henderson Technical Labs., NV
• OSTI ID: 7228030
• Journal Information: Met. Prog.; (United States), Journal Name: Met. Prog.; (United States) Vol. 111:2; ISSN MEPOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020400 -- Petroleum-- Processing
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360105* -- Metals & Alloys-- Corrosion & Erosion
ALLOYS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CORROSION
CORROSION PROTECTION
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ELEMENTS
FAILURES
HEAT EXCHANGERS
METALS
MOLYBDENUM ADDITIONS
MOLYBDENUM ALLOYS
NICKEL ADDITIONS
NICKEL ALLOYS
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
PH VALUE
TITANIUM
TITANIUM ALLOYS
TITANIUM BASE ALLOYS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
TUBES