Use of Titanium and its Alloys in Sea-Water Service

Abstract

Technologies for application of titanium metal in a sea-water environment have made remarkable progress in the last four decades. This is due to intensive research and developmental work in the laboratory and field as well as to longterm service trials, which have generated an exhaustive corrosion databank that has created enough confidence to permit users to switch over to a new construction material. Titanium and its alloys are being increasingly used in power generation as well as a host of marine-based industries and operations due to their unique corrosion resistance in a chloride environment. This paper represents an overview of the corrosion resistant properties of titanium in a sea-water environment and their industrial applications particularly in power generation, desalination plants, offshore oil exploration, production and refinery operations as well as in a large number of ship-based installations. Energy and materials will be of major concern to mankind during the next century. Energy efficient materials like titanium will, therefore receive greater attention. Development of a cheaper extraction process for commercial use will play a key role in making titanium one of the future materials of the twenty-first century. © 1993, Walter de Gruyter. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.