SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1993
STP24858S

Materials Selection for Sulfide Pressure Oxidation Autoclaves

Source

Titanium and its alloys offer superior corrosion resistance in the oxidizing sulfuric acid environments present in sulfide pressure leaching operations. Their use is limited due to their pyrophoricity in high-pressure oxygen environments. We investigated the ignition resistance of several titanium alloys in oxygen using a tensile rupture technique. A commercial titanium alloy, niobium-55 wt. % titanium (Nb-55 Ti), was found not to ignite at pressure and temperature conditions under which Grade 2 titanium and other standard titanium alloys ignite. The decreased ignitability of titanium when alloyed with niobium is discussed in terms of a burn factor (the ratio of heat of oxidation to thermal diffusivity) and alloy microstructure. Nb-55 Ti, selected for its corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and reduced pyrophoricity compared to standard titanium alloys, has been successfully used in sulfide pressure oxidation equipment.

Author Information

Krag, PW
Bechtel Corporation, San Francisco, CA
Henson, HR
Teledyne Wah Chang Albany, Albany, OR
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: G04
Pages: 169–180
DOI: 10.1520/STP24858S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5247-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1855-3