Titanium flanges, as pipe connection components, play a crucial role in industrial systems. The density of titanium is approximately 4.43-4.5g/cm³, which is only 60% of that of ordinary steel. This significantly reduces the overall weight of the piping system, can greatly reduce the weight of the engine body, and improve fuel efficiency. At the same time, it is particularly crucial in fields such as aerospace. For instance, titanium flanges are used in aircraft hydraulic systems. The tensile strength of titanium alloys is as high as over 895MPa, and the yield strength exceeds 825MPa. This high-strength characteristic enables them to withstand huge internal pressure in high-pressure pipeline systems without undergoing plastic deformation. What is more highly praised in the industry is the corrosion resistance of titanium alloy flanges. In harsh environments such as chemical engineering and Marine engineering, titanium flanges demonstrate extremely strong resistance to seawater, brine, chloride ions, strong acids (such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid), and strong alkali media. Meanwhile, the dense oxide film formed on the titanium surface can automatically repair and prevent corrosive media from penetrating into the substrate. In seawater desalination systems, the service life of titanium flanges can be more than ten times that of carbon steel flanges, making them almost the only choice for such applications.
A three-dimensional decision-making model for material selection
Corrosion environment dimension
For media containing chloride ions (such as seawater and bleach), TA9 (Ti-0.2Pd) or Gr7 grades are preferred, as their crevice corrosion resistance is 10 times higher than that of pure titanium. In strongly reducing acid environments (such as 10% boiling sulfuric acid), TA10 (Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni) should be selected. Its corrosion resistance exceeds that of pure titanium by three orders of magnitude. For high-concentration alkaline solutions (such as caustic soda production), it is advisable to use TA1 pure titanium, as it forms a protective sodium titanate film in an environment with pH>12
Mechanical performance dimension
For high-pressure systems (PN≥10.0MPa), TC4 (Ti-6Al-4V) forgings are preferred, with a yield strength of over 825MPa. For low-temperature working conditions (such as LNG systems), ultra-low gap element alloys like TA7 ELI or Ti5Al-2.5Sn ELI should be adopted. To ensure impact toughness at -196℃, TA3 forged flanges are recommended for cyclic load applications, as their fatigue strength is 30% higher than that of castings
Cost-benefit dimension
For conventional low-pressure water systems, TA2 rolled flanges can be selected, with a cost of only 60% of TC4. Although the loose flange structure increases material costs, the installation efficiency is improved by 40%, making it particularly suitable for factories with short maintenance Windows
Selection of titanium flange types
Titanium weld neck flange
Titanium weld neck flanges excel in managing pressure and temperature. Ideal for high-temperature and high-pressure piping systems, they ensure secure connections with durability.
Titanium Slip-on flanges
Slip-on flanges are pipe fittings used to connect two pieces of pipe together. They are commonly used in high-pressure applications and are designed to securely hold the pipe in place while allowing for easy installation and removal. The flange has a circular base with a raised face, connected to the pipe using screws and bolts.
Titanium threaded flange
The threaded flange consists of two halves that are bolted together. One half has a threaded connection, while the other half has a companion flange connection. It’s used to connect pipes without welding, making it suitable for systems where disassembly is needed.
Titanium plate flat welding flange
Plate flat welding titanium flange is the most common type of flange, they are made of pure titanium or titanium alloy. Plate welding titanium flange are commonly used part and pipeline to insert the pipe into the inner hole of the flange to the proper position, and then lap welding.Plate welding titanium flange sealing surface types include flat and raised panel flat welded flanges. Usually refers to the opening of several fixing holes on the periphery of a disc-like metal body, which are often used to connect other things. Titanium flanges are used in pairs, and bolts connect the two flanges.
Titanium flanges, with their unique comprehensive performance, play an irreplaceable role in all key fields of modern industry. From the harsh corrosive environment of the deep sea to the extreme temperature conditions in space, from the biocompatibility requirements within the human body to the high-radiation scenarios of nuclear reactors, titanium flanges have demonstrated outstanding adaptability and reliability.
