What equipment materials should be selected for corrosive microreactions? Titanium Linings for High-Pressure Safety

To ensure safety and longevity in high-temperature, high-pressure microreaction processes involving corrosive media, you must utilize a composite material strategy. Specifically, you should select high-performance nickel-based alloy micro-tubing and connectors that feature an internal titanium lining. Standard materials are prone to failure under these extreme dual-stress conditions.

Core Insight: In aggressive environments involving dilute nitric acid and high pressure, single-material solutions often fail. The most effective engineering approach is to decouple the functions: use a titanium lining for chemical resistance and a nickel-based alloy substrate for structural pressure containment.

The Failure of Standard Materials

Chemical Erosion Risks

Standard materials, particularly stainless steel, are insufficient for these specific operating conditions.

The Multiplier Effect

When high temperature and high pressure are combined with corrosive agents like dilute nitric acid, the rate of chemical erosion accelerates. This leads to rapid material degradation and potential containment failure.

The Composite Solution Strategy

The Role of Titanium Lining

The primary defense mechanism in this setup is the titanium lining. This internal layer acts as an excellent barrier, providing superior resistance against acid corrosion compared to standard alloys.

The Role of the Alloy Substrate

While titanium handles the chemistry, the high-performance nickel-based alloy handles the physics. This external substrate maintains the structural integrity of the micro-tubing, ensuring the system can withstand high pressures without bursting.

Synergy of Materials

By combining these two materials, you create a system where the weakness of one is covered by the strength of the other. The alloy prevents the titanium from yielding under pressure, while the titanium prevents the alloy from dissolving.

Understanding the Trade-offs

Manufacturing Complexity

Utilizing lined tubing is inherently more complex than using solid, single-material tubing. You must ensure that the connectors are also lined or compatible to prevent creating a weak point in the fluid path.

Specificity of Application

This solution is tailored for "dilute nitric acid" and similar strong acids. While titanium is excellent for oxidizing acids, you must verify its compatibility if your process involves reducing acids or other specific chemical profiles.

Making the Right Choice for Your Process

To apply this to your project, evaluate your priorities:

• If your primary focus is Chemical Resistance: Ensure the titanium lining is continuous throughout the flow path, including all joints and connectors, to prevent acid contact with the substrate.
• If your primary focus is Pressure Safety: Rely on the specifications of the nickel-based alloy substrate to define your maximum operating pressure limits, rather than the liner material.

By selecting this dual-material approach, you effectively isolate the corrosive threat from the structural support, ensuring a robust and safe reaction process.

Summary Table:

Component	Material Recommendation	Primary Function	Key Benefit
Internal Liner	Titanium	Chemical Resistance	Superior protection against nitric acid erosion
Outer Substrate	Nickel-Based Alloy	Structural Integrity	Maintains system stability under high-pressure
Connectors	Compatible Lined Alloys	Leak Prevention	Eliminates weak points in the corrosive fluid path
System Design	Composite Micro-tubing	Dual-Stress Management	Prevents failure from combined heat, pressure, and acid

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References

1. Akira Suzuki, Kiyotaka Hatakeda. Establishment of compact processes. DOI: 10.5571/syntheng.3.151

This article is also based on technical information from Kintek Solution Knowledge Base .