In the realm of modern industry, petroleum stands as the lifeblood propelling societal advancement, albeit with stringent demands placed upon refining equipment. Amidst the diverse and corrosive nature of feedstocks, the selection of materials for equipment becomes paramount. Titanium and titanium alloys have progressively secured a pivotal position in the petroleum refining industry owing to their exceptional corrosion resistance.
The application history of titanium metal in the petrochemical sector traces back to early coolers. With advancing technology, the scope of titanium and its alloys has continuously broadened, finding widespread utility in critical equipment such as heat exchangers, condensers, and coolers. These apparatuses endure the rigors of high temperatures, pressures, and corrosive media during refining processes, where the outstanding performance of titanium and its alloys emerges as the optimal choice to combat these challenges.
Internationally, the use of titanium equipment in the petrochemical industry boasts a nearly 40-year legacy. Countries like Japan, reliant on imported high-sulfur crude oil due to limited domestic petroleum resources, have amassed rich experience in corrosion prevention. Utilizing titanium alloy materials to address H2S-HCL-H2O environment corrosion issues has yielded significant results. In Europe and the United States, the adoption of titanium-made heat exchangers in refineries dates back to the 1960s, aimed at tackling various corrosive media challenges. While China's petrochemical industry has long been a pillar sector, the usage of titanium equipment in petroleum refining remains relatively limited. Nevertheless, with rapid economic growth and escalating demand for oil, especially the increasing importation of high-sulfur crude oil from the Middle East, China is raising the bar for technological upgrades and replacements in refining equipment. Titanium and titanium alloys, renowned for their exceptional corrosion resistance, are poised to become indispensable materials in the future of the petroleum refining industry.
