As well as specialist stainless steels such as duplex and super duplex, we at Chemipetro manufacture pipes, flanges and pipe fittings in other specialist metals. However, none of these metals are as recognisable by name as Titanium.

This is commonly known as ‘the space age’ metal and for good reason. Its unique properties have meant that it is has been used extensively in aeronautical and military applications.

Despite its relatively recent application however it has been around for quite a while. Titanium as an element is present in all living things as well as soil and rocks. However it was not identified until 1791 when amateur geologist William Gregor noted it in some sand samples. Four year later a German chemist, Martin Heinrich Klaproth also identified the mineral and named it after the Titans in Greek mythology.

However, it was over a hundred years before a usable metal sample could be produced and not until 1932 that the first commercial samples were made outside the laboratory.

Because of difficulties machining it, it was not until the 1950’s that Titanium first became widely used when the Soviet Union used it in submarines. However its important properties of strength and lightness were quickly recognised such that the Americans declared it a strategic metal.

Titanium is as strong as steel but 45% lighter. It is also very resistant to corrosion being able to withstand acid and chlorine attack. This makes it particularly useful for the petrochemical industry.

Therefore if you have a particularly aggressive environment to cope with that also requires strength in the fittings Titanium could be your answer.