1. SB338 GR.2 R50400 Titanium Steel Tube Mechanical and Physical Properties
GR.2 titanium offers a unique blend of mechanical and physical properties, making it suitable for critical applications.
- Mechanical Properties:
- Tensile Strength: ≥345 MPa .
- Yield Strength: ≥275 MPa.
- Elongation: ≥20% (indicating good ductility).
- Comparison with Stainless Steel: Higher strength-to-weight ratio (density ~4.51 g/cm³, ≈60% of steel).
Physical Properties:
- Density: 4.51 g/cm³.
- Crystal Structure: α-titanium (hexagonal close-packed).
- Magnetic Properties: Non-magnetic.
- Thermal Conductivity: ~17 W/(m·K) (lower than copper alloys but compensated by thin-walled designs).
2. SB338 GR.2 R50400 Titanium Steel Tube Corrosion Resistance and Performance
GR.2 titanium is renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance, particularly in aggressive environments.
Key Corrosion Resistance Properties:
- Seawater and Marine Environments: Corrosion rate <0.0005 mm/year, even after 30 years of immersion.
- Oxidizing Media: Resists nitric acid (65% boiling, corrosion rate <0.005 mm/year), wet chlorine, and hypochlorite solutions.
- Weak Reducing Acids and Alkalis: Performs well in alkaline environments and some organic acids.
- Immunity to Localized Corrosion: Highly resistant to pitting and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in chlorides.
- Mechanism: Forms a stable, adherent oxide layer (TiO₂) that self-repairs if damaged, providing passive protection.
3. SB338 GR.2 R50400 Titanium Steel Tube Manufacturing and Fabrication
Production Process:
- Seamless tubes are manufactured via extrusion, piercing, and cold rolling.
- Welded tubes are made from rolled sheets or strips welded using TIG or plasma methods.
Fabrication Characteristics:
- Formability: Good ductility and cold workability (n≈0.35 hardening index).
- Weldability: Excellent; commonly welded using ERTi-2 filler via TIG/MIG without preheating or post-weld heat treatment.
- Machining: Requires low speeds, high feed rates, and carbide tools with emulsion cooling for best surface finish (Ra ≤0.4 μm).
4. SB338 GR.2 R50400 Titanium Steel Tube Applications in Industry
GR.2 titanium tubes are widely used in industries where corrosion resistance, lightweight, and reliability are critical.
- Heat Exchangers and Condensers: Power Plants: Nuclear and fossil fuel condensers. Chemical Processing: Heat exchangers for corrosive media (e.g., acids, chlorides).
- Sea Water Desalination: Evaporators and Condensers: Preferred over copper alloys due to superior resistance to erosion, corrosion, and biofouling. Thin-walled tubes (e.g., 0.5 mm) reduce weight and cost.
- Chemical and Petrochemical Industry:Reactors, Pipes, and Vessels: For handling nitric acid, hypochlorite, and organic chlorides.
- Marine and Offshore: Shipbuilding: Heat exchangers, piping systems, and structural components. Deep-Sea Equipment: Subsea connectors and risers.
- Aerospace: Hydraulic Systems and Airframes: Lightweight components requiring strength and corrosion resistance.
- Medical: Implants and Surgical Instruments: Biocompatibility and resistance to sterilization agents.
5. SB338 GR.2 R50400 Titanium Steel Tube Advantages Over Competing Materials
Compared to Copper Alloys:
- Longer Life: Immune to erosion-corrosion and biofouling in seawater.
- Weight Savings: Density ~4.51 g/cm³ vs. ~8.9 g/cm³ for copper alloys; thin-walled designs reduce weight by up to 75%.
- Thermal Performance: Lower thermal conductivity compensated by thin walls and fouling resistance.
Compared to Stainless Steel and Nickel Alloys:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Lower life-cycle cost and ~50% cheaper than nickel alloys in many applications.
- Superior Corrosion Resistance: Outperforms stainless steels in chlorides and oxidizing acids.
6. SB338 GR.2 R50400 Titanium Steel Tube Quality Assurance and Testing
Testing Standards:
- Chemical Analysis: Per ASTM E1409.
- Mechanical Testing: Tensile, flattening, flaring, and hardness tests per ASTM B338.
- Non-Destructive Testing: Eddy current, ultrasonic, or hydrostatic tests.
Certification: Suppliers provide EN 10204 3.1 certification and ISO 9001 quality management.
Conclusion
The ASME SB338 GR.2 R50400 titanium seamless tube is a highly reliable material for critical applications in corrosive environments. Its excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and compliance with international standards make it a preferred choice in industries such as chemical processing, power generation, marine, and aerospace. When selecting this material, consider dimensional tolerances, fabrication requirements, and total life-cycle cost to maximize project success. For detailed specifications, always refer to the latest ASME SB338 standard.
