Specific properties
The exceptional corrosion resistance of zirconium is attributed to the stable oxide layer (ZrO₂) naturally formed on its surface. This protective layer, however, can be affected by heat treatment processes. Therefore, careful handling of zirconium during fabrication steps such as PWHT or head forming is essential, ensuring compliance with material-specific requirements to fully preserve its corrosion-resistant properties.
Beyond its resistance to aggressive environments, zirconium offers excellent performance at elevated temperatures, thanks to its high melting point and outstanding thermal stability. In addition, its good thermal conductivity makes it particularly well-suited for demanding applications such as heat exchangers, where both durability and efficiency are crucial.
Variable grades
Different zirconium grades are selected based on their ductility which is important in case of clad applications.
Solid Zr
Zr Clad
Solid titanium offers strength and corrosion resistance.
Lower Oxygen (<0.10%) content to increase ductility which is required for clad applications.
Solid Zr
Solid titanium offers strength and corrosion resistance.
Zr Clad
Lower Oxygen (<0.10%) content to increase ductility which is required for clad applications.
SOLUTIONS
Products
Zirconium is selected for its outstanding resistance to acids, chlorides, and other aggressive chemicals.
Reactors
CATIVA reactor
— Acetyl / Acetic Acid Applications, MEGCATIVA (TM) process is using carbonylation of methanol to produce acetic acid. for this type of reactors, high precautions are taken to avoid potential leakages of the cladlayers. The MEG applications developped under Johnson Matthey are operating under a very aggressive medium combined with a very high pressure.
Columns
Zirconium Clad Column
— Acetic AcidSolid zirconium and zirconium clad materials are used for columns covering the high corrosive environments such as formic acid, alkaline solutions, as well as acetic acids and Brine purification.
DCH Column
— Brine PurificationSolid zirconium or zirconium clad columns are used in the epichlorhydrin production due to high corrosion conditions.
Heat Exchangers
Heat Exchanger
— Acetic Acid, MEG, Brine PurificationThe appearance of high acids or strong alkalis do requires the usage of solid zirconium or zirconium clad to count on low corrosion rates, even in harsh environments of HCL at elevated temperatures.
Preheaters
— PTAIn the PTA applications, a limited number of Zirconium heat exchangers are used. The advantage of exceptional corrosion resistance combined with its excellent heat treansfer capabilities makes the choice of zirconium an excelent solution.
Applications
Zirconium is widely used in highly corrosive environments, where conventional metals would fail. Thanks to its exceptional chemical resistance, zirconium is a go-to material for demanding processes involving strong acids and high temperatures.
PTA
Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) is one of the essential raw materials used in manufacturing high-performance multipurpose plastics. These include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly-butyl terephthalate(PBT) and bioplastics. This material also has a high demand for manufacturing polyester fibers for clothes, polyester coating resins, and plastics bottles.
Acetic Acid
The production of industrial acetic acid, is an intricate and crucial process that is fundamental to many industries. The production processes are based on the carbonylation of methanol and catalyzed by Rhodium or Iridium catalyst.
Brine purification
Brine purification used during the fabrication of EPOXY resins is a technique which requires equipment using high end oxotic materials like Ti GR17 and Zirconium materials. Coek has fabricated equipment (Columns, reactors and heat exchangers) for the brine treatment technology patented by KVT in Austria.
Projects
For nearly two decades, Coek has supported Sipchem’s acetic acid production in Jubayl by supplying critical process equipment. These deliveries included reactors and columns clad with advanced Hastelloy alloys and Zirconium, ensuring reliable performance under highly corrosive conditions.
