Product Specification

Titanium Alloy Seamless Tube B338 GR.2 For Heat Exchanger Application

Overview of ASTM B338 Grade 2 Titanium Seamless Tube

ASTM B338 refers to a specification by ASTM (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) for seamless titanium and titanium alloy tubes. Grade 2 is the most commonly used form of commercially pure titanium and is specified in this standard.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Material Composition (Grade 2 Titanium)

Grade 2 titanium, also known as CP (commercially pure) titanium, has a chemical composition of about:

• Titanium (Ti): 99.2% minimum

• Iron (Fe): 0.3% max

• Oxygen (O): 0.25% max

• Nitrogen (N): 0.03% max

• Hydrogen (H): 0.015% max

The relatively high purity of Grade 2 titanium gives it excellent resistance to corrosion, particularly in aggressive environments such as seawater and acidic media.

2. Properties of Grade 2 Titanium Seamless Tube

• Corrosion Resistance: Grade 2 titanium exhibits exceptional resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, particularly in seawater, chloride solutions, and many acids.

• Strength: While Grade 2 is not as strong as titanium alloys (like Grade 5 or Grade 9), it still offers superior strength-to-weight ratios compared to many other materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum.

• Formability: Grade 2 titanium can be easily welded, rolled, or bent, making it an excellent choice for manufacturing into tubes, pipes, and other components.

• Temperature Resistance: It maintains its strength and resistance to oxidation up to temperatures of about 400°C (752°F), making it ideal for applications in heat exchangers, marine environments, and some industrial processes.

• Lightweight: Titanium is one of the lightest metals, and Grade 2 titanium is about 60% heavier than aluminum but much stronger and more corrosion-resistant.

3. Key Advantages of B338 Grade 2 Titanium Seamless Tubes

• Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Highly resistant to corrosion in natural environments like seawater and in industries that deal with acidic or chlorinated environments.

• Lightweight and Durable: Provides strength and performance while maintaining a light weight, making it ideal for applications that require strength without the added weight of stainless steel or other metals.

• High Temperature Resistance: Suitable for use in both high-temperature applications (e.g., heat exchangers) and in environments with fluctuating temperatures.

• Non-toxic and Biocompatible: Grade 2 titanium is often used in medical and pharmaceutical applications because of its biocompatibility.

4. Common Applications of B338 Grade 2 Titanium Seamless Tube

• Heat Exchangers: Titanium's excellent heat-transfer characteristics, coupled with its corrosion resistance, make it ideal for heat exchanger systems, especially in industries like chemical processing and power generation.

• Marine Applications: The corrosion resistance of titanium in seawater makes it the material of choice for various marine applications, such as shipbuilding, desalination plants, and offshore oil platforms.

• Aerospace and Aircraft Systems: Used in structures or components that require lightweight, high strength, and durability under extreme conditions.

• Chemical Processing: Often used in systems handling aggressive chemicals or acids due to its exceptional resistance to corrosion.

• Medical and Biotechnical Devices: Titanium tubes are used in medical implants and surgical devices because of their biocompatibility and strength.

5. Manufacturing Process

• Seamless Tube Production: Grade 2 titanium tubes are produced using a seamless method, which means no welded seams are present in the tube structure. This method ensures higher mechanical properties and a more consistent material structure throughout the tube.

• Forming and Welding: While seamless tubes have no welds, other titanium tube types may require welding and need special care in manufacturing to maintain the material's properties.

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6. Standards and Specifications

• ASTM B338 covers the requirements for seamless titanium and titanium alloy tubes for use in general industrial applications.

• Dimensions and Tolerances: The tubes conform to the exact dimensional standards for thickness, outer diameter, and length as outlined by ASTM B338. The tubes are typically available in a range of sizes to meet different application needs.

7. Conclusion

The B338 Grade 2 Titanium Seamless Tube is a versatile material used extensively across industries where corrosion resistance, light weight, and durability are critical. It is most often used in applications like heat exchangers, marine environments, and chemical processing plants, making it one of the most reliable materials for demanding environments.