Titanium Use in the Pulp Industry

The outstanding corrosion resistance of titanium in chloride environments is the basis for its increasing use in the pulp industry and the associated industries that generate bleach chemicals. As the pulp mills close their effluent systems because of government pollution regulations, the washing areas of bleach plants will experience an increase in chloride level and temperature. Preliminary test results show that the traditional construction materials, Type 316L and 317L stainless steels, will not be adequate, and an upgrading of materials in the washer filtrate systems and bleaching towers will be required. This is expected to result in increased usage of titanium in the pulp industry.