Opportunities and Challenges for the Industrial Titanium Market

Abstract

The industrial titanium market is the second largest segment of the titanium industry and currently comprises less than 20 % of the overall titanium market. In spite of a more than 50 year history of successful application in corrosive environments myths about availability, fabrication, pricing and corrosion resistance are still part of the conversation and culture with many potential customers. The author will discuss these issues and present comparisons with other common materials of construction to demonstrate the business case for titanium. With seawater/brackish water being the most common corrosive environment where titanium is applied examples of current applications will be presented. By highlighting the characteristics of titanium that led to the material choice in these examples potential new applications can be identified. These examples will come from application on offshore platforms, LNG liquefaction plants, power generation, desalination and petroleum refining operations. Against the backdrop of the application analysis the author will also explore regulatory, market influences and new technology impacting the industrial titanium market segment. Drawing on statistics from the Titanium Association and other resources a projection for industrial growth will be presented for the next decade.