Titanium (Ti) is mainly used its oxide form. It is a low weight metal that reduces fuel consumption, energy loss and low performance in several equipment and systems. Titanium scrap and titanium alloy scrap have beneficial properties and characteristics. This scrap material can be recycled in order to meet the increasing titanium demand. The hard and corrosion resistant titanium scrap is light in weight and has high melting temperature. This high temperature metal scrap is irreplaceable. There are different types and grades of Ti scrap, for instance mixed titanium solids, titanium turnings,titanium sponge / residues, etc., which can be recycled for obtaining pure titanium.
The major supplier of the titanium scrap is aerospace industry. Airplane engines, structural components, spacecrafts and satellites contain titanium. Apart from aerospace industry, this metal is also used in medical industry.
The by-product of titanium is Ti chip, which can be recycled by hydrogenation. Hydrogenation can be performed by exposing to H2 gas at higher pressure and / or temperature for several hours or slow cooling in order to maintain maximum hydrogen content.
Titanium Extraction:
Titanium extracted from energy intensive Kroll process saves energy and waste, which are not achieved by any other material that is less environment friendly, less corrosion resistant, less strong and more heavy. There are several extractions processes developed that use less energy. One such energy efficient and environment friendly process is FFC electrolytic de-oxidation.
Titanium Production:
Sam processes are followed in the hot working of titanium as in other metals, like steel or nickel based alloys, but at a lower temperature. During the processing of steel and titanium, energy is consumed in same order. However, the volume of titanium produced is 30-40 % higher because of the low density.
Titanium Reclamation and Recycling
In equipment fabrication and manufacturing processes, Titanium scrap is generated which can be recycled. The increased use of cold hearth and other remelting furnaces by titanium producers resulted in improvement in the economy of recycling. The vast range of scrap forms can be directly used. The life cycle cost can be determined by considering the sustained value of life expired titanium systems and parts.
Titanium & the Environment:
Titanium is an environment friendly and corrosion resistant metal that can be used in aggressive conditions. This eliminates or reduces any type of pollution, metal loss or product contamination.
Industrial Applications:
Th low density, corrosion resistant Titanium scrap finds use in several industries,such as: