Zirconium Pressure Vessels

Zirconium provides exceptional corrosion resistance in aggressive acid environments where other materials fail, making it the material of choice for hot mineral acid service and demanding chemical processes. Roben Manufacturing engineers custom zirconium pressure vessels for sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, and other corrosive chemical applications where long-term reliability is essential.

Application Importance

Hot concentrated mineral acids present severe corrosion challenges that eliminate stainless steels, nickel alloys, and even titanium from consideration. Zirconium’s unique oxide film provides outstanding resistance to reducing acids including sulfuric, hydrochloric, and phosphoric acids at elevated temperatures and concentrations. While zirconium has higher material costs than alternatives, the extended service life and elimination of corrosion-related failures often provide superior life-cycle economics. Roben Manufacturing provides specialized expertise in zirconium vessel design and fabrication.

Design Requirements

• Grade selection for specific acid service
• Inert gas shielded welding throughout
• Contamination prevention procedures
• Proper surface cleaning and preparation
• Galvanic isolation from other metals
• Specialized NDE techniques
• Clean handling and packaging
• Installation guidance

Recommended Materials

• Zirconium 702 (commercially pure)
• Zirconium 705 (Nb alloyed)
• Zirconium-clad steel (economics)
• Loose zirconium liners
• Zirconium weld overlays
• Compatible gasket materials

Industries Served

• Chemical Processing
• Sulfuric Acid Production
• Phosphoric Acid Production
• Acetic Acid Production
• Nuclear Fuel Processing
• Specialty Chemicals
• Waste Treatment

Certifications & Compliance

All Roben vessels are designed and manufactured in accordance with:

• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII
• ASME B31.3 Process Piping
• AWS D1.9 (adapted for zirconium)
• ISO 9001 Quality Management System
• Nuclear quality programs (as required)

Roben Manufacturing Expertise

With over 65 years of pressure vessel fabrication experience, Roben Manufacturing has developed specialized expertise in zirconium vessel fabrication. Zirconium welding requires complete inert gas shielding and contamination prevention similar to titanium but with additional considerations for this reactive material. Our qualified welders and procedures ensure reliable, corrosion-resistant welds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is zirconium preferred over other corrosion-resistant alloys?

Zirconium is typically specified for hot concentrated sulfuric acid (up to 70% at boiling), hot hydrochloric acid, and hot phosphoric acid where other materials including Hastelloy and titanium show inadequate corrosion resistance. The material excels in reducing acid environments.

What are zirconium’s limitations?

Zirconium is not suitable for oxidizing acids, hydrofluoric acid, or concentrated sulfuric acid above 70%. It is also sensitive to iron contamination and must be kept isolated from ferrous materials during fabrication and service.

Is zirconium-clad steel an economical alternative?

Yes. Zirconium explosion-clad or roll-clad to carbon steel provides zirconium’s corrosion resistance at reduced cost. Clad construction is suitable for vessels where the structural thickness exceeds the corrosion-resistant thickness required.

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Request a Quote for Zirconium Pressure Vessels

Contact Roben Manufacturing to discuss your zirconium pressure vessels requirements.

Phone: (732) 364-6000

Email: sales@robenmfg.com

Address: 760 Vassar Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701

www.robenmfg.com