Tantaline Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Tantaline?
Tantaline is more than the name of our company. The Tantaline process creates a tantalum metal surface alloy. A Tantaline solution consists of a substrate material, like a valve or fitting that we treat in our process to create a chemically inert, extremely corrosion resistant, rugged surface. A Tantaline solution is a higher performing, competitively priced and short lead time alternative to other specialty metals like titanium, nickel alloys (Hastelloy), zirconium and tantalum.
2. What is tantalum?
Tantalum is a chemical element with the symbol Ta and the atomic number 73. Tantalum is known as the most corrosion resistant material in common use and typically used in extremely corrosive applications. Tantalum is also chemically and biologically inert. Tantalum’s biocompatibility is often used as a baseline for comparison for other materials. See the Tantalum Metal section for more infomation.
3. What is a surface alloy?
What is special about the Tantaline technology is our ability to create and control the characteristics of a tantalum surface alloy that is formed on the substrate. The tantalum metal diffuses into the substrate to create an alloy that will not chip, spall or delaminate. Once the alloy is created a pure tantalum surface is grown to the desired thickness. This is what separates Tantaline Surface Alloy's from coatings.
4. What is the corrosion performance of Tantaline?
The corrosion resistance of the Tantaline surface treatment is equal to that of c.p. (commercially pure) grade tantalum. For nearly all chemical solutions, it is significantly better than titanium, nickel alloys and zirconium. In acids like HCl or H2S04 Tantaline's corrosion resistance is second to none.
5. Could I use Tantaline as a substitute for titanium, nickel alloys, zirconium or tantalum metal parts?
Yes. Tantaline is designed to be a higher performing, readily available, cost competitive alternative to titanium, nickel alloys, zirconium and tantalum metal parts.
6. How is Tantaline applied?
The Tantaline process is based on alloy bonding and chemical vapor deposition technology (CVD). Unlike coatings that are dipped or sprayed on, the Tantaline process actually vaporizes tantalum metal and then grows the tantalum metal onto the substrate to create a tantalum surface alloy. The surface treatment is independent of geometry so internal and external surface could be treated.
7. What is the thickness of the surface treatment?
The thickness of the surface that we find most efficient for most applications is 50um (0.002”). However depending on the applications thicknesses up to 200um (0.008”) are possible.
8. What size parts could be treated in your process?
The size of the parts we could treat is limited by our reactor size. The size of the parts we can treat are up to 19” in diameter by 35” max in height. See our Quick Guide for more information.
9. How does Tantaline hold up in errosion / corrosion environments?
In errosion corrosion environements the metals oxide layer is erroded away and the base metal is free to corrode. What make tantalum metal more corrosion resistant than other specialty alloys is its protective oxide layer is tougher and more robust than other metals and very well suited for high velocity errosion corrosion environments.
10. How well does Tantaline work in abrasive environments?
If a fluid has abrasive particles in solution this is perfectly acceptable for Tantaline. However if the application is more of an abrasive slurry please consult a Tantaline engineer to determine if your application is suitable and what solutions may best fit your needs.
11. What happens is the Tantaline surface is dinged, dented or scratched?
The Tantaline surface is extremely rugged and durable and could handle extreme deformations. See the customer testimonialwhere a consultant tries to destroy the Tantaline surface alloy.
12. Does Tantaline stand behind their product’s performance?At Tantaline we are confident in the quality and performance of our products and want our customers feel confident as well in their investment. We 100% guarantee that all of our products are free of defects and have the corrosion resistance of pure tantalum metal. Furthermore, Tantaline warranties the performance of nearly all of our products for a period of 3 years!(See our product warranty for details)
13. Is a thick surface better?
Typically no. For solutions that have a nil corrosion rate with tantalum, a thicker surface is irrelevant. All of the corrosion resistant properties of tantalum are on the surface of the metal which is due to a tenacious oxide layer.
14. What substrate can be treated in you process?
15. Does the material have problems with pinholes?
No. By controlling our process and creating at least a 50 micron (0.002”) continuous surface we account for any variability that we may see. In the unlikely case that our process is upset, all of our products are 100% inspected by placing the parts in concentrated boiling HCl solution for 48 hours. All of our parts are 100% guaranteed to have the performance of pure tantalum and be free from defects. Quality control is a priority for Tantaline and of paramount importance to our existence.
16. Can tubes be treated?
Yes. But for a tube with two open ends the length must not exceed 10x the diameter. For tubes with one end open and the other sealed the length must not exceed 5x the diameter. See our Quick Guide for more information.
17. What are you lead times?
Typically lead times are 3 -6 weeks depending on the part.
18. Where could I buy Tantaline treated equipment?
Contact Us and we will guide you to the correct resources.
19. Does Tantaline have any history or references?
Yes. Tantaline parts have been in service in boiling HCl applications since 1993. To date we are in numerous applications and facilities. View our references for more information.
20. How could I tell if a Tantaline solution is right for my application?
Contact Us and talk to our corrosion experts. Samples are available to place in the actual process stream if there are any uncertainties.
21. How could I supply, sell and fabricate Tantaline parts?
Contact Us to learn more about how Tantaline could help enhance your product lines.
