Zirconium
When titanium fails, Zirconium endures – but only with flawless welding.
When titanium’s corrosion resistance ends, Zirconium takes over. Zirconium is the heavy hitter of the chemical industry, withstanding boiling acids and alkalis in conditions where other metals corrode through. However, welding it is delicate: hot zirconium absorbs impurities like a sponge. We have the methods to ensure the weld seam remains as pure and ductile as the base material.
Zr 702
Typical applications for zirconium
Processes where zirconium’s corrosion resistance is indispensable.
Zirconium’s strengths
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Zirconium is the superior choice for most acids, such as sulfuric and hydrochloric acid, offering a long service life in applications that would destroy titanium or Hastelloy in an instant.
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Welding zirconium requires complete inert shielding and precise thermal control. We use documented and tested procedures to ensure consistent joints free from oxidation or embrittlement risks.
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Zirconium provides exceptional longevity to structures, especially when the process involves acids, chlorides, or other highly reactive substances. A properly fabricated structure can operate for over a decade without significant corrosion or maintenance.
Zirkonium vs. other materials
Zirkonium vs. other materials
Zirconium vs. others
- Zirconium
- Titanium
- Tantalum
- Hastelloy
- Nickel alloys
- Duplex & SDX
- Stainless steels
- Aluminium
- Zirconium
- Titanium
- Tantalum
- Hastelloy
- Nickel alloys
- Duplex & SDX
- Stainless steels
- Aluminium
- Zirconium
- Titanium
- Tantalum
- Hastelloy
- Nickel alloys
- Duplex & SDX
- Stainless steels
- Aluminium
- Zirconium
- Titanium
- Tantalum
- Hastelloy
- Nickel alloys
- Duplex & SDX
- Stainless steels
- Aluminium
- Zirconium
- Titanium
- Tantalum
- Hastelloy
- Nickel alloys
- Duplex & SDX
- Stainless steels
- Aluminium
FAQ about zirconium
Where is zirconium typically used?
Especially in the chemical industry’s most demanding acid applications. Zirconium is the superior choice for handling hot and concentrated acids – such as sulfuric and acetic acid – in conditions where even titanium or high-grade stainless steels would corrode to failure.
How does zirconium differ from titanium?
Both are reactive “specialty metals” requiring complete gas shielding and cleanliness during welding. The main difference lies in chemical resistance: while titanium excels in oxidizing environments (like chlorides), zirconium withstands reducing acids (like hydrochloric acid) better. Zirconium is also denser and more valuable, meaning there is no room for welding errors.
Can you deliver complete zirconium structures?
Yes. Our workshops in Oulu and Kempele are equipped for the “cleanroom-level” operations required by zirconium. We supply piping, tanks, and components precisely prefabricated and, if necessary, installed. Since the raw material is extremely valuable, precision in design and prefabrication is critical – we minimize material waste through our expertise.
Lighter metal, heavier requirements
Zirconium endures processes where most other materials fall short.
Zirconium is a rare and valuable material used only when chemical stress exceeds the limits of other alloys. Its proper processing requires precise expertise, clean working conditions, and a process designed to prevent oxidation and impurities even before work begins.
At PreOne, we utilize Grade Zr 702 for applications where chemical purity is an absolute prerequisite: acids, halogen compounds, and highly reactive processes. In zirconium fabrication, every stage — from preparation and welding to finishing — is executed under strictly controlled conditions to ensure the material properties remain unchanged.
Our process meets cleanroom requirements and adheres to strict material standards. Welds are shielded in a completely inert environment, the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) is kept to a minimum, and joints are tested before approval. The result is a structure that withstands years of chemical stress without embrittlement or corrosion issues.
Zirconium is not a stopgap — it is the solution for processes where the material must remain stable at the extremes. We ensure it does exactly that.
