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This post was last edited by Shaobin Fluid on 2026-5-12 09:26. Next-generation tantalum surface alloy materials: In industries related to chemicals, refining, oil, and gas, corrosion of valves and equipment is a common problem. Valves are affected by temperature, pressure, concentration, and flow rate. In some cases, valve failure can be catastrophic; in any case, your material selection is undoubtedly one of the most important factors determining the reliability of the valve. The Einss tantalum surface alloy offers specialized solutions for specialty metal valves in corrosive environments, providing corrosion resistance and mechanical properties that other materials do not possess. They are used under the harshest conditions; however, in chemical processing operations, including those involving chemicals, oils, gases, specialty chemicals, the pharmaceutical industry, and the food industry, these materials simply cannot achieve optimal results at any stage. The corrosion problem that persists with special valves in the chemical process industry is a goal for our technical team; the key considerations are the process-related variables and the application of specific standards. To make the right decisions, engineers must evaluate a large number of factors, including the following: • The corrosion resistance required under specific operating conditions • The corrosion rate over time and how it affects the valve’s performance and service life • The impact of pressure, temperature, concentration, and flow rates on the valve and the corrosion rate • Wear resistance during operation, as well as erosion and wear caused by liquids or slurries • The ability to adapt to fluctuations and changes in operating conditions. In general, special metal valves are chosen by engineers due to their high mechanical strength, pressure and temperature resistance, excellent corrosion resistance, and stability; the materials to be considered include the following aspects: • The expected service life of the material • Reliability (safety) • Availability and delivery time • Material cost. Special metal materials typically include nickel alloys, titanium, zirconium, and tantalum. At present, the majority of products in our country are still at the stage of nickel alloy development and utilization; more investment is needed in the research and application of special metals such as titanium, zirconium, and tantalum. Based on the requirements regarding processing environments and applications, the advantages and disadvantages of each metal can be compared through testing. For intuitive data that provides a basic understanding of the relevant aspects, refer to Figure 1, which shows the relative corrosion resistance of various special metals in sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄); and Figure 2, which compares the performance of these metals in hydrochloric acid (HCl). Typically, the annual corrosion rate is used as an indicator to compare the problems that may arise in valves after they are put into use (such as sealing performance and leakage under corrosion conditions). As can be seen from these figures, tantalum has unparalleled corrosion resistance, followed by zirconium, Hastelloy, and titanium as alternative solutions. Tantalum. Tantalum. From a corrosion perspective, tantalum is the most corrosion-resistant metal and is widely used due to its robust oxide layer that provides excellent corrosion resistance. Thanks to its excellent corrosion resistance, comparable to that of glass, and its inertness in relation to the most oxidizing and reducing acids, titanium is the best and most ideal material for resisting corrosion, with the exception of fuming sulfuric acid, hot alkalis, and hydrofluoric acid. However, tantalum metal is also a very expensive material. Our technical team provides a solution to grow a layer of pure tantalum metal (5–200 microns thick) on the surface of stainless steel through tantalum vapor phase deposition. Figure 3. Surface alloyed and matrix alloyed strips as well as pure tantalum layers. In the field of pump valves, our partners include companies such as Foster in the United States, Sharp in Japan, and AG Company; these companies have conducted numerous experimental tests on plug valves and ball valves in terms of quality. Valve diameter range: DN10 to DN500. Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) corrosion test. At atmospheric pressure, the corrosion rate of Ta is