The unique and outstanding performance of titanium and its alloys in sea-water, chemical brines, brackish and polluted waters has been established over many years of service in a wide range of operating conditions. Similarly well-known is the ability of the metal to survive in aggressive oil refinery environments. In recent years the resistance of titanium to conditions encountered in oil and gas extraction and processing offshore has been more fully explored with wholly satisfactory results.
Today titanium is frequently specified as first choice for marine and offshore piping systems, heat exchangers, and a wide range of ancillary equipment for both water and product management in both critical and general applications. The first titanium drilling riser has been in satisfactory operation on the Heidrun platform for three years. Wider consideration is currently being given to titanium for composite drilling risers, flexible production risers and flowlines. Qualification of the stronger titanium alloys for risers has further extended the application of titanium offshore into higher pressure pipelines, heat exchangers and process plant.
The technology and experience of design, application, installation and use of titanium are as relevant to first-time users as to committed customers. In both offshore and onshore environments, if sea-water- or chloride-contaminated media is involved, or if hydrocarbons are in the process stream, then titanium must be considered. Design and fabrication parameters for titanium are well understood and widely practised, and service performance is proven with an extensive and impressive track record of achievements. Titanium systems which inherently save cost through reliable performance are usually no more expensive, and in many cases cost less in total to install than those in less durable materials.