Process fluid compatibility with titanium alloys

In aerospace as well as in the nuclear industry, titanium components may be exposed to manufacturing, cleaning, surface treatment, cooling or maintenance fluids. Fluid compatibility does not depend solely on the metal grade: it varies according to the fluid’s composition, concentration, temperature, renewal frequency, contact time and the stresses applied to the part. Incompatibility may contribute to the formation of deposits, surface alterations, localized corrosion or an uncontrolled change in component performance.

The relevance of a study begins with identifying the titanium grade or titanium alloy, its metallurgical condition, geometry and surface condition. The fluid is then described according to its function, available formulation, method of use and renewal cycle. This scoping phase establishes acceptance criteria consistent with the project’s functional and documentation requirements.

A fluid analysis can be used to document a product’s composition, compare a new fluid with a used fluid, or monitor changes in constituents relevant to the process. The analytical strategy is defined according to the matrix, the substances being investigated, and the information required for your industrial decision-making.

Filab laboratory also supports you with the following services:

• Cutting fluid safety testing according to the PCS-4002 standard
• Safety testing of ingredients for temporary use according to PR-6300
• Analysis and qualification testing of process fluids and products
• Fluid qualification according to DASSAULT DGQT 0.4.2.0065
• Cutting fluid qualification according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-000
• Fluid qualification according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-001
• Fluid qualification testing according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-003
• Fluid qualification testing according to SAFRAN PR 1500 (PR-1500)
• Fluid qualification testing according to Rolls-Royce CSS 129 and CSS 131
• PMUC fluid qualification testing and analysis
• Corrosion testing of cutting fluids on metal alloys
• Compatibility testing between industrial fluids and metallic materials
• Safety testing of chemical products on aerospace alloys
• Evaluation of the effect of a fluid on aluminium alloys
• Qualification of aerospace fluids according to BOEING BAC 5008
• Lubricant compatibility with nickel-based superalloys
• Chemical analysis and characterisation of cutting fluids
• Physicochemical characterisation of industrial lubricants
• Identification and quantification of additives in lubricants
• Screening for contaminants in industrial fluids
• Safety testing in the laboratory according to DMP 12-300
• Safety testing according to SAFRAN DMP 6300
• Fluid safety testing according to SAFRAN Landing Systems PCS-4001

The results are interpreted in light of the defined exposure scenario and the criteria established with your team. They may support fluid comparison, cleaning validation, internal qualification, deviation analysis or the identification of control measures. A compatibility study is not limited to an observation: it provides objective information to reduce uncertainty when making a process-related decision.

The Filab laboratory develops a test approach tailored to your application in order to compare the initial condition with the condition after exposure. The study may combine fluid characterization, surface examination and identification of any alteration products. This approach produces actionable results for qualifying a fluid, selecting a formulation, investigating a failure or managing a process change. For highly demanding environments, also discover our support in energy analysis and nuclear analysis.

Temperature, immersion or circulation time, concentration, aeration, manufacturing residues and mechanical stresses may modify the interactions between process fluids and titanium alloys. The Filab laboratory helps define representative exposure conditions, accelerated when justified, while maintaining an interpretation suited to the scope of the test.

Comparative examination of the surfaces before and after contact can be used to detect deposits, changes in appearance or areas of alteration. Depending on the requirements, the Filab laboratory can direct the investigation toward the characterization of materials and surface layers. This approach complements refractory alloy characterization when the selection or behavior of a material must be documented.

In the event of a part anomaly or bath drift, the Filab laboratory helps structure the investigation: collecting process information, comparing samples, characterizing material evidence and reporting the results. This approach may form part of an industrial process audit in order to link analytical observations to manufacturing conditions.

The Filab laboratory combines expertise in metallic materials with the study of industrial fluids to address qualification, control and investigation issues. Each study is scoped according to your titanium grade, fluid, service conditions and decision criteria. Describe your application, provide the available information and define a test protocol with our teams to ensure the compatibility of your process.