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Can we use a titanium heater in a solution of 120° C. phosphoric acid

Q. I am using a SS 304 heater to heat a phosphoric acid solution, this work ok to 100 degrees but over 120 °C it starts to boil, it looks the same as when you put a piece of zinc on acid.

I imagine that is due to severe attack of the solution on the material; is the titanium better that the SS? What other type of material is advisable to be used?

Daniel Hernandez
- Bucaramanga Santander Colombia
December 9, 2011

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Hi,
You do not say what concentration the phosphoric acid is. If it is not strong acid, it could literally be boiling - just as water would be. Titanium is not a suitable alternative. Look at fused quartz or ceramic heaters.
Harry

Harry Parkes
- Birmingham, UK
January 21, 2012

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March 2, 2012

Hi Daniel

Quartz heaters are expensive and break when someone drops a heavy part on them - they will. This results in mains voltage in the tank; undesirable to say the least!
Most passivate tanks are metal (SS) so I suggest that you look at a flat plate heater strapped under the tank.
Easy to maintain (not immersed in chemicals)
Safe - no mains voltage in the tank
Cheap - titanium or quartz are expensive.
Unobstructed tank

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England