There is an increasing demand for large, high pressure, titanium-steel clad pressure vessels. Many of these vessels are reactors and columns used in PTA manufacture and autoclaves used in pressure acid leaching of metal ores. Currently titanium clad vessels are being manufactured in various size combinations up to 10 m diameter, 75 m long, and 130 mm wall thickness. Operating conditions range up to 275 deg C and 70 bar. The large, heavy clad components present unique issues for manufacturing, forming, and fabrication. The high operating temperatures and pressures present unique design considerations to accommodate the thermal expansion mismatch between titanium and steel. Significant developments in manufacturing techniques, both cladding and fabrication, have made manufacture of this equipment viable. Welding design, technique and procedures have been developed to reduce cost and improve reliability. Inspection methods and techniques have been developed to assure equipment quality. Issues related to design and manufacture and the resulting equipment benefits are presented.
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