As much as we’re trying to improve the world and care for the environment, oil and gas still powers most things. We rely on it for many homes, businesses, vehicles, and more. Because the resources are so important, there needs to be a lot of care with producing, storing, and transporting them. Pipelines and fittings are crucial here. What we want to look at today is why titanium flanges in particular are so good for applications.
Pipelines
There are millions of miles of pipes all around the world. These lines are vital for transporting oil and gas. It is the most economical way to do it, costing far less than rail or road transport. It is also more efficient and resources can flow 24/7 with very little downtime.
Interestingly, the first pipeline for oil was built in the 1860s in the US. The Oil Transport Association chose to build a 6 mile long line in Oil Creek, Pennsylvania. The line went from an oil field to a nearby railroad station. Originally, numerous teamsters and barges would handle transporting the oil. Then, the railway was opened to speed it up. The pipeline was the final significant development, and made the whole process less labour intensive.
Since then the use of pipelines has grown significantly all around the world. There are now massive lines running across entire countries, under seas and oceans, and more.
Modern pipelines
The original pipeline in Oil Creek Pennsylvania was wrought iron. Today pipes are generally steel or plastic. They can also feature all kinds of fittings and fixtures. Titanium flanges are very reliable and have characteristics that make them perfect for the job.
One of the most important things with pipelines is to ensure there are no leaks. It can result in a loss of resources and can be incredibly hazardous, both to people and the environment. So, you need the right fittings and fixtures. Flanges are crucial because they facilitate secure connections between pipes, valves, pressure vessels, and more. They need to provide stability and ensure there won’t be issues like leaks.
Fittings and fixtures are also crucial for addressing issues like clogs. They can help to prevent clogging so that resources can continue to flow efficiently. This is especially important on complex pipelines that can route oil and gas to various locations.
Why use titanium?
There are a number of different options for pipe fittings and fixtures. However, titanium stands out for a number of reasons. Most notably is the corrosion resistance. It can withstand all kinds of conditions, including hot humid settings, marine environments, and more. That can reduce the risk of corrosion causing leaks and other issues.
Titanium also has one of the best strength-to-density ratios of all materials. That means it can be very strong even if it is only thin. It can be a major advantage because it means things like titanium flanges and fittings can be smaller, lighter, and easier to manage.
At the end of the day, titanium is a long lasting material that is worth the investment, especially when dealing with resources like oil and gas. It can make everything safer at various points on pipelines.
Do you want to order titanium flanges?
Brindley Metals is one of the most interesting specialists in the UK. Our goal is to offer the most diverse service for clients. With that in mind, we have access to a wide range of different materials, including some that most stockists don’t supply. In addition, we have various grades of titanium, steel, and other metals that can suit a huge selection of applications.
If that wasn’t enough, we can arrange processing, finishing, and more. What this does is ensure that clients can come to us, order metals, and then get the services they need to create different products. It can even include a massive array of forged and machined parts.
So, if you need titanium flanges for oil and gas pipelines or other applications, or need something completely different, speak to us. We will do our best to help you get exceptional products.