VALVA Zirconium valves represent the pinnacle of corrosion-resistant engineering. While zirconium is a rare and premium metal, its unique chemical stability provides an irreplaceable cost-benefit ratio for the nuclear, aerospace, and fine chemical industries. When titanium and nickel alloys reach their limits, Zirconium ensures the continued safety of your most aggressive process pipelines.
Unmatched Corrosion Resistance
Zirconium valves are designed for processes where failure is not an option. Their stability in both oxidizing and reducing media is one to several orders of magnitude higher than that of nickel-based alloys.
- Hydrochloric Acid Specialist: Exceptional resistance across all concentrations and temperatures—even above the boiling point. They are virtually immune to crevice corrosion, pitting, and stress corrosion.
- High-Temperature Sulfuric Acid: Reliable performance in sulfuric acid concentrations up to 70%, even at or above the boiling point.
- Acetic Acid Mastery: Can withstand various concentrations of acetic acid at temperatures up to 250°C with near-zero corrosion rates.
- Alkaline & Organic Media: Unique resistance to molten alkaline media and complex organic acids, ensuring stable operation in diverse chemical syntheses.
Selection Precautions & Safety
While Zirconium is highly resilient, it must be selected with precision. VALVA engineers recommend avoiding Zirconium in the following conditions:
- Strictly Prohibited: Gaseous fluoric acid, aqua regia, fluorosilicic acid, or mixed nitric/sulfuric acid environments.
- Dry Media Risks: Should not be used in dry ammonia or fuming nitric acid.
- Selection Criteria: Always consider the temperature, medium composition, component concentration, and water content of your specific working conditions.
Material Grades & Standards
We provide high-purity Zirconium grades to ensure maximum process integrity:
| Series | Common Cast Grades | UNS Designations |
| Zirconium 702 | 702C, Zr702 | R60702 |
| Zirconium 705 | 705C, Zr705 | R60705 |