Why doesn't titanium have a PREN?

Because PREN measures the resistance provided by chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen in the passive film of stainless steels. Titanium resists through a different mechanism — its titanium oxide film — to which this index doesn't apply.

Is titanium more expensive than stainless steel for an equivalent use?

At purchase, yes, notably. But over the life cycle in severe seawater, the gap can narrow: less maintenance, less early replacement for corrosion. The comparison deserves a precise costing rather than a general rule.

Can titanium be welded like stainless steel?

No, not with the same standard process: titanium must be shielded from oxygen and nitrogen in the air throughout weld cooling, or it embrittles. Specific know-how and tooling are required.

What's the difference between grade 2 and grades 7/12?

Grade 2 is commercially pure titanium, the default choice for most marine uses. Grades 7 and 12 offer enhanced resistance in reducing environments or for fatigue, at a higher cost.

GRADE FAMILY

Titanium for industrial piping

Titanium withstands seawater and chlorinated chemistry with no PREN to calculate: its protective oxide layer reforms instantly, even if scratched. Grade 2 (commercially pure) covers most condenser and heat-exchanger needs; grades 7 and 12 provide enhanced resistance for the most severe environments.

What is industrial titanium?

Industrial titanium is a metal whose corrosion resistance comes from a thin titanium oxide layer that forms instantly on contact with air or water and regenerates if scratched. This mechanism, different from the Cr-Mo-N alloying of stainless steel, makes it almost inert in seawater, including hot seawater.

When to choose this family — and when not to?

Choose it for condensers and heat exchangers in seawater, oxidising chlorinated chemistry, and naval or defence applications where weight matters as much as corrosion. Avoid it in non-oxidising reducing environments, where the protective film does not form properly — seek advice before specifying.

Grades in this family

The grades listed are examples, never a closed catalogue — every grade belongs to one of the nine families, which is what makes this claim reliable.

Examples in the titanium for industrial piping family (familles-nuances.json), EN and PREN filled in from nuances-inox.json when the entry exists — not a closed catalogue
Grade (example)	EN	Indicative PREN
Gr 2	3.7035	does not apply to this family
Gr 7	3.7235	does not apply to this family
Gr 12	—	—

Typical applications for this family: Marine condensers · Chlorinated chemical processing · Naval defence.

My grade isn't listed →

Available forms and dimensions

Welded and seamless tube, fittings, flanges and bars available in grade 2 through our partner mills, for marine heat exchangers and condensers. Outer diameter from 6 to 168 mm — structured data available for Gr 2 only. The other grades in this family don't yet have this in our structured reference data: send us your requirement via a quote request.

Applicable standards

ASTM B338
ASME SB338
ASTM B861
ASTM B862

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't titanium have a PREN?: Because PREN measures the resistance provided by chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen in the passive film of stainless steels. Titanium resists through a different mechanism — its titanium oxide film — to which this index doesn't apply.
Is titanium more expensive than stainless steel for an equivalent use?: At purchase, yes, notably. But over the life cycle in severe seawater, the gap can narrow: less maintenance, less early replacement for corrosion. The comparison deserves a precise costing rather than a general rule.
Can titanium be welded like stainless steel?: No, not with the same standard process: titanium must be shielded from oxygen and nitrogen in the air throughout weld cooling, or it embrittles. Specific know-how and tooling are required.
What's the difference between grade 2 and grades 7/12?: Grade 2 is commercially pure titanium, the default choice for most marine uses. Grades 7 and 12 offer enhanced resistance in reducing environments or for fatigue, at a higher cost.