Tantalum Balls for Corrosive Fluids and Precision Valves
REDHILL supplies tantalum balls for chemical valves, dosing systems and instruments. Tantalum forms a protective oxide layer on its surface. As a result, it resists many acids and chloride-bearing fluids.
Key Technical Specifications
The following values give a guide for commercially pure tantalum.
- Composition: Tantalum ≥99.9%.
- Crystal Structure: Body-centered cubic (BCC).
- Density: Approximately 16.6 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: Approximately 3,017°C.
- Electrical Resistivity: Approximately 13.5 µΩ·cm at 20°C.
- Magnetic Properties: Non-magnetic in normal service.
- Hardness and Tensile Strength: Depend on purity, cold work and final material condition.
Corrosion Resistance and Material Selection
The protective tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅) film helps limit chemical attack. For example, tantalum offers strong resistance to hydrochloric and sulfuric acids under suitable conditions.
However, hydrofluoric acid (HF) attacks tantalum. Strong, hot alkalis also limit its use. Therefore, check the full fluid composition, concentration and temperature before selecting the material.
In addition, tantalum’s biocompatibility makes it a candidate for medical device components. However, each project requires a defined material grade, surface finish and documentation.
Applications of Tantalum Balls
- Chemical Valves and Pumps: Check balls and sealing elements for compatible corrosive fluids.
- Dosing and Metering Systems: Precision balls for controlled fluid delivery.
- Laboratory and Process Instruments: Components where chemical resistance matters.
- Semiconductor Wet Processes: Selected fluid handling duties with confirmed chemical compatibility.
Also, match contact loads to the material condition. Tantalum’s corrosion resistance alone does not determine wear life or sealing performance.
Available Sizes and Precision Requirements
- Precision Requirements: Diameter tolerance, roundness and surface finish to an agreed specification.
- Sizes: Standard imperial and metric diameters; custom sizes on request.
Finally, send us your diameter, tolerance, purity and quantity. In addition, include the fluid, pressure and temperature so we can confirm suitable options.