Q. Corrosion resistance of Zirconium?
Zirconium offers excellent corrosion resistance to most oxidizing and reducing acids and virtually all alkalis. However, it is not resistant to hydrofluoric acid, concentrated sulphuric acid or oxidizing media containing halides.
Care must be taken to avoid the potential for conditions that may cause acid concentrations to increase above 70%.
Zirconium has the potential of developing a pyrophoric film in sulphuric acid service containing residual alcohol, ferric ions, chlorides or oxidizing cations. Appropriate gas freeing procedures, followed by a thorough steam-out, has been found to be a successful preventative measure.