New Product Applications

F.W. Gartner Receives Patent for Nanostructured Titania-Coated Titanium Application

F.W. Gartner, in conjunction with one of its major clients, received a recent US patent on a new, nanostructured titania-coated titanium application for use in a high performance, severe service, HPAL, hydrometallurgical process. Patent #US 6,835,449 B2 was officially registered on December 28, 2004.

The following abstract is taken directly from the United States Patent Offices' publication of the above date:

(57) ABSTRACT
A ball valve for use in the pressure acid leaching of nickel ore is disclosed. The valve has a valve body and a ball centrally positioned in the valve body, which has a central passage rotatable in the valve body between open and closed positions. At least one seat is disposed between the ball and the valve body. The ball and seat each comprise a titanium substrate and an ultra fine or nanostructured titania coating.

The titania can include from 5 to 45 volume percent of a second phase material that is immiscible with the titania and exhibits corrosion resistance.

F. W. Gartner continues to expand its capabilities through in-depth research initiatives that offer practical benefits for its clientele. Other research initiatives seeking new material applications or solutions to known problems in various industries are currently ongoing.