Titanium Dioxide
Chemical
Titanium dioxide solution is a slurry of
titanium dioxide powder and base/carrier
fluid.
The powder itself is poorly soluble and
requires constant agitation. It is a silt/
sand-like suspension which will sediment
should the agitation/mixing cease.
Most commercial uses are approximately
70% solids.
Titanium dioxide has a high S.G, stable
and is non-flammable. As a fluid it is
extremely abrasive.
Applications
• Traditionally, titanium dioxide has been chiefly used for its brilliant white colour – even
being referred to as ‘the perfect white’.
• The largest use of titanium dioxide is in paints, varnishes, inks and dyes for white
colouring, opacity and increasing the resistance to the environment and sunlight.
• In the production of paper, titanium dioxide is used to increase the strength and opacity
of paper. The common alternative is china clay which produces a weaker and more
transparent grade of paper. By using titanium dioxide it both provides strength and
reduces the weight of the final paper product.
• In plastic and rubber products, the addition of titanium dioxide increases the strength
of moulded products, car tyres and minimises degradation caused by environmental
conditions, particularly UV rays.
• Due to its photo-refractive qualities, titanium dioxide is used as a catalyst for UV
disinfectant during the treatment of water. For the same qualities it is also used in the
coatings for photovoltaic cells and in semi-conductors. Titanium dioxide is also a major
ingredient in sunscreen.
Pumping considerations
Titanium dioxide is usually
dosed into a process or mixture.
The chemical is expensive and
the exact blend of the product
is crucial for product quality and
consistency.
The mixture is supplied in a
concentrated manner and is
often mixed/diluted prior to
being dosed.
Due to its abrasive nature and
high S.G., it is recommended
using a peristaltic pump. The
nature of the hose and rotor
positive displacement principle
means that the abrasive slurry
will have no effect. As the hose
is compressed by the rotor and
the fluid is ‘pushed’ through
the pump there is no frictional
wear. The speed of the pump
is directly proportional to the
flow rate so the accuracy of the
chemical delivery is precise.
A peristaltic pump can easily
handle the S.G. and also
provide excellent suction lift.
In hazardous areas, a nonmetallic AODD pump will also
provide an excellent pumping
solution and is commonly used
by electronics manufacturers
for recirculating highly abrasive
slurries.
The materials specified depend
on the type of solvent/carrier
fluid for the powered chemical.
PTFE elastomers are compatible
with most solvent types as well
as being highly resistant to
abrasion.
Above: The Verderair Pure range
of AODD pumps is well suited to
pumping abrasive slurries. The range
is highly compatible with aggressive
chemicals and abrasive fluids and
available in ATEX rated specification.
The Verderflex Dura range of
peristaltic pumps are built for the
dosing of fluids and are excellent
when handling abrasive slurry such
as titanium dioxide.
The Dura range has been installed
in titanium dioxide in cement
production facilities and paint
manufacturers.
Verder UK supply pumps for virtually every chemical type and
application. The Verder range includes leak-free mag drive pumps,
chemically inert non-metallic AODD pumps, peristaltic dosing
pumps for the accurate delivery of chemical including abrasive and
solid-laden types.
Contact us for advice on specifying a pump for your titanium
dioxide process on 01924 221 001 or email [email protected]
Disclaimer: The information contained in this sheet has been researched from
credible sources and should be considered as a guide only. Due to the many
variables in a process, it is recommended contacting Verder for advice about your
exact fluid and operating conditions.