Niobium tube
History
Niobium oxide was isolated in 1801 by the English chemist C. Hatchet from columbite, a mineral found in the Columbia River basin, so at first the metal was called "columbium. Forty years later, the German scientist Heinrich Rose, who researched the properties of the new element, suggested the new name "niobium" after Tantalus' daughter Niobe, thus emphasizing the commonalities in the properties of these two metals. Pure niobium was not obtained until 1866.
Mining and consumption
The close affinity of niobium and tantalum explains their frequent occurrence in the same minerals. The richest deposits are in North America, Nigeria and Brazil. Every year 30 thousand tons of niobium are used worldwide, its consumption increases by 4 - 5% every year. Brazil mines 85% of it. Japan consumes more than other countries - about 4 thousand tons of niobium. Until early 1990s the USSR used up to 2 thousand tons of niobium annually. At present, there are about 200 tons of it in the presence of considerable capacities for processing of this metal, remaining in Murmansk Region, Estonia, and Kazakhstan. Most of the products of these refineries (about 90%) are exported.
Production
Niobium is produced from enriched ore in 3 steps. 1) concentrate preparation, 2) separation of niobium and tantalum oxides, and 3) reduction of niobium from Nb205 to pure metal. The last step is usually carried out by heating Nb205 together with soot in a vacuum. It is possible to reduce niobium to metal by aluminum-thermal method using aluminum powder. The niobium obtained in its pure form is refractory, with a melting point of 2468 °C. Powder metallurgy is used to produce niobium billets. The powdered billet is sintered in a vacuum at 2300 °C. The percentage composition of impurities according to
| Nb | Ta | W + Mo | N | O | C | Si | Fe | Ti | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hb1 | up to 0.1 | up to 0.01 | up to 0.01 | up to 0.01 | up to 0.01 | up to 0.005 | up to 0.005 | up to 0.005 | up to 0.001 |
Applications
This metal has a narrow thermal neutron capture cross-section and low electron output power, it is refractory, is part of the heat-resistant and superconducting alloys, It is resistant to corrosion, ductile, easy to handle pressure and easily welded Its main consumers: Rocket science, defense industry, electronics, radio engineering, nuclear power and industrial chemistry. The demand for ferroniobium is also growing. This is due to the production of low-alloy steels for oil and gas pipelines. Ferroniobium is alloyed on chrome-nickel steels to prevent intergranular corrosion as well as other alloys to improve their properties. Niobium is used in the production of aerospace equipment parts and for the cladding of uranium and plutonium reactors. They make containers and pipes for molten metals (potassium and sodium in the heat exchangers of nuclear boilers); parts of electrolytic capacitors; "hot" armature of powerful lamps (anodes, cathodes, grids
Niobium is alloyed with other metals, including uranium.
The superconducting properties of niobium are in demand in elementary particle gas pedals (in the Andron collider) and in the construction of cryotrons - superconducting parts of computer technology. This metal is characterized by low induced radioactivity, so it is used for making containers for storing radioactive waste. Steel tubes alloyed with niobium have highest strength and corrosion resistance.
Storage and Transportation
Packaged tubes are stored indoors. They can be transported on any type of vehicle. During transportation, they are protected against mechanical deformation, moisture and active chemicals.
Delivery
We supply certified niobium rolled steel at an optimal price. The specification reflects the data on the percentage composition and mechanical properties of products. From us it's easy to buy wholesale any semi-finished products for large-scale production. We also cooperate with retail buyers. The high level of service, compliance with GOST and international quality standards, responsiveness of service is the face of our company.
Buy at favorable price
All the niobium alloys sold by Evek GmbH comply with GOST and international quality standards. We supply rolled products of rare and refractory metals in standard and non-standard sizes in the shortest possible time. High quality, reasonable prices and a wide choice of products determine the face of our company. Becoming our regular customer, you can count on a system of discounted discounts. Cooperation with us will help you realize any engineering plans. We are waiting for your orders on our site.