Refining & Grade Specs

Titanium Refining Methods and Grade Specifications

The transformation of Titanium concentrate into refined products suitable for industrial use requires specialized metallurgical and chemical processes. Titanium is refined into 4 primary commercial forms, each serving specific end-use sectors.

Refining Processes

The primary refining and processing pathways for Titanium include:

1. Chloride process (TiCl4 production)
2. Kroll process (sponge production)
3. Sulfate process (TiO2 pigment)
4. Electron beam or vacuum arc remelting (mill products)

Product Forms and Grade Specifications

Refined Titanium is available in the following commercial forms, each with specific purity requirements:

Quality Standards and Benchmarks

International standards for Titanium products are established by organizations such as ASTM International and various national standards bodies. Pricing is referenced against CRU / Asian Metal (sponge, 99.6%) assessments. These standards define minimum purity levels, acceptable impurity limits, and testing methodologies that facilitate international trade.

Refining Capacity and Geography

Global refining capacity for Titanium is concentrated in a limited number of countries. China controls approximately 45% of primary production and plays a significant role in downstream refining. Efforts to diversify refining capacity are a key priority for governments seeking to reduce supply chain dependencies, particularly in the aerospace structural components sector.