Zirconia Tube

Features of Zirconia Tube

Zirconia tubes outperform alumina ceramic tubes in terms of mechanical strength, hardness, and toughness. Between the two types of zirconia tubes, PSZ ceramic tube has greater strength and toughness than FSZ, whereas FSZ ceramic tube has more excellent thermal shock resistance than PSZ.

Zirconia tubes can endure high stress and impact during high-strength mechanical use without breaking, in contrast to alumina ceramic tubes, which are easily broken during high-strength mechanical operation due to their poor fracture toughness. Zirconia ceramics are more appropriate for thin-walled tubes due to their superior toughness.

Zirconia tubes are superior to alumina ones in terms of wear resistance, making them extremely appropriate for applications involving heavy wear or friction. Because the reciprocating mechanical operation has extremely high requirements on the wear resistance of the casing, the zirconia plunger casing can be well-suited for use. Furthermore, zirconia tubes can endure temperatures up to 500 degrees Celsius without altering their mechanical and insulating properties.

If the surface roughness of the tube, or even a mirror-like effect, is required, ceramic tubes made of zirconia material can be selected. The smooth surface reduces mechanical friction and increases operational efficiency.

Zirconia tubes can be used in high temperature situations where it is needed to minimize heat transfer because of their low thermal conductivity. Zirconia tubes are also resistant to chemical corrosion and can be used in harsh corrosive environments like oil and gas environments.

Processing of Zirconia Tubes

UNIPRETEC offers the following zirconia tube finishing services:

Precision grinding;
Threading;
Lapping & polishing;
Laser marking.

Thermal Stability

One of the standout features of zirconia tubes is their ability to withstand extreme temperatures without significant deformation or degradation. This property stems from the unique crystal structure of zirconium dioxide, which undergoes a phase transition at high temperatures, allowing it to maintain structural integrity even under thermal stresses that would compromise other materials.

Mechanical Resilience

Beyond thermal stability, zirconia tubes boast impressive mechanical properties. They exhibit high hardness and strength, comparable to some metals, while remaining significantly lighter. This combination of properties makes zirconia tubes ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial without sacrificing structural integrity.

Corrosion Resistance

In environments where corrosion poses a constant threat to materials, zirconia tubes excel. Their inherent resistance to chemical reactions with acids, bases, and other corrosive agents ensures longevity and reliability in aggressive industrial settings. This feature not only extends the operational lifespan of equipment but also reduces maintenance costs over time.

Applications Across Industries

The versatility of zirconia tubes enables their use across a broad spectrum of industries. In aerospace, they contribute to lightweight, durable components in engines and exhaust systems. In the medical field, zirconia's biocompatibility and resistance to bodily fluids make it indispensable for surgical instruments and implants. Additionally, zirconia tubes find application in the energy sector, where they support high-temperature processes in furnaces, reactors, and sensors.

Manufacturing process

The manufacturing process of zirconia tubes includes:

Raw material preparation

High-purity zirconium oxide powder is selected as the raw material, and stabilizers are added to improve the material properties.

Molding

The powder is pressed into a tube by dry pressing, isostatic pressing or injection molding.

Sintering

Sintering is performed at high temperature to form a ceramic tube with high density and high strength.

Finishing

The tube is post-processed by grinding, polishing, etc. to achieve the required dimensional accuracy and surface finish.

Sizes and shapes of zirconia tubes

varying applications can have varying forms and sizes of zirconium oxide tubes. Straight tubes, curved tubes, tubes with unusual shapes, and so forth are common forms. The measurements are length, wall thickness, outer diameter, and inner diameter; they can be adjusted to meet the particular needs of the clients.

Tube capacity and size are determined by its inner and outer diameters.
Thickness of the wall determines tube strength and pressure resistance.
One can modify the length to suit the requirements of various applications.

Petrochemical Industry

Zirconia tubes are ideal for high-temperature and high-pressure petrochemical applications, such as zirconia sleeves, shafts, and pipeline lining. In operating environments with wear, high temperature, pressure, and corrosive fluids containing solids present, zirconia can withstand this tough conditions of severe abrasion and chemicals.

High Temperature and High Voltage Applications

Zirconia tubes are the perfect choice for high voltage applications because of their high insulation resistance, low dielectric loss, and high dielectric strength. They are also resistant to thermal shock and high temperatures, making them ideal for use in high temperature situations. They are commonly utilized in applications like insulators and high voltage bushings, etc.

FAQ About Zirconia Tubes

Q: How smooth can zirconia tubes be after polishing?

A: After going through multiple polishing processes, the surface smoothness of zirconia tubes can achieve less than Ra0.1. In applications like fluid transportation or precision machining, this degree of surface smoothness ensures minimal friction, promoting excellent material flow. Additionally, the high surface quality facilitates cleaning and reduces the likelihood of contamination or bacterial growth. Achieving a high level of surface smoothness on zirconia tubes is essential for applications requiring precision, cleanliness, and optimal performance.

Q: What is the hardness of zirconia tube?

A: Zirconia tubes are renowned for being extremely hard. Zirconia ceramics have a Mohs hardness that is approximately 8.5-9, which is comparable to or even greater than that of a number of metals and hard minerals. The crystal structure and atomic bonding of zirconia lead to its extraordinary hardness. Due to its high degree of hardness, zirconia can resist wear, abrasion, and scratching. This allows zirconia tubes to withstand savage environments and keep their structural integrity in challenging applications.

Q: What are the disadvantages of zirconia tubes?

A: The brittleness of zirconia tubes is one of their drawbacks. Zirconia ceramics are prone to cracking or fracturing under some situations, especially when subjected to intense impact or tensile forces. Furthermore, due to their extreme hardness, zirconia tubes are challenging to process, increasing machining and manufacturing costs. Last but not least, zirconia ceramics may not be suitable for applications needing efficient heat transfer because of their inferior thermal conductivity as compared to metals.

Q: Are zirconia tubes expensive?

A: The cost of zirconia tubes might vary depending on the size, complexity of design, and the quantity ordered. Zirconia ceramics are typically regarded as high-end materials and may cost higher than other ceramic options. However, for demanding applications where the distinctive properties of zirconia are indispensable, their remarkable characteristics and performance make them a cost-effective option.

Q: How should zirconia tubes be handled and maintained?

A: Zirconia tubes need to be handled carefully to prevent damage from impacts or rough handling. To avoid contamination, they should be stored in a dry and clean environment. It is advised to regularly check for cracks or signs of wear. In addition, mild solvents or detergents can be used for cleaning.