Failure Analysis of a Titanium Coriolis Mass Flow Meter: A Case of Hydrogen Embrittlement

Titanium alloys are suitable for construction of the Coriolis mass flow meter due to their high strength to weight ratio, high thermal stability and excellent corrosion resistance. However, environments with high hydrogen content can be very harmful to titanium and its alloys, since this element may cause hydride formation and leads to hydrogen embrittlement. In this context, this paper reports on the analysis of a grade 9 titanium tube of a mass flow meter, which was performed using various analytical methods to understand the failure mechanisms associated with hydrogen exposure. Results indicate significant degradation of material properties due to microstructural changes induced by hydrogen absorption. This study highlights the importance of proper material selection and environmental considerations for the design of flow meters operating in hydrogen-rich environments.