Working with Titanium

Jewelry Discussion
21 
   I think the reason people are mentioning the danger is to make
very sure people are aware of it. WE are not all chemists, or even
"chemically aware". It is far more dangerous than other acids, and
people need to know this.

About two and a half years ago, I retired from a defense contractor.
During the years at that company I had worked in several different
areas and saw and learned many different things about the metals
being used. Mostely that company used titanium and aluminum for the
low weight and high strength of the finished assembly. All of the
various acids that have been mentioned were used daily. In fact,
there is one compound that I was supposed to use until I read the
MSDS for each ingredient. The compound is called “keller’s etch” (I
did not use capital letters because I am not sure that the formula
was maned after a person). The compound is used (now only in a lab
setting) to allow inspection of certain types of mechinal joints.
The part to be tested was cut lengthwise and the end to be inspected
was polished with a clean file then 600+ crocus cloth. A drop of
the etch solution would show the detail needed.

The etch is a solution of three different acids and de-ionized water
(I don’t remember the exact percent of each acid in the solution nor
if the percent was for total weight or total volumn). The acids
used are hydrocloric, hydroflouric, and nitric. The MSDS for each
cautioned against mixing with other strong agents. Two of the MSDS
papers cautioned against mixing with one of the other acid used in
the final solution. And at least one cautioned against contact with
aluminum, the result would be excessive heat. This solution is used
on aluminum parts.

After carefully reading the MSDS for all of the different acids used
and for the final product, I started talking to the safety and
anviroment people at the company. The salaried person that had told
me to use the stuff insisted that it was safe. The safety people
highlighted relavent parts of the different MSDS and held them in
front of his face. If the company had given me a “glove box”
enclosure to work in, I would have been more willing to use it. The
safety people instead wated the company to build a booth with an
emergency shower in event of spill or contact. Not long after that,
the solution vanished from the work area.

If Orchid could (and perhaps they do) have in archives the MSDS for
all acids and compounds that are and can be used in this activity,
the search for could be a bit easier.

Thank you for a very good and informative list.

Jim

22

Hi All,

I have used HF acid for about six years in the lab. I consider
myself lucky, since I haven’t been burned. Last Friday, I cleaned a
large quartz tube in 10% HF solution. We pour from a 49% wt. HF acid
bottle, and never use full strength in any lab work. Most solutions
are 2% HF concentration.

Proper handling procedures, personal protective equipment, safety
showers, and a laboratory grade fume hood, all should be in place
before using HF acid.

Most hospitals have little experience treating HF burns. When they
are done injecting calcium into the exposed area, you will feel more
like a pin cushion.

HF does not eat through the skin. Instead, it will absorb into your
body very easily. It will take the calcium from your bone.

The best first aid treatment is water! At least 15 minutes of
flowing water over the affected area is recommended by the MSDS for
HF acid. Second, a 2% calcium gluconate gel treatment on the exposed
area has been known to save some people from the calcium injections.
Third, go to the hospital immediately!

All acids can be dangerous. I put HF acid on top of the list.
Anywhere there is a toxic or highly reactive process, the fluorine
ion shows up in the mix.

Jeff

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