When deciding on wet materials for your sensors or flow meters, consider the following factors:
Nature of the Medium

Neutral or slightly acidic liquids → 316L stainless steel

Chloride-rich seawater or brine → Titanium or Monel

Strong acids (HCl, H2SO4) → Hastelloy C-276 or Tantalum

Alkaline solutions (NaOH, KOH) → Nickel alloys


Operating Conditions

High temperature applications → Hastelloy C-276 and Titanium maintain strength

Cryogenic conditions → Monel offers excellent toughness

Variable environments with mixed chemicals → Hastelloy C-276 is the safe option


Cost vs. Performance Balance

Budget-sensitive applications may select 316L

Long-term, maintenance-free installations justify higher-cost materials such as Hastelloy or Titanium

For highly aggressive or irreplaceable installations, Tantalum offers peace of mind despite cost


Real-World Applications

Water and Wastewater Treatment: 316L stainless steel is widely applied in clean water systems, while Titanium is used in seawater desalination plants.

Chemical Processing: Hastelloy C-276 and Tantalum are chosen for reactors and storage tanks exposed to strong acids.

Oil and Gas: Monel is common in offshore equipment due to its seawater resistance.

Food and Beverage: 316L remains the preferred choice for hygienic sensors because of its compliance with sanitary standards.