SINTEF Materials Technology, Norway, and the Corrosion and Surface Engineering Research Group of Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, are to collaborate on a joint industry project to study the advantages and costs of using titanium as compared to other materials. The study aims to enable materials engineers and design engineers to make decisions on the use of Ti in complete systems based on reliable information from tests simulating the real service environment. It will therefore focus on not only Ti and its alloys but potential surface engineering methodologies to enhance the properties of Ti. A consortium comprising end users, materials manufacturers, manufacturers of valve components and complete valves is currently being established and potential members are being sought. The consortium will provide the funding for the research. The work programme will consist of a review of previous work on corrosion and tribo-corrosion of Ti and alloys, analysis of service data for valves and other components; impinging jet tests; surface engineering of Ti and alloys; impinging jet tests on surface engineered samples; full-scale testing of Ti components; and design guideline preparation for erosion-corrosion. The programme will deliver the crucial information required by materials selection teams when specifying materials for challenging environments: performance data compared with other high grade alloys; information relating to the economics of using titanium; data relating to surface engineering options in titanium systems. The potential benefits to engineers of such knowledge are linked to cost savings through improved reliability, longer life and reduced downtime of plant, and safety and environmental protection. For information about joining the consortium or receiving a copy of the full proposal document please contact: SINTEF Materials Technology, Trond Rogne, +47 73 59 71 05, Trond.Rogne@matek.sintef.no; John Berget, +47 73 59 68 21, John.Berget@matek.sintef.no; Heriot-Watt University, Dr Anne Neville, +44 131 449 5111, ext. 4365, A.Neville@hw.ac.uk.