Exotic alloy metal heat exchangers are difficult to maintain due to rapid particulate, foulant or sludge buildup during use. 

Corrosion-resistant tantalum alloys are used in process applications involving aggressive, acidic environments, but they can experience hydrogen embrittlement.

Typically, heat exchangers are fabricated from steel, tantalum and other metals, fluoropolymers, glass or graphite. However, when dealing with diluted sulfuric acid, the list of appropriate construction materials is greatly reduced to fluoropolymers, glass, graphite and tantalum.

Finned-tube heat exchangers manufactured with titanium tubes are suited for corrosive environments, including offshore drilling platforms and power generation that may utilize seawater as the working fluid through the tubes.