초록 ▼

This is a process for producing material for lining reactor fuel element claddings. Rather than using unalloyed zirconium, this invention provides for an alloy liner for the cladding. The process uses electron beam melting of zirconium, to give very low metallic impurities to reduce solid solution s

This is a process for producing material for lining reactor fuel element claddings. Rather than using unalloyed zirconium, this invention provides for an alloy liner for the cladding. The process uses electron beam melting of zirconium, to give very low metallic impurities to reduce solid solution strengthening and second phase formation and property variability from lot to lot, while using alloying to reduce the susceptibility to steam corrosion. Preferably, oxygen is controlled to a low level as well, to provide a low, but fabricable, hardness in the alloyed liner material.

대표청구항 ▼

In a process for making an electron beam melted fuel element liner material from sponge zirconium, the improved process comprising: a. electron beam melting sponge zirconium to form an essentially aluminum-free zirconium material; and b. melting said essentially aluminum-free zirconium material in a

In a process for making an electron beam melted fuel element liner material from sponge zirconium, the improved process comprising: a. electron beam melting sponge zirconium to form an essentially aluminum-free zirconium material; and b. melting said essentially aluminum-free zirconium material in a vacuum arc furnace with an alloying charge, said alloying charge comprising 0.1-2.0 weight percent of at least one alloying element selected from the group consisting of tin and iron, to form an essentially aluminum-free zirconium alloy fuel element liner material.