Zirconium tubes - Import export

At Superior Tube we commonly use zirconium-based alloys to manufacture nuclear reactor components such as control rods and cladding, coolant channels, seal tubes and other equipment intended for use in a radioactive environment. Zirconium alloys have low neutron absorption, high strength and high corrosion resistance under different operating conditions. Compared to stainless steels, zirconium tubing is desirable because of its texture. The metal has a high yield strength and is more resistant to irradiation creep and stress corrosion cracking. Superior Tube can manufacture precision tubes in the following Zirconium alloys Please note that we have a minimum order value of £10,000.

Zirconium is a silver-grey, shiny heavy metal. In its pure form it is easy to work, corrosion resistant even at high temperatures and has a very low neutron capture cross section. In addition, zirconium offers good stability against structural damage caused by neutron irradiation and against cavitation by coolant flows. The metal is mainly used pure or alloyed with 1.2-1.7% tin, for corrosion resistant pipes, fittings and valves in the chemical industry. This special alloy is called Zircaloy. Zirconium plays an important role in reactor construction. It is used for fuel element claddings and holders, for the pressure vessel lining, and for all structural components that come into contact with neutrons. In the rocket and jet aircraft industry zirconium is used for the manufacture of combustion chambers and feed lines. In electron and X-ray tubes zirconium is used as getter material.