Material Group 61 ISO/TR 1568: Pure zirconium
Features of pure Zirconium
Zirconium, a reactive metal, ha s high affinity for oxygen that results in the formation of a protective oxide layer in air at room temperature. This protective oxide gives this alloy their superior corrosion resistance and this oxide layer can be enhanced through a heat process.
This material exhibit good ductility even at cryogenic temperatures and good strength comparable with other common engineering alloys.
Applications of pure Zirconium
One of the major applications of Zirconium is as a corrosion-resistant material of construction for the chemical processing industry. Zirconium exhibits excellent resistance to corrosive attack in most organic and inorganic acids, salt solutions, strong alkalis, and some molten salts. Some of the more important areas in the chemical processing industry where Zirconium is being used include Reboilers, Evaporators, Tanks, Packings, Trays, Reactor Vessels, Pumps, Valves and Piping.
This material is ideal for heat exchanger applications. The linear coefficient of thermal expansion of this material is nearly one-third of the value for stainless steel giving this material superior dimensional stability at elevated temperatures.
Zirconium is weldable and the stress relief heat treatment after welding (PWHT) should be performed within 14 days after welding.
Typical materials in group 61
| Name / Grade | Number | Standard | Product | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R60702 R60702 R60702 R60702 702C | R60702 R60702 R60702 R60702 R60702 | ASTM B-493 ASTM B-523 ASTM B-653 ASTM B-658 ASTM B-752 | Forging Smls. & welded tube Smls. & welded fittings Smls. & welded pipe Casting | ASME BPVC ASME BPVC ASME BPVC ASME BPVC ASME BPVC |
| Zircaloy-2 | R60802 | ASTM B-351 ASTM B-352 ASTM B-353 | Bar Plate Seamless and welded tube | – |
| Zircaloy-4 | R60804 | ASTM B-351 ASTM B-352 ASTM B-353 | Bar Plate Seamless and welded tube | – |