General information common to all Zr alloys
Materials for the cladding tubes of pressurized-water reactors

Transformation of Zr ore (Zircon) containing around 2.5% Hafnium, either using the process most commonly used in Western countries, the Kroll chemical route leading to Zr sponges, or using electrolytic processes, or via the Iodides used by the Russians.

Compaction of the sponge with recycled material (up to – 40/50% of the charge) and additives (chips of a parent alloy) in the form of electrodes.

• Vacuum melting of these electrodes in a consumable-electrode arc furnace, with at least three consecutive melts, to homogenize the alloy's chemical composition.

• The resulting ingots...