Chemical composition analysis of zirconium grade 60702 plate - a comprehensive interpretation of the elemental composition of nuclear grade zirconium alloy
Analysis of the chemical composition of zirconium 60702 plate: Why is it so important?
As a key material in the nuclear industry, the chemical composition of zirconium 60702 plate directly affects the corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and nuclear performance of the material. This article will deeply analyze the chemical composition standards, the role of each element, and the detection method of zirconium 60702 to help you fully understand this special material.
1. Standard chemical composition of zirconium 60702 plate (ASTM B551)
According to the international standard ASTM B551, the chemical composition requirements of nuclear grade zirconium 60702 plate are as follows:
| Element | Content range (wt%) | Maximum allowable value |
| Zr + Hf | Residue | ≥99.2% |
| Hf | ≤4.5% | - |
| Fe + Cr | 0.18-0.38% | ≤0.4% |
| Sn | 1.20-1.70% | ≤1.8% |
| Fe | ≤0.15% | - |
| Cr | 0.07-0.13% | - |
| Ni | ≤0.007% | - |
| C | ≤0.027% | - |
| N | ≤0.008% | - |
| H | ≤0.0025% | - |
| O | 0.09-0.15% | - |
Note: Hf (Hafnium) is a naturally associated element of zirconium and is difficult to completely separate, but the content needs to be strictly controlled
2. Analysis of the role and influence of key elements
(1) Tin (Sn) - Strengthening element
Function: Improve the strength and corrosion resistance of zirconium alloy
Optimum content: 1.2-1.7%, too high will reduce ductility
(2) Iron + Chromium (Fe+Cr) - Corrosion resistance enhancer
Forms a stable oxide layer to improve corrosion resistance in a high-temperature water environment
Total content is controlled at 0.18-0.38%
(3) Oxygen (O) - Key control element
0.09-0.15% can improve strength
An Excessive amount will cause material embrittlement
(4) Harmful element control
Hydrogen (H): ≤25ppm, to prevent hydrogen embrittlement
Nitrogen (N): ≤80ppm, to avoid the formation of brittle nitrides
3. Four key detection methods for chemical analysis of zirconium 60702
(1) OES
Used to quickly determine the content of major elements
Accuracy: ±0.01%
(2) ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
Detection of trace elements (Ni, Cu, etc.)
Detection limit can reach the ppb level
(3) Inert gas fusion method
Specialized determination of O, N, and H gas elements
Complies with ASTM E1447 standard
(4) X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF)
Non-destructive testing, suitable for finished plates
Can analyze multiple elements at the same time
4. Differences in chemical composition between nuclear grade and industrial grade zirconium plates
| Parameters | Nuclear grade 60702 | Industrial grade 702 |
| Sn content | 1.2-1.7% | ≤0.005% |
| Fe+Cr | 0.18-0.38% | 0.2-0.4% |
| Hcontrol | ≤25ppm | ≤25ppm |
| Ni limit | ≤70ppm | ≤200ppm |
| Application | Nuclear fuel cladding | Chemical equipment |
Nuclear-grade materials have stricter control over impurity elements
5. Common consequences of an unqualified chemical composition of zirconium 60702 plate
Sn content is too high: welding performance is reduced
Fe / Cr ratio is unbalanced: corrosion resistance is reduced
O content exceeds the standard: plate brittleness increases
H content is too high: hydrogen-induced cracking occurs during use
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why does nuclear-grade zirconium 60702 need to control nickel content?
A: Nickel will increase the thermal neutron absorption cross section and affect the efficiency of nuclear reactions, so the limit is ≤70 ppm.
Q: What is the effect of hafnium (Hf) content on the material?
A: Hf is a naturally associated element of zirconium, which will slightly increase neutron absorption, but within 4.5% will not affect the main performance.
Q: How to detect the hydrogen content of the plate?
A: A special hydrogen analyzer is required to be used for testing according to the ASTM E1447 standard.
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