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:
| Alloy |
UNS |
| Zircaloy 2 |
R60802 |
| Zircaloy 4 |
R60804 |