At Superior Tube, we specialize in the custom manufacture of zirconium tubes for nuclear reactor components such as control rods and cladding, coolant channels, seal tubes and other equipment intended for use in a radioactive environment.
Low Neutron Absorption and High Strength
Zirconium tubing has low neutron absorption, high strength, and high corrosion resistance under different operating conditions. Compared to stainless steel, zirconium tubes are desirable because of its outstanding mechanical properties, high melting point, and radiation resistance. The metal has a high yield strength and is more resistant to irradiation creep and stress corrosion cracking.
Nuclear Reactor Applications
Zirconium tubes are commonly used in nuclear reactors as cladding material for
nuclear fuel rods and control rods. Cladding refers to the outer layer of material that encases the nuclear fuel pellets in a fuel rod.
Superior Tube can manufacture precision zirconium tubes in the following alloys: