ASTM B523 Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Tube
- Type: Seamless and Welded Tube
- Grade R60702—Unalloyed zirconium
- Grade R60704—Zirconium-tin alloy
- OD: 10-90mm WT: 1-10mm
Features
ASTM B523/B523M Seamless and Welded Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Tube
- Grade R60702—Unalloyed zirconium.
- Grade R60704—Zirconium-tin alloy.
Chemical Composition (wt.%) of ASTM B523 Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Tube
| Element | Grade R60702 | Grade R60704 |
| Zirconium + Hafnium (min) | 99.2 | 97.5 |
| Hafnium (max) | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Iron + Chromium | 0.2 (max) | 0.2 to 0.4 |
| Tin | – | 1.0 to 2.0 |
| Hydrogen (max) | 0.005 | 0.005 |
| Nitrogen (max) | 0.025 | 0.025 |
| Carbon (max) | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Niobium | – | – |
| Oxygen (max) | 0.16 | 0.18 |
Mechanical Properties of ASTM B523 Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Tube
| Property | Grade R60702 | Grade R60704 |
| Tensile Strength (min, ksi [MPa]) | 55 [380] | 60 [415] |
| Yield Strength (min, ksi [MPa]) | 30 [205] | 35 [240] |
| Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm (min, %) | 16 | 14 |
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Standard | ASTM B523/B523M Seamless and Welded Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Tube |
| Grade | Grade R60702—Unalloyed zirconium (Zr702) Grade R60704—Zirconium-tin alloy (Zr704) |
| Seam Type | Seamless and Welded |
| Tube Size | Outside Diameter (OD): 10-90mm, Wall Thickness (WT): 1 – 10mm |
| Length | 6000-12000mm |
| Inspection Certificate | EN 10204 Type 3.1 (Mill Test Certificate), EN 10204 Type 3.2 (Witness Testing or 3rd Party Inspection) |
| Tests | Chemical analysis, Tensile test, Intergranular corrosion test, Metallographic examination |
Packing
Packed in plywood boxes.
Applications
Chemical Processing Industry: Zirconium alloys are highly resistant to corrosion by acids and alkalis, making them ideal for use in chemical reactors, heat exchangers, piping, and fittings in chemical plants. They are particularly useful in handling highly corrosive substances like sulfuric and hydrochloric acid.
Nuclear Applications: Due to their low neutron absorption cross-section and good resistance to radiation damage, zirconium and its alloys are used extensively in nuclear reactors. These tubes can be used in the core structure, fuel rods, and cladding materials that encase nuclear fuel, providing critical safety and functionality in nuclear power generation.
Aerospace and Defense: The high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance of zirconium alloys make them suitable for various aerospace and defense applications, including components exposed to corrosive environments and high temperatures.
Medical Devices: Zirconium’s biocompatibility makes it suitable for surgical instruments, dental implants, and other medical devices where corrosion resistance and non-toxicity are essential.
Marine Applications: The excellent corrosion resistance to seawater and marine environments makes zirconium alloys useful for heat exchangers, condensers, piping, and other components on ships and submarines.
Desalination Plants: Their corrosion resistance to saltwater also makes zirconium tubes an excellent choice for desalination plants, where they are used in heat exchangers and condensers.
Specific applications
R60702 (Zr702), is used where the purity of zirconium is required for its corrosion resistance.
R60704 (Zr704), with tin as an alloying element, offers enhanced mechanical properties and is used in slightly more demanding mechanical environments.
