ASTM B551 Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate
- Type: Plate and Sheet
- Grade R60700/Zr700 — Low oxygen zirconium.
- Grade R60702/Zr702 — Unalloyed zirconium.
- Grade R60704/Zr704 — Zirconium-tin.
- Grade R60705/Zr705 — Zirconium-niobium.
- Grade R60706/Zr706 — Zirconium-niobium.
Features
ASTM B551/B551M Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate
- Grade R60700—Low oxygen zirconium.
- Grade R60702—Unalloyed zirconium.
- Grade R60704—Zirconium-tin.
- Grade R60705—Zirconium-niobium.
- Grade R60706—Zirconium-niobium.
Chemical Composition (wt.%)
| Element | Grade R60700 / zr700 | Grade R60702 / zr702 | Grade R60704 / zr704 | Grade R60705 / zr705 | Grade R60706 / zr706 |
| Zirconium + Hafnium (min %) | 99.2 | 99.2 | 97.5 | 95.5 | 95.5 |
| Hafnium (max %) | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Iron + Chromium (max %) | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 to 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Tin | – | – | 1.0 to 2.0 | – | – |
| Hydrogen (max %) | 0.005 | 0.005 | 0.005 | 0.005 | 0.005 |
| Nitrogen (max %) | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 |
| Carbon (max %) | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Niobium | – | – | – | 2.0 to 3.0 | 2.0 to 3.0 |
| Oxygen (max %) | 0.1 | 0.16 | 0.18 | 0.18 | 0.16 |
Permissible Variation in Check Analysis Between Different Laboratories
| Element | Permissible Variation (%) |
| Hydrogen | 0.002 |
| Nitrogen | 0.01 |
| Carbon | 0.01 |
| Hafnium | 0.1 |
| Iron + Chromium | 0.025 |
| Tin | 0.05 |
| Niobium | 0.05 |
| Oxygen | 0.02 |
Tensile Requirements
| Grade | Tensile Strength (min ksi [MPa]) | Yield Strength (min ksi [MPa]) | Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm (min %) | Bend Test Radius |
| R60700/Zr700 | – | – | – | 5T |
| R60702/Zr702 | 55 [380] | 30 [205] | 16 | 5T |
| R60704/Zr704 | 60 [415] | 35 [240] | 14 | 5T |
| R60705/Zr705 | 80 [550] | 55 [380] | 16 | 3T |
| R60706/Zr706 | 74 [510] | 50 [345] | 14 | 2.5T |
Note: T equals the thickness of the bend test specimen. Bend tests do not apply to material over 0.187 in. [4.8 mm] in thickness.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Standard | ASTM B551 Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate |
| Grade | UNS R60700/Zr700, UNS R60702/Zr702, UNS R60704/Zr704, UNS R60705/Zr705, UNS R60706/Zr706 |
| Condition & Finish | Hot and cold-rolled soft annealed (+A); smooth and clean finish |
| Type | Strip, Plate, Sheet |
| Dimension | Thickness: 0.5 – 20mm x Width: 1500 – 3000mm x Length: 3000-15000mm |
| Strip | may be supplied in coil, less than 6 in. [150mm] in width and from 0.005 in. [0.13mm] to 0.188 in. [4.8mm] in thickness. |
| Sheet | 6 in. [150mm] or more in width and from 0.005 in. [0.13mm] to 0.188 in. [4.8mm] in thickness. |
| Plate | more than 0.188 in. [4.8mm] in thickness. |
| Inspection Certificate | EN 10204 Type 3.1 (Mill Test Certificate), EN 10204 Type 3.2 (Witness Testing or 3rd Party Inspection) |
| Test | Chemical Analysis, Tensile Test, NDE Test (Ultrasonic Test). |
Key Features
Outstanding Corrosion Resistance: Zirconium resists corrosion in many environments, including strong acids, alkalis, and saltwater. This surpasses the capabilities of even many stainless steels.
Good Mechanical Strength: These materials are strong and withstand moderate pressure and mechanical stress.
Ductility (potentially varies by grade): Depending on the specific grade, the sheet and plate might offer some formability for shaping during fabrication.
High Melting Point: Zirconium boasts a high melting point, making it suitable for applications involving elevated temperatures
Packing
Packed in plywood box.
Application
Liners and Vessels: These materials can line or fabricate entire vessels to contain and process corrosive liquids.
Heat Exchanger Components: Zirconium sheets can be used for components within heat exchangers, transferring heat efficiently while resisting corrosion from the processed media.
Fuel Channel Components: In some cases, zirconium sheet metal might be used for specific fuel channel components due to its ability to withstand radiation and some corrosive environments within the reactor. However, zirconium tubing (ASTM B658) is commonly used for fuel cladding.
High-Temperature Applications: The high melting point of zirconium allows it to be used in some limited high-temperature applications, such as heat shields or furnace components. However, other high-temperature resistant materials might be more commonly used depending on the specific requirements.
