ASTM B658 Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Pipe
- Type: Seamless and Welded Pipe
- Grade R60702—Unalloyed zirconium
- Grade R60704—Zirconium-tin alloy
- Grade R60705—Zirconium-niobium alloy
- OD: NPS 1/8”-12” WT: SCH5S, 10S, 40S, 80S
Features
ASTM B658 Seamless and Welded Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Pipe
- Grade R60702—Unalloyed zirconium.
- Grade R60704—Zirconium-tin alloy.
- Grade R60705—Zirconium-niobium alloy.
Chemical Composition (wt.%)
| Element | UNS Grade R60702 | UNS Grade R60704 | UNS Grade R60705 |
| Zirconium + Hafnium (min %) | 99.2 | 97.5 | 95.5 |
| Hafnium (max %) | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Iron + Chromium (max %) | 0.2 | 0.2 to 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Tin | – | 1.0 to 2.0 | – |
| Hydrogen (max %) | 0.005 | 0.005 | 0.005 |
| Nitrogen (max %) | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 |
| Carbon (max %) | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Niobium | – | – | 2.0 to 3.0 |
| Oxygen (max %) | 0.16 | 0.18 | 0.18 |
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 |
Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Tensile Strength
(min ksi [MPa]) |
Yield Strength
at 0.2% Offset (min ksi [MPa]) |
Elongation
in 2 in. or 50 mm (min %) |
| UNS Grade R60702 | 55 [380] | 30 [205] | 16 |
| UNS Grade R60704 | 60 [415] | 35 [240] | 14 |
| UNS Grade R60705 | 80 [550] | 55 [380] | 16 |
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Standard | ASTM B658/B658M Seamless and Welded Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Pipe |
| Grade | Grade R60702—Unalloyed zirconium (Zr702) Grade R60704—Zirconium-tin alloy (Zr704) Grade R60705—Zirconium-niobium alloy (Zr705) |
| Seam Type | Seamless and Welded |
| Pipe Size | Outside Diameter (OD): NPS 1/8″ -12″ (10.3-323.9mm) Wall Thickness: SCH5S, 10S, 40S, 80S (1.24-12.7mm) |
| Length | 6000-12000mm |
| 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, Hardness Test, Nondestructive Test (Hydrostatic/Pneumatic/Ultrasonic Test) |
Packing
Packed in plywood boxes.
Applications
Fuel Rod Cladding: Zirconium alloys, particularly R60702 and R60705, are extensively used in nuclear reactors as fuel rod cladding materials due to their low neutron absorption cross-section and good mechanical properties at high temperatures.
Water Tubes in Nuclear Reactors: Zirconium alloys’ excellent corrosion resistance against water and steam at high temperatures makes them suitable for use in water tubes and other components within nuclear reactors.
Heat Exchangers and Condensers: The resistance of zirconium and its alloys to heat and corrosion makes them ideal for heat exchangers, condensers, and pipes in the chemical processing industry, particularly in environments where corrosive agents like acids are present.
Reactors and Vessels: Zirconium alloys are used in reactors, vessels, and columns that handle corrosive substances due to their exceptional resistance to a wide range of organic and inorganic acids, excluding hydrofluoric acid.
Implants and Prosthetics: Unalloyed zirconium (R60702) has biocompatible properties, making it suitable for dental implants and other medical prosthetics.
Structural Components for High-Temperature Applications: Zirconium alloys’ high melting point and strength at elevated temperatures benefit certain aerospace and defense applications.
Piping and Valves in Acidic Environments: Zirconium alloys are used in piping, valves, and pumps that transport acidic materials due to their superior corrosion resistance.
Desalination Plants: Tubes made from zirconium alloys are used in desalination plants because they are resistant to corrosion by seawater.
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.
R60705 (Zr705), containing niobium, provides the best strength among these grades, making it ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
