Results for tag: "Nuclear Grade Zirconium Material"

Within the context of non-ferrous metals, the nuclear grade zirconium material market represents a specialized niche centered around the production and supply of high-purity zirconium that is suitable for use in the nuclear industry, primarily as cladding for nuclear reactor fuel rods. The unique properties of zirconium, such as its low neutron absorption cross-section and high resistance to corrosion in a nuclear reactor environment, make it an indispensable material in the nuclear energy sector. Companies in this market engage in the complex extraction and refining processes required to produce zirconium in forms that meet the stringent specifications for nuclear applications. The value chain includes the mining of zircon-bearing sand or mineral concentrates, separation of zirconium from hafnium (which has a high neutron absorption cross-section and thus is unfavorable for nuclear use), and the fabrication of finished products like zirconium tubes. Some of the companies in this market are Westinghouse Electric Company, Nukem Technologies (owned by JSC Atomstroyexport), Orano Cycle (previously known as Areva NC), and Chepetsky Mechanical Plant (part of TVEL Corporation). These enterprises cater to the needs of the nuclear energy industry by providing materials that are essential for the safe and efficient operation of nuclear reactors. Show Less Read more