MANUFACTURING METHOD OF NIOBIUM-CONTAINING ZIRCALLOY NUCLEAR FUEL CLADDING WITH EXCELLENT CORROSION RESISTANCE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of manufacturing a niobium-containing zircalloy nuclear fuel cladding with excellent corrosion resistance. SOLUTION: In the method of manufacturing the niobium-containing zircalloy nuclear fuel cladding, a mixture with zircalloy composition is dissolved and subjected toβ-forging,β-hardening, hot working, initial heat treatment, cold working, intermediate heat treatment and final heat treatment. Thermal and mechanical treatment is carried out to reduce the presence of a niobium solute concentration in anα-zirconium based metal in a supersaturated at the operating temperature of a nuclear reactor to maintain balance concentration. Corrosion resistance is thereby improved to alloy useful application to a nuclear fuel cladding in a nuclear reactor core in light water reactor type and heavy water reactor type nuclear power plants.