| 摘要 |
A process for mfg. a tube, for forming all or the external part of a nuclear fuel rod cladding or a guide tube for a nuclear fuel assembly, involves (a) producing a rod of Zr alloy contg. 50-250 ppm. Fe, 0.8-1.3 wt.% Nb, less than 1600 ppm. O, less than 200 ppm. C and less than 120 ppm. Si; (b) water quenching the rod from 1000-1200 degrees C; (c) heating to 600-800 degrees C and extruding a tube blank; (d) cold rolling to tube in at least four passes with intermediate anneals at 560-620 degrees C; and (e) subjecting to final heat treatment at 560-620 degrees C. All the heat treatments are carried out in vacuum or inert atmos. Also claimed is a cladding or guide tube for a fuel assembly of a PWR, the tube consisting of the Zr alloy described above in the fully recrystallised condition. |
