Method for treating the surface of finished parts, particularly the surface of tubes and spacers formed of zirconium alloys, for nuclear reactor fuel assemblies

摘要

A method for treating the surface of finished parts formed of zirconium alloys for nuclear reactor fuel assemblies with an oxidizing agent, includes heating the finished parts in an autoclave and subjecting the finished parts to an oxidizing agent sufficient to generate oxygen in atomic form and to form a substantially hydrogen-impervious surface layer of oxide at least on the surface portions of the finished parts which are subjected to water or steam in the nuclear reactor.