Zr and Zr Alloys
Generic Name & Other Designation
Generic Class: Commercial & Nuclear Grade Zirconium Alloys
Popular Grades: UNS R60702 (Zr 702), UNS R60705 (Zr 705), Zircaloy-2, Zircaloy-4
Standard Specifications: ASTM B550, ASTM B551, ASTM B523, ASME SB-551, ASME SB-523
Product Overview
Zirconium and Zirconium Alloys represent the ultimate material class for extreme acid containment where stainless steels, titanium, and nickel alloys fail. UNS R60702 (unalloyed zirconium) and UNS R60705 (zirconium-niobium alloy) provide near-complete immunity to mineral acids, strong alkalis, and organic solutions.
By maintaining structural integrity in hot hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid up to 70% concentration, Zirconium alloys significantly lower downtime and lifecycle replacement costs in critical chemical synthesis plants.
Key Highlights
✅ Hydrochloric Acid Immunity: Virtually unaffected by hydrochloric acid at all concentrations, even exceeding boiling points.
✅ Organic Acid Resistance: Outstanding resistance to acetic, formic, and citric acid chemical streams in aggressive processing loops.
✅ Low Thermal Neutron Cross-Section: Essential nuclear property for reactor core nuclear fuel cladding and structural components.
✅ Passivation Layer Protection: Rapidly forms an inert, self-healing $ZrO_2$ oxide barrier protecting the metal matrix against harsh chemical reagents.
Key Technical Specifications Across Core Grades
1. Chemical Composition (wt%)
Grade | Zr+Hf | Nb | Fe+Cr | Hf Max |
UNS R60702 (Zr 702) | ≥99.2% | — | ≤ 0.20% | 4.5% |
UNS R60705 (Zr 705) | ≥95.5% | 2.0 – 3.0% | ≤ 0.30% | 4.5% |
(Note: Composition strictly conforms to ASTM B550 / B551 / B523 specifications.)
2. Physical & Mechanical Properties
Parameter / Property | UNS R60702 (Zr 702) | UNS R60705 (Zr 705) |
Density | 6.51 g/cm³ (0.235 lb/in³) | 6.64 g/cm³ (0.240 lb/in³) |
Melting Point | 1852°C (3366°F) | 1840°C (3344°F) |
Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≥ 379MPa (55 ksi) | ≥552$MPa (80 ksi) |
Yield Strength (0.2%, Rp0.2) | ≥207MPa (30 ksi) | ≥379 MPa (55 ksi) |
Elongation (A5) | ≥16% | ≥ 16% |
Available Forms & Specifications
Seamless & Welded Tubing: ASTM B523 / ASME SB-523; Heat exchanger bundles, reaction coils, and bayonet heaters.
Plates & Sheets: ASTM B551 / ASME SB-551; Reactor shells, clad vessel walls, and distillation tray components.
Round Bars & Rods: ASTM B550 / ASME SB-550; Machined pump shafts, valve stems, and heavy flange bolts.
Custom Fabrications: Zirconium thermowells, acid spray nozzles, and corrosion-lined fittings.
Typical Application Scenarios
Acetic Acid Production: Reboilers, column internals, and piping networks in Monsanto/Cativa organic synthesis loops.
Hydrochloric Acid Handling: Synthesis columns, storage vessel linings, and high-capacity acid recovery units.
Nuclear Energy Systems: Structural lattice components, pressure tubes, and fuel rod cladding in power reactors.
Quality Assurance & Testing
Every delivery batch from BELNADE undergoes rigorous inspection:
100% Ultrasonic (UT), Eddy Current, and Hydrostatic testing on all tubular products.
Chemical purity analysis and grain boundary evaluation per ASTM standards.
Comprehensive Mill Test Certificates (MTC) conforming to EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2.
Supplier Information (BELNADE)
BELNADE is a trusted international supplier of high-purity Zirconium and Zirconium alloy mill products. BELNADE provides specialized export packaging, precise waterjet/saw cutting services, and expert technical consulting for high-corrosion plant engineering projects.
Get in Touch with BELNADE for Quotes and Technical Inquiries
📧 Email: info@belnade-material.com
🌐 Website: www.belnade-material.com
💬 Mobile / WhatsApp: +86 158-0040-6687