The first China-developed nuclear class sponge zirconium is now on its way to Vostochny, Russia. It is a breakthrough in China's exporting of nuclear class zirconium material.
Developed by China Nuclear Energy Industry Corp., a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation, the quantity of sponge zirconium involved is proof that China's production of such material has reached an international level.
The zirconium alloy material is key to operations in the core of a nuclear reactor.
Acting as the bones and skin of the fuel assembly, the zirconium alloy is the first safety barrier of the nuclear reactor, and plays a critical role in safe and stable operation of a nuclear power plant. It is a key indicator to assess performance of the fuel assembly.
A main raw material of the nuclear class zirconium alloy, the nuclear class sponge zirconium used in domestic nuclear power plants was imported in earlier years. After long development, the quality and output of China-made sponge zirconium improved.
China Nuclear Energy Industry Corp.'s China Nuclear Jinghuan Zirconium Industry Co., Ltd is now the only enterprise in China that controls the entire industrial chain of nuclear class sponge zirconium and hafnium production.
The nuclear class sponge zirconium produced by the company passed inspection in August 2019 and in May this year, China Nuclear Energy Industry Corp. signed an agreement to export it to Russia-based Chepetsky Mechanical Plant (CHMZ), which was proof that the China-made material had gained international acceptance.
The first zirconium products are in transport by ship and railway and are expected to arrive in early September.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
