Modern technologies for the production of fuel element cladding tubes (FEEL) from zirconium alloys and the state of production in Ukraine

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15802/tpm.3.2025.03

Keywords:

nuclear power, shell-and-tube fuel element, zirconium alloy, technology, quality

Abstract

At present, nuclear energy retains its position as one of the main world energy sources. In Ukraine, further development of nuclear energy is planned, therefore, one of the important directions is the creation of its own nuclear fuel cycle (NFC). An integral part of the NFC is the production of fuel element cladding tubes from zirconium alloy Zr1Nb. The purpose of the work is the development of technology, the manufacture of pilot batches of tubes from zirconium alloy Zr1Nb in Ukraine and the study of their quality. Methodology. Production of tubes in production conditions. Research of the quality of tubes using optical microscopy, macrostructural analysis, mechanical tests at room and elevated temperatures, assessment of hydride orientation , corrosion tests, studies of long-term strength, creep. Results. For the first time in Ukraine, on the basis of the State Enterprise "Scientific and Design and Technological Institute of Pipe Industry named after Ya.Yu. Osada", work was carried out on the development of technology and the manufacture of pilot batches of tubes-shells of fuel elements (TVEL) from zirconium alloy Zr1Nb with a size of Ø9.13× in. 7.72 mm. The quality of the tubes was assessed in accordance with the requirements of ASTM standards. Comprehensive studies of the structure and properties showed compliance with the requirements of ASTM standards. Scientific novelty. For the first time in Ukraine, a technology has been developed and tubes-shells of heat-generating elements made of zirconium alloy Zr1Nb with a size of Ø9.13×in.7.72mm have been manufactured in industrial conditions. It has been shown that the quality of the tubes meets the requirements of the standards for tubes. Practical significance. Based on the research performed, it is possible to organize industrial production in the conditions of Ukrainian tube plants.

References

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Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

Vakhrusheva , V. (2025). Modern technologies for the production of fuel element cladding tubes (FEEL) from zirconium alloys and the state of production in Ukraine. Theory and Practice of Metallurgy, (3), 26–32. https://doi.org/10.15802/tpm.3.2025.03

Issue

No. 3 (2025)

Section

Articles

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