Zirconium TIG Wire

Description Of Zirconium TIG Wire

Zirconium TIG Wire is a high-purity filler metal specifically designed for tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding of zirconium and zirconium alloy components. It is manufactured from high-purity zirconium sponge or crystal bars through vacuum arc remelting (VAR), forging, rolling, drawing, and precision cleaning. The wire is available in grades Zr702 (R60702), Zr704 (R60704), Zr705 (R60705), Zircaloy-2, and Zircaloy-4, with diameters ranging from 0.8mm to 6.0mm.

Zirconium TIG wire is essential for joining zirconium equipment used in chemical processing, nuclear reactors, and other demanding applications. Zirconium offers outstanding corrosion resistance in hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, and strong alkalis. Its low neutron absorption cross-section makes it the material of choice for nuclear fuel cladding and core structural components. The TIG wire is carefully formulated to match the base metal chemistry, ensuring sound welds with excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.

TIG welding of zirconium requires strict inert gas shielding because zirconium has a high affinity for oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen at elevated temperatures. The filler wire must be clean, free of oxides and contaminants, and stored in protective packaging. Zirconium TIG wire is supplied in the cold-drawn and annealed condition, with bright, pickled, or polished surface finishes. Each spool or straight length is inspected for diameter, surface quality, and chemical composition, and packaged in protective atmosphere or vacuum-sealed bags.

Zirconium TIG wire is widely used in chemical processing, nuclear energy, aerospace, and medical industries. Custom diameters, lengths, and packaging are available upon request.

Features Of Zirconium TIG Wire

• High Purity: Manufactured from high-purity zirconium sponge or crystal bars to ensure consistent weld chemistry and performance.

• Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Welds made with zirconium TIG wire resist hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, and strong alkalis.

• Low Neutron Absorption: Ideal for nuclear fuel cladding and reactor core components.

• Matched Chemistry: Formulated to match base metal chemistry, ensuring sound welds with excellent mechanical properties.

• Clean Surface: Pickled and cleaned to remove contaminants, oxides, and drawing lubricants.

• Uniform Diameter: Tight diameter tolerances ensure consistent feedability and arc stability.

• Wide Diameter Range: 0.8mm to 6.0mm, with custom sizes available.

• Packaging Options: Straight lengths (1000mm, 2000mm) or spools (1kg, 5kg, 10kg).

• Standard Compliance: AWS A5.24, ASTM B550, GB/T 26013.

Applications Of Zirconium TIG Wire

• Chemical Processing: TIG welding of heat exchangers, condensers, reaction vessels, piping, pumps, and valves made from zirconium for handling hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, and other corrosive media.

• Nuclear Energy: TIG welding of nuclear fuel cladding, pressure tubes, guide tubes, and core structural components where low neutron absorption and high-temperature corrosion resistance are critical.

• Urea and Fertilizer Production: TIG welding of zirconium heat exchangers and piping in urea, acetic acid, and nitric acid production.

• Aerospace: TIG welding of zirconium components in aircraft and spacecraft systems.

• Medical Industry: TIG welding of zirconium implants and surgical instruments.

• Marine and Offshore: TIG welding of zirconium components for seawater-cooled equipment and desalination plants.

• Research and Development: TIG welding of zirconium test assemblies and prototype components in laboratories.

Specifications Of Zirconium TIG Wire