ASTM B550 Zirconium Wire Description
Product Introduction
ASTM B550 Zirconium Wire (UNS R60705 / Zr-2.5Nb) is a zirconium and zirconium alloy bar and wire product conforming to ASTM B550. Niobium content 2.0–3.0%, classified as an α+β zirconium alloy. Strength exceeds unalloyed R60702, with corrosion resistance spanning the full pH range. ASTM B550 governs chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional tolerances for zirconium materials used primarily in chemical processing and nuclear industries. Available from φ0.1 mm to φ6.5 mm, customizable up to φ10.0 mm, as straight wire or coil.
Technical Specifications
1. Basic Information
Product Name | ASTM B550 Zirconium Wire
|
Grade Equivalents | ASTM B550 / UNS R60705 / Zr-2.5Nb |
Standards | ASTM B550, ASTM B551 |
Supply Forms | Straight wire, Coil wire |
Surface Conditions | Pickled, Bright finish |
Diameter Range | φ0.1–φ6.5 mm; customizable up to φ10.0 mm |
Straightness | ≤ 2/1000 |
2. Chemical Compositions
Zr+Hf | Nb | Fe+Cr | Hf | O | C | N | H |
≥95.5% | 2.0–3.0% | ≤0.20% | ≤4.5% | ≤0.18% | ≤0.05% | ≤0.025% | ≤0.005% |
3. Mechanical Properties
Tempers | UTS (MPa) | YS (MPa) | Elongations (%) |
Annealed | ≥552 | ≥379 | ≥16 |
4. Physical Properties
Properties | Values |
Density | 6.55 g/cm³ |
Melting Point | ≈1845°C |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 5.9×10⁻⁶/°C |
Thermal Conductivity | ≈12 W/(m·K) |
Electrical Resistivity | ≈0.42 μΩ·m |
Magnetic Properties | Non-magnetic (paramagnetic) |
Max. Service Temperature | ≤350°C |
Features and Advantages
- .ASTM B550 certified: Conforms to ASTM zirconium alloy bar and wire specification with standardized quality system.
- Full pH-range corrosion resistance: Excellent performance across pH 0–14, far exceeding titanium alloys and stainless steels ductility.
- Hot strng-acid resistance: Extremely low corrosion rates in hot HCl, H₂SO₄, and HNO₃.
- Nuclear-grade performance: Low thermal neutron cross-section with minimal corrosion rate in high-temperature, high-pressure water.
- Lot traceability: ASTM B550 specification-controlled production with test reports and material certificates per batch.
Performance Solutions
A. Problem: Stainless steel corrodes rapidly in HCl and H₂SO₄, resulting in extremely short chemical equipment life.
Solution: ASTM B550 Zirconium Wire is virtually immune to corrosion in HCl and H₂SO₄. Equipment service life extends by orders of magnitude.
B. Problem: Titanium alloys suffer crevice corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement in hot strong acids, limiting their application range.
Solution: ASTM B550 R60705 remains stable in hot, concentrated acids. Its corrosion window far exceeds that of titanium alloys.
C. Problem: Industrial-grade zirconium with wide composition and property variation cannot guarantee reliability in critical equipment.
Solution: ASTM B550 R60705 is produced under a controlled specification. Composition and properties are regulated for critical equipment reliability.
D. Problem: Nickel-based alloys undergo selective corrosion in oxidizing acids and fluorine-containing media.
Solution: ASTM B550 R60705 resists oxidizing acids and fluorine-containing media. Lifecycle maintenance costs are extremely low.
Applications
A. Used in heat exchanger tube bundles, condensers, and evaporator components for HCl, H₂SO₄, and HNO₃ service. Extremely low corrosion rate in hot strong acids. ASTM B550 compliant.
B. Used in reactor linings, agitator shafts, seals, and high-pressure vessel connections. Full pH-range corrosion resistance for extreme acid service conditions.
C. Used in pressure tubes, spacer grids, and core structural supports. Low thermal neutron cross-section with minimal corrosion in high-temperature, high-pressure water. ASTM B550 certified.
D. Used in bolts, nuts, gaskets, and connectors for strong acid service. Excellent corrosion resistance. Low maintenance costs.
E. Used in acid-transfer pump shafts, valve stems, and sealing rings. Resists hot strong acids and crevice corrosion. Reliable operation.