Patent ID: 7763132
Filing Date: 2010-07-27
Classification: B21J,C22C,C22F,G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for providing a zirconium alloy semi-finished product containing by weight at least 97% zirconium, intended for the production of at least one elongated product, comprising: casting the zirconium alloy to produce an ingot with a diameter between 400 mm and 700 mm and a length between 2 m and 3 m; forging the ingot in a first stage to produce an intermediate product with a cross-section inscribed in a circle of diameter of between 250 mm and 400 mm wherein the first forging stage of the ingot is performed at a temperature at which the zirconium alloy is in a state comprising the crystalline α and β phases of the zirconium alloy; forging, in a second forging stage, said intermediate product into a semi-finished product in the form of a rod or bar with a cross-section inscribed in a circle of diameter of between 100 mm and 250 mm, wherein β quenching does not occur between said first and second forging stage; and extruding or hot rolling the forged ingot.