Patent ID: 8241440
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: C22C,C22F

Abstract:
1. A method of producing a zirconium strip, the method comprising: heating a substantially pure zirconium article within a beta phase temperature region; beta quenching the zirconium article; forming a strip from the zirconium article by a process comprising hot working the zirconium article at a temperature of about 470° C. to about 700° C.; reducing a thickness of the strip by a process comprising a plurality of cold rolling passes with intermediate anneals between successive cold rolling passes, wherein each intermediate anneal includes heating the strip at less than about 490° C. for less than 10 minutes; and final annealing the strip after a final cold rolling pass, wherein the strip is heated at less than 550° C. for less than 20 minutes wherein the substantially pure zirconium comprises at least 99.35% zirconium, less than 600 ppm oxygen, and less than 200 ppm iron.