METHOD FOR MAKING A FLAT ZIRCONIUM ALLOY PRODUCT, RESULTING FLAT PRODUCT AND FUEL ASSEMBLY COMPONENT FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT REACTOR MADE FROM SAID FLAT PRODUCT

摘要

Process for manufacturing a flat zirconium alloy product, characterized in that: - a zirconium alloy ingot containing at least 95% zirconium is produced; - it is shaped to obtain a flat product; - it is subjected to a .beta quenching. with a view to obtaining an acicular structure; -it is subjected to rolling in a single sequence without intermediate annealing, between room temperature and 200 ~ C, with a reduction rate between 2 and 20%; - And said flat product is subjected to an annealing treatment .alpha. or .alpha. + .beta. between 500 and 800 ~ C for 2 minutes to 10 hours. Flat product of zirconium alloy thus obtained, and element of a fuel assembly for nuclear power plant reactor obtained by its shaping.