ASTM B494/B494M-08(2020)

Standard Specification for Primary Zirconium

ABSTRACT
This specification covers two grades (Grade R60702 and Grade R60703) of zirconium metal commonly designated as sponge or chunklets, but may also take other forms. This specification does not include crystal bar zirconium. This sponge is used in non-nuclear applications. Zirconium metal is usually prepared by reduction of zirconium tetrachloride, and it gets its physical characteristics from the processes involved in production. These characteristics may be expected to vary greatly with manufacturing methods. This specification, however, is not limited to metal prepared by reduction of tetrachloride or to material of any specific physical form. Only virgin zirconium metal, in identified, uniform, well-mixed blends, shall be supplied under this specification. The material shall conform to the chemical composition requirements for zirconium, hafnium, iron, chromium, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen. The material shall be subjected to a number of chemical tests as required in this specification.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers two grades of zirconium metal commonly designated as sponge or chunklets, but may also take other forms. This specification does not include crystal bar zirconium. This sponge is used in non-nuclear applications.  
1.2 Unless a single unit is used, for example corrosion mass gain in mg/dm2, the values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently of the other. SI values cannot be mixed with inch-pound values.  
1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 77.120.99 - Other non-ferrous metals and their alloys
• Technical Committee: B10 - Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B10.02 - Zirconium and Hafnium

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B494/B494M-08(2014) - Standard Specification for Primary Zirconium
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM E29-08 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E29-06b - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06a - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-04 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Refers: ASTM E29-02e1 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 10-May-2002
• Refers: ASTM E29-93a(1999) - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999

Overview

ASTM B494/B494M-08(2020), Standard Specification for Primary Zirconium, specifies requirements for two grades of primary zirconium metal - Grade R60702 and Grade R60703. These grades cover zirconium supplied as sponge or chunklets and can include other physical forms. This specification is limited to non-nuclear applications and does not cover crystal bar zirconium. The document defines the minimum chemical composition, sampling, testing, inspection, marking, and packaging standards for primary zirconium intended for various industrial applications.

Key Topics

• Material Forms: Primary zirconium is supplied as sponge or chunklets, each derived from reduction processes using magnesium or sodium. The standard also allows for other physical forms but specifically excludes crystal bar zirconium.
• Grades and Composition:
  • Grade R60702: Unalloyed zirconium primarily for general applications.
  • Grade R60703: Unalloyed zirconium suitable for metallurgical alloying.
• Chemical Requirements: Specifies limits for elements such as hafnium, iron, chromium, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Minimum zirconium plus hafnium contents are required.
• Sampling and Testing: Procedures are outlined for the preparation and evaluation of chemical samples, which must be representative of each lot or blend. A minimum of three tests per evaluation ingot is required.
• Certification and Inspection: Manufacturers must certify compliance, and purchasers can witness inspection and testing as specified.
• Packaging and Marking: Clear guidelines require product marking and packaging methods that account for the pyrophoric nature of finely divided zirconium.

Applications

Primary zirconium as defined in ASTM B494/B494M is critical in a variety of non-nuclear industrial applications where high-purity, reactive metals are essential. Common application areas include:

• Metallurgical Alloying: As an additive in specialty metals and superalloys to improve corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.
• Chemical Processing: Used for manufacturing corrosion-resistant equipment and components in harsh chemical environments.
• Electronics and Advanced Ceramics: Employed in certain processes for its physical and chemical stability.
• Research and Development: Provides a reliable supply of high-purity zirconium for materials science and advanced manufacturing research.

The specification ensures consistent quality, traceability, and compliance - essential for reliable supply chains in demanding industrial settings.

Related Standards

Primary zirconium is often specified alongside other standards addressing reactive and refractory metals. Related documents include:

• ASTM E29: Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• ISO Standards: For metals and materials analysis, complementing or harmonizing with ASTM requirements
• ASTM B551, ASTM B873: Specifications addressing various forms and alloys of zirconium and hafnium

Manufacturers, suppliers, and users should consult ASTM B494/B494M in conjunction with these related standards to ensure comprehensive material qualification and compliance with international quality and safety requirements.

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Keywords: primary zirconium, zirconium sponge, zirconium chunklets, ASTM B494, zirconium metal specification, non-nuclear zirconium, industrial zirconium standards, reactive metals, metallurgical alloying, chemical processing

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:B494/B494M −08 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Primary Zirconium
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B494/B494M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.1.1 Discussion—The process is one where the metal
condenses to the solid state and does not melt.
1.1 This specification covers two grades of zirconium metal
3.1.2 chunklets, n—zirconium metal produced from the
commonly designated as sponge or chunklets, but may also
reduction of the chloride, usually by sodium.
takeotherforms.Thisspecificationdoesnotincludecrystalbar
3.1.2.1 Discussion—In this process, the reduced metal is
zirconium. This sponge is used in non-nuclear applications.
melted and dripped onto a rotating disk to form chunklets.
1.2 Unless a single unit is used, for example corrosion mass
3.2 Lot—alotshallconsistofasingleblendproducedatone
gain in mg/dm , the values stated in either inch-pound or SI
time.
units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values
stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore each
system must be used independently of the other. SI values 4. Classification
cannot be mixed with inch-pound values.
4.1 Primary zirconium is furnished in two grades:
1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
4.1.1 Grade R60702—Unalloyed zirconium.
test method portions of this specification. This standard does 4.1.2 Grade R60703—Unalloyed zirconium for metallurgi-
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
cal alloying.
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ-
5. Ordering Information
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
5.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
limitations prior to use.
the following information, when applicable:
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1.1 Quantity (weight),
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1.2 Name of material (zirconium sponge or chunklet),
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1.3 Grade number (see 4.1),
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1.4 ASTM designation and year of issue,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1.5 Check analysis (see 7.2),
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1.6 Sampling of small blends (see 8.1.1),
5.1.7 Inspection (see 11.1),
2. Referenced Documents
5.1.8 Product marking (Section 15),
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1.9 Packaging (Section 16),
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
5.1.10 Oxygen limits, when needed (Table 1), and
Determine Conformance with Specifications
5.1.11 Additions to the specification as required.
3. Terminology
NOTE1—Atypicalorderingdescriptionisasfollows:3000lb[2000kg]
zirconium sponge, ASTM B494/B494M - 01, Grade R60703.
3.1 Forms:
3.1.1 sponge, n—zirconium metal produced from the reduc-
6. Materials and Manufacture
tion of the chloride, usually by magnesium.
6.1 Zirconium metal is usually prepared by reduction of
zirconium tetrachloride, and it gets its physical characteristics
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B10 on
from the processes involved in production. These characteris-
Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee B10.02 on Zirconium and Hafnium.
tics may be expected to vary greatly with manufacturing
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally
methods. This specification, however, is not limited to metal
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as B494/B494M – 08
prepared by reduction of tetrachloride or to material of any
(2014). DOI: 10.1520/B0494_B0494M-08R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or specific physical form.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.2 Only virgin zirconium metal, in identified, uniform,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. well-mixed blends, shall be supplied under this specification.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B494/B494M−08 (2020)
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
9.1.2 At least one sample shall be analyzed fro magnesium
Composition, % or sodium and chloride.
Element
Grade R60702 Grade R60703
9.2 Retests:
Zirconium + hafnium 99.2 min 98.0 min
9.2.1 If any sample or specimen exhibits obvious surface
Hafnium 4.5 max 4.5 max
contamination or improper preparation disqualifying it as a
Iron + chromium 0.2 max .
Hydrogen 0.005 max .
truly representative sample, it shall be discarded and a new
Nitrogen 0.025 max .
sample or specimen substituted.
Carbon 0.05 max .
AA
9.2.2 If the results of any tests of any lot do not conform to
Oxygen
A the requirements specified, retests shall be made on additional
Limits as specified by the purchaser.
samples of double the original number from the same lot. Each
of the retest values shall conform to the requirements specified.
7. Chemical Composition
10. Specimen Preparation
7.1 The material shall conform to the requirements as to
10.1 The sample for chemical analysis of impurities other
chemical composition prescribed in Table 1.
than magnesium or sodium and chloride shall be obtained in
7.2 The purchaser may perform a check analysis for any
accordance with 8.1.2 and shall be compacted into consumable
elements listed in Table 1. The sampling and testing require-
electrodes,thenmeltedtoingotforminanarcfurnaceofatype
ments shall be as agreed upon between the purchaser and
conventionally used for reactive metals. The ingot shall be
su
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