ASTM International Standard Specification for Primary Zirconium ASTM B494/B494M-08

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.