Review of zirconium-zircaloy pyrophoricity

Technical Report · Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5791423· OSTI ID:5791423

Cooper, T D

Massive zirconium metal scrap can be handled, shipped, and stored with no evidence of combustion or pyrophoricity hazards. Mechanically produced fine scrap such as shavings, turnings, or powders can burn but are not pyrophoric unless the particle diameter is less than 54 ..mu..m. Powders with particle diameters less than 54 ..mu..m can be both pyrophoric and explosive. Pyrophoric powders should be collected and stored underwater or under inert gas cover to reduce the flammability hazard. Opening sealed containers of zirconium stored underwater should be attempted with caution since hydrogen may be present. The factors that influence the ignition temperature have been explored in depth and recommendations are included for the safe handling, shipping, and storage of pyrophoric or flammable zirconium. 29 refs., 5 figs., 6 tabs.

• Research Organization: Rockwell International Corp., Richland, WA (United States). Rockwell Hanford Operations
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-77RL01030
• OSTI ID: 5791423
• Report Number(s): RHO-RE-ST-31P; ON: DE85011169
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
ZIRCALOY
COMBUSTION
FLAMMABILITY
IGNITION
MATERIALS HANDLING
ZIRCONIUM
FIRE HAZARDS
PARTICLE SIZE
POWDERS
RECOMMENDATIONS
REVIEWS
SAFETY
STORAGE
SURFACE AREA
ALLOYS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION PROPERTIES
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELEMENTS
HAZARDS
METALS
OXIDATION
SIZE
SURFACE PROPERTIES
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
TIN ALLOYS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS
ZIRCONIUM BASE ALLOYS
360100* - Metals & Alloys
570000 - Health & Safety