The manufacturing of zirconium metal powder by means of a high temperature plasma process

Summary form only given. The most general application for high purity zirconium metal alloys is for cladding material for nuclear fuel assemblies in nuclear power plants. A process was developed to manufacture zirconium metal powder from ZrCl₄ or ZrF₄ with a high temperature DC non - transfer arc plasma. Mg or Ca metal was used as reductant. The reactants were feed directly into the high temperature zone of the plasma flame. A conversion of more than 95 % was achieved. The very fine zirconium powder was collected with a high temperature filter. Different plasma reactor design and plasma conditions were tested.In this presentation the manufacturing of zirconium metal powder via the chloride route with a plasma process will be discussed.