Removal of Embrittling Gases from Zirconium

Abstract

A process is described for the removal of dissolved oxygen from zirconium by heating the solid metal in molten or gaseous calcium. The equilibrium oxygen‐zirconium ratios have been determined as a function of the time and temperature of treating. Nitrogen is not removed in the treating cycle, and contamination of the treated metal with this impurity may occur. This may be prevented by a careful control of treating temperatures. At high treating temperatures the process may be used for the removal of nitrogen from calcium.