Zirconium

Chepetsky Mechanical Plant possesses the full production cycle for manufacturing of zirconium, starting from processing of the ore concentrate and finishing with the final product.

Unique properties of zirconium are used in many branches of industry and first of all in nuclear power engineering. Zirconium alloys serve as the main structural materials in cores of various nuclear reactors. Zirconium alloys have low neutron capture, high corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties. Application of zirconium alloys permitted to make one more step to peaceful use of nuclear engineering- nuclear power has become even more safe and efficient.

The Plant produces zirconium ingots, crystal bar zirconium and tubes with various diameters. The list of products also include the cladding tubes for fuel elements, wire, sheets, plugs and other components for fuel elements and fuel assemblies.

Zirconium products need to meet very high requirements, because safety operation of nuclear reactors depends on quality and reliability of zirconium products.

JSC ChMP specialists together with scientists of scientific- research institutes conduct systematic upgrading of the production. They improve the production procedures, develop and introduce the new and more efficient technologies. This facilitates the cost reduction, products quality improvement, rising of nuclear fuel merits and improves nuclear stations’ safety.

In addition the Plant has developed the production of non-traditional products of zirconium - bijouterie, table settings and dishes, zirconium dioxide base ceramic.

The Plant Quality System covers all production stages, starting from marketing and finishing with realization of final products. Quality of the product is assured by using of the modern methods of non-destructive, metallographic, mechanical and corrosion testing.

The Plant zirconium products consumers count the dozens of national nuclear, chemical and machine building enterprises, and also the companies in USA, Canada, Japan, China, European countries, Baltic countries and CIS.