At Alleima, we take pride in advancing a safe and sustainable nuclear industry. A critical component in this effort is high-quality nuclear fuel cladding tubes – the protective sheaths that encase nuclear fuel rods. Our zirconium alloy cladding tubes are optimized for most fuel designs and technical specifications.
Zirconium – the optimal choice
Zirconium is an optimal material for this purpose due to its low propensity to absorb neutrons during the fission reaction, which helps to maintain an efficient nuclear chain reaction. It is also highly resistant to corrosion in the high-temperature and high-pressure water environment of nuclear reactors, including both pressurized water boilers (PWRs) and boiling water reactors (BWRs).
Since 1964, we’ve supplied more than 65,000,000 meters (over 213,000,000 feet) of nuclear fuel cladding tubes to more than 100 reactor units worldwide.
Whatever your fuel type, we’ve got you covered
Whether you use plutonium, uranium or other fuel types, our goal is to ensure a sustained, concentrated, highly efficient reaction. Our zirconium alloy cladding delivers exceptional mechanical strength at high temperatures performance, ensuring durability and integrity throughout reactor operations.
Beneficial properties of zirconium
- Low neutron absorption cross-section
- High corrosion resistance
- Good mechanical strength
- Compatibility with coolants
- High melting point
- Durability, resistance to creep
Fully integrated manufacturing
We ensure the highest quality of zirconium alloy tube through a fully integrated manufacturing process. Each production run is custom-designed, precision engineered and finished to exacting specifications. As part of the process, our nuclear experts work closely with manufacturers and maintain very tight support to meet rigorous specifications.
We manufacture tubes for the following reactor types:
- PWR/VVER
- BWR
- CANDU
- AGR
- LMFBR
