High-purity titanium, zirconium, and hafnium in nuclear power

The use of high-purity (iodide) titanium, zirconium, and hafnium for obtaining building and absorbing materials for use in nuclear power is examined. The possibilities for iodide refining of these metals to remove impurities and the chemical composition, microstructure, and microhardness of iodide rods are presented. Regimes for chemical decontamination of raw materials and iodide refining of metals in commercial equipment are examined. It is shown that iodide refining makes it possible to use as raw materials the wastes and recyclables from metallurgical and rolled production of titanium, zirconium, and hafnium and to obtain from them under commercial conditions high-purity metals with multiple uses, including as components of a charge for smelting alloys to be used in nuclear power. Materials based on titanium, zirconium, and hafnium of consistent quality which are obtained using metal iodides will make it possible to extend the VVER service life to 60 years.