We have constructed and operated an electron-beam (EB) melting furnace using a 15-kW von Ardenne electron gun. The evaporation of tin from metling Zircaloys and the dissolution of nitride inclusions in melting Zircaloys have been studied.

We conclude that Zircaloys can be melted successfully in a 500-mm ingot diameter EB furnace at melting rates between 200 and 500 kg/h without special composition precautions with respect to tin. This configuration will also dissolve zirconium nitride precipitates successfully.