Like all other production material, zirconium also comes under the typical production process of the quality control methods. The process is named as Statistical Process Control (SPC). Here the process involves controlling and tracking of specific variables which is determined by the end product requirements. Strict government regulations on the quality control are there for the production of various zirconium metals used in the field of nuclear applications.
Usability Of Zirconium:
Zirconium of the best pure form is reserved for the manufacturers of the zirconium end user product. So zirconium of lower pure quality is used for refractory applications which are also focused on SPC. The zirconium, which is used in refractory industries, also needs to ascertain the beach because the quality of the material differs from the beach to beach from which the zirconium mineral was extracted. Every source contains slightly altered trace elements, which cause a significant effect on the end product.
While refining for pure Zirconium, you will find ilmenite, Silicate and rutile as the by-products of the process. These are dumped back in the water as it is in no way detrimental to the environment. Baddeleyite refining will not generate any waste result.
Research & Study:
Scientist and researchers predict the future of zirconium depends on the use as an advanced ceramic. The advanced ceramics are also known as new, fine, high-tech or high-performance ceramics. Nowadays the ceramics are widely used for industrial purposes as an element in processing equipment, machines and devices. Zirconium is pretty hard material which does not conduct heat very well and has the quality of non-reacting with the contact of other elements. That is the reason why the metal is best suitable for the use of superb qualities for advanced ceramics. The ceramic form of Zirconium oxide has the usability in making crucibles for lab use for melting metals, liners for jet, gas turbines, resistance furnaces, rocket motor tubes, ultra-high frequency furnaces as well as refractories.