Formulation and verification of design criteria for Zircaloy-2 pressure tubing

Results from experimental and surveillance programs for the Zircaloy-2 pressure tubes in the Plutonium Recycle Test Reactor are reviewed. The review of these results shows that the original PRTR design basis was conservative, that a higher working stress and longer tube life can be used in present reactor applications, and that there are no indications of an increased likelihood of catastrophic failure due to normal reactor operations.