Kyoto Fusioneering and Daido Steel have launched joint development aimed at establishing practical manufacturing technology for reduced-activation vanadium alloys. They have successfully melted and forged a cumulative total of approximately 200 kg of high-purity material and are proceeding with verification of an integrated process through production of processed materials, with prototype blanket production also in view.
Kyoto Fusioneering and Daido Steel announced joint development aimed at establishing practical manufacturing technology for reduced-activation vanadium alloys intended for fusion-reactor blanket structural materials. The two companies are verifying a series of manufacturing processes, including melting and forging the materials, and are putting in place a framework for commercialization. KF will use evaluation methods focused on resistance in high-temperature environments and impurity control.
The joint development has so far successfully produced approximately 200 kg in total of high-purity reduced-activation vanadium alloy, including forged round bars and processed materials in plate form. Verification is under way to establish an integrated process through production of processed materials. KF also plans to produce a prototype blanket for commercialization.
High-purity vanadium alloys must provide strength in high-temperature environments of approximately 700°C and compatibility with coolants. Production at a practical scale remains limited globally, and the two companies aim to establish a practical-scale manufacturing process for blanket materials by combining KF's design and evaluation expertise with Daido Steel's manufacturing technology.
The companies are currently verifying the series of processes through production of processed vanadium-alloy materials such as plates and round bars. Initial processed materials had been completed as of August, and approximately 70 kg is planned for delivery. KF is expected to process and join these materials and begin producing a blanket mock-up next year.