Abstract:
A method for spot welding Zircalloy straps in open air to form a heat-exchange grid for holding a plurality of rod-like elements against lateral displacement. Contiguous areas of the straps are clamped between spot-welding electrodes and immediately thereafter the clamped areas are sprayed with a non-viscous volatile liquid, preferably a pure organic compound free of sulfur, fluorine, chlorine and iodine, such as acetone or ethanol. Heated by the welding current, the liquid volatilizes to expell air, thus preventing weakening of the weld by absorbed nitrogen or oxygen.