Ceramic helium-cooled blanket test module

Abstract

The design of RF DEMO-relevant ceramic helium cooled blanket test module (CHC BTM) for testing in international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) is under consideration. The RF concept of DEMO BTM is based upon the breeder inside tube (BIT)-concept. This concept suggests the use of solid breeding ceramic material, helium as coolant and tritium purge-gas, ferrite–martensite steel as structural material, and beryllium as neutron multiplier. The parameters of the primary circuit coolant are the following, pressure −8 MPa, inlet/outlet temperature −300/550°C, respectively. Helium (0.1 MPa pressure) is used for tritium removal from ceramic breeder. The ITER water coolant is the secondary circuit coolant of DEMO BTM cooling system. Lithium orthosilicate (Li 4SiO 4) is used as tritium breeding material (pebbles-bed of ∅ 0.5–1 mm spheres). It is planned to use the beryllium as neutron multiplier (spheres ∅ 1 mm pebbles-bed or the porous beryllium). The 3-D neutronic calculations on Monte Carlo method, in accordance with FENDL-1 library of the nuclear data, have been performed for CHC BTM. To validate the CHC BTM concept, the thermal hydraulic analysis has been performed for the design elements and cooling system equipment. The preliminary stress analysis for BTM design elements has been carried out on the ASME-code and RF strength regulations. The four types of LOFA and LOCA accidents have been investigated. The parameters of cooling, coolant purification and tritium extraction systems have been determined.