Abstract
Lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is a candidate liquid metal coolant for a fast reactor, especially accelerator driven system (ADS). Freeze sealed valve is a candidate design to be possible to add passive safety to the reactor. On the other hand, since LBE is known that it causes expansion after its solidification, quantitative evaluation of the stress to the pipe produced by the LBE expansion should be considered. Many researchers produced related data for the expansion, however, evaluations of the strain by LBE expansion was barely reported. Therefore, the strain measurement using a stainless steel cup and the stress evaluation was performed together with visual observation using an optical microscopy. The results indicated keeping above room temperature (RT) was a significantly effective way to reduce the strain to the pipe.
Highlights
Lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is a promising candidate liquid metal coolant for a fast reactor, especially for accelerator driven system (ADS) [1]
LBE doesn't react with air violently in case of a loss of coolant accident unlike sodium which is another candidate of liquid metal coolant in fast reactor
In experimental fast reactor or its related facility, freeze sealed valve at the pipe located between drain tank and primary coolant system may prevent public exposure passively since LBE highly contains radioactive nuclides
Summary
Lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is a promising candidate liquid metal coolant for a fast reactor, especially for accelerator driven system (ADS) [1]. The ratio increase to 32 % at room temperature (RT) by transforming ε to α-Bi. Increasing α-Bi causes LBE expansion since α-Bi (9.780 gcmÀ3 at 20 C) [7] has lower density than ε (11.17 gcmÀ3) [8]. Increasing α-Bi causes LBE expansion since α-Bi (9.780 gcmÀ3 at 20 C) [7] has lower density than ε (11.17 gcmÀ3) [8] This phenomenon is related to diffusion of elements and strongly depends on heat treatment obviously. By freezing LBE in piping, we can create a freeze sealed valve wherever we want, if continuous cooling were provided. In experimental fast reactor or its related facility, freeze sealed valve at the pipe located between drain tank and primary coolant system may prevent public exposure passively since LBE highly contains radioactive nuclides. Strain measurement to stainless steel cup produced by LBE expansion was investigated together with metallographic observation in this study
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
