Parametric study of a corrosion model applied to lead–bismuth flow systems

Abstract

The corrosion of steels exposed to flowing liquid metals is influenced by local and axial conditions of the flow systems. Despite of this, most existing corrosion models only consider the mean values based on local conditions. The present study refines a model for flowing liquid metal under non-isothermal conditions. The model is based on solving the mass transport equation in the boundary layer. Two kinds of flows are investigated: through an open pipe system and through a closed loop system. The model is applied to a lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) test loop. A parametric study illustrates the effects of the axial temperature profile on corrosion. The study provides important insight to the design, operation and testing of such loop systems.