Recent progress of China HCCB TBM tritium system

Abstract

China tritium system including Tritium Extraction System (TES) with Tritium Accountancy System (TAS) integrated in and Coolant Purification System (CPS), which is subordinate to Helium Coolant System (HCS), is of great importance for China Helium Cooled Ceramic Breeder Test Blanket Module (CN HCCB TBM). The purge gas (99.9% He+0.1% H2) carrying Q2O (Q=H, D, T) and Q2 from Li4SiO4 ceramic breeder flows through the reduction bed where Q2O is reduced into Q2 and then absorbed by the getter bed. The HT/HTO ratio and the total tritium are determined by TAS. Catalytic oxidation combines with molecular sieve absorption and hot metal purification are applied to remove tritium and other impurities in helium coolant. A loop including depressurization, helium-sweeping assisted thermal desorption, and cold trapping for the regeneration of saturated molecular sieve bed until the concentration of the desorbed Q2O is reduced to an acceptable level.This paper introduces the recent progress of China tritium system including updated conceptual designs of TES and CPS, as well as the developments of the functional materials and the devices.