Lead-bismuth eutectic compatibility with materials in the concept of spallation target for ADS

Abstract

Lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) is favored by spallation neutron sources and coolant in the sub-critical reactor at the accelerator driven nuclear transmutation system (ADS). Technical issues of ADS are material technology of how to compromise with flowing lead bismuth, high-energy proton accelerator technology and a sub-critical reactor system technology. This paper describes LBE technology developed at JAERI. First a scenario in order to realize the ADS is shown. The concept of spallation target test facility is introduced with a target design of thermo-fluid dynamics. Base data of flow rate and temperature of Pb-Bi during LBE circulation are described. The results of LBE loop operation under the flowing conditions of target design concept are reported. The stagnant corrosion tests were done to know the controlling parameters among the various steels. The tube-type oxygen sensor with having the solid electrolyte was studied. Cleaning techniques were developed to remove LBE from materials.