3D effects on hydrogen transport in ITER-like monoblocks

Abstract

The influence of recombination on the poloidal gaps of ITER-like monoblocks on hydrogen transport simulations is investigated. A 3D FESTIM model is first built and transient simulations up to 1 × 10 7 s of continuous exposure are run with or without instantaneous recombination on the poloidal gaps. In the case of instantaneous recombination, the poloidal gaps act as a strong sink for hydrogen leading to a decrease in the monoblock inventory. The total desorption flux on the poloidal gap is greater than on the toroidal gap but remains orders of magnitude lower than the retro-desorbed flux at the top surface. For a monoblock thickness of 4 mm, the relative difference in the hydrogen inventory per unit thickness between the two cases is 500%. As the thickness of the monoblock increases, this difference decreases (55% at 14 mm). The monoblock’s response to baking is then studied at different baking temperatures. At 600 K, almost all the hydrogen content in the monoblock is removed after 15 days of baking. Assuming a non-instantaneous recombination on the tungsten surfaces would not have a major impact on the monoblock desorption for baking temperatures above 600 K.