Lead Lithium Eutectic Alloy
Lithium lead (LiPb) has been proposed for use both as multiplier and tritium generating material in the blankets of fusion power plants. LiPb eutectic permits the use of moderately enriched or natural Li and has a relatively low cost in comparison with other tritium generating and multiplier materials.
17Li-83Pb eutectic was chosen among possible LiPb compositions because of its lowest melting temperature and its adequate stability. Low melting temperature provide an easier operation of the loop and allow for out-of-blanket tritium extraction either in batch or continuous modes.
Crutical issues for 17Li-83Pb are the compatibility with structural material and the high tritium pressure in the liquid. Continuous tritium extraction is possible if the eutectic is kept at temperatures 300-350C in the blanket, which is still satisfactory for compatibility with stainless steel but requires protection to restrict tritium permeation the water coolant.
SOLUBILITIES
Solubilities of Ni, Mn, Cr and Fe in the temperature range ~500-700 K are between 1-10appm, and slightly higher for Fe. Oxygen solubility is extremely small.
REACTIVITY
The reactivity of 17Li-83Pb with air, steam and water is low. The H2 production rate is typically about two orders of magnitude lower than in lithium metal. In the presence of steam the rise in temperature of 17Li-83Pb was negligible.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
• Coolant and tritium breeder material in fusion reactor.
• The developed process can also be used to prepare other high value lithium-based alloys also.
SPECIFICATION
- • Pb17Li Eutectic Alloy Ingot
- • purity 99.99%
- • Melting Point: 235 °C ± 2 °C
- • Density 10.52 gm/cc
- • Impurity Content
| S. No. | Element | Impurity Limit (ppm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Si | <10 ppm |
| 2 | Bi | <10 ppm |
| 3 | Bi | <10 ppm |
| 4 | Sn | <1 ppm |
| 5 | Sb | <1 ppm |
| 6 | Ca | <10 ppm |
| 7 | Na | <2 ppm |
| 8 | Cd | <1 ppm |
| 9 | Zn | <1 ppm |
| 10 | As | <1 ppm |
| 11 | Fe | <2 ppm |
| 12 | K | <10 ppm |
| 13 | Cu | <2 ppm |
| 14 | Mg | <1 ppm |
| 15 | Ag | <3 ppm |
| 16 | Ni | <1 ppm |