Cauldron blanket module

The next sections describe three reactor studies with emphasis on the lithium-structure compatibility. HYLIFE is a liquid metal wall (LMW) ICF reactor considered here for electricity production. It has also been adapted to fissile fuel production ( 5). The Tandem Mirror Reactor (TMR) Cauldron Blanket Module is an MCF concept designed to produce hydrogen. The TMR Heat Pipe Blanket Module is designed to produce either hydrogen or electricity. All three studies emphasize materials compatibility with lithium. Tritium recovery techniques and two aspects of lead-lithium liquids are also discussed. 

Table II, Initial Materials Selections for the Cauldron Blanket Module...

One of the important materials problems in this design is the corrosion of metal alloys when Li-Pb is used as the breeder-moderator. The dual wall structure used in the Cauldron Blanket Module should apply equally well here, so that V can be used for the plasma first wall to provide structural strength with minimum activation. The choice of a material for the wall membrane in contact with liquid Li-Pb becomes difficult. Ti alloys cannot be used because of reaction with Pb. Pure iron and iron-rich alloys appear marginal because of a solubility of Fe in Pb of 10-5 atom fraction at 900 K (12). Use of Ni or Cr as alloying constituents in iron do not improve the situation, since Ni and Cr have solubilities in Pb of 0.03 and v 10" atom fraction at 900 K (13). The refractory metals Nb, Ta, Mo,... 

If pure Li is used as the breeder-moderator, -Ti and a number of other materials can be used, as discussed for the Cauldron Blanket Module. However, the tritium activity in Li drops markedly in the absence of Pb, and the blanket temperature will need to be raised to alleviate the tritium removal problem. 

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