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Technology to Use Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE)

Lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is used as a spallation target and a coolant in our design of ADS. Liquid LBE has excellent properties such as good neutron yield, high boiling point and good compatibility with water and air in comparison with sodium (Na). On the other hand, it is necessary to conduct corrosion study in LBE under conditions of different temperatures and oxygen concentrations, and development of corrosion resistant materials because liquid LBE is corrosive at high temperatures.

The figure shows results of the static corrosion test in liquid LBE with the oxygen concentration of 3e-4 wt.% at 550°C for 3000 h. It is recognized that the corrosion depth of austenitic stainless steel (JPCA and 316SS) is larger than that of ferritic/martensitic steels. The corrosion depth of ferritic/martensitic steels decreases with increasing cronium (Cr) content in steels. Furthermore, it is found that silicon (Si) addition improves corrosion resistance in liquid LBE.