LIFE Tritium Processing: A Sustainable Solution for Closing the Fusion Fuel Cycle

Reyes, S.; Anklam, T.M.; Babineau, D.; Becnel, James M.; Davis, Ryan; Dunne, M.; Farmer, Joseph C.; Flowers, Daniel L.; Kramer, Kevin J.; Martínez-Frías, Joel; Miles, Robin R.; Taylor, Craig

doi:10.13182/fst12-529

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Earlier studies on the IFE design assumed a minimum TBR constrain of 1.02. This is lower than what other fusion plants require due to the high fractional burn-up (∼30%) in the IFE source and lower tritium permeation in the lithium alloy coolant [26]. Additionally, this study excludes the need to produce a startup inventory for other reactors [16].…”

Section: Chamber Modelmentioning

confidence: 94%

Neutronics and activation analysis of lithium-based ternary alloys in IFE blankets

Jolodosky

Kramer

Meier

et al. 2016

Fusion Engineering and Design

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h i g h l i g h t s • Monte Carlo calculations were performed on numerous lithium ternary alloys. • Elements with high neutron multiplication performed well with low absorbers. • Enriching lithium decreases minimum lithium concentration of alloys by 60% or more. • Alloys that performed well neutronically were selected for activation calculations. • Alloys activated, except LiBaBi, do not pose major environmental or safety concerns. a b s t r a c t An attractive feature of using liquid lithium as the breeder and coolant in fusion blankets is that it has very high tritium solubility and results in very low levels of tritium permeation throughout the facility infrastructure. However, lithium metal vigorously reacts with air and water and presents plant safety concerns. The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is carrying an effort to develop a lithium-based ternary alloy that maintains the beneficial properties of lithium (e.g. high tritium breeding and solubility) and at the same time reduces overall flammability concerns. This study evaluates the neutronics performance of lithium-based alloys in the blanket of an inertial fusion energy chamber in order to inform such development. 3-D Monte Carlo calculations were performed to evaluate two main neutronics performance parameters for the blanket: tritium breeding ratio (TBR), and the fusion energy multiplication factor (EMF). It was found that elements that exhibit low absorption cross sections and higher q-values such as Pb, Sn, and Sr, perform well with those that have high neutron multiplication such as Pb and Bi. These elements meet TBR constrains ranging from 1.02 to 1.1. However, most alloys do not reach EMFs greater than 1.15. Additionally, it was found that enriching lithium with 6 Li significantly increases the TBR and decreases the minimum lithium concentration by more than 60%. The amount of enrichment depends on how much total lithium is in the alloy to begin with. Alloys that performed well in the TBR and EMF calculations were considered for activation analysis. Activation simulations were executed with 50 years of irradiation and 300 years of cooling. It was discovered that bismuth is a poor choice due to achieving the highest decay heat, contact dose rates, and accident doses. In addition, it does not meet the waste disposal ratings (WDR). Some of the activation results for alloys with Sn, Zn, and Ga were in the higher end and should be considered secondary to elements such as Sr and Ba that had overall better results. The results of this study along with other considerations such as thermodynamics, and chemical reactivity will help down select a preferred lithium ternary alloy.

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Section: Chamber Modelmentioning

confidence: 94%

Neutronics and activation analysis of lithium-based ternary alloys in IFE blankets

Jolodosky

Kramer

Meier

et al. 2016

Fusion Engineering and Design

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“…However, more positive attributes of lithium are: (1) chemical reaction rates are slower than all other alkaline metals including sodium [132], (2) it does not require a neutron multiplier to achieve tritium breeding ratios (TBRs) greater than unity, (3) except for bred tritium or structural corrosion products in lithium, it does not become radioactive under neutron irradiation, (4) permeation losses of the bred tritium are extremely low because of lithium's high hydrogen specie solubility [133], (5) tailoring of the TBR can be achieved during operation, and ( 6) can be easily recycled to reduce waste burial volumes. A plant based on the use of lithium breeder may need to rely heavily on ESFs to maintain safety during accident and normal operating conditions, and limit the inherent safety potential offered by a fusion device.…”

Section: Tritium Breeding Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Materials-related issues in the safety and licensing of nuclear fusion facilities

et al. 2017

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Fusion power holds the promise of electricity production with a high degree of safety and low environmental impact. Favourable characteristics of fusion as an energy source provide the potential for this very good safety and environmental performance. But to fully realize the potential, attention must be paid in the design of a demonstration fusion power plant (DEMO) or a commercial power plant to minimize the radiological hazards. These hazards arise principally from the inventory of tritium and from materials that become activated by neutrons from the plasma. The confinement of these radioactive substances, and prevention of radiation exposure, are the primary goals of the safety approach for fusion, in order to minimize the potential for harm to personnel, the public, and the environment. The safety functions that are implemented in the design to achieve these goals are dependent on the performance of a range of materials. Degradation of the properties of materials can lead to challenges to key safety functions such as confinement. In this paper the principal types of material that have some role in safety are recalled. These either represent a potential source of hazard or contribute to the amelioration of hazards; in each case the related issues are reviewed. The resolution of these issues lead, in some instances, to requirements on materials specifications or to limits on their performance.

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Inertial Confinement Fusion Power Plants

Dunne

Anklam

Meier

2021

Encyclopedia of Nuclear Energy

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LIFE Tritium Processing: A Sustainable Solution for Closing the Fusion Fuel Cycle

Cited by 8 publications

References 10 publications

Neutronics and activation analysis of lithium-based ternary alloys in IFE blankets

Neutronics and activation analysis of lithium-based ternary alloys in IFE blankets

Materials-related issues in the safety and licensing of nuclear fusion facilities

Inertial Confinement Fusion Power Plants

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