Chinese team realizes new breakthrough in coolant system of nuclear energy system

The reporter learned from the Hefei Institute of Material Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences on the 9th that as of 9:00 on the 8th, the liquid metal lithium experimental circuit developed by the project team of the Institute of Nuclear Safety Technology of the Institute realized 1500K ultra-high temperature stable operation for 1000 hours. The metal lithium experimental circuit was built and operated stably, marking a new breakthrough in the key technology of liquid metal coolant in China's advanced nuclear energy system.

During the development process, the project team conquered the structural stress coordination, immersion measurement and flow stability control of the device under ultra-high temperature liquid lithium working environment. At present, the circuit has developed a series of high temperature refractory alloys at 1400K. The anti-corrosion performance research experiment in the flowing lithium environment of 1500K temperature zone, the high-temperature running performance has reached the international leading level, providing an important experimental platform for the research of the compatibility of ultra-high temperature liquid lithium and structural materials.

It is reported that liquid lithium or lithium alloy has the advantages of high working temperature, good thermal conductivity and low density. It is the main coolant material for high-power space reactors and future fusion reactors.