Oxygen-iron interaction in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic alloy.
A Aerts1, S Gavrilov2, G Manfredi1
1Chemistry and Conditioning Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Center (SCK-CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium. alexander.aerts@sckcen.be.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|July 8, 2016
Summary
Steel corrosion releases iron, a key impurity in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic alloys reacting with oxygen. This study quantifies iron-oxygen-magnetite equilibrium for managing corrosion and precipitates in lead-alloy systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgy
Background:
- Liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) alloys are used in advanced nuclear systems.
- Steel corrosion in LBE releases impurities, affecting system performance.
- Understanding impurity behavior is crucial for operational reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of iron as an impurity in LBE.
- To characterize the iron-oxygen-magnetite equilibrium.
- To quantify phenomena relevant to LBE system operation.
Main Methods:
- Experimental analysis of steel corrosion in LBE.
- Thermodynamic characterization of the iron-oxygen-magnetite system.
- Quantitative modeling of impurity reactions.
Main Results:
- Iron from steel corrosion is a significant impurity in LBE.
- The iron-oxygen-magnetite equilibrium was successfully characterized.
- Key phenomena for LBE system operation were quantified.
Conclusions:
- The iron-oxygen-magnetite equilibrium provides a basis for corrosion control in LBE systems.
- Quantification enables better management of precipitates and long-term operational stability.
- Findings are critical for the design and maintenance of lead-alloy based installations.
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