MHD technology for the production of Pb-Li eutectic melt with low melting temperature

J. Freibergs - J. Kļaviņš - O. Lielausis - A. Miķelsons - J. Zandarts

Institute of Physics, University of Latvia, 32 Miera 32, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia

Abstract
The lead-based Pb--Li eutectic melt with the low melting temperature has been chosen as a promising blanket material for thermoelectric fusion reactors (for example, in breeding blanket test facilities). The main problem in the production of this material is a great difference in the densities of the both components (Pb and Li). They differ in more than 20 times, therefore, an intense mixing of the melt is obligatory. Under these conditions, the use of MHD methods is very topical: wide possibilities of MHD effects allow to find and realize rational mixing regimes, to ensure quality of the eutectic alloy as well homogeneity of its chemical composition. Tables 2, Figs 6, Refs 4.