Case study

Lead-lithium flow loop concept design

Applying a systems engineering approach to design a state-of-the-art flow loop, for use in lead-lithium breeder blanket technologies.

Client

Undisclosed
Business need

Investigation of fluid properties and behaviour of lead-lithium for a given design.

Overview

A key challenge in nuclear fusion reactor commercialisation is the development of efficient tritium breeding and plasma cooling technologies for net energy gain. This case study addresses in-vessel component considerations for fusion devices, including the concept design of a flow loop to understand knock-on effects of increasing tritium breed ratios.

The challenge

Lead-Lithium is a promising breeder blanket technology candidate to meet cooling and breeding requirements within a Tokamak.

We were commissioned by UKAEA for a Concept Study of a flow loop to allow investigation of molten lead-lithium fluid properties and flow behaviour in representative blanket conditions and varying lithium/lead concentrations. Increasing lithium concentration can provide greater tritium breeding ratios.

Our approach

Frazer-Nash applied a systems engineering approach to meet UKAEA’s requirements using best practice from industry and scientific communities. Experience from thermal hydraulic system design, previous concept designs and liquid-metal expertise from project partners, NNL, underpinned our approach to determine a state-of-the-art flow loop design. Activities included:

Exploring a range of flow loop options that could meet the developed requirement set for the concept; conducting industry research, literature reviews and supplier engagement equipment;
Using our in-house technical expertise and processes to down select to preferred options;
Developing concept design documents to record and substantiate the chosen design, including: heat and mass balances, heat exchanger optioneering, magnetohydrodynamic studies, magnetic field analysis and pressure losses, piping and instrumentation diagrams, hazard identification, and a 2D plot plan.

The outcome

Our ability to bring together both in-house and industry expertise contributed to the success of this project. We delivered a robust and cost-effective experimental test rig concept design allowing the UKAEA IVC team to understand the challenges and opportunities associated with building the required loop before committing to significant investment.

Case study

Lead-lithium flow loop concept design

Client

Business need

Overview

The challenge

Our approach

The outcome

Work with Frazer-Nash

Get in touch and let us help with your next project

Related content

Case study

Divertor heat exchanger design

Case study

Bio-shield design

Case study

Turbomolecular vacuum pump assessment

Case study

Direct neutron usage

Case study

Tritium integrated control systems assessment