Abstract

Vladimir Vladimirovich Ulyanov, Valery Alexeyevich Gulevsky, Alexey Nikolayevich Storozhenko and Yury Alexandrovich Teplyakov

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/ojc/310426

Analytical and experimental data on formation of oxygen oxidizing potential in heavy liquid metal coolants (Pb and Pb-Bi eutectic) was considered. It was revealed that oxygen could be both dissolved in these coolants and included in various thermodynamically unstable oxide compounds. In case of heavy liquid metal coolant (HLMC) flowing in non-isothermal circuit, these compounds are broken down with oxygen release or formed fixing dissolved oxygen. The amount of oxygen, which is present in HLMC and exhibits its activity with temperature, could be much greater than the value detected by oxygen sensor. That is why HLMC possess internal oxygen reserves inhibiting corrosion in the circuits. Presence of thermodynamically unstable oxide phases in the above coolants, non-isoconcentration distribution of active oxygen, and impossibility to currently obtain the analytical relationship showing dissolved oxygen distribution make it necessary to use at least three oxygen sensors for studying processes of formation of HLMC oxidizing potential. These sensors should be located in the zones of max and min temperatures (t_max, t_min) and in that at t=450-550°С. In order to assure the most accurate estimate it is reasonable to provide additional two or more sensors in the zone at t=450-550°С.

lead, eutectic, bismuth; liquid metal coolants; oxygen activity; circuit; oxygen sensor

[ View HTML Full Text]