Lithium hydride first wall

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a first wall adapted to cover an inner wall (113) of a vessel (106), the first wall being made from a liquid metal mixture (111) including at least lithium and lithium hydride.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a first wall component in a vessel, such as a plasma confinement vessel, and in particular to a confinement vessel in which a liquid metal is used as the first wall, where first wall means a wall that directly faces the interior of the vessel, and first wall component means a component that directly faces the interior of the vessel. [Background technology]

[0002] The world is currently heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which has serious consequences for the climate, global warming, and biosphere degradation. The only alternative known to man is nuclear power, and the only alternative that can achieve adequate safety and fuel efficiency is fusion power.

[0003] For fusion power to be a suitable alternative, fusion reactors will need to be cheaper and smaller than currently envisioned devices, such as those based on the ITER design and DEMO. What is needed is a fusion energy device that is less complex, cheaper, and can be built more quickly.

[0004] The current devices envisaged are derived from designs from the 1990s, so these designs consider a minimum size with a main radius in the 6-9 m range. The manufacturing costs of a real reactor are therefore enormous and are projected to exceed billions of dollars, with construction times set to decades with current construction methods. In addition, the cost of electricity produced by any power plant is affected by the cost of said power plant, which is roughly proportional to the volume of the plant, so that larger machines will produce electricity at a higher cost than other smaller machines, even if they operate on the fusion principle. For these reasons, there is a need for fusion reactors that are smaller in size but have a higher fusion power density.

[0005] In addition, fusion reactors also have other sources of high costs during operation. One of these is the plasma-facing components (PFCs), which are the components that face the plasma in the reaction chamber. The PFCs receive very high energies during operation and therefore require frequent replacement of materials. Another cost is the fuel cost; fusion power plants use tritium, a very expensive hydrogen isotope, the cost of one gram of which can be as high as $30,000.

[0006] These attempts at model fusion power plants have had little success in overcoming these difficulties in a way that would allow a reduction in the overall size of the reactor. As an example, ITER sits on a 42-hectare platform and is over 70 metres tall. The follow-up reactor, DEMO, is expected to be even larger, with a linear dimension increase of about 15%.

[0007] The prior art teaches solutions detailed below, some of which are based on the use of liquid metal as plasma-facing components. According to the inventors' best understanding, these methods suffer from a number of deficiencies that make them inadequate or insufficient to achieve the long-term goals of reducing the overall size of fusion reactors and increasing fusion power density while maintaining low cost.

[0008] A review of the trend of liquid metals as plasma-facing components is "In Exploration of Innovative Concepts for Fusion Chamber Technology" by Abdu et al. published in Fusion Engineering and Design 54 (2001) pp. 181-247. Specifically, Abdu notes that there are several possible advantages if the concept becomes feasible, including high power density capacity, smaller and lower cost equipment, and improved plasma stability and confinement. Abdu describes liquid metal mixtures in liquid media including Sn-Li mixtures, Pb-Li mixtures, and the molten salt FLiBe. Abdu also describes how these liquid metal mixtures can be used to make liquid walls, and describes methods to push the liquid metal into the wall, including gravitational moment drive using centrifugal force, an electromagnetic confinement concept where an electric current is injected into the flow so that a force field is created that pushes the flow against the wall, and other methods involving pressure drive forces. Although Abdou notes on page 187 that it is unclear whether the advantages are possible to realize in a single concept, he then writes that even if only some of these advantages were achieved, significant progress would be achieved toward the attractiveness of fusion energy systems. Thus, a solution is needed that realistically implements the advantages in a single concept.

[0009] Maniscalco et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,911, describe a fluidized wall to protect the fusion chamber walls. The fluidized wall is described in two ways, as a liquid lithium metal waterfall, or as a waterfall of solid pellets of lithium ceramic. The waterfall is described as forming a blanket that protects the structural material of the chamber. Because the wall is described as using lithium, it suffers from being a very poor neutron attenuator. Since the fluid falls as a waterfall, further complications resulting from this configuration include open space in the waterfall, and problems with liquid density, resulting in non-uniform shielding. This is also true for the lithium ceramic pebbles described.

[0010] Another material used in fusion reactor blankets is metallic beryllium, which has neutron multiplying properties. Pebbles made of this material are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,958,105 to Ishizuka et al. Such pebbles may not be allowed to come into contact with the liquid metal mixture, as they may react, producing pebbles unsuitable for their neutron multiplying purpose. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Thus, there remains a need for solutions to the nuclear fusion problem that address how to build smaller, lower cost, and higher power density fusion reactors or components thereof while still using readily available materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] One embodiment addresses all or some of the shortcomings of known plasma confinement walls or components.

[0013] One embodiment provides a first wall adapted to cover an inner wall of the container, the first wall being made from a liquid metal mixture including at least lithium and lithium hydride.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first wall further comprises pebbles suspended in the liquid metal mixture, each pebble being a neutron attenuating pebble, a neutron multiplying pebble, or a neutron attenuating and multiplying pebble, the pebble having a size of, for example, 1 to 5 mm.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one of the pebbles has a core outer coated by an outer shell.

[0016] In one embodiment, the core is a hollow core, eg, filled with pores, and / or the outer shell is a hollow shell, eg, filled with pores.

[0017] In one or some embodiments, At least one of the pebbles is a neutron attenuating pebble, the core of said neutron attenuating pebble mainly comprising a material suitable for attenuating neutrons, preferably a material with a high atomic number, e.g., lead; and / or At least one of the pebbles is a neutron multiplying pebble, the core of which mainly comprises a material suitable for multiplying neutrons, e.g. beryllium; and / or The outer shell primarily comprises a material suitable for stopping corrosion and / or interaction between the lithium and the core, such as silicon carbide or graphite.

[0018] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the pebbles are disposed on an outer surface of the liquid metal mixture.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mixture has a molar content of lithium hydride between 15 and 25% and the width of the first wall is, for example, between 60 centimeters and 90 centimeters.

[0020] In another embodiment, the mixture has a molar content of lithium hydride between 90% and 98% and the width of the first wall is, for example, between 30 centimeters and 50 centimeters.

[0021] In one embodiment, the mixture further comprises lithium tritide and / or lithium deuteride.

[0022] In one embodiment, the mixture has a molar content of lithium hydride, lithium tritide and / or lithium deuteride of 15-25% and the width of the first wall is, for example, 60 centimeters to 90 centimeters.

[0023] In another embodiment, the mixture has a molar content of lithium hydride, lithium tritide and / or lithium deuteride of between 90% and 98% and the width of the first wall is, for example, between 30 centimeters and 50 centimeters.

[0024] One embodiment provides a container comprising an inner wall, said inner wall being covered by a first wall according to one embodiment.

[0025] One embodiment provides a first wall device adapted to form a first wall according to one embodiment, the device comprising: a container including an inner wall; a flow means adapted to form a flow of the liquid metal mixture on the inner wall; Includes.

[0026] One embodiment provides a first wall device adapted to form a first wall according to one embodiment, the device comprising: a container including an inner wall; a flow means adapted to form a flow of a liquid metal mixture containing at least lithium and lithium hydride on the inner wall, wherein pebbles are suspended in the liquid metal mixture, each pebble being a neutron attenuating pebble, a neutron multiplying pebble, or a neutron attenuating and multiplying pebble; Includes.

[0027] In one embodiment, the flow means includes a means for adding pebbles to the liquid metal stream, such as a hatch or access point in a first tube of the flow means.

[0028] In one embodiment the flow means is adapted to circulate the liquid metal mixture at an elevated temperature, for example at a temperature between 600°C and 900°C.

[0029] In one embodiment, the flow means comprises: A pump, a first pipe between the pump and the container, the first pipe being adapted to inject the liquid metal mixture onto an inner wall, for example being divided into at least two parts within the container; a second pipe between the vessel and the pump, adapted to collect the liquid metal mixture flowing on an inner wall thereof, for example split into at least two portions within the vessel; Includes.

[0030] In one or some embodiments, the flow means comprises: adapted to circulate a liquid metal mixture at high temperatures, for example at temperatures between 600°C and 900°C; and / or Means for adding pebbles to the liquid metal mixture includes, for example, a hatch or access point in the first tube of the flow means.

[0031] In one embodiment, the vessel or apparatus further comprises an electrode disposed on an inner wall of the vessel, the electrode adapted to apply an electric current to the liquid metal mixture on the first wall.

[0032] In one embodiment, the container or device further comprises means for generating a magnetic field inside the container.

[0033] In one embodiment, the container has substantially the shape of a torus.

[0034] In one embodiment, the vessel forms at least a portion of a plasma confinement vessel, a nuclear reactor vessel, or an isotope separation chamber.

[0035] An embodiment provides a method adapted to form a first wall according to an embodiment, the method comprising injecting a liquid metal mixture into an inner wall of a container, the liquid metal mixture comprising at least lithium and lithium hydride.

[0036] In one embodiment, the method comprises: applying an electric current to the liquid metal mixture during the pouring step, for example by using electrodes arranged on the inner wall of the container; applying a magnetic field within the container during the injection step; Injecting pebbles into the liquid metal mixture before or during the injecting step, each pebble being a neutron attenuating pebble, a neutron multiplying pebble, or a neutron attenuating and multiplying pebble; and / or collecting the liquid metal mixture from the vessel after the pouring step and subjecting the collected liquid metal mixture to another pouring step in the vessel and / or to another device adapted to extract energy from said collected liquid metal mixture, such as a heat exchanger or separator. Further includes:

[0037] One embodiment provides a method adapted to form a first wall according to one embodiment, the method including injecting a liquid metal mixture into an inner wall of a container, the liquid metal mixture including at least lithium and lithium hydride, and forming a suspension of pebbles in the liquid metal mixture within the container, each pebble being a neutron attenuating pebble, a neutron multiplying pebble, or a neutron attenuating and multiplying pebble.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method comprises: applying an electric current to the liquid metal mixture during the pouring step, for example by using electrodes arranged on the inner wall of the container; applying a magnetic field within the container during the injection step; Injecting the pebbles into the liquid metal mixture before or during the injection step; and / or collecting the liquid metal mixture from the vessel after the pouring step and subjecting the collected liquid metal mixture to another pouring step in the vessel and / or to another device adapted to extract energy from said collected liquid metal mixture, such as a heat exchanger or separator. Includes. Effect of the Invention

[0039] Advantages of the lithium hydride first wall device embodiments may be listed as follows: allowing a much more compact first wall in the fusion reactor, which may be as small as a few centimeters, but typically 10-20 cm or more; the first wall also acts as a breeding blanket, so that a separate lithium breeding blanket is not required, and the amount of neutron attenuation or absorption can be changed, which allows different configurations to be easily tested and the tritium breeding rate to be varied on the fly. Thus, it would be possible to build a smaller fusion reactor if the disclosed liquid first wall is used. Other advantages include longer life of the solid parts of the reactor, including the structural materials and normal or superconducting coils, in an otherwise highly radioactive environment, improved safety, and reduced maintenance and replacement costs. Other technical advantages will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the detailed description, drawings, and claims. Additionally, while certain advantages have been listed above, different embodiments may or may not include all or some of the listed advantages. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] The above and other features and advantages are explained in detail in the following description of specific embodiments, shown by way of example and not by way of limitation in reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosed lithium hydride first wall. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pebble. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Reference number 102: Pump 104a: Outlet tube (first tube) 104b: inlet pipe (second pipe) 106: Container 108:Magnetic field 110: Pebble 111:Liquid metal flow (liquid metal mixture) 112: Electrode(s) 113: Inner wall(s) 114: Exterior 202: Outer shell 204: Core 206: Pore(s)

[0043] Similar features are indicated by similar reference numbers in the various figures, and in particular, structural and / or functional features that are common among the various embodiments may bear the same reference numbers and may exhibit identical structural, dimensional and material characteristics.

[0044] For purposes of clarity, only those operations and elements that are useful for understanding the embodiments described herein have been shown and described in detail.

[0045] Unless otherwise indicated, when referring to two elements connected to each other, this means a direct connection with no intermediate elements other than conductors, and when referring to two elements bonded together, this means that the two elements may be connected or the two elements may be bonded via one or more other elements.

[0046] In the following disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, when referring to absolute positional qualifiers such as "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left" or "right", relative positional qualifiers such as "above", "below", "higher" or "lower", or directional qualifiers such as "horizontal" or "vertical", reference is made to the orientation shown in the drawings.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," and "on the order of" mean within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0048] The drawings are not to scale. It should be noted that the drawings show one embodiment of the disclosed lithium hydride first wall, which may also be described simply as an apparatus when no ambiguity in the text is anticipated. Other embodiments may be possible, some of which are also shown in the drawings. The actual dimensions and / or shapes of each component of the embodiment may vary. Only the essential details of the embodiment are shown, but one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to understand how the entire apparatus may be constructed without undue experimentation. Some details have been omitted from the drawings, but the inventors believe that adding these details is not necessary for a complete understanding of the disclosed features of the invention. Some features of the embodiment are exaggerated for ease of understanding. The disclosed embodiments and the alternatives envisioned should not be considered as limiting the invention in any manner.

[0049] A first embodiment of the lithium hydride first wall device is shown in FIG. 1. The pump 102 injects a liquid metal stream 111 (liquid metal mixture) into the vessel 106 through an outlet tube 104a (first tube). The outlet tube 104a may be split into two or more so that the liquid metal stream 111 may flow over the inner wall(s) 113 of the vessel 106. The liquid metal stream 111 may be filled with multiple pebbles 110. The liquid metal stream 111 returns to the pump through an inlet tube 104b. The inlet tube 104b (second tube) may have multiple inlets to collect the liquid metal stream 111 flowing over the inner wall 113 of the vessel 106.

[0050] A number of electrodes 112 may be disposed on an inner wall 113 of the vessel 106. A magnetic field 108 (B) may be applied to the interior of the vessel 106. The electrodes may apply a current of density j, resulting in a force of density j×B that causes the liquid metal stream to adhere to the solid wall.

[0051] According to one example, the vessel forms at least a portion of a plasma containment vessel. In other examples, the vessel may form at least a portion of a nuclear reactor vessel or of an isotope separation chamber.

[0052] In a first embodiment, the pump 102 may be configured to allow circulation of high temperature liquid metal. The operating temperature may be between 600°C and 900°C in a fusion reactor application. The inlet tube 104a and the outlet tube 104b are also adapted to operate at these temperatures. The inlet tube 104a takes the liquid metal flow 111 pumped from the pump 102 and delivers it from the top to the inner wall(s) 113 of the vessel 106. The inner wall(s) 113 of the vessel 106 are covered with the liquid metal flow 111. As the liquid metal flow 111 flows over the inner wall(s) 113, the opposite outer surface 114 of the wall(s) 113 is formed by the liquid metal flow 111. To ensure that the inner wall(s) 113 of the vessel are completely covered, it may be necessary to split the inlet tube 104a or provide a receptacle to split the flow on the wall. The liquid metal stream 111 is collected at the bottom of the vessel 106 by a receptacle that feeds into the outlet pipe 104b, which returns the liquid metal stream 111 back into the pump so that it can be recirculated.

[0053] In a first embodiment, the liquid metal stream 111 is composed primarily of a mixture of lithium and lithium hydride, and may contain trace amounts of other elements.

[0054] In said embodiment, the mixture of lithium and lithium hydride may be composed of at least 15% and up to 25%, or at least 90% and up to 98% lithium hydride, where the composition may be in terms of molar content. Furthermore, the mixture may contain lithium deuteride and / or lithium tritide. The lithium hydride content in the mixture allows for modification of the properties of the liquid metal stream 111. By varying the lithium hydride molar content in the mixture, the attenuation and absorption properties of the liquid metal stream 111 are modified.

[0055] When the lithium hydride content in the mixture is between 15% and 25%, the width of the liquid metal stream 111 measured from the inner wall(s) 113 of the vessel 106 may be between 60 cm and 90 cm, achieving optimal attenuation or absorption required by fusion reactor applications while achieving tritium breeding at an acceptable rate.

[0056] When the lithium hydride content in the mixture is 90%-98%, the width of the liquid metal stream 111 as measured from the inner wall(s) 113 of the vessel 106 may be 30 cm-50 cm to achieve optimal attenuation or absorption required by fusion reactor applications while achieving tritium breeding at an acceptable rate.

[0057] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the addition of lithium tritide and / or lithium deuteride to the mixture will produce the same or similar results.

[0058] In a first embodiment, the vessel 106 may be shaped like a torus, or another similar shape. This shape is compatible with fusion reactor applications. In such an embodiment, the interior of the vessel 106 is under the influence of a magnetic field 108. In FIG. 1, the magnetic field 108 is oriented out of the plane of the paper. The magnetic field may be generated by a coil outside the vessel 106, or some other suitable method depending on the application. The vessel 106 also includes a number of electrodes 112. Each of the electrodes 112 may be located at a different location on the vessel 106, and they may be located across the interior wall(s) 113 of the vessel 106.

[0059] The first embodiment includes a plurality of pebbles 110. The pebbles 110 may be added to the liquid metal stream 111 prior to loading into the apparatus, or the pebbles 110 may be added to the liquid metal stream 111 during operation, such as prior to injecting the liquid metal stream 111 into the vessel 106. A suitable hatch or access point may be located in the inlet pipe 104a for adding pebbles 110 during operation.

[0060] Each pebble 110 may have a different function, and in this first embodiment, two main types are identified: the first type has the function of attenuating neutrons, henceforth called neutron attenuation; the second type, called neutron multiplication, has the function of multiplying the number of neutrons in the liquid first wall. The two types and their functions can be combined in a single type of pebble that contains both neutron attenuation and neutron multiplication materials, or in a material that can attenuate neutrons and multiply them at the same time, such as lead.

[0061] As known to those skilled in the art, neutron attenuation refers to the attenuation of the energy of a neutron by collision with another particle or nucleus with which energy is exchanged. For example, high-energy neutrons may be produced in a nuclear fusion reaction and may collide with a solid, liquid, and / or gaseous material surrounding the fusion plasma and collide with one or several nuclei of the atoms that make up said material. Typically, the high-energy neutron may release its energy to a low-energy target, i.e., one or several nuclei in the surrounding material. Since the neutron loses energy in this process, its energy is said to be attenuated. An attenuating material is a material that has one or several nuclei adapted to produce an attenuation of the energy of the neutron when colliding with said neutron, e.g., a high-energy neutron, in order for the neutron to lose energy.

[0062] Examples of neutron attenuating materials that can be used in the pebbles include: Compounds of heavy elements such as lead (Pb), tungsten (W), tungsten carbide (WC), borided steel, or vanadium alloys, e.g., V-4Cr-4Ti; Metal hydrides, e.g., high hydrogen content materials such as titanium hydride (TiH2), vanadium hydride (VH2), zirconium hydride (ZrH2), or heavy water; Carbides, such as boron carbide (B4C), carbon, titanium carbide (TiC), zirconium carbide (ZrC), or other specialty materials containing copper compounds; or Any combination of the above mentioned materials.

[0063] As known to those skilled in the art, neutron multiplication refers to a reaction denoted by (n,2n), which means that a neutron can collide with a target nucleus and strip a neutron from said nucleus. One of the results of this reaction is the formation of two neutrons, the incident neutron and the neutron extracted from the nucleus. The neutron is therefore said to be multiplied. A multiplier material is a material having one or several nuclei adapted to multiply neutrons when colliding with said neutron.

[0064] Examples of neutron multiplying materials that can be used in the pebbles include (excluding fissile materials): Beryllium (Be); Lead, especially Pb206, Pb207, Pb208; lead sulfide; Tungsten (especially W182, W184, W186); Molybdenum (especially Mo95, Mo97, Mo98, Mo100); Zirconium (especially Zr92, Zr94, Zr96); Bismuth (especially Bi209); or Any combination of these materials.

[0065] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a pebble 110. The cross-section of Figure 2 is common to both types described.

[0066] Each pebble 110 includes a core 204 and is outer coated by an outer shell 202. The pebbles 110 may be constructed in a manner similar to packed bed beads that are common in nuclear fission applications. The outer shell 202 may be a coating of silicon carbide (SiC), graphite, or other material suitable for stopping corrosion or interaction between lithium and the core 204. The core 204 may be of different materials depending on the function of the pebble 110. The core 204 of the neutron attenuation pebble 110 may be constructed of lead or other material with a high atomic number suitable for attenuating high energy neutrons, such as one or more of the neutron attenuation materials mentioned above. The core 204 of the neutron multiplication pebble 110 may be constructed of beryllium or other material known as a suitable neutron multiplier, such as one or more of the neutron multiplication materials mentioned above. In a first embodiment, the pebble 110 may be sized between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0067] The core 204 may be filled with pores 206, thus making it hollow, which allows the pebble 110 to be lighter. Alternatively, or in addition to the presence of pores, the outer shell 202 may be an electrical insulator or poor conductor, so that the pebbles are not or are hardly exposed to electromagnetic forces. Thus, the pebbles will not or will be hardly pushed radially outward. Instead, the pebbles may float on the side of the vessel facing the liquid metal, which is most needed and most effective for attenuation and multiplication of high energy neutrons.

[0068] operation A fusion reactor application is used to illustrate the operation of the disclosed liquid metal first wall, although it will be clear to those skilled in the art that other applications, such as in the field of nuclear fission reactors or even in the field of elemental isotope separation, would be beneficial.

[0069] In operation of the first embodiment as part of a fusion reactor, a pump 102 injects a liquid metal stream 111 into the inner wall(s) 113 of a vessel 106. As mentioned before, the vessel 106 is shaped like a torus and is therefore hollow inside. Pebbles 110 of neutron attenuation and multiplication types are suspended in the liquid metal stream 111. The liquid metal is a mixture of lithium and lithium hydride, and may contain lithium deuteride and / or lithium tritide. Injection is performed from the top of the vessel 106.

[0070] The liquid metal stream 111 may preferably be injected at a very high tangential velocity so that it may be attached to the inner wall(s) 113 by the effect of centrifugal force. The attachment to the inner wall(s) 113 is further maintained by the application of an electric current through the use of electrodes 112. Inside the liquid metal stream 111, the electric current is caused to circulate in a polar direction. A magnetic field 108 is also applied in a toroidal direction. The interaction of the electric current with the magnetic field 108 causes an electromagnetic force that pushes the liquid metal stream 111 further to the inner wall 113.

[0071] Due to the presence of the pebbles 110 suspended in the liquid metal stream 111, the action of the centrifugal and electromagnetic forces creates a situation of artificial gravity, causing the pebbles 110 to float on the outer surface 114 of the liquid metal stream 111. This is due either to a lower density (obtained by the porosity) and / or to the outer shell 202 being an electrical insulator or poor conductor, and therefore the pebbles 110 are at least partially immune to the electromagnetic forces. The outer surface 114 of the liquid metal stream 111 is the one facing the inside of the toroidal vessel 106. In a nuclear fusion reactor, the nuclear fusion reaction takes place inside the vessel 106. Neutrons and other particles are emitted with high energy towards the outer surface 114 of the liquid metal stream 111. The neutrons interact with the pebbles 110, resulting in neutron attenuation and / or neutron multiplication, according to their function. The neutrons further interact with the lithium and lithium hydride mixture in the liquid metal stream 111, resulting in further absorption and tritium multiplication.

[0072] The liquid metal stream 111 is hot after this process. The liquid metal stream 111 is collected at the bottom of the vessel 106. The outlet pipe 104b then takes the collected liquid metal stream and provides it to other devices. For example, other embodiments may include a heat exchanger, a separator, or a combination thereof, whereby energy may be extracted from the liquid metal stream 111. The liquid metal stream may then be provided to the pump 102 again and the process may continue.

[0073] The tritium breeding characteristics of the disclosed lithium hydride first walls depend on the composition and amount of pebbles 110, as well as the composition of the lithium hydride mixture in liquid metal stream 111. Thus, by varying the composition of pebbles 110 or the lithium hydride mixture, the size of liquid metal stream 111 can be changed and the size of vessel 106 using the described lithium hydride first walls can be made smaller than those currently designed and constructed.

[0074] Additional Embodiments In additional embodiments, the lithium hydride content in the liquid metal stream 111 is as high as 90% or even higher. In such embodiments, the width of the liquid metal stream 111 as measured from the inner wall 113 can be as low as a few millimeters to achieve an acceptable tritium breeding rate.

[0075] In another additional embodiment, the outflow pipe 104b takes the liquid metal stream 111 and delivers it to another device. For example, this other device may be a heat exchanger that removes heat from the liquid metal stream 111 and exchanges it with a different fluid, which may be part of a power plant.

[0076] In yet another additional embodiment, the pores 206 inside the pebble 110 are disposed in the outer shell 202 rather than in the core 204. In yet another embodiment, the pores 206 are disposed in the outer shell 202 as well as the core 204.

[0077] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are summarized here. Other embodiments can be understood from the entire specification, as well as the claims set forth herein.

[0078] Example 1. A first wall adapted to cover an inner wall (113) of the vessel (106), the first wall being made from a liquid metal mixture (111) including at least lithium and lithium hydride.

[0079] Example 2. 2. The first wall of example 1, further comprising pebbles (110) suspended in the liquid metal mixture (111), each pebble being a neutron attenuating pebble, a neutron multiplying pebble, or a neutron attenuating and multiplying pebble.

[0080] Example 3. The first wall of example 2, wherein at least one of the pebbles (110) has a core (204) outer coated by an outer shell (202).

[0081] Example 4. The first wall of Example 3, wherein the core (204) is a hollow core, e.g., filled with pores (206), and / or the outer shell (202) is a hollow shell, e.g., filled with pores.

[0082] Example 5. A first wall as described in Example 3 or 4, wherein at least one of the pebbles (110) is a neutron attenuation pebble, the core (204) of the neutron attenuation pebble mainly comprises a material suitable for attenuating neutrons, preferably a material with a high atomic number, such as lead, and / or at least one of the pebbles (110) is a neutron multiplying pebble, the core (204) of the neutron multiplying pebble core mainly comprises a material suitable for multiplying neutrons, such as beryllium.

[0083] Example 6. The first wall of any one of Examples 3-5, wherein the outer shell (202) is comprised primarily of a material suitable for stopping corrosion and / or interaction between lithium and the core (204), such as silicon carbide or graphite.

[0084] Example 7. The first wall of any one of Examples 2 to 6, wherein the pebbles (110) are 1 to 5 mm in size.

[0085] Example 8. The first wall of any one of Examples 2 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the pebbles (110) are disposed on an outer surface (114) of the liquid metal mixture (111).

[0086] Example 9. The first wall of any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the mixture further comprises lithium tritide and / or lithium deuteride.

[0087] Example 10. The first wall according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the mixture has a molar content of lithium hydride, lithium tritide and / or lithium deuteride of 15 to 25% and the width of the first wall is, for example, 60 centimeters to 90 centimeters, or the mixture has a molar content of lithium hydride, lithium tritide and / or lithium deuteride of 90% to 98% and the width of the first wall is, for example, 30 centimeters to 50 centimeters.

[0088] Example 11. A container (106) comprising an inner wall (113), the inner wall being covered with a first wall according to any one of Examples 1-10.

[0089] Example 12. A first wall device adapted to form a first wall according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, a vessel (106) including an inner wall (113); Flow means (102, 104a, 104b) adapted to form a flow of the liquid metal mixture (111) on the inner wall (113); 13. An apparatus comprising:

[0090] Example 13. The flow means is A pump (102); a first tube (104a) between the pump and the container (106), adapted to inject the liquid metal mixture (111) onto an inner wall (113) of the first tube, for example split into at least two parts within the container; 13. The device of example 12, comprising:

[0091] Example 14. The flow means is a second pipe (104b) between the vessel (106) and the pump (102), adapted to collect the liquid metal mixture (111) flowing on an inner wall (113) and splitting, for example, into at least two parts within the vessel; 14. The device of example 13, further comprising:

[0092] Example 15. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 12 to 14, wherein the flow means is adapted to circulate the liquid metal mixture (111) at an elevated temperature, for example at a temperature between 600 °C and 900 °C.

[0093] Example 16. The apparatus of any one of Examples 12-15, wherein the flow means comprises a means for adding the pebbles (110) to the liquid metal mixture (111), such as a hatch or access point in the first tube (104a) of the flow means.

[0094] Example 17. The apparatus of any one of Examples 12 to 16 or the vessel of Example 11, further comprising an electrode (112) arranged on an inner wall (113) of the vessel (106), the electrode being adapted to apply an electric current to the liquid metal mixture (111) of the first wall.

[0095] Example 18. The device according to any one of Examples 12 to 17 or the vessel according to Example 11 or 17, further comprising a means for generating a magnetic field (108) inside the vessel.

[0096] Example 19. The device according to any one of Examples 12-18 or the container according to any one of Examples 11, 17, 18, wherein the container (106) has a substantially torus shape.

[0097] Example 20. The apparatus of any one of Examples 12-19, or the vessel of any one of Examples 11, 17-19, wherein the vessel (106) forms at least a portion of a plasma containment vessel, a reactor vessel, or an isotope separation chamber.

[0098] Example 21. The method includes injecting a liquid metal mixture (111) into an inner wall (113) of a container (106), the liquid metal mixture (111) including at least lithium and lithium hydride, the method adapted to form a first wall according to any of the preceding claims.

[0099] Example 22. 22. The method of embodiment 21, wherein the liquid metal mixture (111) is injected at a sufficiently high tangential velocity so that it adheres to the inner wall (113) by the effect of centrifugal force.

[0100] Example 23. 23. The method of embodiment 21 or 22, further comprising applying an electric current to the liquid metal mixture (111) during the pouring step, for example using an electrode (112) disposed on an inner wall (113) of the container (106).

[0101] Example 24. The method of any one of Examples 21 to 23, further comprising applying a magnetic field within the container (106) during the injecting step.

[0102] Example 25. The method of any one of Examples 21-24, further comprising injecting pebbles (110) into the liquid metal mixture (111) before or during the injecting step, each pebble being a neutron attenuating pebble, a neutron multiplying pebble, or a neutron attenuating and multiplying pebble.

[0103] Example 26. The method according to any one of examples 21 to 25, further comprising collecting the liquid metal mixture (111) from the container (106) after the pouring step and subjecting the collected liquid metal mixture to another pouring step in the container (106) and / or to another device adapted to extract energy from the collected liquid metal mixture, such as a heat exchanger, a separator, etc.

[0104] Various embodiments and variations have been described, and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that certain features of these embodiments may be combined and other variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

[0105] Finally, practical implementation of the embodiments and modifications described herein is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art based on the above functional descriptions.

[0106] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 22305451, filed April 4, 2022, entitled "Lithium Hydride First Wall," of the filing date thereof, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference to the fullest extent permitted by law.

[0107] Acronym Explanation ITER: International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor DEMO: Demonstration power plant PFCs: Plasma-facing components Sn: Tin SiC: Silicon carbide Li: Lithium Pb:Lead FLiBe: A mixture of lithium fluoride and beryllium fluoride

Claims

1. A first wall adapted to cover the inner wall of a container, the first wall being made from a liquid metal mixture comprising at least lithium and lithium hydride, the first wall further comprising pebbles suspended in the liquid metal mixture, each pebble being a neutron-attenuating pebble, a neutron-multiplier pebble, or a neutron-attenuating and multiplier pebble.

2. The first wall according to claim 1, wherein the pebble is 1 to 5 mm in size.

3. The first wall according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the pebbles has a core that is externally coated with an outer shell.

4. The first wall according to claim 3, wherein the core is a hollow core filled with, for example, pores, and / or the outer shell is a hollow shell filled with, for example, pores.

5. At least one of the pebbles is a neutron-attenuating pebble, and the core of the neutron-attenuating pebble is made of a material suitable for attenuating neutrons, preferably a material with a high atomic number, for example, mainly containing lead, and / or At least one of the pebbles is a neutron multiplier pebble, and the core of the neutron multiplier pebble mainly comprises a material suitable for multiplying neutrons, such as beryllium, and / or The outer shell mainly comprises a material suitable for stopping corrosion and / or interaction between lithium and the core, such as silicon carbide or graphite. The first wall according to claim 3.

6. The first wall according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the pebbles is arranged on the outer surface of the liquid metal mixture.

7. In the aforementioned liquid metal mixture, the molar content of lithium hydride is 15 to 25%, and the width of the first wall is, for example, 60 to 90 centimeters, or In the aforementioned liquid metal mixture, the molar content of lithium hydride is 90% to 98%, and the width of the first wall is, for example, 30 centimeters to 50 centimeters. The first wall according to claim 1.

8. The first wall according to claim 1, wherein the liquid metal mixture further comprises lithium tritiated and / or lithium deuterated.

9. A container including an inner wall, wherein the inner wall is covered with a first wall as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A first wall apparatus adapted to form the first wall according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A container including the inner wall, A flowing means adapted to form a flow of a liquid metal mixture containing at least lithium and lithium hydride on its inner wall, wherein pebbles are suspended in the liquid metal mixture, and each pebble is a neutron-attenuating pebble, a neutron-multiplier pebble, or a neutron-attenuating and multiplier pebble, and A device including a device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the flow means includes means for adding the pebble to the flow of the liquid metal mixture, for example, a hatch or access point in a first pipe of the flow means.

12. The aforementioned fluidizing means is Pump and A first tube between the pump and the container, which is adapted for injecting the liquid metal mixture onto its inner wall, and is divided into at least two parts within the container, A second tube between the container and the pump, which is adapted to collect the liquid metal mixture flowing on its inner wall, and which is divided into at least two parts within the container, for example. The apparatus according to claim 10, including the following:

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the flow means is adapted to circulate the liquid metal mixture at a high temperature, for example, 600°C to 900°C.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an electrode disposed on the inner wall of the container, wherein the electrode is adapted to apply an electric current to the liquid metal mixture in the first wall.

15. The container according to claim 9, further comprising an electrode disposed on the inner wall of the container, wherein the electrode is adapted to apply an electric current to the liquid metal mixture in the first wall.

16. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising means for generating a magnetic field inside the container.

17. The container according to claim 9, further comprising means for generating a magnetic field inside the container.

18. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the container has a substantially torus shape.

19. The container according to claim 9, wherein the container has a substantially torus shape.

20. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the container forms at least a portion of a plasma confinement vessel, a reactor vessel, or an isotope separation chamber.

21. The container according to claim 9, wherein the container forms at least a portion of a plasma confinement vessel, a reactor vessel, or an isotope separation chamber.

22. A method adapted to form the first wall according to any one of claims 1 to 8, An injection step of injecting a liquid metal mixture into the inner wall of a container, wherein the liquid metal mixture includes at least lithium and lithium hydride; Forming a suspension of pebbles in the liquid metal mixture in the container, wherein each pebble is a neutron-attenuating pebble, a neutron-multiplier pebble, or a neutron-attenuating and multiplier pebble. Methods that include...

23. For example, by using electrodes arranged on the inner wall of the container, an electric current is applied to the liquid metal mixture during the injection process. Applying a magnetic field to the container during the injection process, Injecting the pebble into the liquid metal mixture before or during the injection step, and / or After the injection step, the liquid metal mixture is collected from the container, and the collected liquid metal mixture is subjected to another injection step in the container, and / or to another device adapted to extract energy from the collected liquid metal mixture, such as a heat exchanger or separator. The method according to claim 22, further comprising:

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