On-line monitoring and control in dynamic lithium and static lithium-lead

Local corrosion phenomena, mass and interstitial element transfer rates depend on the difference of chemical activity in lithium or lithium-lead and in the structural materials of a reactor circuit. Particularly nitrogen (in lithium), oxygen (in Li17Pb83), hydrogen and carbon activities need to be kept below critical levels for satisfactory operation. To reduce the metalloid content in lithium and lithium-lead below the critical values the development of on-line monitoring systems is essential. The hydrogen concentration in liquid lithium has been determined by measurement of the equilibrium pressure using alpha-iron as a sensor material. The carbon concentration in the circulated lithium is determined by the use of a Harwell type carbon meter (HCM). The oxygen and nitrogen concentration in the static lithium-lead is measured with electrochemical sensors. Preliminary results of these measurements are reported. (author)