Modeling corrosion in oxygen controlled LBE systems

It is widely recognized that the corrosiveness of Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) represents a critical obstacle toward its use in nuclear systems. Active oxygen control in LBE can promote the formation of ''self-healing'' oxide films on the structural material surface, drastically reducing steel corrosion and coolant contamination. Many testing experiments have been performed and the results support the premise. However, the results remain scattered and difficult to interpret and use. This paper reports the comprehensive results from modeling corrosion in LBE systems. The model couples the chemical reactions to mass transport in hydrodynamic flows, and provides a useful tool to interpret the test results in a quantitative framework and apply the data rationally for general applications. Systematic studies illustrate the effects of the flow rate, the oxygen concentration in LBE and the system temperature profile on corrosion rates and distribution. (author)