Compatibility and performance of electrochemical oxygen and lithium monitors in liquid Pb-17Li

In this paper we report about the development of electrochemical lithium and oxygen sensors at SCK/CEN Mol. Various zirconia based oxygen sensors have been tested in Pb-17Li and the results demonstrate their feasibility for on-line monitoring. Post exposure corrosion analyses did not reveal chemical attack of the electrolyte material although intergranular fractioning may limit the sensor lifetime. Several prototype lithium sensors, based on β-alumina, were constructed and exposed to different lithium-lead blends. Preliminary emf versus lithium molar fraction data were obtained and are compared with literature data. Finally, corrosion tests in Pb-17Li have shown satisfactory integrity for exposure times of more than 3000 h. (orig.)