Some aspects of direct interaction of volatile liquids with hot liquid metals

Two-phase flows of heavy liquid metals with the volatile liquid have been studied extensively at the Liquid Metal MHD Center of Ben Gurion University and at Solmecs (Israel) Ltd. in relation to the development of novel energy conversion systems. In this paper we present results of experimental studies of two-phase (liquid metal-gas) flows and empirical correlations for calculation their principal parameters - void fraction and slip ratio. Mercury-steam and eutectic lead-bismuth alloy-steam systems as well as air-water models have been studied. Advantages of a liquid metal two-phase flow for energy conversion, for heat transfer as well as for causing circulation in liquid lead loop are discussed. All the know-how accumulated in the course of the above mentioned and other related studies is termed 'ETGAR technology'. A preliminary assessment is made of the thermodynamic efficiency of liquid lead cooled reactor (LCR) using the ETGAR technology for direct contact heat transfer and for energy-efficient circulation of the primary and secondary coolants