Thermophysical properties of liquid metal coolants: Na, Pb, Pb-Bi(e)

Vitaly Sobolev, Paul Schuurmans

    Research outputpeer-review

    3 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Liquid metals, such as sodium (Na), lead (Pb) and lead–bismuth (Pb–Bi) eutectic (e), are considered as potential coolants for fast spectrum nuclear reactors (FR) of the next generation. Intensive studies have been performed in different countries aiming at a better understanding of their properties as they are needed for design and safety analysis of nuclear installations. This article gives a brief review of the compilations and recommendations developed for the main thermophysical properties of liquid Na, Pb, and Pb–Bi(e). The properties of these coolants were measured in many laboratories, albeit mainly at normal atmospheric pressure and at relatively low temperatures (except for some properties of Na). In general, the reliability of data is satisfactory; however, a large uncertainty still exists for some properties of Pb and Pb–Bi(e). A set of correlations for estimation of the thermophysical properties of Na, Pb, and Pb–Bi(e) in the typical temperature ranges is proposed. For prognosis of their thermodynamic properties at high pressures and temperatures, the relevant equations of state (EOS), based on the proven physical models and available experimental data, are indicated. The critical parameters for Pb and Pb–Bi are not well defined yet. This hinders the EOS validation.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationComprehensive Nuclear Materials
    Subtitle of host publicationSecond Edition
    PublisherElsevier B.V.
    Chapter7.15
    Pages457-481
    Number of pages25
    Volume7
    ISBN (Electronic)9780081028650
    ISBN (Print)9780081028667
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 22 Jul 2020

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Physics and Astronomy

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