Effect of oxygen on fouling behavior in lead–bismuth coolant systems

This experimental research investigates the effects of the oxygen in lead–bismuth eutectic on fouling. The analysis was carried out by performing three tests with different oxygen concentration on the recuperator where the heat transfer rate is susceptible to fouling, and introducing a correlation for the fouling factor. The comparison of fouling factors obtained with each oxygen level is presented, the relationship between fouling factors and oxygen concentrations is correlated, and the effects of oxidation on heat transfer are demonstrated qualitatively by wetting conditions of the samples.