A mass transport model for hydrogen generation during lithium-lead/water interactions

A mass transport chemical reaction model is presented for predicting (with the use of experimental data) the rate of hydrogen generation in the interaction of lithium-lead alloy (Li₁₇Pb ₈₃) with water. The model is used to determine diffusion-rate constants for the lithium-lead/water interaction. The results from the model indicate that the chemical reaction can be represented by a linear rate law after the initial moments of the reaction (>10 s). However, the early stage of the chemical reaction does not follow a linear rate law. The results also indicate that for initial liquid-metal temperatures below 590°C, the activation energy is not a function of the initial liquid-metal temperature