Mobilization measurements from Flibe under argon and air flow

Flibe a molten salt consisting of 2LiF:BeF2 has interest as cooling and tritium breeding media in both magnetic and inertial fusion. Key safety issues are the mobilization of vapors and aerosols from accidental introduction of air, moist air, or steam to the molten salt. Mobilization tests were performed with argon, air and moist air using a classical transpiration apparatus designed for vapor pressure determinations. Vapor pressures determined between 500 and 800 °C in flowing argon, assuming BeF2 and LiBeF3 as the vapor species, are 2–3 times lower than those predicted by recent vapor pressure models. Mobilization rates were comparable in all environments. Some lithium-bearing species provides an increasing contribution to the overall mobilization with temperature and a greater role in mobilization in the air environments. Estimates of mass flux values (kg/m2 s) are obtained and assessed with regard to relevance for safety assessments of molten salt breeder blanket designs.