Experimental study for thermal striping in LBE loop by using UVP with high-temperature ultrasonic transducer

Obayashi, Hironari  ; Kikuchi, Kenji

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has been proceeding with the research and development on accelerator-driven system (ADS) for the transmutation of long-lived radioactive nuclides. The ADS proposed by JAEA utilize the Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) as a spallation target and core coolant. To examine the feasibility and applicability of the LBE to accelerator-driven transmutation systems, JAEA has an experimental lead-bismuth loop for investigate the problems caused by LBE flow. As a result of the experimental surveys, LBE flow is connected closely with a lot of serious problems in development of ADS. Therefore, the development of the high-temperature transducer that can be used at the high temperature condition (over 150 degrees Celsius) is a pressing need because it establishes the velocity measurement techniques for LBE flow. We adopted the wave guide method. And we conducted a survey of the suitable guide material for LBE flow by using the wave equation. As a result, it is forecast that Al and Si are excellent materials in the present situation.