Liquid Sodium Cooling Loop Piping Material

In summary, the preferred materials for piping in liquid sodium cooling loops are stainless steel and other metals that do not react with sodium. This is why stainless steel is also used for in-reactor materials such as fuel cladding and structure. Piping would typically consist of a standard steel with a stainless steel inner liner. For fast reactors, the heat exchanger between sodium and water would be a tricky component, as water is the preferred working fluid for a steam Rankine cycle. However, a gas cooled fast reactor using a Brayton cycle eliminates the need for water as a working fluid, while a combined Brayton-Rankine cycle offers greater efficiency but comes with added complexity.
  • #1
Andronicus1717
32
1
What materials can be used for the piping in liquid sodium cooling loops (primary and secondary) and for the heat exchanger?
 
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  • #2
Generally stainless steel, metals don't react with Sodium that's one of the reasons for prefering it to water.
 
  • #3
mgb_phys said:
Generally stainless steel, metals don't react with Sodium that's one of the reasons for prefering it to water.

Doesn't liqiuid sodium alloy with the metal in piping?
 
  • #4
Paulanddiw said:
Doesn't liqiuid sodium alloy with the metal in piping?
No. That is why stainless steels are selected for the in-reactor materials including the fuel cladding and structure. SS 316L is one material, and HT-9 and D9-C1 were also candidates in order to reduce swelling and growth. The Brits favored SS 321 (similar to Russian 12Cr18Ni10Ti) in the Dounreay FR.

Piping would normally be a standard piping steel with a stainless steel inner liner to keep the cost down.

The tricky part for fast reactors would be the heat exchanger between sodium and water, since water would be the working fluid in a steam Rankine cycle.

The attractive feature of a gas cooled fast reactor using a Brayton cycle is the elimination of water as a working fluid. On the other hand, a Brayton-Rankine combined cycle plant offers greater thermodynamic efficient, but at the cost of a more complicated and challenging system.
 
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1. What is liquid sodium cooling loop piping material?

Liquid sodium cooling loop piping material is a type of material used in the construction of pipes for cooling systems that utilize liquid sodium as the coolant. It is typically made of a high-strength alloy that can withstand the high temperatures and corrosive properties of liquid sodium.

2. Why is liquid sodium used as a coolant?

Liquid sodium is commonly used as a coolant in nuclear reactors, as it has excellent heat transfer properties and can operate at very high temperatures. This makes it an ideal choice for cooling systems that need to dissipate large amounts of heat.

3. What are the advantages of using liquid sodium cooling loop piping material?

One of the main advantages of using liquid sodium cooling loop piping material is its high thermal conductivity, which allows for efficient heat transfer. It is also resistant to corrosion and can withstand high temperatures, making it a reliable choice for cooling systems.

4. Are there any safety concerns with using liquid sodium cooling loop piping material?

While liquid sodium itself is not inherently dangerous, it can react violently when exposed to air or water, causing fires or explosions. Proper safety measures, such as using a closed-loop system and designing for potential leaks, must be taken when using liquid sodium as a coolant.

5. How is liquid sodium cooling loop piping material maintained?

Maintenance of liquid sodium cooling loop piping material typically involves regular inspections for any signs of corrosion or damage, as well as monitoring for leaks. Any necessary repairs or replacements should be done by trained professionals to ensure the safety and integrity of the system.

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