Can 7Li Replace Na in Fast Breeder Reactors?

[Efrain]

7Li can be used instead on Na on a fast breeder reactor?

 

[Astronuc]

7Li can be used instead on Na on a fast breeder reactor?

Yes - particularly for very high temperature compact fast reactors. A potassium Rankine cycle or Brayton cycle would then be used for power conversion.

 

[Efrain]

Thank you Astronuc for your answer. Even when the 7Li is more expensive I see a lot of advantages over sodium.

For me the greatest advantage is that if a leak occurs on a nuclear-gas brayton turbine configuration, the compressed air can be bypassed from the heat exchanger to the combustion chamber, the reactor can be shut down, the leaked heat exchanger can be purged very fast with nitrogen or argon and the turbine continue working with gas which means very little plant downtime and less costly repairs.

After material cost issues, what will be the drawbacks for using 7Li instead Na on fast breeder reactors?

 

[terryphi]

As of now, there are no enrichment facilities operating for Li7 enrichment. Li6 would kill the neutronics of any operating reactor.

The MSRE used Li7 left over from the weapons production (did they want Li6 or Li7 for weapons?); however, no such facility operates today; as far as I know.

 

[alphy]

Yes, 7Li can potentially replace Na in fast breeder reactors. Fast breeder reactors use a process called nuclear fission to generate energy, and both 7Li and Na can undergo this process. However, there are a few important considerations to take into account when considering the use of 7Li in place of Na.

Firstly, 7Li is a heavier isotope compared to Na, which means it has a higher likelihood of undergoing fission and releasing energy. This makes it a potentially more efficient fuel source for fast breeder reactors. Additionally, 7Li is more abundant in nature compared to Na, which could make it a more sustainable and cost-effective option.

However, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed before 7Li can be fully utilized in fast breeder reactors. One major issue is that 7Li is not a naturally occurring element and must be produced through a process called transmutation. This can be a complex and expensive process, and the technology for large-scale production of 7Li is still in development.

Furthermore, the use of 7Li in fast breeder reactors could also present safety concerns. 7Li has a higher melting point compared to Na, which means it could potentially lead to higher operating temperatures in the reactor. This could increase the risk of accidents or malfunctions.

In conclusion, while 7Li shows potential as a replacement for Na in fast breeder reactors, further research and development are needed to fully assess its feasibility and address any potential challenges.