Reactors Cooled by Ga Alloys: Benefits and Challenges

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Reactors cooled by gallium alloys present both benefits and challenges, particularly in terms of their neutron cross-section and melting points. Gallium has a relatively high neutron cross-section of 2.9 barns, but its melting point is lower than that of lead-bismuth eutectic, making it easier to manage in reactor conditions. Alloying gallium with other low-melting metals like tin can enhance its properties, although caution is needed due to potential liquid metal embrittlement with structural materials. The cost of gallium is significantly higher than sodium, raising questions about economic feasibility compared to other nuclear materials like enriched uranium and plutonium. Overall, while gallium alloys may offer advantages in handling and reactivity, their practicality in reactor design requires careful consideration of material costs and performance.
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How useful are reactors cooled by gallium alloys?

Ga has cross section for neutrons of 2,9 barns. Somewhat high - but K has 2,1 barns, and NaK is mostly (76 %) K.

Pure Ga melts under +30 Celsius. The reactor may freeze - but it is much easier to melt than Pb/Bi eutectic (+125 Celsius).

Ga melting point can be further lowered by alloying. While In, Cd and Hg are neutron poisons, the other low melting metals are reasonable - Pb, Bi, also Sn (0,62 barns) and Zn (1,1 barns).

Would a reactor with Ga-Sn coolant be convenient to handle? Ga/Sn melt is nowhere as reactive as Na/K melt, and also not poisonous until irradiated...
 
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Gallium's price has been on the order of $650/kg but could be has high as $750 to $970/kg as compared to sodium at around $150/kg.

In a reactor, liquid metal embrittlement with fuel and structural materials is an issue. Liquid metals are usually used for fast reactors.
 
Clementine managed to work with mercury coolant - despite its huge neutron cross-section.

How does the quoted price of gallium compare with the price of highly enriched uranium 235, or plutonium 239? These are presumably priceless because no one wants to sell them...
 
snorkack said:
Clementine managed to work with mercury coolant - despite its huge neutron cross-section.

How does the quoted price of gallium compare with the price of highly enriched uranium 235, or plutonium 239? These are presumably priceless because no one wants to sell them...
It depends on the enrichment. One could develop a price based on the quantity of natural U (0.7%) needed to provide a particular enrichment and the cost of the separative work unit (SWU) to enrich it. Cost of Pu239 depends on cost of starting material (U), irradiation, and separation.
 

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