Collection of ENEA technology and expertise
Lead Chemical and Corrosion laboratory RACHEL
Application sectors
Problem to solve
Study of the corrosion behavior of structural materials in liquid lead alloys for innovative nuclear fission Gen IV and fusion applications. Study of the corrosion resistance of protective coatings. Knowledge of the methodology and methods for controlling the oxygen concentration in lead alloys.
Description
The laboratory contains 25 capsules to be used to perform screening tests (short duration) and qualification tests (long duration, up to several thousand hours) for the exposure of materials in liquid lead alloys. The capsules can operate within a wide temperature range, from 150°C to 750°C, to evaluate the corrosive effect at different temperatures on materials. The capsules are equipped with an automatic gas control system (cover/bubbling gas) used to regulate the oxygen concentration in the lead alloy. The oxygen concentration is monitored via oxygen sensors that are constructed and calibrated inside the laboratory.
Innovative aspects and advantages
- possibility to conduct many tests simultaneously and of long duration, as the laboratory is equipped with several capsules
- possibility to use various liquid lead alloys, thanks to the presence of a melting furnace and of a degassing system
Admissible applications
- Construction and calibration of oxygen sensors for the monitoring of the concentration in liquid lead alloys
- Corrosion tests of materials in liquid lead alloys (pure lead, PbBi and PbLi eutectics) for the development of innovative nuclear systems
Research group involved
Revision date
11-04-2025
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