[en] A full-scale mockup of the Fusion Materials Irradiation Test (FMIT) Facility lithium system was built at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory (HEDL). This isothermal mockup, called the Experimental Lithium System (ELS), was prototypic of FMIT, excluding the accelerator and dump heat exchanger. This 3.8 m³ lithium test loop achieved over 16,000 hours of safe and reliable operation. An extensive test program demonstrated satisfactory performance of the system components, including the HEDL-supplied electromagnetic lithium pump, the lithium jet target, the purification and characterization hardware, as well as the auxiliary argon and vacuum systems. Experience with the test loop provided important information on system operation, performance, and reliability. This report presents a complete overview of the entire Experimental Lithium System test program and also includes a summary of such areas as instrumentation, coolant chemistry, vapor/aerosol transport, and corrosion

[en] Argon and vacuum systems for the Experimental Lithium System (ELS) were tested to demonstrate vacuum-break capability, vacuum pumping performance, and vacuum sensor compatibility with a hostile liquid metal vapor/aerosol environment. Mechanical, diffusion and cryogenic vacuum pumps were evaluated. High-vacuum levels in the 10^-3 Pa range were achieved over a 270⁰C flowing lithium system. Ionization, thermal conductivity, capacitance manometer, and compound-type pressure sensors were evaluated to determine the effects of this potentially deleterious environment. Screening elbows were evaluated as pressure sensor protective devices. A dual-purpose vacuum-level/nitrogen partial-pressure sensor was evaluated as a means of detecting air in-leakage. Several types of static mechanical vacuum seals were also evaluated. Measurements of the vapor/aerosol generation were made at several system locations and operating conditions

[en] Testing of a molten lithium target was performed to evaluate hydraulic stability, determine surface evaporation rates, and map the detailed contour of the high speed, free surface wall jet. The results confirmed predictions by demonstrating acceptable performance of a prototype target

[en] A novel RF shield was developed for the circular expansion joint used throughout the PEP-II vacuum system straight sections. Existing RF shield designs, used in accelerators/storage rings throughout the world, have been the source of many failures at beam currents much smaller than the 3 amps planned for PEP-II. This RF shield uses a unique spring-loaded finger mechanism to maintain proper electrical contact across the joint, accommodate 1.5 mm transverse and 32 mm longitudinal excursions, while minimizing geometry-driven trapped-mode RF heating at GHz frequencies. Alumina-dispersed, copper alloy fingers are used to maintain desired mechanical properties at higher temperatures instead of the more commonly used beryllium-copper alloys. A prototype expansion joint was assembled, mechanically tested, and subjected to 200% of the expected operational RF load. This RF shield design can be easily adapted to non-circular geometries

[en] A shipping cask system was developed for shipment of irradiated fuels and materials from the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) to participating Hot Cell Examination Facilities. The development work included techniques for remote packaging and cask loading of the materials prior to shipment. The remote handling systems were developed for both horizontal and vertical loading/unloading of various payloads. The T-3 cask was licensed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commmission (US NRC) showing compliance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 71

[en] An engineering design and operating experience of a large, isothermal, lithium-coolant test loop are presented. This liquid metal coolant loop is called the Experimental Lithium System (ELS) and has operated safely and reliably for over 6500 hours through September 1981. The loop is used for full-scale testing of components for the Fusion Materials Irradiation Test (FMIT) Facility. Main system parameters include coolant temperatures to 430⁰C and flow to 0.038 m³/s (600 gal/min). Performance of the main pump, vacuum system, and control system is discussed. Unique test capabilities of the ELS are also discussed

[en] Irradiation testing of fast reactor fuels and materials in EBR-II, TREAT, and other US facilities required a packaging and transportation system that would ensure that changes in the specimens were irradiation induced and not the result of transport. The T-2 cask and the development of the T-3 cask are discussed

[en] Argon and vacuum systems for the Experimental Lithium System (ELS) were tested to demonstrate vacuum break capability, vacuum pumping performance, and vacuum sensor compatibility with a hostile liquid metal vapor/aerosol environment. Mechanical, diffusion and cryogenic vacuum pumps were evaluated. High vacuum levels in the 10-³ Pa range were achieved over a 270⁰C flowing lithium system. Ionization, thermal conductivity, capacitance manometer, and compound-type pressure sensors were evaluated to determine the effects of this potentially deleterious environment. Screening elbows were evaluated as pressure sensor protective devices. A dual-purpose vacuum-level/nitrogen partial-pressure sensor was evaluated as a means of detecting air in-leakage. Several types of static mechanical vacuum seals were also evaluated. Measurements of the vapor/aerosol generation were made at several system locations and operating conditions

[en] The Experimental Lithium System is a test loop built to support design and operation of the Fusion Materials Irradiation Test Facility. ELS has achieved over 15,000 hours of safe and reliable operation. An extensive test program has demonstrated satisfactory performance of the system components, including an electromagnetic pump, lithium jet target, and vacuum system. Data on materials corrosion and behavior of lithium impurities are also presented. (author)

[en] Testing of a molten lithium target was performed to evaluate hydraulic stability, determine surface evaporation rates, and map the detailed contour of the high speed, free surface wall jet. The results confirmed predictions by demonstrating acceptable performance of a prototype target. (author)