Hydrodynamics and electrical insulation of PbLi flow with SiC flow channel inserts in a strong magnetic field

Experimental and numerical research in a strong magnetic field is described in this article testing silicon carbide (SiC) flow channel inserts (FCI) in lead-lithium (PbLi) liquid metal flow. The study aims to further develop the High-Temperature Dual-Coolant Lead-Lithium nuclear fusion blanket concept by testing new variations of SiC inserts operating in the relevant electromagnetic conditions. These inserts act as electrical insulators in magnetohydrodynamic lead-lithium flow and can also play the role of the thermal insulator in the potentially real fusion environment. The liquid metal pressure and integral flowrate measurements were performed on up to 5T DC magnetic field created by a superconducting magnet at high temperatures up to 700 °C, which is close to the real fusion environment. Comparisons of several cases with and without inserts are provided, demonstrating their impact on hydraulic resistance. Additionally, electrical potential distribution is recorded on the lead-lithium channel walls, which can be used to evaluate the character of liquid metal velocity distribution in the lead-lithium channel.