Magneto-Cyclone-Centrifuge for In-Situ Separation of Li/LiH

Liquid metal (LM) plasma facing components (PFCs) are an essential component of conceptual thermonuclear fusion reactors due to their self healing and low recycling properties. Lithium is the primary choice for LMPFCs, as it is highly soluble for hydrogen species and has a low melting point. The retrieval of tritium from the Li+H/D/T compound is an unavoidable step in the development of economically feasible fusion reactors. Inductively heated distillation stacks are the leading choice for retrieving trapped tritium and returning clarified lithium back to LMPFCs. Separation of precipitated LiH crystals from the lithium utilizing existing fields will enhance the distillation yield of tritium, minimize the volume of lithium inventory, and reduce the net MHD drag from pumping LM out of the coil region. We have constructed and experimented with a modular, jxB enhanced, hydrocyclone running in a steady state, closed loop configuration, dubbed the Magneto Cyclone Centrifuge (MC²). Galinstan liquid metal was amalgamated with copper dust and fed to the MC² while aligned axially in the magnetic field of the PPPL’s LMX-U facility. Separation efficiency of the device was determined using x-ray fluorescence, which measured the concentration of copper in Galinstan sampled during operation. Efficiency and consistency increased with radially applied currents, improving device performance where magnetic fields prohibit the fast, high pressure traditionally required at the inlets of conventional hydrocyclones.