Fabrication of a niobium 1 percent zirconium containment for SP-100 primary lithium system materials mass transfer studies

The physical properties of lithium make it the leading candidate for a heat transfer fluid in space nuclear power systems. The Nb alloy, Nb-1 percent Zr, was developed for containment of lithium at high temperature. SDI has rekindled interest in Li cooled compact nuclear reactors, and Nb-1 percent Zr was selected as the primary containment material for lithium in the SP-100 program. In order to maintain and advance the technology necessary to fabricate and operate refractory metal alloy or lithium systems, Westinghouse has designed and constructed a Nb-1Zr/Li test loop. The steps and techniques employed for this project are described and the proposed test program and its objectives are outlined.