The CIEMAT LiPb Loop Permeation Experiment

Abstract A new facility, CLIPPER, is being constructed at CIEMAT to investigate tritium extraction from PbLi. It consists of a forced circulation loop with the main objective of validating the technique of permeation against vacuum. CLIPPER is designed as an isothermal loop operating up to 500 ℃. The PbLi is heated, melted and cleaned outside the loop, in a tank integrated in a dedicated glove box under argon atmosphere. The test section includes a prototype of permeator (TRITON) and its auxiliary systems, such as its associated vacuum system and instrumentation. TRITON consists of a rectangular multi-channel component with vanadium membranes. A novel gas injection system specifically designed for CLIPPER is used to introduce the gases that must be extracted through the permeator (hydrogen isotopes). This system, based on a multi-tube component with permeable niobium membranes, is able to solubilize the hydrogen in the PbLi up to the required concentration. The final design of CLIPPER is presented together with the integration of its main components, including a thermomechanical assessment of the loop.