Characteristics of a Steadily Operating Metal Combustor
Abstract
The overall objective of the present study was to investigate analytically and experimentally the characteristics of a steadily operating liquid metal thermal energy source employing the lithium-sulfur hexafluoride reactant combination. A steady metal combustor apparatus was designed, fabricated and operated in the temperature range of 1110 to 1255 deg K with power outputs ranging up to 25.2 kW. Steady-state conditions were established by continuously supplying fuel and oxidizer to the reaction chamber while continuously removing the reaction products through a trap arrangement in the bottom of the chamber. Procedures were developed to obtain bath liquid density values and to remove and analyze samples by wet chemical methods. Thermal performance data were generated at a bath temperature of 1197 plus or minus 3 deg K over a range of load conditions. The capability of the system to operate under variable load range, idling and restart conditions was also demonstrated for operating time of 10 hours. No corrosion problems were observed with the type 316 stainless steel components. Thermal efficiencies ranged from 86.4 to 84.0% in the bath temperature range of 1110 to 1250 deg K. Fuel utilization exceeded 99% at 1200 deg K because the fuel solubility in the reaction products is less than 0.5% by mole fraction. A thermodynamic model for the reaction permitted calculation of liquid phase solubilities, liquid phase densities, gas phase partial pressures, and thermal performance values which were in good agreement with experimental results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA104659
Entities
People
- Edward G. Groff
- Gerard M. Faeth
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University