Liquid metal leak detection for spallation neutron sources

Short response times and the harsh radiation environment in liquid metal targets of spallation neutron sources pose stringent requirements and demanding boundary conditions for reliable liquid metal leak detection. For the PSI Megawatt pilot experiment (Megapie) liquid metal target two novel approaches have been pursued: a thermocouple-based leak detector and one employing impedance read out. During the whole operational life of the Megapie target satisfactory performance has been achieved. How these concepts can be further improved and easily be adapted to other installations based on the PSI experience will be described here.