Fabrication of nitrogen trapping test loop for IFMIF-EVEDA

Nitrogen trapping is a key technology for liquid lithium usage, but has not been well investigated in dynamic conditions. Based on IFMIF (International Fusion Material Irradiation Facility)-EVEDA (Engineering Validation Engineering Design Activities), the nitrogen-trapping loop was designed and fabricated at The University of Tokyo. Lithium in the loop can be heated up to 600 °C and is circulated by a mechanical pump. The pump, which works in high temperature lithium, is newly developed as well. Nitrogen trapping material, such as the Fe–Ti alloy pebble, can be installed as a pebble bed column similar to that of the EVEDA nitrogen trap. In order to avoid contamination by air, all of the components are installed in a vacuum vessel or in a vacuum glove box.