Comparative Analysis on the Characteristics of Liquid Lead and Lead–Bismuth Eutectic as Coolants for Fast Reactors

Mian Xing, Jihong Fan (), Feng Shen, Daogang Lu, Linsen Li, Hui Yu and Jin Fan
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Mian Xing: School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Jihong Fan: Institute of Energy Power Innovation, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Feng Shen: State Power Investment Corporation Research Institute, Beijing 102209, China
Daogang Lu: School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Linsen Li: State Power Investment Corporation Research Institute, Beijing 102209, China
Hui Yu: State Power Investment Corporation Research Institute, Beijing 102209, China
Jin Fan: State Power Investment Corporation Research Institute, Beijing 102209, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-16

Abstract: With the increasing global demand for sustainable energy, the importance of advanced nuclear technologies, such as fourth-generation reactors, has become increasingly prominent. Fourth-generation reactors often use non-water coolants, among which liquid lead and lead–bismuth eutectics (LBEs) are highly promising, making lead-cooled fast reactors (LFRs) a popular area of research internationally. On the basis of extensive analysis and comparison conducted previously, this article summarizes and analyzes the advantages, problems, and differences in lead and LBE as LFR coolants. Overall, both lead and LBE have excellent neutronic characteristics, good heat transfer performance, and chemical inertness, and make LFRs highly efficient in nuclear fuel utilization, inherently safe, and relatively simplified in design. However, both of them corrode materials severely and produce highly toxic 210 Po, which are the problems that need to be considered for further engineering development. Moreover, LBE has a lower melting point, which allows a wider temperature range and lower insulation requirements in its design, making it easier to achieve engineering and miniaturization under the same conditions. Lead has a lower cost, is less corrosive to materials, and produces less 210 Po, which makes it a more ideal coolant for future development.

Keywords: fast reactors; coolant; lead; lead–bismuth eutectic; comparative analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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