The experimental study on vapor adsorption performance using a small ambient molecular sieve bed for ancillary systems of breeding blanket

• Published in: Fusion engineering and design 2024-08, Vol.205, p.114566, Article 114566
• Main Authors: Son, Seok-Kwon, Shin, Chang Wook, Park, Soon Chang, Lee, Youngmin, Ahn, Mu-Young
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption; Ambient molecular sieve bed (AMSB); Ancillary system; Breeding blanket
• ISSN: 0920-3796
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2024.114566

•This study demonstrates the successful performance of a small ambient molecular sieve bed (AMSB) in adsorbing low partial pressure vapor, confirming its suitability for use in ancillary systems of breeding blanket.•The vapor partial pressure is identified as the dominant factor influencing the full adsorption performance of the AMSB, even at reduced size and low vapor concentration levels.•The cyclic operation of the AMSB is successfully validated, Note the importance of complete desorption to maintain optimal adsorption performance and efficiency in future operating scenarios. This paper investigates the adsorption performance of an ambient molecular sieve bed (AMSB) intended to be designed for ancillary systems of breeding blanket in a nuclear fusion reactor. The study focuses on MS5A as a promising adsorbent for removing low partial pressure Q2O impurities in the ancillary systems of breeding blanket. While the absorbent's isotherm is well established for huge columns in the chemical industry, the competence of a small MS5A bed in handling low Q2O concentrations within the ancillary systems for breeding blanket is investigated. The adsorption performance on low partial pressure vapors has been investigated through experimental evaluations using a small AMSB with a Research Apparatus for Vapor Adsorption and Desorption, RAVAD. The results show that the adsorption performance of the small AMSB, despite its reduced size, closely follows the absorption isotherm based on the chemical industry. The vapor partial pressure was identified as the dominant factor determining the adsorption performance. Accordingly, an adsorption experiment was performed under the Q2O partial pressure of the TES, and although the size was small, 99 % adsorption performance without breakthrough was confirmed for 11 days. In addition, the cyclic operation of the AMSB was successfully validated through a comprehensive evaluation of the total vapor uptake. These experimental results provide considerations for the development of AMSB designs and their operational scenarios for the ancillary systems of breeding blanket. Overall, this study provides a basis for the effective use of small AMSBs for the removal of Q2O impurities within fusion reactor blanket ancillary systems. The experimental results are expected to contribute to improve design efficiencies and operational strategies to enable better performance in the removal of Q2O impurities from the feed gas.