CFD analysis and optimization of a liquid lead–bismuth loop target for ISOL facilities

In the context of the forthcoming next generation of Radioactive Ion Beams (RIBs) facilities based on an Isotope Separation On Line (ISOL) method, the development of production targets capable of dissipating the high power deposited by the primary beam is a major challenge. The concept of a high-power target based on a liquid Pb–Bi loop incorporating a heat-exchanger and a diffusion chamber was proposed within EURISOL DS and is being developed within the LIEBE1 project. Due to the non-static character of the target, specific hydrodynamics issues are of concern. In this paper, these issues are studied mostly based on three-dimensional (3D) Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis of the flow of the Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) target, resulting in optimized designs. The concept and hydrodynamic challenges of generating RIBs from a liquid-metal-loop target irradiated with a high-power primary beam are presented. The optimization of the target design has been conducted keeping in mind the need for a fast and efficient release of short-lived isotopes. This study shows that approximately 100 ms after the proton pulse the irradiated liquid-metal is entirely and uniformly evacuated from the irradiation volume and spread in a shower of small droplets (100-μm radii), in order to reduce the diffusion length of isotopes. Solutions to deal with the typical cavitation risk due to the presence of low-pressure zones in the liquid have also been found and simulated.