In 1998 Makhankov [1] described the concept of modular exchangeable plasma facing components (PFCs) based on liquid metal heat pipes which are radiatively cooled. Here we present results from recent experiments with a lithium filled tubular heat pipe owned by Sandia National Laboratories. The tantalum envelope (~20mm diameter by ~200mm long) was he…
Recent experiments on Magnum-PSI exposed a lithium-filled heat pipe to a hydrogen plasma beam to demonstrate the potential of radiatively cooled, high temperature heat pipes as modular, replaceable plasma facing components. Monitoring the temperature distribution over the full 20cm length of the pipe was a crucial element of the experiment, requiri…
