A System for Handling Diverter Ion and Energy Flux Based on a Lithium Droplet Cloud

A novel ion and energy absorption system is proposed for use with tokamak diverters. The key to its feasibility is to accelerate the liquid-lithium working material outside the magnetic field, then have it pass through the magnetic field as free droplets. This avoids any significant magnetohydrodynamic effect on the liquid-metal motion. Thermal, fluid flow, and vacuum parameters are evaluated, and it is indicated that they have considerable flexibility.