Why must seed material be recovered in an MHD power plant?

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magnetohydrodynamic power generator Comparison of the operating principles of (A) a turbogenerator and (B) an MHD generator.

In a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power plant, seed material—typically an alkali substance like potassium carbonate, cesium, or sodium—is injected into the hot gas to increase its electrical conductivity to a level necessary for efficient power generation.1

While only a small amount of seed material is required (approximately 1 percent by mass), it must be recovered because the economic operation of the plant depends on it. Recovering the seed material is essential to maintain cost-effectiveness, as the continuous loss of these additives would make the process financially unsustainable.1