Design, fabrication, testing and operation of a simulation facility for high temperature molten salt studies
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
ISSN: 1726-0531
Article publication date: 28 June 2021
Issue publication date: 6 December 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Concentrated solar power and molten salt reactors use molten salts for heat energy storage and transfer. FLiNaK salts are being proposed to be used in these plants. However, structural material compatibility is the main hurdle for using molten salt in these systems. Hence, it is essential to study the degradation of materials in high temperature molten FLiNaK salt environment. In view of this paper aims to describe, a simulation facility which was established and operated for carrying out high temperature static corrosion studies of materials under molten FLiNaK salt.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes about the design criteria, method of designing using ASME codes, material selection, fabrication, testing, commissioning and operation. Also, a few experimental results have been illustrated.
Findings
A simulation facility could be designed, fabricated, commissioned and is being successfully operated to carry out corrosion experiments under static molten FLiNaK environment.
Research limitations/implications
The facility has been designed for 800°C and maximum temperature of experiment would be restricted to 750°C. The materials tested in this facility can be validated only up to 750°C temperature. A maximum of four exposure periods can be studied at a time with around ten specimens for each exposure.
Originality/value
Selection of compatible material for the facility and design certain unique features like extracting exposed specimens of intermediate periods without actually shutting down the autoclave and measuring the level of molten salt at high temperature.
Keywords
Citation
Yadavalli, H.V., Krishna Mohan, T.V., S., R. and Albert, S.K. (2022), "Design, fabrication, testing and operation of a simulation facility for high temperature molten salt studies", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 20 No. 6, pp. 1369-1387. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-11-2020-0470
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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