Latest advancements in molten salt materials for thermal stability include:
1. Real-Time Chemical Monitoring
Oak Ridge National Laboratory recently developed a novel method to track chemical changes in molten salts in real time. This technique enables precise monitoring of corrosive behavior and stability under operational conditions, addressing critical challenges in reactor design.
2. Irradiation Experiments
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is conducting irradiation experiments to analyze fuel-bearing molten chloride salts under reactor conditions. The Molten Salt Research Temperature Controlled Irradiation project will test how radiation affects salt properties like thermal conductivity and structural integrity, with experiments planned for late 2025.
3. Thermophysical Property Analysis
INL’s Molten Salt Thermophysical Examination Capability (set for completion in 2026) uses shielded gloveboxes to measure irradiated salt properties, including heat capacity and viscosity. This aims to optimize salt formulations for high-temperature stability.
4. Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE)
A fast-spectrum molten salt reactor experiment (planned for 2027) will test fuel salts under operational conditions. This public-private partnership with Southern Company and TerraPower focuses on validating thermal performance and corrosion management in chloride-based salts.
Key focus areas:
- Corrosion mitigation through advanced monitoring
- Material compatibility under irradiation
- High-temperature performance for next-gen reactors
These efforts aim to enable molten salt reactors to operate safely at higher temperatures, improving energy efficiency and supporting decarbonization goals.
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