Problem Statement
The fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR) concept, has the potential to efficiently generate electricity and process heat with improved safety and economics. A range of technology R&D and demonstrations must be performed to advance the technology to commercialization.
Technical Approach
The liquid salt test loop (LSTL) was created as a versatile facility for the development and demonstration of FHR technology. It is constructed of high nickel alloy to perform tests in fluoride salts at up to 700°C. The main components include a 10 hp pump, approximately 250 kW of heating, three tanks, air-cooled heat exchanger, and a range of I&C. Another unique feature is an inductively heated pebble bed contained in a 1.07 m SiC tube used for heat transfer tests. A salt cleanup system is capable of cleaning 160 kg batches of fluoride salts. A separate test stand is being developed for high temperature calibration of flow meters.
Benefit
The LSTL is a versatile facility able to support development and demonstration of components such as seals, valves, pump components, I&C, heat exchangers, etc. The loop also provides data for code benchmarking and validation.
Sponsor
Department of Energy – Nuclear Energy
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics
Principal Investigator
Kevin Robb
Click here to download a Liquid Salt Test Loop Fact Sheet
Click here to download a Fluoride Salt Cleanup System Fact Sheet
