Molten Salt Ferrofluid

This invention is a magnetic molten salt, also known as a ferrofluid. Utilizing molten salt as the base fluid with suspended magnetic nanoparticles enables the ferrofluid to maintain magnetic properties up to a temperature of 1000 degrees Celsius. This invention will allow for the removal of internal pumps from high temperature heat transfer fluid applications and allow the heat transfer fluid to be pumped with external magnetic fields. Additionally, this invention potentially allows for movement of the fluid at the microscopic level and is therefore ideal solution to complex heat transfer systems. There is also evidence of control of physical properties of this solution such as viscosity, density, heat transfer, and more all with an external magnetic field.

Description

This development originated from the challenge of optimizing the physical properties of molten chloride salts used as heat transfer fluids in nuclear reactors. The goal was to enhance the efficiency of these fluids by increasing their specific heat capacity through the use of stable colloidal mixtures. Literature revealed that at lower temperatures, ferrofluids with aqueous or organic base liquids exhibit unique behaviors under external magnetic fields, affecting factors such as density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and fluid flow dynamics. These insights prompted the first-ever synthesis of a molten salt-based ferrofluid. The resulting mixtures maintain magnetic properties at temperatures up to 1000 Celsius, offering new opportunities for thermal regulation in extreme environments like nuclear energy systems. 

Benefits

• High operating temperature: Capable of operating at temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius, significantly exceeding the 300 degrees Celsius limit of current ferrofluids.
• Expanded temperature range: Offers an operating temperature range almost double that of existing ferrofluid compositions, enhancing versatility in high-temperature applications.
• Improved performance: Allows for more efficient heat transfer in extreme conditions, beneficial for sectors such as nuclear energy and advanced industrial processes.

Applications and Industries 

• Nuclear reactors: Enhanced heat transfer fluid for improved efficiency and safety in nuclear energy applications.
• Concentrated solar systems: Optimized heat transfer fluid for effective energy capture and thermal management in solar power systems.
• Microelectronics: Improved thermal management solutions for microelectronics, preventing overheating and enhancing performance.
• Industrial processes: Efficient heat transfer fluid for a wide range of industrial applications, improving productivity and energy efficiency.
• High temperature separation: Effective heat transfer fluid for high-temperature separation processes, enabling better extraction and purification techniques.

Contact

To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.