Identifying corrosive elements found in flowing molten salt through a loop is crucial for reactor sustainability and safety. Oxidative corrosion of the reactor loop by oxygen or metals will lead to structural and chemical hazards. Additionally, any water present in the molten salt will yield gaseous and aqueous hydrogen fluoride, an extremely toxic acid. Analysis of molten salt is possible by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). By aerosolizing molten salt from the reactor, ICP-MS can quantify samples in real-time, allowing for prevention of dangerous situations. Molten salt analysis also has the benefit of keeping samples from being exposed to the atmosphere, better ensuring the accuracy of each reading. Data was collected using pre-mixed nitrate salt mixtures. Na, K, and Li levels were high, and other elements varied. Subsequent experiments of this study will include FLiNaK and FLiBe salt mixtures.

Identification and quantification of elements in molten salts via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

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