Molten salts corrosion characteristics

The coolant is a liquid (molten) salt however, the AHTR is not a molten salt reactor (MSR). The term molten salt reactor refers to reactors that have the fuel dissolved in the coolant (i.e. MSRs are liquid fuel reactors). The liquid salt in the AHTR is a clean coolant with a coolant cleanup system to remove impurities. The coolant cleanup system ensures low rates of equipment corrosion and minimizes radioactive contamination outside the reactor core. The AHTR uses a traditional solid fuel. The Appendix to Annex XXVI provides more detailed information on the characteristics of liquid salts as coolants and the relevant industrial experience. 

Used primarily for styls for improved wear resistance Improved antiscuffing characteristics of ferrous alloys Improved molten-salt hot corrosion... 

The experience in handling salt with larger-sized equipment is quite limited. A small loop built of 347 stainless steel has been operated satisfactorily for a fairly short time. A much larger loop, loop "N, is now being constructed at BNL. This will contact the chloride salt and the bismuth fuel. The. salt part of the loop is constructed of 347 stainless. steel. The bismuth fuel section of the unit is constructed of 2 % Cr-1% Mo steel. The actual contacting units are constructed of both 347 and the low-chrome steels. This pilot plant, when placed in operation, should furnish considerable information on the corrosion characteristics of the molten chloride. salt. 

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