Real-Time Elemental and Isotopic Measurements of Molten Salt Systems through Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Andrews, Hunter B.; Kitzhaber, Zechariah B.; Orea, Daniel; McFarlane, Joanna

doi:10.1021/jacs.4c13684

Real-Time Elemental and Isotopic Measurements of Molten Salt Systems through Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Journal Article · Wed Dec 04 00:00:00 EST 2024 · Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.4c13684· OSTI ID:2538320

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Molten salt reactors are an emerging advanced nuclear reactor concept in which the fuel is dissolved into the working fluid in the form of a high-temperature molten salt. The complex, mobile, and corrosive nature of this fluid presents a fundamental challenge for analytical measurements. Tracking species throughout the reactor is important for ensuring proper operation. This article presents laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) used to monitor the elemental composition of a molten salt and corresponding hydrogen isotopic shifts in real-time. A NaNO₃–KNO₃ eutectic salt was saturated with protium and deuterium gases, then the effluent aerosol stream formed using an argon sparging vessel was monitored with LIBS. This modular LIBS system permitted several spectrometers to be used simultaneously to capture high-resolution isotopic shifts and provide broadband elemental coverage. Further, the results exhibit how LIBS can be used to understand salt–gas chemical and physical interactions such as diffusion. Furthermore, LIBS’ broad elemental coverage can provide greater insight into the chemical reactions within the salt vessel such as the formation of water vapor by monitoring hydrogen and oxygen signatures simultaneously. Ultimately, this study demonstrates the analytical possibilities of LIBS for real-time monitoring of isotopes and elemental composition in molten salt systems.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725

OSTI ID:: 2538320

Journal Information:: Journal of the American Chemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the American Chemical Society Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 147; ISSN 0002-7863

Publisher:: American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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