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Title: Environmental effects of solar-thermal power systems. Effect of several thermal transfer/storage fluids on barley seed germination and seedling growth. [Comparison of Therminol 66, Caloria HT43, Syltherm 800, and Partherm 430]

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5805873· OSTI ID:5805873

Plant toxicity threshold level of used thermal transfer/storage materials (Therminol 66, Caloria HT43, Syltherm 800, and Partherm 430) in four different soils was determined by using a modified Neubauer technique. The plant toxicity threshold level of toluene, which is a leading candidate for engine working fluid, was also determined. In three of the soils (Aiken c.l., Yolo c.l., and Egbert muck), the material tolerated in the least amount was Syltherm 800 and that tolerated in the greatest amount was Caloria HT43 from the Coolidge and Willard projects. In the fourth soil (Soil JF79), the material tolerated in the least and in the greatest amount was Partherm 430 and toluene, respectively. Some chemical analyses of thermal transfer/storage materials were also done. Of the elemental contaminants (Al, Fe, Mn, Co, Cr, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni) determined only a few occurred in concentrations greater than 10 mg/l of oil or 10 ..mu..g/g of salt material. These elements were Al in Dow 200, Therminol 66 (Sandia) and Syltherm 800; Fe in Syltherm 800; and Cr and Zn in Partherm 430. Free fatty acids and organic peroxides contents of the used oils were very low, indicating that the heating to which the oils were subjected did not cause appreciable oxidation. Exposure to natural elements (direct solar radiation, ambient air and temperature) for an extended period of time (up to 2 months) appeared to cause more oxidation of the oils than heating alone.

Research Organization:
California Univ., Los Angeles (USA). Lab. of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00012
OSTI ID:
5805873
Report Number(s):
UCLA-12-1315; ON: DE82002526
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English