Corrosion of stainless steel in molten fluoride salt with radiation effects
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Engineering (Level 1)
Abstract
The development of molten salt reactors (MSRs) represents a promising advancement in nuclear technology, offering enhanced safety and efficiency over traditional reactors. However, a significant challenge facing MSRs is the corrosion of structural materials such as stainless steel by molten salts. Understanding, predicting, and mitigating this corrosion is crucial for the longevity and safety of these reactors. Despite recent advancements, gaps remain in comprehensively understanding the corrosion mechanisms, especially when coupled with radiation. Predicting material lifetimes and developing new corrosion-resistant materials or coatings is a key challenge.
The outcomes of my research have the potential to significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of MSRs by improving the durability of their structural materials. By developing a deeper understanding of corrosion mechanisms and identifying effective mitigation strategies, this research can contribute to the broader adoption of MSR technology. Research directions are to determine a detailed understanding in corrosion behaviour of stainless steel when exposed to radiation effects within the molten salt, ascertain preferential surface finishes and salt environments, as well as exploring the integration of in-situ monitoring of corrosion into reactor design.
Some work will be carried out using National Nuclear User Facilities (NNUF) and collaboration with Copenhagen Atomics. Pre- and post- corroded samples will be prepared by metallography for analysis by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UK National Ion Beam Centre (UKNIBC) will be used for irradiation experiments to emulate radiation damage.
Sustainable Development Goals of 7 'affordable and clean energy' and 13 'climate action' are both addressed by the development of advanced nuclear reactors such as MSRs, of which this research would play a part. The collaboration with Copenhagen Atomics' chemical engineering expertise, the University of Liverpool facilities for corrosion analysis and the NNUF will have a positive impact on the understanding of molten salt corrosion on stainless steel, with radiation effects, for a step towards net zero.
Other areas of importance for this research are in nuclear fusion, where molten fluoride salts containing lithium are used as breeder blankets for tritium production, and where molten salts are used as heat energy storage from either solar energy or renewables; this heat energy can then be used for processing or to produce electricity from steam generation. Corrosion and radiation effects in construction alloys are a major concern in these fields and a deep understanding of this subject is vital for economics and safety.
The outcomes of my research have the potential to significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of MSRs by improving the durability of their structural materials. By developing a deeper understanding of corrosion mechanisms and identifying effective mitigation strategies, this research can contribute to the broader adoption of MSR technology. Research directions are to determine a detailed understanding in corrosion behaviour of stainless steel when exposed to radiation effects within the molten salt, ascertain preferential surface finishes and salt environments, as well as exploring the integration of in-situ monitoring of corrosion into reactor design.
Some work will be carried out using National Nuclear User Facilities (NNUF) and collaboration with Copenhagen Atomics. Pre- and post- corroded samples will be prepared by metallography for analysis by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UK National Ion Beam Centre (UKNIBC) will be used for irradiation experiments to emulate radiation damage.
Sustainable Development Goals of 7 'affordable and clean energy' and 13 'climate action' are both addressed by the development of advanced nuclear reactors such as MSRs, of which this research would play a part. The collaboration with Copenhagen Atomics' chemical engineering expertise, the University of Liverpool facilities for corrosion analysis and the NNUF will have a positive impact on the understanding of molten salt corrosion on stainless steel, with radiation effects, for a step towards net zero.
Other areas of importance for this research are in nuclear fusion, where molten fluoride salts containing lithium are used as breeder blankets for tritium production, and where molten salts are used as heat energy storage from either solar energy or renewables; this heat energy can then be used for processing or to produce electricity from steam generation. Corrosion and radiation effects in construction alloys are a major concern in these fields and a deep understanding of this subject is vital for economics and safety.
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