| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2021
|
| Symposium
|
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2021
|
| Presentation Title |
Deliquescence of Eutectic LiCl-KCl Diluted with NaCl for Interim Waste Salt Storage |
| Author(s) |
Claire M Decker, Jerry R. Howard, Levi Gardner, Allison Harward, Guy Fredrickson, Tae-Sic Yoo, Michael F. Simpson, Krista L. Carlson |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Claire M Decker |
| Abstract Scope |
Molten eutectic LiCl-KCl is a widely used electrolyte for electrorefining uranium from spent nuclear fuel. Due to the hygroscopic nature of this salt, careful handling and storage is required to avoid deliquescence and corrosion of container materials. This study investigated a potential processing path for reducing the deliquescence through dilution with NaCl. The hydration behavior of LiCl-KCl diluted with NaCl was evaluated in terms of mass gain due to water absorption, visual evidence of deliquescence, and visual evidence of corrosion to stainless-steel containers in a humid air environment. Pure LiCl-KCl exhibited a 50 mass% increase due to water absorption and exhibited deliquescence after 24 hours. 89 mass% NaCl was required in order to prevent deliquescence. Dilution with 89% NaCl was also found to protect stainless steel crucibles from corrosion. Corrosion, thus, appears to require deliquescence. While NaCl dilution decreases steady state hydration and eliminates deliquescence, storage volume is increased ~10x. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |