The ASTRI proposed CSP plant will have various dissimilar alloys welded together. It is known that alloy joins and welds, especially of dissimilar alloys, under extreme conditions or in applications where there is a stress present or produced by the specific application, are regions that are degraded quicker. These degraded regions are often the locations of failures. This has led to the requirement to better understand these effects at ASTRI CSP design conditions. This project looks into characterising pristine welds as well as welds that have been exposed to sodium or thermal energy storage candidates. The initial alloys selected, after consultation with ASTRI leadership and stakeholders are 316L and 625 welds with 625 as filling material. This work will endeavor to be expanded to other alloy pairs and filler materials at any point. The initial weld will be characterised and compared to a similar weld that has been exposed to a degrading environment or condition.
Project Funded by Australian Solar thermal Research Institute.