Liquid sodium has been considered a potential candidate as a heat transfer fluid in both the nuclear and concentrated solar thermal power industry. There is a need to fill knowledge gaps in terms of relevant compatibility data by providing comprehensive characterisation of alloys and correspondent welding joints, structural degradation and co-compatibility with liquid sodium. To accomplish this objective, the AMDTR group have developed and demonstrated a novel static sodium exposure “capsule” enabling the safe conduct of long-term static exposure testing. These exposure tests include materials (alloys, ceramics, etc.) being subjected to liquid sodium up to temperatures of ~ 750 oC (under an Ar cover) with all associated OHS requirements to safely handle the sodium, pre, during and post-test. This novel system enables the temperature of test specimen to be controlled, while the seals of the containment system are only slightly above room temperature. This enables the test capsule to be re-used and overcomes issues related to sodium vaporisation during testing.
Project Funded by the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute.