Circulating Fused-Salt Fuel Irradiation Test Loop

A compact forced-circulation test loop for obtaining corrosion data applicable to molten-salt-fueled reactors has been operated in the MTR (HB-3) beam hole. Several tests were conducted with two fused-salt mixtures, NaF-ZrF₄-UF₄ and Li⁷F-BeF₂-UF₄, in loops constructed, respectively, of Inconel and INOR-8 (nominal composition: 70% Ni, 16% Mo, 7% Cr, 5% Fe, 2% other alloying elements). The maximum loop temperature ranged from 1300 to 1600°F. Engineering aspects of loop design and operation are described.