ORNL-1816 - the Molten Salt Energy Technologies Web Site

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while connected to a small tank of relatively
stagnant NaF-ZrF,-UF, (53.5-40-6.5 mole %), at
1400°F. The unit operated for 500 hr, during
which time approximately 125 ft3 of helium was
bled into the tank and out through the vapor trap,
No plugging of the trap or of the t-in. gas lines
had occurred at termination of the test. Exami-
nation of the vapor trap and heated tube revealed
that all heated surfaces remained clear and that
condensation had occurred on only the cooled
surfaces. A second unit was then installed in
the test loop at K-25, and approximately 70 ft3
of vapor-laden helium was periodically vented
from the pump tank without plugging. The trap
has since operated over 900 hr with more than
100 periodic vent operations without plugging.
Similar traps installed in the ARE fuel pump were
also successful.