Pump for Molten Salt Test Loop
Faculty Mentor Name
Daniel White, Richard Mangum
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
The renewed interest in molten salt technologies for nuclear power generation has led to the development of a molten salt test stand at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). During the 2023-2024 capstone year, the SaltWorx team successfully developed a test stand capable of melting salt. Building on this foundation, Darvaza Rotordynamics is designing, constructing, and testing a pump to enable molten salt circulation within the system. The pump must integrate with existing hardware, operate within a predefined temperature range, and comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety standards. This project focuses on developing a centrifugal impeller pump, replacing the initially considered Archimedes screw design due to manufacturability, performance, and financial constraints. The system is divided into five subsystems: prime mover, mechanical drive, seals, thermal management and data acquisition, and integration and testing . Key design considerations include high-temperature operation, leakage prevention, and maintaining safe system pressures. The centrifugal impeller is expected to achieve the required flow rates while optimizing cost and manufacturing feasibility. Successful implementation of this pump will enhance ERAU's molten salt test bed, supporting future research and development in energy storage and thermal management.
Pump for Molten Salt Test Loop
The renewed interest in molten salt technologies for nuclear power generation has led to the development of a molten salt test stand at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). During the 2023-2024 capstone year, the SaltWorx team successfully developed a test stand capable of melting salt. Building on this foundation, Darvaza Rotordynamics is designing, constructing, and testing a pump to enable molten salt circulation within the system. The pump must integrate with existing hardware, operate within a predefined temperature range, and comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety standards. This project focuses on developing a centrifugal impeller pump, replacing the initially considered Archimedes screw design due to manufacturability, performance, and financial constraints. The system is divided into five subsystems: prime mover, mechanical drive, seals, thermal management and data acquisition, and integration and testing . Key design considerations include high-temperature operation, leakage prevention, and maintaining safe system pressures. The centrifugal impeller is expected to achieve the required flow rates while optimizing cost and manufacturing feasibility. Successful implementation of this pump will enhance ERAU's molten salt test bed, supporting future research and development in energy storage and thermal management.