Microstructure Effects on Infiltrated Molten Salt Distribution Revealed by Imaging
June 12, 2026
Reconstructed 3D volumes of graphite before and after molten salt infiltration. Volume subtraction is performed to extract the 3D distribution of infiltrated salt.
Scientific Achievement
Molten salt infiltration in different nuclear graphite (used as moderator in molten salt reactors) is 3D-mapped using neutron computed tomography (nCT).
Significance and Impact
An improved nCT methodology is developed to evaluate salt penetration and distribution of a wide range of graphite grades with diverse microstructures.
Research Details
- nCTs were acquired on the same graphite before and after salt intrusion. Volume subtraction yields direct visualization of salt distribution.
- Exposure times (12 h and 336 h) and graphite microstructure were studied after exposing to salt at 750 ◦C and 3 bar (gauge) pressure.
- Results show medium- and fine-grained graphites evolve to equilibrium at significantly different rates.
"Viewing is understanding: Graphite microstructure effects on infiltrated molten salt distribution revealed by 3D neutron tomography," Carbon, 246, 120903 (2025).
https://doi:10.1016/j.carbon.2025.120903
