Low-melting point inorganic nitrate salt heat transfer fluid

Patent Number:	7,588,694
Issued:	September 15, 2009
Official Filing:	View the Complete Patent at the US Patent & Trademark Office
Technology:	Molten Salt Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF)
Abstract:	A low-melting point, heat transfer fluid made of a mixture of four inorganic nitrate salts: 9-18 wt % NaNO.sub.3, 40-52 wt % KNO.sub.3, 13-21 wt % LiNO.sub.3, and 20-27 wt % Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2. These compositions can have liquidus temperatures less than 100 C; thermal stability limits greater than 500 C; and viscosity in the range of 5-6 cP at 300 C; and 2-3 cP at 400 C.
Inventors:	Bradshaw; Robert W. (Livermore, CA), Brosseau; Douglas A. (Albuquerque, NM)
Assignee:	Sandia Corporation (Albuquerque, NM)
Application Number:	12/120,257
Filed:	May 14, 2008
Current U.S. Class:	252/71 ; 252/67; 252/69; 252/74;
Current International Class:	C09K 5/00 (20060101); C09K 5/04 (20060101);
Field of Search:	252/71,74,67,69
Government Interests:	FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH The United States Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Department of Energy Contract No. DE-AC04-94AL85000 with Sandia Corporation.