Detection of Impurities in Molten Salt using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Monday, October 6, 2025

4:30 PM - 4:50 PM EDT

Location: Ballroom D

Presenting Author(s)

Zechariah B. Kitzhaber (he/him/his)

Postdoctoral Researcher
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Rockwood, Tennessee, United States

Non-Presenting Author(s)

DO

Daniel Orea

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States
JM

Joanna McFarlane

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States

Project Lead(s)

HA

Hunter B. Andrews, PhD (he/him/his)

R&D Staff - Analytical Chemist
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States

Non-Presenting Author(s)

BM

Ben Manard

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States

In fifteen words or less, explain the significance of this contribution (Novel Aspect).: LIBS is a promising method for detecting impurities in molten salts for advanced nuclear reactors.

Abstract Text:

A molten salt reactor (MSR) is a type of advanced nuclear reactor that uses a high-temperature molten salt as the primary heat exchange fluid for improved efficiency and safety. In some cases, the nuclear fuel is dissolved into the salt for a liquid-fueled reactor design. These salts become highly corrosive in the presence of moisture and/or oxygen, and fission products can build up within the salt. Therefore, it is very important to be able to confirm the purity of these salts through the detection of possible contaminants, corrosion products, and fission species. Detection methods must be compatible with the high temperature, corrosivity, and radioactivity of MSR salts. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is well-suited as an analytical approach. This presentation will discuss recent investigations on the use of LIBS for detecting impurities in molten salt.