Assessment of Molten Eutectic LiF-NaF-KF Density through Experimental Determination and Semiempirical Modeling

Molten salts have favorable material properties for use in high-temperature energy systems, including thermal energy storage systems, concentrating solar power plants, nuclear reactors, and various industrial manufacturing processes. Knowledge of chemical and thermophysical property data is essential for the design and optimization of these systems, yet data are often limited or uncertain for many candidate salts due to the difficulty of thermophysical property measurements at relevant temperatures (e.g., 500-900 degrees C). Here, the density of molten LiF-NaF-KF eutectic is reassessed through review of previous experimental data, new density measurements from 470 to 800 degrees C, and semiempirical modeling. The density was measured using the displacement technique. Compositional and temperature-dependent density estimates were calculated with a multidimensional Redlich-Kister model. The results of the new experimental measurements agree within 2% of the modeled density of molten eutectic LiF-NaF-KF. The Redlich-Kister model's prediction shows a near-ideal density behavior for the LiF-NaF-KF system and is promising for the estimation of off-eutectic LiF-NaK-KF densities. Finally, through review of the existing literature and comparison to new measurements, recommendations are made for the density of LiF-NaF-KF.