Results of molten salt valve and flange component tests with the TESIS:com facility

This paper addresses the requirements for components in solar thermal power plants using molten salt as heat transfer fluid. For both line-focused and tower systems, operation requirements for various components are compiled from standards, publications, and operating experience. This also includes information on the typical sizes of the components. Based on the collated operating parameters, tests were carried out with valves and flange connections, provided by industrial partners, in the TESIS:com test facility. Shutoff valves without valve spindle heaters and bellows were tested primarily through continuous open/close cycles at temperatures between 290 and 560 °C. The tests were conducted in two different campaigns in which the valves were exposed to Solar Salt for 4.5 and 8 days, respectively. After the first test campaign, the knowledge obtained was used to develop an improved valve packing. In addition, a new development of flange connections was subjected to high temperature gradients (shocks) and freezing.