Randy L. Everett

Temperature-dependent mechanical property testing of nitrate thermal storage salts.

Three salt compositions for potential use in trough-based solar collectors were tested to determine their mechanical properties as a function of temperature. The mechanical properties determined were unconfined compressive strength, Youngs modulus, Poissons ratio, and indirect tensile strength. Seventeen uniaxial compression and indirect tension tests were completed. It was found that as test temperature increases, unconfined compressive strength and Youngs modulus decreased for all salt types. Empirical relationships were developed quantifying the aforementioned behaviors. Poissons ratio tends to increase with increasing temperature except for one salt type where there is no obvious trend. The variability in measured indirect tensile strength is large, but not atypical for this index test. The average tensile strength for all salt types tested is substantially higher than the upper range of tensile strengths for naturally occurring rock salts.

Nanofiltration treatment options for thermoelectric power plant water treatment demands.

.......................................................................................................................................3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................................5 TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................7 LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................9 List of Figures ................................................................................................................................11