Ultrasonic based instrumentation for measuring hygroscopic, high temperature molten salt level in an electrorefiner inside inert atmosphere glove boxes

Abstract

Molten salt level measurement in the process vessels of pyrochemical reprocessing of spent metallic fuels is one of the key process parameters. Level measurement of hygroscopic and high temperature salts is a challenging task. It is proposed to use an ultrasonic based level measurement. The Commercially available ultra sonic level indicators have the limitations such as their physical dimensions, working environment, and adaptability for inert atmosphere glove boxes. Customization of molten salt level measurement technique using ultrasonic sensors in inert atmosphere glove boxes has been developed. The working principle, design concept, fabrication techniques and results have been discussed in this paper.