Startup of the molten salt pump
All the facility and test components, assemblies, and systems will he inspected individually and collectively prior to startup. These inspections will he made to check conformance to approved drawings, specifications, and standards.
While at room temperature the salt system will he purged with inert gas, evacuated to remove oxygen and moisture, and refilled with inert gas. The mechanical performance of the salt pump and drive motor will he observed during operation with inert gas. The salt system will he preheated to the desired temperature (normally 1200°F). During preheating, the salt system will he evacuated to further reduce moisture and oxygen and then refilled with inert gas several times. The salt pump will again be rotated briefly to check the running clearances at temperature.