Reference Correlations for the Viscosity of Molten LiF-NaF-KF, LiF-BeF2, and Li2CO3-Na2CO3-K2CO3

Abstract

In 1974, reference correlations for the viscosity of molten LiF-NaF-KF, LiF-BeF2, and Li2CO3-Na2CO3-K2CO3 were proposed by Janz and have been extensively used since then. However, in the last 45 years, many additional measurements have been published. This is why in this paper, new reference correlations for the viscosity of these salts are proposed. All available experimental data for the viscosity of these three molten salts have been critically examined with the intention of establishing improved or new reference viscosity correlations. All experimental data have been categorized into primary and secondary data according to the quality of measurement specified by a series of criteria. The reference correlation proposed for LiF-NaF-KF, with an uncertainty of 2.9% at the 95% confidence level, expands the temperature range of the previous correlation from (770–970) K to (732–1163) K and retains its uncertainty. The correlation proposed for LiF-BeF2, with an uncertainty of 4.9% at the 95% confidence level, expands the high temperature range of the previous correlation from (740–870) K to (793–1573) K, with a slight loss in its uncertainty. It is, however, a much better correlation as it is based upon measurements not available at the time of the previous one. Finally, the reference correlation for Li2CO3-Na2CO3-K2CO3, with an uncertainty of 3%, also expands the temperature range of the previous correlation from (920–1170) K to (738–1170) K and retains its uncertainty.