Patent ID: 6086652
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: C22B,Y02P

Abstract:
A method for the startup purification of a circulating heat exchange stream comprising a liquid metal heat exchange fluid, the method comprising:charging a heat transfer fluid comprising a liquid metal into initial contact with the metallic surfaces defining a fluid circulation volume for indirect heat exchange wherein at least a portion of the surfaces have been exposed to potential oxidation conditions;passing the heat transfer fluid at suitable conditions to remove oxides from the metallic surfaces and introduce oxides into the liquid metal;draining at least a portion of the liquid metal into a drain tank for the retention of the liquid metal;contacting the liquid metal in the drain tank with an oxygen scavenging material at suitable conditions to reduce the concentration of the oxides in the liquid metal that entered the drain tank; andreturning liquid metal having a reduced oxide concentration from the drain tank to the circulation volume.