Abstract: Methods of arranging and operating a molten salt solar thermal energy system are disclosed. Molten salt flows from a set of cold storage tanks to solar receivers which heat the molten salt to a maximum temperature of about 850° F. The heated molten salt is sent to a set of hot storage tanks. The heated molten salt is then pumped to a steam generation system to produce steam for process and/or power generation. Lower salt temperatures are useful in processes that use lower steam temperatures, such as thermal desalination. Lower salt temperatures and low chloride molten salt reduce the corrosion potential, permitting the use of lower cost alloys for the solar receivers, hot storage tanks, salt pumps, piping and instrumentation and steam generation system. Multiple sets of modular, shop assembled storage tanks are also used to reduce the amount of salt piping, simplify draining, and reduce field assembly and plant cost.

Abstract: Methods of arranging and operating a molten salt solar thermal energy system are disclosed. Molten salt flows from a set of cold storage tanks to solar receivers which heat the molten salt to a maximum temperature of about 850° F. The heated molten salt is sent to a set of hot storage tanks. The heated molten salt is then pumped to a steam generation system to produce steam for process and/or power generation. Lower salt temperatures are useful in processes that use lower steam temperatures, such as thermal desalination. Lower salt temperatures and low chloride molten salt reduce the corrosion potential, permitting the use of lower cost alloys for the solar receivers, hot storage tanks, salt pumps, piping and instrumentation and steam generation system. Multiple sets of modular, shop assembled storage tanks are also used to reduce the amount of salt piping, simplify draining, and reduce field assembly and plant cost.

Abstract: A reversible, wear-resistant ash screw cooler section is provided with a carbon steel inner liner having a high chrome, high carbide overlay emplaced thereon to improve its wear and erosion resistance. To facilitate obtaining the maximum wear out of the section, the replaceable section is made symmetrical about its vertical and longitudinal centerline and provided with suitable compatible flanges and symmetrically placed cooling water hookups on the ends of the section to allow the section to be reversed, end for end, and reconnected to the ash screw cooler.