Contec Monthly #19: 5 molten salt facts to know ??

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5 molten salt facts you didn't know ??

In this newly adopted section of our newsletter, we’ll share interesting facts about industry topics. What better topic to begin with than molten salts?

Molten salts are a novel heat transfer system whose potential is just beginning to be explored. Here are five facts about them:

1. Molten salts make a good heat storage and transfer medium because they have a low viscosity and high thermal and electrical conductivity. They also have chemical and thermal stability.
2. Molten salts have low vapour pressure, making them suitable for heat transfer when pressure buildup needs to be avoided. They also reduce the need for heavy piping.
3. Molten salts are chemically stable and better for the environment as they pose no safety risk. They’re also non-toxic when spilled in small quantities.
4. The most common molten salt mixture used as a heat transfer medium is composed of 60% sodium nitrate and 40% potassium nitrate and melts when heated at 220°C. It remains liquid in the temperature range of 220-600°C and decomposes into nitrogen and nitrogen oxides at temperatures over 600°C.
5. The most widespread use of molten salts is to store thermal energy in solar power plants. During the day, the excess solar heat not used for making electricity is sent to molten salts for storage. Solar plants use the heat stored in molten salts to produce steam and generate electricity overnight. Molten salt systems can increase the capacity of solar plants by up to 70%!

Contec S.A. is the only recovered Carbon Black producer that has integrated molten salts as a heat transfer medium in its pyrolysis process. Learn more about Molten?, our proprietary technology.

The automotive and tire industry: a monthly review ??

Learn more about the latest topics being discussed in our industry:

Does manufacturing have a circular future? ??

Manufactured goods are responsible for one-third of global GHG emissions.

While manufacturing plays a vital part in our economy, producing vehicles, tires, and materials, the acceleration of material consumption no longer serves humanity’s well-being and progress. ??

What's the current status of circularity in manufacturing, according to this year’s Circularity Gap Report by the Circle Economy Foundation?

?? Find out here.

What if recovered Carbon Black was used in pigments???

Recovered Carbon Black could be a better option for the pigments industry. A feedstock that doesn't rely heavily on fossil fuels, while still compiling with stringent regulations and circular ambitions.

?? Let's explore the potential of rCB in pigments.

A circular-inspired tire begins in product design ??

But this vision isn’t possible without rethinking the entire design of tires and how waste can be minimised throughout their lifecycle.

How can rethinking tire design lead to circularity?

?? Join the discussion.

Circularity in manufacturing: Latest news in the industry ??

Every Friday, we publish trending articles about the circular economy in our industry. Don’t miss what was published in the last month:

• Week of Jan 29th - Feb 2nd
• Week of Feb 5th - Feb 9th
• Week of Feb 12th - Feb 16th
• Week of Feb 19th - Feb 23rd

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Your Contec team