TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: ThermaSpin High-Temperature Viscometer

Value Proposition:

ThermaSpin, developed by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, provides a reliable, cost-effective way to measure the flow behavior (viscosity) of extremely hot and reactive liquids, such as molten salts and metals, under realistic operating conditions. Unlike existing solutions that are expensive, complex or poorly suited for low-viscosity fluids, this enclosed high-temperature viscometer delivers high sensitivity, small sample requirements and precise atmospheric control, enabling accurate measurements without exposing materials to air or contamination. This capability is critical for industries such as advanced nuclear energy, thermal energy storage and high-temperature materials processing, where fluid properties directly impact system performance, safety and design. By making these measurements more accessible and practical, the ThermaSpin High-Temperature Viscometer reduces development risk, lowers testing costs and accelerates innovation in next-generation energy and industrial systems.

The Challenge:

Accurately measuring the viscosity of molten salts and other high-temperature liquids is extremely difficult because these materials exist under harsh conditions—temperatures approaching 1,000°C, high chemical reactivity and sensitivity to air and moisture. Traditional measurement techniques often lack the sensitivity needed for these low-viscosity fluids or require specialized, resource-intensive methods that are not widely accessible. In addition, many approaches demand large sample volumes, which can be impractical or hazardous when working with corrosive or toxic materials. Maintaining a controlled environment during testing further complicates measurements, as even minor contamination can alter results. Together, these challenges create a significant barrier to obtaining reliable data on fluid behavior in systems where precise performance understanding is essential.

Problems Solved:

ThermaSpin High-Temperature Viscometer addresses these challenges by providing a sealed, high-temperature measurement system that can operate reliably in extreme environments while maintaining strict control over sample purity. Its rotational design, coupled with a highly sensitive torsion-based measurement approach, enables accurate detection of the very low forces associated with low-viscosity molten fluids—something conventional instruments struggle to achieve. The enclosed architecture allows operation under inert or controlled atmospheres, preventing contamination from air or moisture, while also supporting smaller sample sizes to reduce risk and material constraints. By integrating temperature resilience, corrosion compatibility and precise mechanical measurement into a single platform, ThermaSpin overcomes the key technical and practical limitations that have historically restricted viscosity characterization in these demanding conditions.

Key Advantages:

• Extreme temperature capability (~1000°C): Reliable operation for molten salts, metals and other high-temperature fluids
• High sensitivity for low-viscosity liquids: Accurately captures subtle flow behavior that conventional viscometers miss
• Sealed, controlled environment: Maintains sample purity by preventing exposure to air and moisture
• Handles corrosive and hazardous materials: Durable design compatible with chemically aggressive substances and smaller sample sizes
• No specialized infrastructure required: Eliminates dependence on costly, limited-access techniques like neutron imaging
• Versatile and integration-ready: Adaptable to multiple applications and compatible with inert atmosphere systems (e.g., glove boxes)

Market Applications:

• Advanced Nuclear Energy: Molten salt reactors (MSRs), fusion systems and fuel cycle development
• Thermal Energy Storage & CSP: High-temperature heat transfer and storage fluids for renewable energy systems
• Metallurgy & Metal Processing: Molten metal monitoring in refining, casting and advanced manufacturing
• Chemical Processing: High-temperature and corrosive fluid handling in industrial chemical production
• Research & Development: National labs, academia and industry studying thermophysical properties of extreme-condition materials
• Defense & Government Applications: Controlled characterization of hazardous or sensitive molten materials in secure environments

Development Status: TRL 3

US Patent pending

LA-UR-26-26227

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Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.

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