TECHNOLOGY

Generation IV

MSR (Molten Salt Reactor)

Figure 24.Schematic diagram of MSR concept
Source: "A technology Roadmap for Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems", U.S. DOE Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee and Generation IV International Forum, 12.2002, http://www.gen-4.org/PDFs/GenIVRoadmap.pdf [55]

The MSR concept is different than the other ones. It uses fuel dissolved in liquid fluoride salt also as coolant in the core. The molten salt is very good heat conductor, so its use to as a part of cooling system is reasonable. The reactor consist graphite tubes to cause moderating effect. But not all neutrons are slowed to thermal speed. The MSR is epithermal reactor. The fuel is not fabricated. Its composition can be changed reprocessed continuously. Chemical processing plant is constantly connected to fuel circuit. The MSR, like fast reactors, can manage nuclear wastes and burn some of long-lived fission process products. Therefore amount of high radioactive wastes is reduced, and level of others radioactivity is decreased. Moreover the MSR reactor can be configured not only for burning LWR spent fuel, tranuranics and actinides but also for fuel breeding, even from thermal spectrum in case of thorium fuel. It is very important advantage especially for thorium fuel enthusiasts.

The reference MSR reactor is 1000 MWe and contains tree conversion circuit, but first is also fuel circuit. Third circuit operates for electricity generation based on Bryton cycle. Pressure in working loops are under 0,5 MPa with outlet temperature of 700ºC, what enhances thermal efficiency. Target temperature is 800ºC. The MSR energy system is envisaged for electricity generation and waste burn.

The MSR commercial deployment was estimated on 2025. However this assumption was made in 2002. Previous reactors estimations about deployment are based on newest available GIF reports, but they do not explain this issue according to MSR concept. R&D is needed in overall system development. [50],[51],[52],[54],[55],[56], [57],[58],[59]

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