Thorium salt reactors in emergencies

[Mike_In_Plano]

Now that we've had another cooling incident / incidents, I'm curious how the Thorium fluoride reactor would have faired. I've read that continuous reprocessing of the salt would likely be part of the process. Does this imply that there would be less lag in the system should cooling become an issue?

- Mike

 

[What_Is_X?]

IIRC the thorium fuel cycle cannot "meltdown". Could be wrong though.

 

[sanman]

My understanding of the molten salt reactor is that there is a meltable plug that melts if the temperature gets too high, so that all the molten fuel material then drains out of the reactor core through that plug. This then averts any further reaction or heat buildup.

Thorium itself cannot sustain any runaway reaction, because its nuclear cross-section is too low. It has to be exposed to a more potent neutron source, such as uranium or plutonium.

 

[minerva]

Thorium itself cannot sustain any runaway reaction, because its nuclear cross-section is too low. It has to be exposed to a more potent neutron source, such as uranium or plutonium.

Well, what they're really talking about is a ²³²Th --> ²³³U fuel cycle.

 

[alphy]

I can provide some information about the potential use of Thorium salt reactors in emergencies. While there has been limited research and testing on this technology, there are some potential advantages that could make it a viable option for emergency situations.

One of the main advantages of Thorium salt reactors is their ability to operate at high temperatures, which can increase the efficiency and safety of the system. In the event of a cooling incident, this could potentially reduce the lag time and allow for a quicker response to the issue.

Additionally, the continuous reprocessing of the salt in the reactor could help to remove any excess heat and maintain a stable temperature, reducing the risk of overheating and potential meltdowns. This reprocessing also allows for the removal of fission products, which can help to minimize the risk of radiation leaks in an emergency scenario.

However, it is important to note that there are still many unknowns and challenges associated with the use of Thorium salt reactors, particularly in emergency situations. Further research and testing would be needed to fully understand their capabilities and limitations in these scenarios.

In any emergency situation, it is important to carefully consider all available options and weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision on the best course of action. While Thorium salt reactors may have some advantages, it is crucial to continue exploring and developing a range of emergency response strategies for different types of nuclear reactors.