Is Gas-Liquid Diffusion Applicable for Precursor Atoms in a Molten Salt Reactor?

[mohsenman]

How shall diffusion of precursor atoms be treated if the core is in liquios state(as is MSR)[I mean regarding to its low volumetric density, shall we treat it as gas-liquid diffusion and is diffusion approximation or even transport theory valid for it anymore, what's the meaning of state space in this system?]?
Thanks

 

[Astronuc]

If the reactor is critical then it is in steady-state. The beta would likely decrease based on the longest-lived precursors (Br-87,88, I-137) leaving the core, if the flow was such that a substantial fraction of the core would flow out before the long-lived precursors could contribute to the flux.

One way to monitor/detect fuel failures is detecting delayed neutrons or precursors outside (downstream from) the core. Np-239 is another radionuclide indicative of failed fuel, or tramp U.

 

[raining Pete]

for your question. Diffusion of precursor atoms in a liquid state core, such as in a molten salt reactor (MSR), would be treated differently than in a solid state core. In a liquid state, the precursor atoms are more free to move and diffuse compared to a solid state where they are more tightly bound.

In terms of treating it as gas-liquid diffusion, it would depend on the specific properties of the liquid core and the precursor atoms. If the precursor atoms have a high enough vapor pressure, they may behave more like a gas and gas-liquid diffusion would be a valid approach. However, if the precursor atoms are not volatile enough, then gas-liquid diffusion may not accurately represent their diffusion behavior.

Diffusion approximation and transport theory can still be valid for a liquid state core, but they may need to be modified to account for the different properties and behavior of the precursor atoms in a liquid. It is important to consider the specific conditions and properties of the system when choosing a diffusion model or theory to use.

The meaning of state space in this system refers to the different states that the precursor atoms can exist in within the liquid core. This includes their position, velocity, and other properties that can affect their diffusion behavior. Understanding and characterizing the state space is crucial in accurately modeling and predicting diffusion in a liquid state core.