The initiation of the reaction in a Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor (LFTR) involves starting with Uranium-235 (U-235) to facilitate the breeding of Uranium-233 (U-233). Neutron sources are strategically placed within the reactor system to introduce neutrons into the liquid fuel, enabling the fission process. The U-233 produced is then chemically separated from the circulating solution. The operation of the Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) provides insights into the criticality achieved as the liquid fuel flows through graphite moderator channels.
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An LFTR would start with U-235 with U-233 increasing as it is produced in the system. U-233 would be chemically separated from the recirculating solution. Likely there would be 'neutron sources' placed in the reactor system.DLHill said:In an liquid fluoride thorium reactor, how is the reaction started? My assumption would be a piece of fissile material would be somehow inserted into the fuel to introduce neutrons to the solution, but I have not found any information to show if this is how the reaction is started. If this is not it, how do the reactors begin breeding and fissioning the U 233?