Thorium salt reactors in emergencies

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the potential safety features and operational characteristics of thorium fluoride reactors, particularly in emergency cooling situations. Participants explore the implications of continuous reprocessing of the salt and the inherent safety mechanisms of molten salt reactors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how a thorium fluoride reactor would perform during cooling incidents, suggesting that continuous reprocessing might reduce system lag in emergencies.
  • Another participant recalls that the thorium fuel cycle is said to be incapable of a meltdown, though they express uncertainty about this claim.
  • A participant describes a safety feature of molten salt reactors involving a meltable plug that drains molten fuel if temperatures exceed safe levels, potentially preventing further reactions or heat buildup.
  • It is noted that thorium cannot sustain a runaway reaction due to its low nuclear cross-section and requires a more potent neutron source, such as uranium or plutonium, to facilitate the 232Th to 233U fuel cycle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety and operational characteristics of thorium fluoride reactors, with no consensus reached on the potential for meltdown or the effectiveness of safety mechanisms.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific definitions of "meltdown" and the conditions under which thorium reactors operate. The discussion does not resolve the technical details of the thorium fuel cycle or the implications of continuous reprocessing.

Mike_In_Plano
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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
 
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IIRC the thorium fuel cycle cannot "meltdown". Could be wrong though.
 
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.
 
sanman said:
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.
 

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