FC-MSR nuclear reactor: Difference between revisions
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Normal reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel from standard water moderated reactors involves separation of fissile material from the waste, and could lead to weapons-grade plutonium. This separation step is not necessary, however, if the spent fuel is to be used in a fast neutron reactor. These reactors can tolerate a much higher level of contaminants in the reprocessed fuel. | Normal reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel from standard water moderated reactors involves separation of fissile material from the waste, and could lead to weapons-grade plutonium. This separation step is not necessary, however, if the spent fuel is to be used in a fast neutron reactor. These reactors can tolerate a much higher level of contaminants in the reprocessed fuel. | ||
Elysium's process for making fresh fuel from spent fuel rods is very simple. The rods are chopped into 2cm chunks and dissolved in a vat of molten chloride salt. The solids are filtered out and the remaining liquid is used as fuel. Plutonium is added to bring the total fissile to the 10% needed for sustained burning | Elysium's process for making fresh fuel from spent fuel rods is very simple. The rods are chopped into 2cm chunks and dissolved in a vat of molten chloride salt. The solids are filtered out and the remaining liquid is used as fuel. Plutonium is added to bring the total fissile to the 10% needed for sustained burning. Weapons-grade plutonium, left over from the cold war, is denatured (diluted with reactor-grade) before delivery to the fuel processing plant. At no point in the processing or consumption of fuel is there any weapons-grade material.<ref>This [https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxCq8_JZf_K0QIyJt5lJZa5AnG9CPSLaNq video clip] from Ed Pheil's presentation at TEAC 10 is the clearest explanation of Elysium's process.</ref> | ||
== Cost == | == Cost == | ||
Revision as of 23:09, 19 March 2022
- See also: Nuclear_power_reconsidered
The FC-MSR is a Molten Salt Reactor using Fast neutrons and a Chloride salt. Fast Neutron Reactors are capable of burning spent nuclear fuel, old bomb cores, depleted uranium and thorium.[2][3][4][5] This article will address the issues raised in the parent article Nuclear power reconsidered.
Safety
Accidental overheating. Add text here.
Leakage of Radioactivity Add text here.
Sabotage Add text here.
Waste Management
Add text here.
Weapons Proliferation
Normal reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel from standard water moderated reactors involves separation of fissile material from the waste, and could lead to weapons-grade plutonium. This separation step is not necessary, however, if the spent fuel is to be used in a fast neutron reactor. These reactors can tolerate a much higher level of contaminants in the reprocessed fuel.
Elysium's process for making fresh fuel from spent fuel rods is very simple. The rods are chopped into 2cm chunks and dissolved in a vat of molten chloride salt. The solids are filtered out and the remaining liquid is used as fuel. Plutonium is added to bring the total fissile to the 10% needed for sustained burning. Weapons-grade plutonium, left over from the cold war, is denatured (diluted with reactor-grade) before delivery to the fuel processing plant. At no point in the processing or consumption of fuel is there any weapons-grade material.[6]
Cost
Specs for a 500MWe plant:
Plant cost per KW (including building but not land, permits or licensing):
Operating cost per KWh (including fuel and maintenance):
Initial fuel load:
Fuel consumption per day:
Notes and References
- ↑ This is a footnote to an image caption.
- ↑ Elysium Industries MCSFR Ed Pheil, the designer, speaks at Thorium Energy Alliance 2019.
- ↑ Molten Salt Reactors World Nuclear Association Information Library.
- ↑ Fast Neutron Reactors World Nuclear Association Information Library.
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast-neutron_reactor
- ↑ This video clip from Ed Pheil's presentation at TEAC 10 is the clearest explanation of Elysium's process.