What is MSR?
MSR, or Molten Salt Reactor, is a type of nuclear power reactor that operates on the same principles as current reactors. It uses controlled fission to generate steam, which drives electricity turbines. However, unlike traditional reactors, the primary coolant used in MSR is a salt heated above its melting point, resulting in a liquid known as molten salt.
MSR is one of the Generation 4 (Gen IV) nuclear reactor designs currently being developed. This innovative technology can potentially revolutionize how we generate electricity, as it offers several advantages over traditional nuclear reactors.
For one, using molten salt as a coolant makes the reactor much safer, as it has a higher boiling point than water and is less likely to evaporate and cause a meltdown. Additionally, the molten salt can be used to store heat, which means the reactor can continue generating electricity even when it is not actively producing steam.
Overall, MSR is an exciting development in nuclear energy, and it has the potential to provide a safe, reliable, and sustainable source of electricity for generations to come.
Is MSR scientifically proven?
The molten salt reactor (MSR) is based on a proven concept in the experimental phase. The United States Oak Ridge National Laboratories created a small 8-megawatt experimental molten salt reactor. It ran from 1965 to 1969 [1].
The project was abandoned due to a lack of interest by the US government.
High-efficiency MSR reactors can operate at higher temperatures, resulting in significantly higher efficiency.
MSR can be used as a “burner reactor,” meaning it can use fuel from other reactors, such as light water reactors.
Sources
- http://www.ornl.gov/blog/ornl-review/molten-salt-reactor-experiment?fbclid=IwAR1s7K xRLQY8WW8PHiCj0 G75bvpH6suTZGRxaZp-yGPCLzxDUS-hwLY7k
