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China Set to Begin First Trials of Thorium Molten Salt Nuclear Reactor

posted by martyb on Sunday August 29 2021, @01:34AM   
from the glowing-recommendation? dept.

wirelessduck writes:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-28/china-thorium-molten-salt-nuclear-reactor-energy/100351932

Scientists in China are about to turn on for the first time an experimental reactor that's believed by some to be the Holy Grail of nuclear energy — safer, cheaper and with less potential for weaponisation.

Construction on the thorium-based molten salt reactor was expected to be finished this month with the first tests to begin as early as September, according to a statement from the Gansu provincial government.

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Original Submission

• Re:safer, cheaper and with less potential for weap (Score: 5, Informative) by PinkyGigglebrain on Sunday August 29 2021, @08:03PM

  by PinkyGigglebrain (4458) on Sunday August 29 2021, @08:03PM (#1172099)

  forgot to mention that the MSRs being brought on line in China are not some totally new untested technology.

  The USA had two test MSRs working at the Oakridge nuclear test facility back in the 1960's. The safety features mentioned are experimentally proven proven facts, not theoretical projections.

  At the end of the week the techs would sometimes shut down the reactor by turning off the cooling systems and let the core over heat, which melted a freeze plu on a drain to the emergency holding tank which allowed the molten salt fuel to spread out into a non critical shape and cool off away from the moderator, making the self sustaining fission events stop. This feature is present in all current MSR designs that I know of.

  --
  "Beware those who would deny you Knowledge, For in their hearts they dream themselves your Master."

  Parent

  Starting Score:	1		point
  Moderation		+3
  Interesting=1, Informative=2, Total=3
  Extra 'Informative' Modifier		0
  Karma-Bonus Modifier		+1
  Total Score:		5