7-11 July 2019
EV40 - PEP 2C: Thorium Molten Salt Reactors (TMSR): Key Radiation Protection Challenges (Sun)Lake Down 10:30 - 12:30 |
| Join this lecture for an overview of thorium molten salt reactors (TMSR) and their radiation safety requirements. In recent years, the potential of TMSR has captivated the attention of our nuclear energy industry. Key benefits include fuel flexibility—the ability to burn spent fuels, thorium, and unwanted plutonium—as well as reduced risk, both during normal reactor operations and in case of emergency. As Richard Martine noted in MIT Technology Review (2016), “cheaper and cleaner nuclear plants could finally become a reality…the technology was invented more than 50 years ago”. Overall, TMSR is a very promising option for nuclear energy, but there’s work to be done. We’ll review the top radiation protection considerations around TMSR today, including neutron radiation protection, fuel loading management and chemical separation, and controlling neutron flux in the core. Lastly, you’ll get a quick look at things to come: robotic radiation workers operating advanced nuclear reactors. |
