4 fast-spectrum molten salt conceptual designs have been selected for fuel cycle performance analysis. 3D full core and 2D unit cell models have been developed to justify the possibility to use a simplified model for computational-heavy depletion simulation with truly continuous online reprocessing. Finally, 60-years depletion simulation for Molten Salt Fast Reactor (MSFR) shown lifetime breeding ratio 1.0072 and doubling time 139 years in Th/U fuel cycle.
The Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) represents an old concept, but its properties are qualifying it for the advanced utilization: inherent safety, excellent neutron economy, possibility of continuous or batch reprocessing without fuel fabrication. The aim of this paper is to characterize the MSR unique fuel cycle advantages in different neutron spectra using the results of ERANOS-based EQL3D and ECCO-MATLAB based EQL0D procedures. It also focuses on the low production of higher actinides in the Th-U cycle and based on the results, it proposes a simplified in situ recycling of the fuel and the delayed ex situ carrier salt cleaning or direct disposal by vitrification.
Fuel Cycle Performance of Fast Spectrum Molten Salt Reactor Designs