re: #385 Aceofwhat?

Huh? That article discussed a pebble-bed design in South Africa, unfortunately one I hear they’ve recently abandoned.

I’m talking about Liquid Fuel Thorium Reactors.

quick summary:
1) You start with a fluoride salt. In this reactor it will be heated so much that it melts.
2) You dissolve thorium fluoride in the liquid salt.
3) Thorium-232 absobs neutrons and turns ino Uranium-233.
4) The Uranium-233 fissions and produces heat plus more neutrons.

Advantages include:
1) There is no pressure – unlike traditional nuclear reactors which contain high pressue steam. So the reactor cannot explode.
2) The fuel does not need to be shaped into pellets
3) The reactor can add fuel and remove waste at any time
4) There are no weapon-grade materials involved
5) Thorium is abundant and most of it is used up in the reaction
6) The fission products are relatively benign and short-lived compared to those of a traditional reactor.

Very interesting post Ace..You know I could talk Nuke shit all night long…
I’m and old school primary coil guy.. I was ready to just write you off..Then I see Westinghouse involved in the project..Westinghouse reactors drive the Navy..Very interesting Ace…