A Portable LIBS System for Molten Salt Reactor Applications

Advanced energy applications may use molten salt for nuclear reactors. Molten Salt Reactors operate under extreme environmental conditions that require equally extreme methods for salt characterization and monitoring. Unfortunately, current sensor technology is not well suited to the high-temperature, corrosive, and irradiated environment of a Molten Salt Reactor. To address the issues, a laser-based technique will be used to detect various elements in a molten salt reactor. The approach will aerosolize a sample of molten salt and perform the analysis. Based on the types of elements identified, one can determine the health of the reactor and help ensure safe and efficient operation. During Phase I, a laser-based method to characterize the thermodynamic properties of molten salt was developed and tested. However, it was determined that the identification of the various elements and isotopes in molten salt was more important. Based on these findings, the team has adjusted its strategy. During Phase II, a portable Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy system to detect various elements and isotopes in Molten Salt Reactors will be developed. Development will start from a benchtop system that will be miniaturized and optimized for Molten Salt Reactor applications. Efforts to develop and commercialize advanced nuclear reactors and Molten Salt Reactor technology has grown substantially in the past decade, with stakeholders represented in private industry and commitments made through public policy (e.g., the DOE). The potential benefits of high temperature Molten Salt Reactors include greater thermal-to-electric efficiency, greater consumption of nuclear material/waste (i.e., closing the fuel cycle), better economics through passive safety, and a re- branding of nuclear energy that can generate newfound support from US citizens. Additionally, the high temperature operation of Molten Salt Reactors opens the door to the other 2/3 of the energy market including desalination, synthetic fuel and hydrogen production, and high temperature process heat. Other benefits of Molten Salt Reactor deployment include reliable carbon-free power generation with a compact environmental footprint that consumes substantially fewer material resources than many other power sources. The proposed sensor is enabling technology for safe and efficient Molten Salt Reactors.