Chapter 24 - Fluoride technologies application within the Molten-Salt Reactors fuel cycle

Abstract

This chapter deals with fluoride technologies that are now under technological development and not used so far in the nuclear industry, with the exception of the production of thorium tetrafluoride. However, the utilization of these fluoride technologies is considered to be very prospective in connection with the development of future advanced nuclear reactor types. The chapter first discusses molten-salt reactors (MSR). Fuel cycle technologies of MSRs are then described in the chapter. The fluoride volatility method is then explained. Fused-salt volatilization process is also detailed. The pyrometallurgical separation process of MSR fuel salt cleanup is explored. The chapter concludes that fluoride technologies applicable within the MSRs fuel cycle have a significant chance for the future industrial implementation, because they offer some advantages, which cannot be achieved by hydrometallurgical separation technologies industrially used for reprocessing of spent fuel from currently operated nuclear reactors. The most notable advantages are the compactness of the methods, high radiation resistance of used inorganic chemicals, and elimination of any neutron moderators, which cause the criticality of problems.