Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has taken a major step forward in nuclear energy innovation with the debut of its new molten salt test loop.
This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support the development of advanced reactors utilising molten salts, particularly for high-temperature applications.
The test loop will play a crucial role in advancing the world’s first fast-spectrum, salt-fuelled reactor experiment, slated to begin in the 2030s.
Understanding molten salt reactors
Molten salt reactors (MSRs) represent a groundbreaking approach to nuclear energy generation.
Unlike traditional reactors that use solid fuel and water-based cooling systems, MSRs utilise molten salts as both a coolant and, in some cases, a liquid fuel.
These reactors offer significant advantages, including enhanced safety, high operating temperatures, and efficient energy production.
One of the key benefits of a molten salt reactor is its ability to operate at temperatures exceeding 700°C, making it highly efficient for electricity generation and industrial process heat applications.
Additionally, MSRs produce minimal waste and have inherent safety mechanisms that reduce the risk of meltdowns, making them an attractive option for future energy solutions.
Overcoming challenges in MSR development
Despite their promise, MSRs pose unique engineering challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the corrosive nature of molten salts, which can degrade reactor components over time.
Researchers must identify materials, sensors, and instrumentation that can withstand prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and corrosive environments.
To address this challenge, INL scientists have developed a new molten salt test loop. This system closely replicates the conditions inside a molten salt reactor, allowing researchers to evaluate how different materials and sensors perform under high-temperature flowing molten salt conditions.
Unlike static testing methods, the test loop provides a dynamic environment where molten salt continuously circulates through heating and cooling phases. This approach enhances the accuracy of research findings and supports the development of more robust reactor components.
The newly developed molten salt flow loop will serve as a critical research tool for advancing molten salt reactor technology. One of its standout features is the ability to drain and store molten salt when not in use, extending the longevity of testing operations and improving efficiency.
Ruchi Gakhar, a lead scientist for INL’s Advanced Technology of Molten Salts program, added: “The instrumentation and sensor testing in flow loop environment is one-of-a-kind.
“By understanding how sensors react to high temperature flowing molten salt, we hope to advance the readiness of future molten salt reactors.”
Looking ahead: The Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment
INL’s molten salt test loop will directly contribute to the progress of the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of molten salt reactors.
MCRE is one of several next-generation nuclear reactor projects supported by the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, which seeks to accelerate the deployment of innovative nuclear technologies.
By identifying corrosion-resistant materials and optimising sensor performance, the molten salt test loop will help pave the way for the successful implementation of MCRE and other advanced reactor designs.
The ongoing research is expected to make molten salt reactors a viable and competitive option for providing reliable, sustainable, and carbon-free energy in the near future.
As the world seeks innovative energy solutions to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the research conducted at INL positions the United States as a leader in next-generation nuclear technology.
The successful implementation of molten salt reactors could revolutionise the energy landscape, providing a reliable and resilient power source for future generations.
