A novel fusion power concept based on molten-salt technology; Pacer revisited

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Nuclear Science and Engineering; (United States)

OSTI ID:5218110

Call, C J; Moir, R W ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)

This paper discusses modifications to an old concept for using peaceful nuclear explosions to achieve practical fusion power. With this concept, useful energy and materials are obtained by repetitively setting off nuclear explosions in an underground cavity. This proposal, which is based on molten-salt technology, involves two modifications: line the cavity with steel to make it engineerable and predictable rather than relying on an unsupported earthen cavity such as a cavity excavated in a salt dome; and use molten salt rather than steam. More than 70% of the energy released is then absorbed by liquid-salt evaporation, and the pressure to be contained for a given yield can be reduced by a factor of 3 or more. These modifications result in several improvements in the safety and feasibility of the contained fusion concept which includes: the tritium produced, being insoluble in the molten salt, can easily be pumped away and purified when all the vaporized salt condenses, rather than being mixed with steam; the tritium inventory is substantially reduced, effectively reducing the large hazard in case of accidental venting to the atmosphere; and reducing the yield used in the older studied could reduce the cost of the cavity considerably.

• OSTI ID: 5218110
• Journal Information: Nuclear Science and Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: Nuclear Science and Engineering; (United States) Vol. 104:4; ISSN 0029-5639; ISSN NSENA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450200 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Nuclear Explosions & Explosives
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700200* -- Fusion Energy-- Fusion Power Plant Technology
ENGINEERING
EXPLOSIONS
EXTRACTION
IRRADIATION REACTORS
MOLTEN SALT REACTORS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
REACTORS
REDUCTIVE EXTRACTION
SAFETY ENGINEERING
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
TRITIUM PRODUCTION REACTORS
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES