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

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 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), Vol. 104:4; ISSN 0029-5639
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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