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Possible impacts of molten salt reactors on the International Monitoring System
Paul W Eslinger1, Christine M Johnson1, Justin I McIntyre1
1Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd., Richland, WA, 99354, USA.
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
|May 9, 2021
Summary
Molten salt reactors (MSRs) can release radioactive gases. To avoid detection by nuclear explosion monitoring systems, MSRs need effective abatement technologies with a holdup time of approximately 150 days for radioxenon emissions.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Background:
- Molten salt reactors (MSRs) offer advanced nuclear energy solutions, including waste burning and inherent safety.
- Real-time removal of neutron-absorbing isotopes like Xenon-135 from MSR fuel enhances power production.
- Radioactive gas releases during MSR operation require effective abatement to prevent detection by international monitoring systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the potential impact of radioxenon releases from hypothetical MSRs on International Monitoring System (IMS) samplers.
- To determine the necessary holdup time for radioxenon emissions to minimize detections by IMS samplers.
- To inform the development of abatement technologies for MSRs.
Main Methods:
- Atmospheric transport simulations were conducted for seven hypothetical MSRs located on different continents.
- The simulations evaluated the required holdup time for radioxenon before release to ensure minimal IMS detections.
- Radioactive gas release scenarios were modeled to understand their detectability.
Main Results:
- Abatement technologies retaining radioxenon isotopes for at least 120 days are necessary to mitigate impacts from MSRs.
- A holdup time of approximately 150 days is required to reduce radioxenon emissions to levels comparable to current nuclear power plants.
- Effective radioxenon abatement is crucial for MSRs to operate without triggering nuclear explosion detection systems.
Conclusions:
- MSRs require robust radioxenon abatement strategies to prevent interference with global nuclear explosion monitoring.
- A minimum holdup time of 150 days for radioxenon is recommended for MSRs replacing conventional nuclear power plants.
- Further development of abatement technologies is essential for the safe and secure deployment of MSRs.
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