Improved refuelling and neutron management in molten salt reactors

摘要

A molten salt reactor comprising an array of tubes containing molten fissile fuel whereby maintenance of fissile isotope concentration and neutron economy are improved by incorporating neutron reflecting material at the top and bottom of the fuel tube. This neutron reflector does not interfere with the free circulation of coolant into and out of the array of fuel tubes. Also provided is a means of replenishing the array of fuel tubes by migration of fuel tubes from the periphery to the centre of the reactor core and replacing the fuel tubes at the periphery with fuel tubes filled with fissile material.