A simple low cost molten salt thorium breeder nuclear reactor

摘要

The invention describes a nuclear reactor having a core comprising an array of closed bottom hollow tubes which contain fissile isotopes in a molten form. The tubes are of asymmetric diameter, narrowing in a upper portion thereof so that critical mass cannot be achieved, thereby limiting the nuclear chain reaction to the lower portion of the core. The asymmetric diameter of the tubes also ensures there is sufficient space between the tubes in the upper sub-critical zone for an upwelling coolant fluid (the blanket) to escape laterally from the core without undue restriction. The liquid fuel preferably comprises fissile isotopes dissolved in a molten salt, but a liquid metal may also be used. The coolant is preferably also a molten salt, but may also contain a fertile isotope such as thorium or uranium.