Fuel Cycle Flexibility of Terrestrial Energy's Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR)

Abstract

The Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) is being developed at Terrestrial Energy as an SMR (Small Modular Reactor) with an output of 400 MWth of 600 o C industrial heat and/or 190 MWe of electrical production. The use of a graphite moderator and a highly thermalized neutron spectrum gives multiple advantages for standard operations; (i) Superior negative temperature reactivity coefficients, (ii) The ability to start up on SEU fuel (<2% enrichment), (iii) The use of commercially available makeup fuel of standard assay LEU (<5% enrichment), (iv) Low Pu and other transuranic accumulation. The IMSR also offers future fuel flexibility including the ability to utilize spent LWR (Light Water Reactor) fuel without reprocessing but by conversion to fluoride in a dry process. Various other fuel cycle options are also reviewed.