Technical Development of the Seaborg Foak Compact Molten Salt Reactor

Abstract

The Seaborg Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) is an ultra-compact, liquid-fuel, thermal-spectrum nuclear reactor producing 250 MWt, or up to 100 MWe. Among its benefits are high outlet temperature, high thermal efficiency, operation at atmospheric pressure, chemical confinement of radioactive materials, passive emergency core cooling, etc. Moreover, the Seaborg design uses novel and proprietary core materials that produce a uniquely compact form factor, smaller and lighter than any other thermal reactor in its power class.Development of the Seaborg MSR has progressed for several years, with efforts focused on neutronics and reactor physics. This paper will present some of the R&D that has shaped the current design, the immediate plans going forward, and overarching design principles and philosophies driving the R&D. It will serve to both introduce the proprietary Seaborg MSR design for the first time on an international stage, and outline ongoing R&D efforts.