Non-proliferation attributes of molten salt reactors

Molten salt reactors (MSR) have many non-proliferation attributes. They can operate on the thorium-uranium fuel cycle which protects the fissile mater ial by the daughter products of the inseparable U-232. MSRs can completely fission all plutonium and HEU, and as desired, 'convert' them to U-233. Thi s also results in high, and efficient resource utilization, while diminishi ng the plutonium stock. (On Pine processing, when applied, could free the w aste from all fissile material. The fuel in the reactor stays protected by the intense radiation of the fission products. Fuel can also be protected i n the reactor as well as outside the reactor by denaturing with natural ura nium. A wide variety of MSRs are available, from 'once through' minimum pro cessing reactors to ones with fuel processing which can breed fuel for conv erters. MSRs are extremely safe and simple reactors with good economic pote ntial. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.