The Th to U233 production is pretty much understood with little problems.
Gamma ray emissions from U233 seems to be the problem as it makes loading fuel assemblies dangerous.
U235/U238 are only alpha emitters and simple gloves are enough protection.
“Gamma ray emissions from U233 seems to be the problem as it makes loading fuel assemblies dangerous.”
Zathras, I know the loading of fuel in an operating reactor was a question but a question that was answered in at least one of the test reactors. I’ll see if I can find the link to that exact subject. I was all over the net last night reading as much as I could and I know this was resolved or claimed to be.
Thanks for your interest and contribution.
From: http://thoriumsingapore.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=57
4. Operability and reliability. The LFR can be refueled continuously and easily while online, which would improve the competitiveness of utilities by eliminating refueling shutdowns. The composition of the salt is continuously re-homogenized by pumping the salt through the core. There are no “hot channels” or local burnup in a liquid-fluoride core due to this action, and not need for fuel reshuffling. Fuel can be removed easily by draining the core. The strong negative temperature coefficient allows the reactor to “follow the load” without operator intervention, and to reduce power generation extremely rapidly in response to “loss of load” accidents.