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DOE OSTI · 1784153

Modeling molybdeneum-99 production in molten salt reactors

Cornejo, Luke R.·Betzler, Benjamin R.·Myhre, Kristian·McFarlane, Joanna
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Abstract

Molten salt reactors (MSRs) are being investigated as a possible source of 99 Mo for medical uses. This paper describes computational modeling being performed to determine the feasibility for use of several MSR concepts in 99 Mo production: the Molten Salt Breeder Reactor (MSBR), the Molten Salt Demonstration Reactor (MSDR), and the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE). This modeling is accomplished with SCALE/TRITON using a three-mixture system and estimated removal terms. Results showed that the MSBR, MSDR and MSRE were capable of supplying an estimated 35,800,000, 13,700,000, and 132,000 six-day Ci/week of 99 Mo, respectively, which is far more than the global demand. In conclusion, a range of operating parameters has been determined in which each reactor type is expected to have sufficient production capability to meet global demand.

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Cornejo, Luke R., Betzler, Benjamin R., Myhre, Kristian, McFarlane, Joanna. 2021-05-08. Modeling molybdeneum-99 production in molten salt reactors. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2021.111243

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