Materials compatibility and salt chemistry control: Case for molten salt actinide recycler and transmuter

A study is in progress to examine the feasibility of the Molten Salt Actinide Recycler and Transmuter (MOSART) system fuelled with different compositions of transuranic elements trifluorides (TRUF3) from spent PWR fuel. In order to achieve new goals, new design options with homogeneous core and fuel salt with high enough solubility for TRUF3 are being examined. The flexibility of the single fluid MOSART concept fuel cycle with U-Th support is underlined, in particular, the possibility of its operation in self-sustainable mode using different loadings and make-up. This paper summarises the major developments concerning (1) the ability to produce and maintain a high level of purity in fuel salt, (2) effective control of the redox potential of the molten salt medium in order to minimise corrosion, (3) selected materials testing as applied to conditions of reference design. (authors)