by Mat Dirjish
Promising to deliver unavailable nuclear-grade chemistry monitoring capabilities, developer of molten salt reactors Natura Resources is partnering with HiFunda, a developer of novel materials and electrochemical solutions, to create a commercial-grade sensor capable of directly monitoring the chemistry of molten salt inside a nuclear reactor. Allegedly, the sensor will enable operators to measure and reduce corrosion in real time, allowing the safe and efficient operation of molten salt reactors.
As per the partners, monitoring the chemistry in a molten salt reactor is a technically demanding challenge. Chemical conditions inside the reactor determine corrosion rates, which affects the integrity, longevity, and performance of the reactor. Currently, the industry has had limited tools available to probe reactor chemistry. Therefore, the partnership represents a significant development in Natura’s progress and reactor evolution.
Natura and HiFunda partner to develop molten salt sensor technology.
Under the agreement, Natura will work with HiFunda to engineer an electrochemical sensor. The partners hope to design a sensor that meets stringent quality standards of precision, durability, and reliability.
Dr. Michael Stoddard, Director of Fuel Cycle & Reactor Chemistry at Natura Resources, explains, “Developing a nuclear-grade electrochemical sensor for molten salt is no small task, but the potential impact is enormous. HiFunda has already done the work of proving out a key component of an electrochemical sensor for molten salt systems. Together, we aim to deliver a complete, deployable solution that gives the industry an entirely new window into reactor chemistry.”
For more details, visit the Natura Resources and HiFunda websites.
Mat Dirjish Online 