Abstract: The present relates to the integration of the primary functional elements of graphite moderator and reactor vessel and/or primary heat exchangers and/or control rods into an integral molten salt nuclear reactor (IMSR). Once the design life of the IMSR is reached, for example, in the range of 3 to 10 years, it is disconnected, removed and replaced as a unit. The spent IMSR functions as the medium or long term storage of the radioactive graphite and/or heat exchangers and/or control rods and/or fuel salt contained in the vessel of the IMSR. The present also relates to a nuclear reactor that has a buffer salt surrounding the nuclear vessel. During normal operation of the nuclear reactor, the nuclear reactor operates at a temperature that is lower than the melting point of the buffer salt and the buffer salt acts as a thermal insulator.

Abstract: The present relates to the integration of the primary functional elements of graphite moderator and reactor vessel and/or primary heat exchangers and/or control rods into an integral molten salt nuclear reactor (IMSR). Once the design life of the IMSR is reached, for example, in the range of 3 to 10 years, it is disconnected, removed and replaced as a unit. The spent IMSR functions as the medium or long term storage of the radioactive graphite and/or heat exchangers and/or control rods and/or fuel salt contained in the vessel of the IMSR. The present also relates to a nuclear reactor that has a buffer salt surrounding the nuclear vessel. During normal operation of the nuclear reactor, the nuclear reactor operates at a temperature that is lower than the melting point of the buffer salt and the buffer salt acts as a thermal insulator.

Abstract: A molten salt nuclear reactor a neutron moderator core that has an inner region that defines channels of a first diameter separated by a first pitch and, an outer region that defines channels of a second diameter separated by a second pitch. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter and the first pitch is larger than the second pitch. This configuration allows for an increased capture of neutrons by fertile elements in the outer region. That is, less neutrons are lost to the outside of the core. The configuration is such that the neutron multiplication factor is larger than one in the inner portion and lower than one in the outer portion.

Abstract: A pneumatic motor assembly that includes a pneumatic motor, which is driven by a compressed gas. The pneumatic motor assembly has a magnet assembly that magnetically couples the pneumatic motor assembly to an implement. After having being used to drive a pneumatic motor, the gas, which has expanded and become colder, cools the magnet assembly The pneumatic motor assembly can thus enable the use to the implement at temperatures at which the magnet assembly would otherwise reach or exceed the maximum operating temperature of the magnet assembly. A flow induction system that includes the pneumatic motor assembly. A method of operating a pneumatic motor assembly that also cools a magnet assembly that is part of the pneumatic motor assembly.

Abstract: The present relates to the integration of the primary functional elements of graphite moderator and reactor vessel and/or primary heat exchangers and/or control rods into an integral molten salt nuclear reactor (IMSR). Once the design life of the IMSR is reached, for example, in the range of 3 to 10 years, it is disconnected, removed and replaced as a unit. The spent IMSR functions as the medium or long term storage of the radioactive graphite and/or heat exchangers and/or control rods and/or fuel salt contained in the vessel of the IMSR. The present also relates to a nuclear reactor that has a buffer salt surrounding the nuclear vessel. During normal operation of the nuclear reactor, the nuclear reactor operates at a temperature that is lower than the melting point of the buffer salt and the buffer salt acts as a thermal insulator.