A HELIOS-Based Dynamic Salt Clean-Up Study Analysing the Effects of a Plutonium-Based Initial Core for iMAGINE

Nuclear technologies have strong potential and a unique role to play in delivering reliable low carbon energy enable net-zero society for future generations. However, assure the sustainability required its long-term success, nuclear will need deliver innovative solutions as proposed iMAGINE. One of most attractive features, but also key challenge envisaged highly integrated system iMAGINE, is demand driven salt clean-up based on principles reverse reprocessing. The work described provides an insight into dynamic interplay between reactor operation plutonium-started core approach. results presented help optimise parameters process well understand differences which appear started with enriched uranium plutonium fissile material. model used investigate effects initial material size, achievable burnup, operation. Different approaches are tested achieve higher burnup significantly smaller Pu-driven core. different throughputs concentration fission products consequences discussed general molten design. Finally, investigation how loaded could be provide fuel reactors through splitting presented, outcome that one Pu-started same size uranium-started 1.5 new cores due enhanced breeding. essential understanding progress iMAGINE basis inter-disciplinary optimising