Copenhagen Atomics has achieved a significant milestone by completing two years of uninterrupted operation of a molten salt pump and test loop at its Copenhagen facility. This achievement represents one of the longest continuous durability tests globally for such systems, essential for the development of molten salt reactors that require reliable pump operation at temperatures over 600 °C for extended periods.
The company’s pumped molten salt loop platform simulates the thermal, chemical, and mechanical conditions of future reactors without nuclear fission. With over 100,000 hours of combined pump runtime, many pumps have surpassed one year of continuous operation. Unlike traditional reactors, Copenhagen Atomics’ design utilizes a unique fuel logic, allowing long-term operation with minimal refueling, primarily using thorium.
Professor Emeritus Niels J. Bjerrum emphasized the importance of this milestone for the future of molten salt technology, noting that reliability over extended periods is crucial for regulatory approval. CEO Thomas Jam Pedersen highlighted that this achievement validates their design and testing approach. Copenhagen Atomics adopts a vertically integrated strategy, producing its pumps and highly purified molten salts in-house, enabling cost-effective long-duration tests.
Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its testing capabilities, with plans to operate multiple molten salt loops in collaboration with partner institutions.
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