US deploys 'world's first' irradiated molten salt reactor research tool

The National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) has launched the Molten Salt Thermophysical Examination Capability (MSTEC), a pioneering research facility designed to support the development and commercialization of next-generation molten salt reactors (MSRs). Scheduled to begin full operations in March 2026, MSTEC addresses a critical need for precise data on fuel salt performance—an essential factor for designing, licensing, and operating advanced reactors. The facility features a shielded argon glovebox capable of handling both irradiated and nonirradiated actinide materials, focusing on high-temperature fluoride and chloride salts used as fuel and coolant in MSRs. MSTEC is equipped with a suite of precision instruments adapted for remote operation to safely analyze hazardous samples. These include devices for measuring viscosity, density, thermal properties, and corrosion behavior at temperatures up to 1,650°C. Located at Idaho National Laboratory, MSTEC benefits from proximity to complementary infrastructure such as the Advanced Test Reactor and Analytical Research Laboratories, enhancing its capabilities