Designed by specialists, the reactor core is a squat cylinder, about 140 centimeters in diameter and 50 centimeters tall. Its size makes it portable, so that it can be brought to remote locations to work site and supply heat and electricity there without dependence on long-distance transmission lines. Its small size also allows it to be factory-built and transported to its destination, “plugged in” in a deep underground containment structure, and put to work quickly. The core can be shipped back to the factory when the fuel needs to be changed.

The reactor configuration is different from the Radkowsky design proposed for burning weapons grade plutonium in Russian reactors. Thorenco’s ceramic fuel is dispersed in an inert metal matrix covered by Holden’s Patent Cooperation Treaty application. This solid state metal alloy is composed of four materials. The thorium and uranium fuel particles are embedded in the alloy, which both slows and moderates the fissioning process. There are moderating materials dispersed in the alloy along with the actinide particles. Using the metallic alloys as moderators (instead of the water used in other Thorium reactor designs) allows Thorenco’s reactor to operate in a more energetic neutron spectrum so that its core can have a long life.

The self-regulating reactor is expected to operate for 10 years without needing refueling. The neutrons to start it up will be provided by a fusion-driven neutron generator, designed by Dr. Ka-No Leung, head of Plasma and Ion Source Technology under the Accelerator and Fusion Research Division of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The alloy and fuel configuration are expected to be tested at the Advanced Thermal Reactor testing complex at the Idaho National Lab; computer modeling of the system will be confirmed in the National Laboratory System as the private work is completed.

The story is incomplete without further mention of medical isotopes. Due to advances in medical sciences, it is possible today to design small molecules that bind to the receptors of abnormal cells or to pathogens causing illness. These small molecules can transport small amounts of radio-isotopes used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Some isotopes provide just enough of a punch to disable abnormal cells. These isotopes are combined with small molecules that seek out and bind to the receptors of abnormal cells or pathogens. Some of these isotopes can be produced more efficiently in neutron spectra harder, more energetic, than found in present day test and research reactors. Thorenco believes that medical isotopes should be produced in its reactors alongside of power and heat. The design contemplates robotic access to the core so that target materials can be irradiated for optimal periods of time. Additionally because the inventor believes isotopes provide real defenses against many types of cell disease, the Company is studying novel ways to make important isotopes.

Thorenco LLC, is now looking for investors to support computational optimization of the new technology. Thorenco is based in San Francisco, and can be reached by clicking here.
Article by: Marjorie Mazel Hecht