Resumen
The health physics challenges encountered by power operations in existing Generation II and III reactors are also present in the planned Generation IV systems. Generation IV reactors will present additional health physics challenges because the core coolants include lead, sodium, and molten salt in addition to light water. These materials create new activation products and these coolant media present unique operational challenges associated with refueling operations, primary coolant component maintenance, and reactor cleanup systems. The extent of these challenges depends on the performance of Generation IV fission product barriers. This is particularly important for molten salt reactors that contain fuel in a eutectic mixture with the coolant.