Launch HN: Atomic Alchemy (YC W19) – Manufacturing Nuclear Medicine

Re:Launch HN: Atomic Alchemy (YC W19) – Manufacturing Nuclea... by philipkglass on Wednesday April 03, 2019 @04:46PM (#19567130)

Thanks for the answers. A higher-power PULSTAR derivative still needs NRC design approval, right? Or will the reactors be built somewhere that has a simpler approval process for new designs? I've seen people say that Canada is more favorable to novel reactors though I haven't looked into the details.

The NorthStar chemistry advantage looks (IMO) to be the absence of fission products, which are diverse in chemical behavior and radiotoxicity. I have no idea if that can sufficiently offset the complications that come from lower specific activity in the product.

Good luck with your endeavor! I love to see startups that deliver physical products and not just software, especially a product as important as this one.

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Re:Launch HN: Atomic Alchemy (YC W19) – Manufacturing Nuclea... by atomicalchemy on Wednesday April 03, 2019 @05:59PM (#19567592)

My pleasure. Great questions.

Yes--the scaled-up PULSTAR would still need regulatory approval for siting and operation, but would not need a new design certification (which is the real dream killer). I've deliberately chosen to use only technology that is commercially available to get a product to market as quickly and cost-effectively as is achievable.

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