I came across this topic when I read about a proposed MSR powered ship. I’ve yet to see a solution for powering ships via renewables. Ships also require a relatively small reactor (since they are only powering the ship) compared to a land based reactor which will power a region. So this could be the use case needed to bring such tech to fruition.
While I'm slightly bullish on MSR's in general, I think a MSR on a ship is not a good idea. A thin-skinned reactor vessel (one of the big advantages of MSR's as they operate at atmospheric pressure) with a fuel salt that is(?) water-soluble sounds like a disaster in case of a ship sinking.
At least with a traditional water-cooled reactor there's very thick walls for the seawater to corrode through, and then the fuel itself is in a relatively inert oxide form. Similarly for a lead-cooled reactor, when the ship sinks the lead would solidify creating a big radiation protection armor around the fuel elements.
Furthermore a prototype or MVP may not be intended to have along life from the start. It likely is just to test a theory/concept/business model. Then if there is traction, it will be rebuilt more robustly.
In this case, Incur as much debt as needed to fail fast.
>If you want parts, outsource the manufacturing.
>If you want a new, expensive hobby, look into CNC machining. Don’t expect cheap parts, though.
This 1000%.
If you’re at the point that you think you need custom machines parts for a brewery, then you probably need an interior designer (if these are aesthetic) or a brewing consultant (if these a functional).
I’m all for hobby cnc’ing! I have a probotix and LOVE it! But until you are a “machinist” don’t count on cnc being more than a hobby, not critical path.
> If you don’t even have time to research and learn the basics, you definitely won’t have time to learn how to properly operate a machine and CAD/CAM. I think you’re underestimating the work that goes into even basic CNC machining.
Yup. Time is money. If this is a commercial enterprise, get a professional solution. If this is a hobby project, explore your hobby any way that is interesting to you.
Wow! I just stumbled across your novels a month ago (recommendation by my library) and am currently reading my 4th novel of yours. Small world! Thanks for chiming in.