Employing an automated orbital welding process can provide an effective solution. While nuclear welding standards have been set by organizations like ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) with BPVC (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code) to ensure safety and quality, meeting these strict requirements can be difficult for welders. Building a nuclear reactor and employing welding and other fabrication processes presents tremendous engineering challenges.

But unfortunately, no one has been able to sustain a controlled and stable fusion reaction. Fusion reactors aim to contain the fusion reaction during the energy harnessing process. The fusion reaction offers an alternative to counter the drawbacks associated with fission reactions since it can produce an unlimited amount of energy without the risk of any radiation or trouble of radioactive waste disposal. Nuclear fusionįusion power essentially combines two atomic nuclei to release heat. When welding components like pressure vessels, piping systems, steam generators, fittings, and fuel storage or waste disposal containers, welders must follow a strict procedure. Similarly, the extreme temperature and pressure conditions necessitate that structural components stay in peak condition. However, containing radioactivity and disposing of radioactive waste presents a challenge. The nuclear fission process is relatively clean and requires a small amount of fuel to produce a large amount of energy. The energy thus released heats water into steam that rotates a turbine for power generation.

In a nuclear reactor, this reaction can be controlled to release energy at a supervised rate. When struck by a fission neutron, subsequent atoms also undergo a fission reaction creating a chain nuclear reaction. During the reaction, energy is released when the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei. Nuclear Fusion vs Fission Power Nuclear fissionįission reactors are the most common nuclear reactors, and they can produce a tremendous amount of energy using uranium or plutonium. Below, we will discuss how orbital welding ensures the highest quality welds in nuclear reactors and other components. The difficulty of harnessing nuclear fusion vs fission power results from the engineering challenge of building nuclear reactors that adhere to regulatory standards and structural requirements. Consequently, harnessing fusion power is still in its experimental phase. Fusion power, on the other hand, offers great potential however, controlling a fusion reaction is difficult. Fission power can be controlled, and despite its disadvantages, such as radiation, it is widely used in nuclear power reactors. While both fission and fusion reactions can produce energy, the practicality of building the reactors depends on the process and reaction containment procedure.

Nuclear power has provided a large-scale and efficient source of energy for decades.

Fusion vs fission