Reduced risk of contamination with provision for a controlled welding environment.Remote weld monitoring to control and optimize the weld parameters while keeping the operators safe from harmful radiation.Weld accommodation for a wide range of materials, including titanium, Inconel, and stainless steel, that are commonly used in nuclear plants.When considering nuclear fusion vs fission power plants, orbital welding provides common advantages: However, due to the manual limitations of TIG, orbital welding is preferred for performing high-spec welding for such critical components. Corrosion possibility in the component due to mechanical stress or the material contentīecause TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is suitable when welding pressure vessels, pipes, and tubes used in nuclear plants, it has been the traditional process.The material that makes the nuclear plant components.Welding process used with thick/thin-wall welding capability.When performing nuclear welding, considerations include: The Role of Orbital Welding in the Nuclear Industry Under research and development phase and not yet commercially viable for large-scale energy generationĪffordable low-emission energy generation Well-established and commercially viable technology for large-scale energy generation Generates radioactive waste with long-term concerns The chain reaction can be controlled with the use of control rodsĭifficult to control the extremely high temperature and pressure Light isotopes of hydrogen such as deuterium and tritium Heavy radioactive elements, such as Uranium-235 or plutonium-239 ![]() The nucleus of the atom splits into two or more smaller fragmentsĪtomic nuclei combine to form a larger nucleusĮnergy is produced when atomic fusion occurs The table below highlights the primary differences between nuclear fission and fusion processes. Nuclear Fusion vs Fission: The Comparison 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 the 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 nuclear chain reaction. During the reaction, energy is released when the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei. Exploring Nuclear Fission and Fusion Power Nuclear Fissionįission reactors are the most common nuclear reactors, and they produce a tremendous amount of energy using fuel such as 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 fission and fusion 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 proven itself to be an efficient large-scale source of energy for decades.
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