There are many differences between the Western nuclear powerplants and the eastern, or European, powerplants. Mostly different in structure, they mirror eachother in ability to generate power using a small amount of radioactive uranium-235. Since both are nuclear fission powerplants, in essence they work the same way, using different processes.
The main difference is in the core chamber. Western reactors, mostly pressurized water reactors, require more pressure to keep the water from boiling. Usually, because of the need for pressure and the higher operation temperature, more water is required in the PWR.
Less water is required in the European reactors because of the graphite. Less pressure, less water, more danger. At the cost of a combustable material in the reaction chamber, light-water-cooled graphite-moderated reactors tend to be more of a hazard than the western reactors that are based on pressure.
Similarities:
- Both require some amount of uranium-235 to operate.
- The true source of electricity is from the steam turning the turbines.
- Both have cooling towers and require more than one cooling system to operate properly.
- Both run the risk of nuclear disaster if not operated properly.
- Both generate an extremely high amount of electrical energy for the amount of material required.
- Both generate nuclear/radioactive waste, which we have still not found a safe way to dispose of.
Differences:
- Western reactors do not require graphite or other metals to slow the nuclei of the uranium-235.
- Eastern reactors do not usually have an internal cooling system. Only one valve lets cool water in, and one valve lets heated water and steam out.
- Western reactors always have a containment area. This is built out of lead and concrete to shield the outside world incase of a nuclear spill or disaster in the core.
