The European pressurized water reactor is the current development in the field of pressurized water reactor. Pressurized water reactor commonly referred as PWR, is a type of reactor which utilizes water as the driving force. Water serves as a cooling factor. It is passed through the structure and heated therein. The force in the flow is high and it generates pressure. The pressure, in turn makes the turbines move. This pressurized water reactor also uses water for cooling and moderation purpose. European pressurized water reactor (EPR) is introduced by Areva, earlier known as Framatome. EPR is designed to save more and more resources. Currently four EPR are in the building process. Due to various issues the functioning is getting delayed. Two more units are under process in China.
European pressurized water reactor has security and optimum utilization of resources, as its main aims. It has many features installed for safety purposes. It is expected to decrease the occurrence of mishaps manifolds. Moreover, the nature related issues will also be benefited. The first unit was set up in Finland. It was scheduled to start functioning in the year 2008. Some issues related to construction and quality measures have said to have delayed the project. Experts have announced that now it will be ready to function in 2013. The cost has increased significantly. Earlier the estimated cost was 3.7 billons. But now it is said to cost around six billons. The construction is said to be complete by the mid of 2012.
For safety concerns special core has been set up in the EPR. The construction comprises of four levels to avoid accidents. The design prevents passage of technical issues from core to another. In case of crisis four cooling machines can be utilized. Moreover, there are proper measures for preventing leakage. Even if there is leakage after that, there is a additional storage facility to prevent it from spreading. For further pressure control, core with a width of 2.6 meters is made. It will also protect from aircrafts.
EPR, even after said to be a third generation reactor is criticized to have many defects. Critics have found many issues with the whole system. The system uses a very large quantity of radioactive components. This will enable it consume the resources more effectively. However, it will also increase the risk of radioactive issues. A large amount of Uranium will also be released due to its functions. It will obliviously harm the atmosphere. In case of any emergency a huge area will be affected. Residents will have to be moved; otherwise it will lead to daring consequences. Secondly, the containers which are implemented for safety measures and contain leakage are also said to be sub- standard. Their efficiency in the purpose is highly questionable. In the Finland unit, concrete with high water content is used. This will form breaks on the wall. The wall will also get damaged due to erosive nature of sea. The containers made of steel are not up to the mark. It has an unsuitable shape and has welding errors. The responsible contractor is not certified and this has further added to criticism. Lastly the passage pipes are of low standard. They are expected to hold and pass chemicals. However, inappropriate grain size is said to the inhibitor of the said purpose. After the discovery of this issue some pipes where replaced but still the rest of them are questioned.
Around fifteen hundred quality issues were acknowledged in the project. But if the defects are corrected, the third generation European pressurized water reactor will definitely serve its purpose of safety and optimum resource consumption.
