Advancing innovation through specialized nuclear testing solutions. From irradiated materials evaluation to advanced radiation transport modeling, we deliver the data needed to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance.
The integrity of the materials under irradiation is of central importance for safe nuclear plant operation. Our nuclear material testing services are designed to meticulously assess the physical and mechanical properties of these materials under the unique stresses, temperatures, and environments they encounter. We conduct a wide spectrum of tests covering mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, thermal properties, physical properties, retrospective dosimetry, cask certification testing, and radiation embrittlement.
Thorough evaluation is critical in selecting the appropriate materials for specific nuclear applications, and in understanding how existing materials will perform over time under gamma and neutron exposure. We offer a comprehensive range of tests to evaluate various aspects of material performance. Each test is conducted using state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies tailored to replicate the harsh conditions within a nuclear reactor. This approach ensures that all materials meet the regulatory standards and fulfil the practical operational demands of a nuclear facility. SGS MPM is one of only a few private companies that operate high-activity hot cells.
Our commitment to nuclear material testing goes beyond compliance with standards; it aims to enhance the operational reliability and safety of nuclear reactors through current test methods and also by the development of advanced technologies. By providing detailed and accurate material assessments, we help the nuclear industry make informed decisions about material selection, maintenance strategies, and life extension of critical components. Whether you are developing new reactors, or operating an existing facility, we are your trusted partner in ensuring that every material and component meets the rigorous demands of nuclear plant operation.
This includes fracture toughness, impact testing, tensile, compression, flexural strength, creep rupture, elastic modulus, hardness, fatigue, shear interlaminar, oxidation mass loss, and dielectric tests. Tests at SGS MPM are conducted over the temperature range of cryogenic to 1,500 C. SGS MPM also offers equipment that non-destructively measures the strength and ductility of materials. These tests help determine how materials will behave under the mechanical stresses encountered in reactor operations. The ability to measure yield stress and ultimate tensile strength non-destructively is very useful in radioactive component failure analysis work. SGS MPM is also a world leader in miniatuized mechanical behavior testing which is important in both material surveillance programs as well as in failure analysis where there is often only small volumes of material available for testing.
To ensure materials can withstand the corrosive environments found in nuclear reactors, we conduct corrosion tests, stress corrosion cracking tests, LWR flow loop studies, and electrochemical corrosion potential measurements. The SGS MPM Electrochemical Corrosion Potential (ECP) has been used in flow loop experiments as well as in operating nuclear reactors to monitor the stress-corrosion cracking potential during operation.
Evaluating material behavior under varying temperatures is critical, especially for components that will experience high-temperature degradation. Our tests assess thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, high-temperature modulus, vibrational damping for internal friction measurement, and other thermal properties at temperature up to 1,500 C.
Beyond standard testing, SGS MPM employs advanced analytical techniques to delve deeper into material characteristics:
Visual inspection, liquid penetrant testing (PT), ultrasonic testing (UT), phased array UT, and magnetic particle testing (MPT) are used to locate cracks in failed components.
Tools such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDS, ICP, and x-ray fluorescence are used to determine the origin of cracks and the material chemical composition.
When needed, FEA is performed to determine stresses in failed components as part of the failure root cause analysis.
As each nuclear facility has unique material challenges, SGS MPM works closely with clients to develop customized testing protocols. Our team collaborates with material engineers, and safety specialists, to ensure the testing strategy is comprehensive and tailored to specific operational needs.
Our Hot Cell Lab is equipped with EDM, a computer-controlled conventional milling machine, grinding equipment, and instrumentation for the fabrication of mechanical and metallurgical test specimens from radioactive components. The mechanical and physical properties can be measured in the hot cell environment or in shielded test stands outside of the cells.
