What is Hot Cell Materials Testing in the Nuclear Sector?
The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (FoC) performs hot cell materials testing to assist clients in the nuclear testing industry. A hot cell is a highly shielded chamber constructed to safeguard personnel from radioactive materials by effectively blocking radiation. Our advanced testing solutions provide hot cell material data at temperatures up to 1,500 °C.
Evaluating Performance in Demanding Environments
Hot cell materials testing is essential for predicting long-term performance and safety margins in nuclear systems. We offer a complete range of instrumentation and automated specimen-handling systems tailored for nuclear hot-cell environments. Our services include in-cell specimen preparation using advanced CNC machining and EDM technologies, delivering precision and efficiency.
Hot cell testing is performed in safety-controlled lab environments using specialized systems. To provide reliable results, all testing complies with relevant industry standards.
Our Advanced Hot Cell Testing Capabilities
Our collective expertise in diverse nuclear testing encompasses a broad range of hot cell operations and high-temperature testing. Our comprehensive testing capabilities include but are not limited to:
- Mechanical testing (impact, tensile, fatigue and fracture toughness)
- Physical property testing performed within hot cells or through shielded external test stands
- High-temperature testing and thermal conditioning equipment
- Irradiated materials testing
- Chemical and material composition analysis
- Charpy impact testing and miniature Charpy testing
- Custom testing based on specific client needs
Applications Across the Nuclear Sector
Hot cell materials testing is frequently used for:
- Nuclear power plant safety – assessing the service life of reactor materials and how they degrade over time.
- Post-irradiation examination (PIE) –Assessing the structural integrity of fuel cladding, reactor components, and other irradiated materials
- Fuel qualification – testing new fuel products, alloys, and materials for plant life extension
- Research and development – supporting nuclear technology developments
Taking You One Step Closer to Certainty
Applied Technical Services has been a trusted provider since 1967, offering consulting, engineering, testing, forensics, and inspection services. Our experts leverage extensive technical knowledge and advanced laboratory capabilities to deliver solutions in metallurgy, environmental testing, chemical analysis, materials testing, and failure analysis—all aimed at creating a safer, more reliable world.
Contact Us
If your organization requires expert hot cell materials testing or any other nuclear testing services, please submit a webform above or call us directly at +1 (888) 287-5227 to get started.
