What is Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE Testing) Used for in the Nuclear Sector?
The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (FoC) offers advanced post-irradiation examination (PIE) testing to support our clients in the nuclear testing sector. PIE testing involves an in-depth evaluation of nuclear fuel and reactor materials following exposure to high levels of radiation. This process relies on understanding how fuel and materials degrade, fail, or perform under irradiation and plays a vital role in predicting service life safety and longevity.
Performance, Safety, and Compliance in Extreme Environments
To help ensure safe operation without direct radiation exposure, PIE testing is performed in hot cells. A hot cell is a heavily shielded chamber designed to protect personnel from highly radioactive materials. To help ensure consistent results, our PIE testing services follow applicable industry standards, including those of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and ASTM and ISO/ASTM nuclear technology standards.
Our Comprehensive PIE Testing Capabilities
At ATS, we perform advanced post-irradiation evaluation services in controlled laboratory environments using specialized systems and techniques. Our expert technicians use both non-destructive methods (such as neutron radiography) and destructive methods (such as microstructural analysis).
Our post-irradiation examination services and advanced nuclear testing capabilities include, but are not limited to:
- Mechanical Testing (tensile, impact, fatigue, and fracture toughness)
- Mechanical Property Testing
- Chemical and Material Composition Analysis
- Radiation damage modeling
- Surveillance Capsule Testing
- Irradiated Fuel Analysis
- Fuel Storage and Disposal
- Hot Cell Testing
- Custom Testing
- Failure Analysis
Excellence Across Industries
Additionally, we support a wide range of comprehensive applications across the nuclear sector, including but not limited to:
- Nuclear Power Plants and Advanced Reactors
- Nuclear Supply Chain
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Large Scale Power Generation
- Pressure Vessels
- Aerospace and Defense
- Advanced Materials Research
- Regulatory Compliance
- Performance Validation
Contact Us
Our process is rooted in partnership. If your organization requires PIE testing or any other nuclear safety testing services, please contact ATS today via webform or call our direct line +1 (888) 287-5227 to get started.
