The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) offers comprehensive hot cell-based evaluation of irradiated reactor pressure vessel (RPV) materials, covering all stages from shipping to final reporting. Surveillance capsule testing involves placing vessel steel specimens inside the reactor to receive neutron exposure comparable to or exceeding that of the vessel wall. Capsules are withdrawn according to a set schedule, opened in a hot cell, and tested to assess changes in steel toughness due to irradiation. These results verify the vessel’s continued safe operation.
What Does 10 CFR 50 Appendix H Require for Surveillance Programs?
Appendix H requires licensees of applicable light-water reactors to monitor radiation-induced changes in the fracture toughness of vessel beltline materials. Core requirements include:
- Capsules containing base metal, weld metal, heat-affected zone specimens, and dosimeters
- Withdrawal and testing schedules aligned with ASTM E185
- Charpy impact and tensile testing of withdrawn specimens
- Reporting of results to the NRC to support pressure-temperature limits
Our Surveillance Capsule Testing Services
We operate under a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-issued radioactive materials license in one of the few privately owned hot cell facilities in the United States. All steps of the process are managed at a single location:
- Custom shipping containers, documentation, and transport logistics
- Capsule opening, inventory, and specimen preparation
- Gamma spectroscopy dosimetry
- Neutron transport analysis compliant with Regulatory Guide 1.190
- Charpy, tensile, and fracture toughness testing
- Pressure-temperature (P-T) curve calculations, plus waste disposal and optional long-term specimen storage
Our instrumented striker technology provides more than Charpy impact energy data. It captures load-deflection measurements to directly assess fracture toughness, which can reduce conservatism in P-T curve calculations.
How Do Surveillance Programs Support License Renewal and Subsequent License Renewal?
Surveillance data demonstrates that a vessel can continue safe operation as neutron fluence increases. For license renewal and subsequent renewal, owners must show that embrittlement remains within acceptable limits throughout the extended period. Capsule test results validate fluence projections, confirm reference temperature shifts, and supply measured data for upper-shelf energy and pressure-temperature evaluations. Later-life capsules and reinserted specimens are particularly valuable because they capture exposure levels near the 80-year target, providing direct measurements instead of relying solely on predictions.
Start Your Surveillance Capsule Testing Project
If you are planning a capsule withdrawal or developing a long-term surveillance program, our team can help define the scope, schedule, and deliverables. Contact us at +1 (888) 287-5227 or complete our online request form to discuss your project and receive a customized proposal.
