Nuclear power testing services for SMRs and advanced reactors

Nuclear energy is experiencing a significant global resurgence, driven by policy, technological innovation, and the urgent need for clean, reliable energy to meet rising electricity demand and climate goals. This renewed momentum is significantly bolstered by the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other next generation designs, which promise enhanced safety, flexibility, and integration with renewable energy sources.

As nuclear power generation is anticipated to reach unprecedented levels globally, with numerous new nuclear reactors under construction worldwide, the sector's demand for robust and reliable services is greater than ever.

What nuclear power testing services do we offer?

Applus+ Laboratories provide comprehensive nuclear power testing services designed to meet the stringent specifications of this revitalised nuclear energy sector. Our expertise ensures that components and materials conform to the highest safety and quality standards required by major industry players.

We offer testing for a wide range of critical components found in nuclear power plants, including:

• Reactor vessels: We perform rigorous testing on reactor vessels, ensuring their structural integrity and material durability under extreme operating conditions. This includes analyses for pressure, temperature, and radiation effects to guarantee long-term safety.
• Steam generators: Our services cover the inspection and testing of steam generators, critical for heat transfer and electricity production. We assess their resistance to corrosion, fatigue, and other operational stresses to prevent failures.
• Primary and secondary circuit piping: We conduct thorough examinations of the extensive piping systems that carry fluids within the nuclear plant. Our testing ensures the pipes can withstand high pressures, temperatures, and potential seismic activities, maintaining containment and flow integrity.
• Heat exchangers: We provide testing for various types of heat exchangers, verifying their efficiency and reliability in transferring thermal energy. This includes checks for material integrity and leak prevention.
• Safety pumps and valves: Essential for regulating fluid flow and ensuring emergency shutdown capabilities, our testing validates the performance and reliability of safety-critical pumps and valves under normal and abnormal operating scenarios.

Our teams are trained and experienced in CFSI (Counterfeit, Fraudulent, and Suspect Items) risk awareness and mitigation, a crucial aspect for ensuring reliability and integrity within this sensitive industry. Our commitment to mitigating CFSI risk is a cornerstone of our service offering, providing peace of mind to our clients.

Testing of materials used in nuclear reactor components

Applus+ Laboratories provides comprehensive materials testing services to support the qualification of critical components used in nuclear power plants, from design validation to in service safety.

Mechanical testing – Metallic materials for nuclear applications

• Tensile testing (room temperature & high temperature) 
• Compression testing 
• Bending (flexural) testing 
• Shear testing
• Fatigue testing 
• Cyclic fatigue
• High-temperature fatigue
• Creep testing (long-duration, high temperature) 
• Impact testing (Charpy) 
• Hardness testing 
• Vickers (NF EN ISO 6507-1)
• Brinell (NF EN ISO 6506-1)
• Fracture mechanics testing (KIC / CT specimens) 
• Static load testing under severe conditions

Metallography & material Characterisation - Microstructural analyses required for RCC M compliance and Q1 audits

• Micrographic sectioning 
• Optical metallography 
• Grain size analysis 
• Microstructural evaluation 
• Detection of internal defects 
• Fractography and failure analysis (SEM – fractography local chemical analysis)

Testing of the most commonly used materials in the nuclear industry

• RCC M nuclear-grade steels 
• Stainless steels 
• Nickel alloys 
• Cobalt alloys 
• Specific aluminium alloys 
• Titanium and titanium alloys

Accreditations

Our commitment to quality and compliance is underpinned by key accreditations and adherence to international standards:

• Code RCC-M
• ASME section III
• ISO 19443
• Cofrac ISO 17025 accreditation

These accreditations demonstrate our capability and dedication to delivering precise, reliable, and compliant nuclear power testing results.

Why choose Applus+ Laboratories for nuclear power testing services?

Choosing Applus+ Laboratories means partnering with an organisation with recognised experience in nuclear power testing services. Our deep understanding of the sector's unique demands, including the evolving landscape of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and next generation designs, combined with our advanced laboratory capabilities, positions us as the ideal choice for suppliers involved in the design and manufacture of nuclear power plant parts or components.

Our distinguishing factors include:

• High-level expertise: Nuclear testing demands a profound level of knowledge and precision, which our qualified laboratories and expert teams consistently provide.
• Rigorous compliance: We strictly adhere to critical standards such as Code RCC-M and ASME section III, ensuring all tests meet international regulatory requirements.
• Risk mitigation: Our proactive approach to CFSI risk management helps safeguard your supply chain against fraudulent or suspect items, a vital concern in the nuclear sector.
• Comprehensive scope: From reactor vessels to safety pumps and valves, our extensive service range covers all essential components of a nuclear power plant, including those for cutting-edge SMRs and advanced designs.
• Trusted accreditation: Our Cofrac ISO 17025 accreditation assures the technical competence and impartiality of our testing and calibration services.

Partner with Applus+ Laboratories for reliable, accredited, and expert nuclear power testing services that ensure the safety and integrity of your critical components.