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Radioactivity services

Nuclear industry proficiency test exercises

Supporting the nuclear industry

The nuclear industry proficiency test exercise (PTE) is a scheme during which a 200 L drum of ‘simulated’ waste is produced by NPL. This waste drum contains inactive low-density material with vials of resin, in initially undisclosed locations spiked with gamma-emitting radionuclides of known activity. The drum is sent to participating labs, who then measure the drum using a non-destructive method. A single report is produced summarising all the results and data analysis.

Upcoming exercise (2025)

Information on the upcoming exercise may be found in the “Invitation Letter” linked below. If you have no questions relating to participation, please complete the “Enquiry Form” linked below and send to pte@npl.co.uk by the 18th of April 2025.

Invite Letter

Enquiry Form

If you have further questions relating to the exercise, please contact pte@npl.co.uk

Past exercises (2021)

The last exercise was the 2021 nuclear industry PTE which concluded in 2022. For a copy of the report please make a request via the ‘contact us’ section below.

Other exercises

There is interest in using a similar approach to produce a 1m3 ‘bag’ PTE in addition to or as an alternative to the drum. If you are interested in either of these exercises, please contact us.

For questions, queries and comments relating to the nuclear industry PTE scheme please contact us.

PTE


NPL also provide radioactive standards, calibrations and consultations. For information related to this please contact us.

Contact us

Contact us

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