NWT introduced the Q-Check program in 1994 to provide PWR nuclear sites with a technique to validate their analytical procedures and to assess their laboratory capabilities relative to those of other sites by analysis of blind samples. This program is an expansion of PWR/Q-Chem. Both programs are supportive of the objectives outlined in ASTM International E691-14, “Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method”, ASTM International E1323-09, “Standard Guide for Evaluating Laboratory Measurement Practices and the Statistical analysis of the Resulting Data”, ASTM International E1763-06, “Standard Guide for Interpretation, Use of Results from Interlaboratory Testing of Chemical Analysis Methods” and “Guidelines for the Conduct of Chemistry at Nuclear Power Stations", INPO 13-005, Rev. 0, October 2013.

The five Q-Check sample matrices are shown below. Samples include pure water, primary matrix and acidified matrix metals solutions. The chemical species stay the same each quarter with the exception of those in the primary matrix cation solution. Sample concentrations change quarterly. Each sample set consists of three 250 ml bottles of each of the five sample types. Additional bottles can be purchased.

After sample analysis, each site reports its results to NWT. Results can be submitted to NWT using the report form. Results are presented and reviewed by NWT in a quarterly report. Q-Check participants are identified by letter in the report; the letter designation for each laboratory is given in the report transmittal letter.

Since all PWR/Q-Chem analytes are included in the concurrent Q-Check sample set, Q-Check participants have the opportunity to participate in PWR/Q-CHEM and can receive the corresponding report.

NWT also has developed custom programs for several sites. If the standard Q-Chem program does not fulfill all of your needs, we will work with you to establish a more responsive program. Please see the Custom Q-Chem Samples page.

Questions regarding the Q-Chem program should be directed to Mike Miller or Mary Hyde at (408) 281-1100 or lab@nwtcorp.com. Please call or e-mail for pricing details.
 

Report Form

 

Sample ID	Size	Analyte	Concentration Range
A	250 ml	Fluoride Chloride Sulfate Silica Pure Water Matrix	1 - 100 ppb 1 - 100 ppb 1 - 100 ppb 1 - 500 ppb
B	250 ml	Sodium Ammonia Pure Water Matrix	1 - 100 ppb 50 - 5000 ppb
C	250 ml	Copper Iron 0.15% Nitric Acid Matrix	1 - 100 ppb 5 - 100 ppb
D	250 ml	Boron Lithium Fluoride Chloride Sulfate Silica Primary Matrix	10 - 1745 ppm 0.1 - 5 ppm 1 - 200 ppb 1 - 200 ppb 1 - 200 ppb 10 - 1000 ppb
Ea	250 ml	Boron Lithium Sodium Ammonia Magnesium Calcium Aluminum Zincb Primary Matrix	10 - 1745 ppm 0.1 - 5 ppm 10 - 200 ppb 10 -1000 ppb 20 - 50 ppb 20 - 500 ppb 20 - 500 ppb 1-50 ppb

1. Sodium, Ammonia, Magnesium, Calcium and Aluminum are not included every quarter. The matrix is acidified to 0.15% Nitric Acid for sample sets including Aluminum.
2. Zinc is included as an optional analyte when Sodium or Aluminum is the selected analyte.