The department develops and produces precision measuring instruments and experimental equipment for use in the reactor's test rigs. Continuous measurements of temperature, pressure, flow and deformation under highly demanding conditions and for long periods of time, such as 10 years or more, place high demands on reliability and material selection. Many measuring techniques are based on the use of high sensitivity linear voltage differential transformers.

The department has broad interdisciplinary expertise in precision mechanical design and fabrication, electronics and materials technology, and has built up substantial know-how through the manufacture of more than 2,500 complex sensors and measuring instruments. Accumulation of expertise is facilitated, for example, through co-operation with several international research organizations. Equipment and instruments developed by the department are also used by the Norwegian industry and in reactors in other countries.