Two major Codes are used for Fitness for Service of Nuclear Power Plants: one is the ASME B&PV Code Section XI and the other one is the French RSE-M Code. Both of them are largely used in many countries, partially or totally.
The last 2013 RSE-M covers “Mechanical Components of Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs):
- Pre-service and In-service inspection
- Surveillance in operation or during shutdown
- Flaw evaluation
- Repairs-Replacements parts for plant in operation
- Pressure tests
The last 2013 ASME Section XI covers “Mechanical components and containment of Light Water Reactors (LWRs)” and has a larger scope with similar topics: more types of plants (PWR and Boiling Water Reactor-BWR), other components like metallic and concrete containments…
The paper is a first comparison covering the scope, the jurisdiction, the general organization of each section, the major principles to develop In Service Inspection, Repair-Replacement activities, the flaw evaluation rules, the pressure test requirements, the surveillance procedures (monitoring…) and the connections with Design Codes…
These Codes are extremely important for In-service inspection programs in particular and essential tools to justify long term operation of Nuclear Power Plants.
