In-Service Inspection Codes Rsem and Asme Section Xi Codes Comparison
In-Service Inspection Codes Rsem and Asme Section Xi Codes Comparison
In-Service Inspection Codes Rsem and Asme Section Xi Codes Comparison
CODE OBJECTIVES
ASME XI Objectives
The major objective of ASME Section XI is the ISI program definition: why, where, how, when?
2 ways are proposed:
‐ Sampling function of component classes (% of welds àn a 10-year basis with intermediate ISI)
‐ Risk Informed In-Service Inspection: probability of failure multiply by consequences through
Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) in term of Core Damage Frequency (CDF)
Case by case a supplementary program associated to field experience feedback is necessary to develop.
Another part of ASME Section XI is associated to consequences of ISI results: allowable standards, flaw
evaluation and consequences in term of repair- replacement and future ISI.
There is no consideration of surveillance activities in ASME Section XI, like radiation surveillance
program or fatigue monitoring…
Repair- Replacement and pressure tests are in the ASME Section XI requirements.
Figure 3 present the table of content of ASME XI and Figure 4 the list of appendices.
RSE-M Objectives
A periodic "re-qualification" of components is required every 10 years by RSE-M. A re-qualification is:
‐ ISI of inner and outer surfaces
‐ pressure test (1.2 time design pressure)
An ISI program has to be defined between previous requalification: why (objectives), where (locations),
how (performance) and when (frequency)?
Two ways are proposed:
‐ damage oriented (including field experience)
‐ or Risk Informed In-Service Inspection (OMF- maintenance optimization through reliability)
Case by case a supplementary program associated to field experience feedback has to be developed,
associated to few random inspection
Another part of RSE-M is associated to consequences of ISI: allowable standards, flaw evaluation and
consequences on:
‐ Surveillance/ Monitoring programs
‐ Repair – Replacement and pressure tests
‐ In-service inspection program improvement
ASME XI: Scope and OWNER Responsibility
The jurisdiction of this Division covers individual components and complete plants that have met all the
requirements of the Construction Code, commencing when the Construction Code requirements have been
met, irrespective of physical location. When portions of systems or plants are completed at different times,
jurisdiction of this Division shall cover only those portions for which all of the construction requirements
have been met. Prior to installation, an item that has met all requirements of the Construction Code may
be corrected using the rules of either the Construction Code or this Division, as determined by the Owner.
Components identified in this Division for inspection and testing shall be included in the in-service
inspection plan. These components include nuclear power plant items such as vessels, containments,
piping systems, pumps, valves, core support structures, and storage tanks, including their respective
supports. The selection of components for the in-service inspection plan is subject to review by the
regulatory and enforcement authorities having jurisdiction at the plant site.
RSEM: Periodic Requalification- X 2000
Periodic requalification of pressure components is an inspection operation carried out at regular intervals
with a view to ensuring that the component continues to display a satisfactory safety standard.
This inspection operation is carried out by the competent Administrative Authority or by an entitled body
or, where applicable, by a recognized inspection service in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Periodic requalification of a pressure component generally includes:
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‐ an inspection of the component, including safety accessories and pressurized accessories which are
connected to or associated with the component,
‐ an operating checks on safety accessories,
‐ an hydraulic proof test where applicable.
RSEM Inspections and Visits- X 3000
An inspection, also referred to as a visit, is a preventive maintenance operation which is performed on a
scheduled and systematic basis. It comprises a pre-determined set of examinations conducted on all or part
of the constituent parts of a component during shutdown. It makes it possible to assess the safety level of
the component.
The inspection, or visit, is performed in accordance with a surveillance and maintenance program, also
referred to as a basic preventive maintenance program, which is drawn up by the Licensee. This program
outlines the nature of surveillance and maintenance operations and sets out a schedule for these
operations. The inspection is specific to a pre-determined component or a consistent family of components
and is redefined on a periodic basis.
For certain categories of regulated components, the surveillance and maintenance operations program
includes Periodic Inspections which are implemented in accordance with the conditions imposed by the
applicable regulations.
This surveillance and maintenance operations program may be replaced by an inspection plan which is
drawn up by the Licensee in accordance with professional guidelines accepted by the Administrative
Authority in the case of Class 2 and 3 components and components which are not assigned to any of the
RSE-M classes provided that the Licensee has a recognized inspection service.
The surveillance and maintenance operations program is specific to a component or a consistent family of
components. It is drawn up:
‐ on the basis of a standard maintenance program,
‐ or using a specific program applicable to a consistent component family, with additional specific
requirements as defined below.
The requirements relate to compilation of surveillance and maintenance programs and do not apply to
cases in which an inspection plan is used.
When compiling surveillance and maintenance operations programs, the following are taken into account:
a. the safety implications of a component failure which could result from the development of a
defect, with a view to selecting the areas to be examined,
b. the current requirements and provisions applicable to components which are subject to the
regulations, and in particular those relating to Periodic Inspections,
c. surveillance requirements defined by the manufacturer,
d. the requirements of the present code,
e. potential risks of damage and defects according to the design and construction of the
components
As a general rule, welds shall be considered as more susceptible to certain types of damage risk than base
metal parts of components. However, this consideration may not be valid for certain types of damage.
The OMF (Reliability-based Maintenance Optimization) method is used on an elementary system or
component as selected by the Licensee. The method is based on carrying out a functional analysis and a
failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), to identify components which are subject to serious failure
modes with regard to the various problem areas (generally safety, radiological protection, availability,
environment, cost).
This method thus makes it possible to justify the maintenance operations selected within the program by a
risk analysis of the causes and consequences of potential failures as a function of problems and tasks
associated with the components.
Conditional maintenance covers a series of non-intrusive in-operation inspection tasks which may be
carried out without making the components unavailable. This method is based on the principle that
damage which is likely to lead to component failure may be monitored on the basis of parameters which
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can be measured during operation. It is based on carrying out an FMEA-type functional analysis which
makes it possible.
There are three stages when using this program:
‐ surveillance,
‐ diagnostics,
‐ prognosis.
Preventive maintenance tasks on components are scheduled if the prognosis concludes that the damage
has changed in a detrimental way.
The sampling method applies if it is possible to draw conclusions for a consistent family of components
based on checks carried out on a representative sample of components.
Some regulated component categories are subject to Periodic Inspection actions (also called partial in-
service inspections) performed in accordance with the performance conditions specified by the applicable
regulations. These Periodic Inspections form part of the component surveillance and maintenance
operations program.
The inspection plan for a component comprises all the scheduled and systematic inspection actions
specified by the inspection service to maintain the safety standard of the component at the required level.
The detailed inspection plan specifically lists and locates the areas to be examined, the nature and
frequency of the checks to be performed, the content and frequency of inspections and periodic
requalification operations (for certain regulated components) and monitoring of relevant operating
parameters.
The visits or inspections schedule is drawn up by the Licensee and takes account of:
a. the current statutory provisions and requirements for components subject to pressure
equipment regulations,
b. specific terms granted by the Administrative Authority, particularly with respect to
adjustments between two Periodic Inspections,
c. requirements from the inspection plans in the event of follow-up by an inspection service,
d. the requirements of the surveillance and maintenance operations program and specifically the
frequencies specified in the applicable visit program,
e. choice of maintenance strategy adopted by the Licensee ,
f. planing for plant shutdowns.
RSEM Pre-Service Inspection Program- X 3600
The inspection carried out before components are commissioned is known as the pre-service inspection.
Examinations carried out in this case, if required, shall at the very least include inspections to be
performed during periodic requalification inspections (complete in-service inspections) and those to be
performed during periodic inspections (partial in-service inspections). These are intended to act as
reference material or as a “zero point” for those to be performed at a later date.
All examinations performed during a check shall be described in a written procedure containing a detailed
description of the techniques and process to be used, as well as the operating conditions, recording criteria
and characterization thresholds.
Each Inspection is concluded by minutes which refer back to the certificates and results of the operations
performed.
RSEM Examination Methods Used for Visits- X 4000
All examinations shall be performed in accordance with the instructions given in a set of duly identified
documents, which must comply with the requirements of the present code. The extent of the areas subject
to examination is defined for each examination method. If there is any obstacle to straightforward, direct
application of the general conditions defined in this code, an analysis must be provided to justify that the
aims of this code will be met, subject to compensatory measures if necessary.
Non-destructive examination methods are based on use of specific physical principles. The non-
destructive examination technique concerns specific use of a non-destructive examination method. The
NDE process covers both NDE equipment and the support equipment required to implement a non-
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destructive examination technique. The application entails implementing the process, or a set of processes
with the same objective, to the area to be examined by qualified staff certified as a minimum requirement.
Other analysis methods (metallography, physical/chemical analyses, mechanical tests, etc.) may also be
used to determine the type and cause of the defects observed and defect growth observed.
Description of Examination Methods:
‐ mechanical, physical, physico-chemical and chemical tests
‐ ultrasonic examination
‐ radiographic examination
‐ Penetrant examination
‐ Magnetic particle testing
‐ Eddy current examination
‐ Visual examinations and video examinations
‐ Acoustic emission
‐ Leak tests
‐ Metallographic examination
In most cases, visits of mechanical components involve the use of non-destructive examination methods
based on known practice (documented in codes or standards). Applying such methods to an area
corresponds to applications which are subjected to one of the following:
‐ the qualification requirements: "Conventional", "General", "Specific" qualification
‐ the requirements which apply to applications not requiring qualification
‐ an expert assessment
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August 20-25, 2017 BEXCO/Centrum Hotel, Busan, Korea
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The Licensee:
‐ decides to develop, study and initiate the maintenance operation, allocate the necessary resources
(equipment, staff, funding),
‐ identifies the RSE-M class and, where applicable, the pressure risk category
‐ classifies the maintenance operation,
‐ sets requirements for maintaining safety in terms of quality, organization, batching and scheduling
as the Licensee deems necessary and adequate in order to meet his objectives, commitments and
statutory obligations,
‐ provides the Supplier with the necessary information to comply with the requirements, including
radiological protection information,
‐ provides feedback,
‐ maintains and updates documentation for the facility and component history
‐ draws up a technical specification for the Supplier, which defines his objectives and requirements.
In particular, these requirements shall ensure that performing the maintenance operation will not be
prejudicial to safety of the facility,
‐ defines surveillance actions for the Supplier (plus any subcontractors) at all stages, in order to
ensure that the pre-defined requirements relating to quality, design and performance in particular,
are properly understood and applied. The Licensee shall make sure that all goods and services
supplied are checked for compliance with requirements, and defines mutual notification procedures
When the Licensee does not carry out the maintenance operation himself, he shall select a Supplier
and approve any necessary subcontractors.
When the Licensee carries out the maintenance operation himself, he shall appoint a member of his own
staff to assume the role of Supplier. This person will be referred to as the "Supplier".
ASME XI duties of Inspector
The duties of the inspector are as follow:
a. The Inspector shall review the inspection plan and, as necessary, the implementation schedule
prior to the start of preservice inspection and each inspection interval. The review shall cover
any features that are affected by the requirements of this Division.
Shop and field preservice examinations are exempt from prior review.
b. The Inspector shall review any revisions to the inspection plan and, as necessary, the
implementation schedule during the preservice inspection or the inspection interval.
c. The Inspector shall submit a report to the Owner documenting review of the items identified
in (a) and (b).
d. The Inspector shall verify that the required examinations and system pressure tests have been
performed and the results recorded.
e. The Inspector shall verify that the required visual examinations have been performed and the
results recorded.
f. The Inspector shall perform any additional investigations necessary to verify that all
applicable requirements of IWA-2110 have been met.
g. The Inspector shall verify that the nondestructive examination methods used follow the
techniques specified in this Division and that the examinations are performed in accordance
with written qualified procedures and by personnel employed by the Owner or the Owner’s
agent and qualified.
h. The Inspector may require, at any time, requalification of any procedure or operator if the
Inspector has reason to believe that the requirements are not being met.
i. The Inspector shall certify the examination records after verifying that the requirements have
been met and that the records are correct.
j. The Inspector shall verify that repair/replacement activities are performed in accordance with
the requirements of the Owner’s Repair/Replacement Program.
k. The Inspector shall review the Repair/Replacement Program and its implementation.
24th International Conférence on Structural Mechanic in Reactor Technology
August 20-25, 2017 BEXCO/Centrum Hotel, Busan, Korea
Division D2 – Paper 02-08-05
The Owner shall arrange for an Inspector to have access to all parts of the plant as necessary to make the
required inspections. The Owner shall keep the Inspector informed of the progress of the preparatory work
necessary to permit inspections and shall notify the Inspector at a time reasonably in advance of when the
components will be ready for inspection.
ASME XI Inspection Methods
Concerning the Examination Methods:
a. The three types of examinations used during in-service inspection are defined as visual,
surface, and volumetric. The examination method to be used is specified in X-2500. If a
component must be examined in a high radiation area, remotely controlled equipment may be
advisable.
b. When preparation of a surface for nondestructive examination is required, the preparation
shall be by a mechanical method. Such surfaces shall be blended into the surrounding area as
may be required to perform the examination. The wall thickness shall not be reduced below
the minimum thickness required by design. Non-mandatory Appendix may be used for such
surface preparation.
c. All nondestructive examinations of the required examination surface or volume shall be
conducted to the maximum extent practical. When performing VT‐1, surface, radiographic, or
ultrasonic examination on a component with defined surface or volume, essentially 100% of
the required surface or volume shall be examined. Essentially 100% coverage is achieved
when the applicable examination coverage is greater than 90%; however, in no case shall the
examination be terminated when greater than 90% coverage is achieved, if additional
coverage of the required examination surface or volume is practical. Non-mandatory
Appendix provides guidance that may be used for evaluating examination coverage.
A surface examination indicates the presence of surface discontinuities. It may be conducted using a
magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, eddy current, or ultrasonic method. Any linear indication detected by
magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, or eddy current examination that exceeds the allowable linear surface
flaw standards shall be recorded. Any flaw recorded by ultrasonic examination shall be compared to the
volumetric examination acceptance standards of Table for surface planar flaw.
A volumetric examination indicates the presence of discontinuities throughout the volume of material and
may be conducted from either the inside or outside surface of a component:
‐ Radiographic Examination
‐ Ultrasonic Examination
‐ Eddy Current Examination
‐ Acoustic Emission Examination
‐ Alternative examination methods, a combination of methods, or newly developed techniques may
be substituted for the methods specified
ASME XI- Personnel Qualification
Personnel performing non-destructive examinations (NDE) shall be qualified and certified using a written
practice prepared in accordance with ANSI/ASNT CP‐189, Standard for Qualification and Certification of
Non-destructive Testing Personnel, as amended by the requirements of this Division. Certifications based
on SNT‐TC‐1A, ANSI N45.2.6, or earlier editions of ANSI/ASNT CP‐189 are valid until recertification is
required. Recertification shall be in accordance with the edition of ANSI/ASNT CP‐189 referenced in
IWA-1600 as amended by the requirements of this Division. Outside agencies, as defined in Mandatory
Appendix VII, may be used to qualify NDE personnel; however, the Employer shall be solely responsible
for the certification of Levels I, II, and III personnel. Non-destructive and visual examination personnel
qualified and certified in accordance with the requirements of this Division are qualified and certified to
perform examinations in accordance with the requirements of previous Editions and Addenda.
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August 20-25, 2017 BEXCO/Centrum Hotel, Busan, Korea
Division D2 – Paper 02-08-05
‐ A preservice system pressure test is not required, except following repair/replacement activities
Visual Examination
‐ Insulated and Non-insulated Components
o The VT‐2 visual examination shall be conducted by examining the accessible external exposed
surfaces of pressure retaining components for evidence of leakage.
o For components whose external surfaces are inaccessible for direct VT‐2 visual examination,
only the examination of the surrounding area (including floor areas or equipment surfaces
located underneath the components) for evidence of leakage shall be required.
Elevated Temperature Tests- Corrective Action
‐ sources of leakage detected during the conduct of a system pressure test shall be located and
evaluated by the Owner for corrective action
‐ If boric acid residues are detected on components, the leakage source and the areas of general
corrosion shall be located.
‐ Alternative Corrective Action for Leakage Identified at Bolted Connections
RSE-M ASME XI
‐ Scope: mainly PWR ‐ Scope: larger than RSE-M, PWR è BWR…
‐ Objectives: inspection, evaluation, maintenance ‐ Objectives: inspection, evaluation, maintenance
+ surveillance ‐ ASME XI Classification: safety levels + Non-
‐ RSE-M Classification: safety level + new rules Classified components
since EPR
‐ ISI : degradation oriented + sampling or RI-ISI ‐ ISI : % of welds or risk informed
(OMF) ‐ ISI results and flaw evaluation
‐ ISI results and flaw evaluation: Extremely
detailed and largely validated fracture mechanic
approaches; thermal ageing considered for all
materials; all cladded components specific
validated rules; all data and procedure are in
the Code; Standards consider fatigue and are
plant dependent
‐ More stringent NDE qualification ‐ Less stringent NDE qualification
‐ International practices for NDE personal ‐ National practices for NDE personal
qualification (ISO 9712 based on third party qualification
qualification)
‐ Major surveillance programs are considered ‐ Surveillance program: not considered
‐ Repair – Replacement: less efficient proposals ‐ Repair – Replacement: More efficient proposals
‐ Pressure tests: many requirements at 1.2 Design ‐ Pressure tests: Many requirements at lower
Pressure (French Regulation); different pressure (leak close to operating pressure); more
exemption rules; larger frequency; after some exemption rules; lower frequency; After some
repairs repairs
‐ "Ageing Management": Practically sufficient ‐ "Ageing Management": not sufficient
and largely used for Periodic Safety Review
every 10 years
‐ Regulation dependent, based on French ‐ Regulation dependent, based on USNRC
regulation 10CFR50
Faidy C., "Stress Intensity Factor Handbook- Comparison of RSE-M and ASME XI Codes", Paper PVP –
2015 45199, Proceedings of the ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, PVP 2015, July
19-23, 2015, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Marie S. & al., "French RSE-M and RCCMR code Appendices for flaw analysis: presentation of the
fracture parameters calculation- Part III: cracked pipes", International Journal of Pressure Vessels
and Piping 84 (2007) p. 614-638
SPECIFIC RULES FOR COMPONENTS NOT ASSIGNED TO ANY PARTICULAR RSE-M CLASS (49 Requirements for Class 1, 2, 3, and MC Components Supports of Light‐Water
SECTION D Subsection IWF
pages) Cooled Plants (9 pages)
Requirements for Class CC Concrete Components of Light‐Water‐Cooled
Appendices (1150 pages) Subsection IWL
Plants (16 pages)