Laboratory for analysis and expertise

Halogen analysis laboratory according to RCC-M 2018 F6000 Annex V §C

More than 140 people
More than 140 people at your service
5200 m² laboratory
5200 m² laboratory + 99% of services are provided in-house
EDF approved
EDF approved

You wish to carry out halogen analyses according to RCC-M 2018 F6000 Annex V §C

Ensure the integrity of your nuclear components through rigorous control of chemical contaminants.

In the nuclear construction sector, controlling impurities is a safety imperative. The FILAB laboratory assists you in qualifying your processes and materials in accordance with the stringent requirements of RCC-M 2018, Volume I, Booklet 6, Annex V §C.

RCC-M is the French code that defines the design and construction rules for the mechanical components of the nuclear islands of Pressurized Water Reactors.

It specifically monitors the evolution of design, manufacturing monitoring, and testing for the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR).

What does RCC-M 2018 F6000 Annex V §C say?

Annex V of Fascicle F6000 (Volume I) of the RCC-M 2018 code is a crucial normative section dedicated to controlling the chemical cleanliness of materials used in power plants.

Paragraph C defines the requirements for measuring impurities in consumables and substances likely to come into contact with component surfaces (particularly austenitic stainless steels and nickel alloys).

The objective is to prevent stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and intergranular degradation caused by specific chemical elements.

The elements analyzed

The text mandates the rigorous measurement of three types of contaminants:

Total halogens: mainly Chlorine (Cl) and Fluorine (F). Bromine (Br) and Iodine (I) are sometimes also monitored.

Low melting point metals: (Lead, Zinc, Tin, etc.) according to the specific project requirements.

Sulfur (S): limiting element to avoid embrittlement.

Our technical means for analysis according to RCC-M 2018 F6000 Annex V §C

After mineralization, the sample is converted into a liquid phase (often by combustion in an oxygen bomb).

Ion Chromatography (IC)

for halogens

Spectrométrie (ICP-OES ou UV)

for the other elements

The FILAB laboratory assists you with your halogen analyses according to RCC-M 2018 F6000 Annex V §C

Why is compliance with F6000 mandatory?

RCC-M 2018

Within the framework of RCC-M 2018, compliance with Section C of Annex V is a prerequisite for:

  • Validation of the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for products used in the workshop.
  • Approval of the quality plan by the end customer (EDF/Framatome).
  • The absence of residual pollution before commissioning (hydraulic testing and operation).

Why choose FILAB for your chemical analysis according to RCC-M?

FILAB's expertise in the energy and nuclear sectors contributes to the development of your industrial projects through inspection, optimization, and consulting services.

For many years, FILAB has been accredited by EDF to perform the analyses required for PMUC certification and PMUC audits.

From the design to the implementation of your installations, FILAB supports you in assessing their compliance with RCC-M requirements.

Our FAQ

Why does the RCC-M mandate halogen control?

Chlorine (Cl) and fluorine (F) are extremely corrosive to the noble metals used in nuclear applications. In the presence of humidity and temperature, they can cause Stress Corrosion (SCC), leading to micro-cracks invisible to the naked eye but fatal to the integrity of the primary or secondary circuit. Sulfur (S), also covered by this annex, can embrittlead nickel alloys.

Which products are covered by Annex V §C?

All consumables that come into contact with the surfaces of the mechanical equipment in the nuclear island must be analyzed. This includes:

  • Penetrating dyes: penetrants, developers, cleaners.
  • Lubricants and machining: cutting oils, greases, hydraulic fluids.
  • Marking and protection: marking markers, adhesive tapes, varnishes.
  • Cleaning solvents: used before welding or after machining.
What are the thresholds of acceptability?

Although the RCC-M code defines the methodological framework, the limit values ​​often depend on the specifications of the client (EDF, Framatome). However, the standard limits generally encountered are:

  • Total halogens (Cl + F): < 200 ppm (parts per million).
  • Total sulfur (S): < 200 ppm.

Some specific projects require lower limits, down to 50 ppm.

How to get a quote from FILAB?

To obtain a quote, you can contact our team via our contact form, by phone, or by email.

Simply tell us your requirements (type of material, desired analysis, applicable standards, urgency, quantity of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.

What is the typical duration of the analysis?

Turnaround times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.

However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.

The filab advantages
A highly qualified team
A highly qualified team
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
(Staves available on www.cofrac.com - Accreditation number: 1-1793)
A complete analytical facility of 5,200m²
A complete analytical facility of 5,200m²
Tailor-made support
Tailor-made support
Video debriefing available with the expert
Video debriefing available with the expert
Clément BOENARD Head of Inorganic Chemistry Department
Ask for your quote