Halogen analysis laboratory according to RCC-M 2018 F6000 Annex V §C
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.
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.
From the design to the implementation of your installations, FILAB supports you in assessing their compliance with RCC-M requirements.
analysis of the energy and nuclear sector
Chemical analysis (heavy metals, additives, residual solvents…)
Materials characterization: metal alloys, polymers, composites, ceramics...
expertise in the energy and nuclear sector
Failure analysis: study of fracture facies, fracture analysis, adhesion problems, corrosion phenomena, metallographic examination, weld analysis...
Materials deformulation
Fluid-material compatibility study
Identification of unknown pollutants (deposits, particles)
R&D SUPPORT
Analytical development and analytical validation
R&D support (project management, choice of materials and raw materials…)
Our FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.