Halogen analysis laboratory according to RCC-M 2018 F6000 annex v §c

Chemical analysis Materials characterization R&D support
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

Would you like to carry out halogen analysis according to RCC-M 2018 F6000 Annex V §C

Ensure the integrity of your nuclear components with rigorous control of chemical contaminants

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

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

It notably covers design changes, manufacturing follow-up, and inspection for the European Pressurized Water Reactor (EPR).

What does RCC-M 2018 F6000 annex v §c say?

Annex V of Section F6000 (Volume I) of the RCC-M 2018 code is an important normative section dedicated to chemical cleanliness control of materials used in power plants.

Paragraph C defines the requirements relating to the measurement of 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 requires 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 project’s specific requirements.

The Sulfur (S): a limiting element to prevent embrittlement.

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

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

Ion chromatography (IC)

for halogens

Spectrometry (ICP-OES or UV)

for other elements

FILAB supports you in your halogen analysis according to RCC-M 2018 F6000 annex v §c

Why is compliance with F6000 mandatory?

RCC-M 2018

Under RCC-M 2018, compliance with §C of Annex V is a sine qua non condition for:

  • Validation of SDSs (Safety Data Sheets) for products used in the workshop.

  • Approval of the quality plan by the end customer (EDF/Framatome).

  • The absence of residual contamination before commissioning (hydrostatic testing and operation).

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

FILAB laboratory’s expertise in the energy and nuclear sectors contributes to the development of your industrial projects in inspection, optimization, and consulting related to your activity.

For many years, FILAB laboratory has been approved by EDF to carry out the analysis required for PMUC approval and PMUC inspections.

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

Our FAQ

Why does RCC-M require halogen testing?

Chlorine (Cl) and fluorine (F) are extremely corrosive agents for the noble metals used in the nuclear industry. In the presence of moisture and heat, they can cause Stress Corrosion Cracking (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 embrittle nickel alloys.

Which products are covered by Annex V §C?

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

  • Dye penetrant products: penetrants, developers, cleaners.

  • Lubricants and machining products: cutting oils, greases, hydraulic fluids.

  • Marking and protection: marking pens, adhesive tapes, varnishes.

  • Cleaning solvents: used before welding or after machining.

What are the acceptance thresholds?

Although the RCC-M code defines the methodological framework, the limit thresholds 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 thresholds, down to 50 ppm.

How can i get a quote from FILAB?

To get a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
All you need to do is send us your requirements (material type, analysis requested, any applicable standard, urgency, sample quantity, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.

What is the typical turnaround time for analysis?

Lead 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 constraints and industrial urgencies.

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
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