PMUC analysis laboratory: inspection and approval
FILAB supports manufacturers in their approval processes by carrying out reliable PMUC analysis, compliant with EDF requirements and tailored to your technical constraints.
Your need: carry out a PMUC inspection or approval analysis with a competent laboratory approved by EDF
PMUC products (Products and Materials Used in Nuclear or Thermal Power Plants) are non-metallic products or materials in direct contact with metallic materials or circuits.
They can potentially have a corrosive effect on steel when they contain halogenated or sulfur-containing species. PMUC inspection or approval analysis helps prevent and control the risk of corrosion in power plant metal circuits.
To be authorized for sale, PMUC products must be approved by EDF after analysis have been carried out in an EDF-approved laboratory for PMUC.
PMUC
Carrying out an assessment of your products before PMUC approval
Approval inspection: Chemical analysis to obtain PMUC approval
Approval inspection: Chemical analysis to obtain PMUC approval
(*) List of prohibited elements: Pb, Sn, Zn, Al, Bi, As, Cu, Cd, Sb, Ag, Co, Ga, In, Fe, molybdenum disulfide (through molybdenum and sulfur) and rare earths (Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Ho, La, Lu, Nd, Pr, Sc, Sm, Tb, Tm, U, Y, Yb)
Inspection and monitoring analysis of PMUC products
PMUC Analysis
PMUC analysis consists of characterizing the chemical composition of products likely to be used in a nuclear environment.
These analysis are mainly intended to detect and quantify critical chemical elements such as: halogens (chlorine, fluorine, bromine) or sulfur. Under certain conditions, these substances can cause corrosion phenomena on the metal alloys present in nuclear facilities.
Analytical objectives of PMUC analysis
The PMUC analysis carried out at the FILAB laboratory aim to:
accurately measure halogen content (Cl, F, Br)
verify compliance with EDF specifications
secure the use of products in nuclear power plants
quantify total sulfur
identify potential sources of corrosion
PMUC - Halogen Analysis
Halogens are analyzed in PMUC products to prevent any risk of corrosion in the power plant metal circuits.
PMUC - Rare Earth Analysis
PMUC - Non-metallic Samples
- Ag, Al, As, Bi, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, Mg, P, Pb, S, Sb, Sn and Zn
- Iodine by ICP/MS
- Mercury by amalgamator
F, Cl, and Br after combustion in a bomb calorimeter
Analytical methods used for PMUC analysis
The FILAB laboratory uses various analytical techniques to meet PMUC requirements:
We also use complementary methods depending on the matrices (paints, temporary products, etc.)
PMUC approval checks
Products covered by PMUC approval (EDF)
The products concerned are those that can be used in a nuclear or thermal power plant during operations involving:
- Manufacturing
- Assembly
- Maintenance
- Operation
The products concerned are those that can be used in the plant during manufacturing, assembly, maintenance or operation activities.
There are 24 categories of products classified as PMUC by EDF: adhesives, varnishes/paints, anti-seize products, cleaning/decontamination/protection products, plastics, seals, leak detection or leak-sealing products, abrasives…
Who needs to have a PMUC product approved?
How do you choose a PMUC testing laboratory?
FILAB laboratory has recognized expertise in the chemical characterization of materials and supports manufacturers with issues related to PMUC.
- EDF-approved PMUC laboratory: a perfect command of EDF requirements relating to Products and Materials Usable in Power Plants
- COFRAC ISO 17025 accreditation: a guarantee of reliability and quality in analytical results
- PMUC analysis expertise: implementation of chemical and physico-chemical methods compliant with PMUC standards
- Tailored technical support
- Responsiveness and compliance with industrial deadlines
- Traceability and reliability of results for PMUC approval files.
Regulatory framework: FILAB, an edf-approved PMUC laboratory
The PMUC chemical analysis carried out by FILAB comply with EDF procedure D5713 / DJX / RB 90 0295.
The checks carried out by the laboratory consist of analyzing the halogen content (fluorides F-, chlorides Cl-, bromides Br-) and sulfur in Products and Materials Usable in Power Plants (PMUC) in order to verify compliance with EDF PMUC chemical specifications.
FAQ
PMUC approval is an official procedure that certifies that a product or material complies with EDF requirements for use in a nuclear or thermal power plant. This approval guarantees that the product meets the contamination thresholds for halogens (chlorine, fluorine, bromine, iodine), sulfur and silicones, in order to prevent any risk of corrosion, pollution or accidents in controlled areas.
It is recommended to use a PMUC laboratory with expertise in chemical analysis and a thorough knowledge of EDF requirements.
All products and materials that may be used in a nuclear power plant may be affected. The 24 product categories are: adhesives, varnishes, paints, anti-seize compounds, cleaning products, decontamination products, protective products, lubricants, oils, greases, degreasers, solvents, seals, sealing products, leak detection products, leak sealing products, abrasives, plastics, foams, expanded polymers, temporary coatings, protective films, temporary marking products, wiping consumables (rags, wipes).
A PMUC analysis checks the chemical composition of a product to ensure it is compatible with use in a nuclear power plant.
PMUC approval is mandatory to ensure that a product complies with EDF’s thresholds for halogens, sulfur and silicones. These substances can cause corrosion, contamination and incidents in the plant. Only an accredited laboratory can carry out analysis in accordance with EDF standards (HN 03-S-90, HN 03-S-91).
PMUC control only applies as part of a check that a product complies with PMUC requirements when that product has already been approved for less than 5 years
PMUC control or approval analysis consists of determining the levels of halogens (fluorine / fluorides, chlorine / chlorides analysis, bromine / bromides) and sulfur in products and materials intended for use in the plant, according to EDF protocols specific to the product family.
Once the analysis has been completed, a report is issued and sent to the client so that the results can be presented to EDF for the issuance of PMUC approval by EDF.
The main steps are:
- Definition of the product scope and collection of documents (SDS, TDS).
- Chemical analyses (halogens, sulfur, silicones) by an accredited laboratory.
- Preparation of a test report compliant with EDF standards.
- Submission of the approval file to EDF.
Receipt of the approval decision, valid for 5 years.
FILAB is a COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and, above all, is recognized by EDF (EDF approval) to carry out PMUC analyses. FILAB support enables:
- To guarantee reliable and traceable analyses,
- To benefit from technical support for preparing the file,
- To optimize processing times,
- To secure the process in the face of EDF's strict requirements.
To get a quote for a PMUC analysis, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone or by email. Send us your requirements (type of material, analysis requested, any applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.).
The quote turnaround time is 24 to 48 hours.
