RSE-M

Purpose and scope

The RSE-M code defines in-service inspection operations.

It applies to pressure equipment used in PWR plants, as well as spare parts for such equipment.

The RSE-M code does not apply to equipment made from materials other than metal.

It is based on the RCC-M code for requirements relating to the design of mechanical components.

2022 Edition:
The evolution of this new edition is reported in the document here after: 2022 RSE-M evolution. 
The technical publication "Classification of the RSE-M Modification Sheets (MS) as of the 2022 Edition" (AFCEN-PTAN-09002-2023) accompanies this edition in PDF format.

2020 Edition :
Changes made in this edition are listed in 2020 Edition changes

2018 Edition :
Changes made in this edition are listed in 2018 Edition changes

2017 Edition :
Changes made in this edition are listed in 2017 Edition changes

Changes incorporated in the 2016 edition primarily relate to:

• Reorganisation of Sections A/B/C/D to ensure that Section A contains the rules that apply to all pressure equipment and to define specific rules for equipment classes in Sections B, C and D.

• Additions to the Code to facilitate application to the EPR (FLA3),

• Classification of a maintenance operation (other than Class 1) using support guides specified in the Code

2012 addendum:

• For the section on "Implementation of a maintenance operation", elements were included from the inter-operator professional guide for classifying modifications or repairs to nuclear pressure equipment subject to Appendix 5 of France's ESPN Regulation.
• Additional information on test coupons.
• Further details about pre-service inspections.

2013 addendum:

• Incorporation of changes to requirements and practices for qualifying NDT applications.
• Further details about fatigue analysis methods.
• Clarification concerning the terms for applying RSE-M: company qualification and use of a test coupon.

2014 addendum:

• Updating of the zones subject to examination in case of magnetic particle testing.
• Definition of the requirements for qualifying design and modeling tools.
• Further details concerning regulated pressure equipment, including the small lines in the main primary and secondary systems.
• Modification to the standard deviation value to be taken into account for the upper envelope and the predicted upper envelope for embrittlement under the effects of irradiation for monitoring the effects of neutron radiation on the containment vessel materials.
• Integration of tapped screw holes not involved in pressure resistance.
• Description of the maintenance operation file, by identifying the necessary elements according to applicable regulations (Appendix 1.6).
• Revision of the inspection tables and associated figures for RSE-M Class 1 components (Appendix 3.1.1).
• Further details concerning the analytical methods for calculating stress intensity factors and J integral (Appendix 5.4).

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Erratas of RSE-M code have been published, available under this link: Erratas of RSE-M code.