The Nuclear Industry
ASME has supported the nuclear sector since its inception: from the time when codes developed for fossil-fuel plants were applied to the construction of the first nuclear power stations, right up to the first specific code in 1963. Today, it covers the entire supply chain (construction, certification and training) for components and organisations in the sector. 3HCSI monitors this ecosystem on behalf of its European clients.
at a glance
- First ASME code specifically for the nuclear industry, 1963
- Over 510 ASME codes and standards, dating back to the first one in 1914
- 3 certification programmes: N/OWN/G, QSC, NQA-1
- Over 10,000 professionals are trained by ASME every year
From 1880 to the first nuclear code.
ASME was founded in 1880 by industrialists and technical innovators, and published its first standard (the Code for the Conduct of Trials of Steam Boilers) in 1914. Since then, it has gone on to develop a body of work that now comprises over 510 codes and standards.
First ASME standard
Code for the Conduct of Trials of Steam Boilers, the start of a journey that now comprises over 510 codes.
1963First nuclear code
ASME has developed the first code and compliance programme specifically for nuclear power stations, following years of applying standards originally designed for fossil-fuel-fired power stations.
1969Minimum quality standards
The proposal from the US Atomic Energy Commission has prompted ASME to expand its codes to cover construction, in-service inspection, O&M, equipment qualification, air and gas treatment, quality assurance and risk management, and cranes for nuclear power stations.
The ASME codes for the nuclear sector exist to ensure public safety, support international trade, develop technology and promote the transfer of knowledge, through a consensus-based approach that enables these standards to be adopted, applied and accepted globally.
Eight related codes, in addition to the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code.
The main sections of the BPVC relating to nuclear power (Section III, Section V, Section IX, Section XI) and the OM code are already in Codes & Standards. Here are the sector-specific ‘companion’ standards.
Operation and Maintenance
Pre-service and in-service tests and inspections of components to assess their operational readiness in light-water reactor plants.
Details →Qualification of Mechanical Equipment
Requirements and guidelines for the qualification of pumps, valves and dynamic restraints used in nuclear installations, including SMRs and advanced reactors.
Details →Nuclear Quality Assurance
Quality assurance requirements for structures, systems and components relevant to nuclear safety, throughout the plant’s entire life cycle.
Details →Probabilistic Risk Assessment
Requirements for probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) applicable to light-water reactor plants, including SMRs.
Details →Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment
Performance, design, construction, testing and quality assurance requirements for air and gas treatment systems in nuclear power stations.
Details →In-Service Testing HVAC
Requirements for in-service testing of nuclear-related air-handling, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
Details →Cranes, Monorails, and Hoists
Rules for the construction of cranes, monorails and underhung hoists used in nuclear power stations.
Details →Overhead and Gantry Cranes
Rules for the construction of electric overhead travelling cranes and multi-girder gantry cranes used in nuclear power stations and other high-risk facilities.
Details →Your company’s access to the global supply chain.
The ASME Mark is the internationally recognised symbol of compliance and technical integrity for pressure-retaining components, it certifies that the organisation has demonstrated its ability to consistently implement an ASME-approved quality management system.
N / OWN / G
Authorisation certificates for the manufacture and marking of nuclear components in accordance with Section III of the BPVC, with variations for plant owners (OWN) and components made of graphite or composite materials (G).
QSC, Nuclear Material Organization
It certifies the quality management systems of suppliers of materials and services to the nuclear sector: bars, sheets, forgings, welding materials and prestressing systems.
NQA-1 Certification
It certifies the quality assurance programme as a whole, nuclear safety, regulatory compliance and reliable performance throughout the plant’s entire life cycle.
Over 10,000 professionals are trained every year.
ASME offers courses on Section III and USNRC regulations, nuclear piping systems, pressure relief devices, in-service inspection (Section XI) and Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1): for engineers and professionals whose work depends on compliance with regulations governing the design, materials, manufacture, inspection, testing and operation of nuclear components.
ASME and nuclear power
The first code specifically for the nuclear sector was introduced in 1963, following the application to the first plants of standards originally designed for fossil-fuel power stations. Over 510 ASME codes and standards in total, dating back to the first one in 1914. Further details can be found in the Member Area, where you can request a pre-assessment from our qualified engineers.
Publications
- Journal of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science
- Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology
- Companion Guide to the ASME BPV & Piping Codes (6ª ed.)
Journal of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation ScienceASME Digital Collection ↗
Frequently asked questions.
How long has ASME been active in the nuclear sector?+
Since 1963, when it developed the first code and compliance programme specifically for nuclear power stations, following years of applying standards originally designed for fossil-fuel power stations.
What is NQA-1?+
The ASME standard that sets out the quality assurance requirements for structures, systems and components relevant to nuclear safety, throughout the entire life cycle of the plant, from design to decommissioning.
What is the difference between the N, QSC and NQA-1 certifications?+
N (and the OWN/G variants) certifies organisations that manufacture nuclear components in accordance with Section III of the BPVC; QSC certifies material suppliers; NQA-1 certifies the quality assurance programme as a whole.
Does 3HCSI help you navigate these codes and certifications?+
Yes. If you email team@3hcsi.com, we can work together to assess the most suitable path in terms of codes, certifications and ASME training for the nuclear sector.
One nuclear supply chain, a single point of contact.
With partners REIMANDI, NORMADOC and ARVENG, 3HCSI covers ASME certification, codes and training for the nuclear sector along one coordinated path.
Would you like to find out which nuclear standards apply to your company?
Write to us: let’s work together to assess the ASME codes and certifications relevant to your situation.