MDEP Codes and Standards Working GroupIs Harmonisation of PressureBoundary Codes and Standards
Achievable?

CSWG’s Definition of“Harmonisation of Codes”
Harmonisation = Convergence + Reconciliation, where:“Harmonisation of codes” means a process by which different
countries can achieve convergence or reconciliation ofdifferences in code requirements in order to ensure an
acceptable level of quality and safety in nuclear power plants.
“Convergence” means establishing the same or equivalent
code requirements in order to reduce the areas identified as“different,” and“Reconciliation” means to accept differences in code
requirements by justifying their acceptability.

[Ref. MDEP Technical Report, “Lessons Learnt on Achieving Harmonisation of Codes andStandards for Pressure Boundary Components in Nuclear Power Plants,” TR-CSWG-02]

Model for Harmonisation of Code Requirements

Differences today

Equivalenttechnical
administrative

Different

Reconciliation (process toresolve differences)

not addressed

Equivalent
Convergence (process to establish equivalent requirements)

CSWG’s Initiatives• MDEP/CSWG documents:– MDEP Technical Report, TR-CSWG-01, “Regulatory Frameworks for
the Use of Nuclear Pressure Boundary Codes and Standards in MDEPCountries”– MDEP Common Position, CP-CSWG-01, “Findings from CodeComparisons and Establishment of a Global Framework towards
Pressure-Boundary Code Harmonisation” *– MDEP Technical Report, TR-CSWG-02, “Lessons Learnt on Achieving
Harmonisation of Codes and Standards for Pressure Boundary
Components in Nuclear Power Plants”– MDEP Technical Report, TR-CSWG-03, “Fundamental Attributes for theDesign and Construction of Pressure Boundary Components”– MDEP Technical Report, TR-CSWG-04, “Essential Performance
Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Pressure BoundaryComponents”* “…the CSWG proposes to establish a global framework of a hierarchy structure for thecommon areas of the different codes as a basis for harmonisation.” [Ref. CP-CSWG-01]

Relationship Between IAEA andMDEP/CSWG Documents
Safety Fundamentals(SF-1)

Safety Requirements(SSR-2/1)

Fundamental Attributes

Safety Guides(Recommendations and Guides)

Essential Performance
Guidelines

Documents
produced by
the CSWG

Code comparison completed by SDOs

IAEA Safety Standards

Each Country’s Codes and Standards

SDO Convergence Board formed(ASME, AFCEN, JSME, KEA, CSA, NIKIET)CORDEL’s pilot project for
convergence of selected differences

Codes and Standards and MDEP/CSWG Documents
Relationship between the hierarchy structures of the IAEA Safety
Standards series and MDEP/CSWG documents

Industry Initiatives• Standards Development Organisation’s (SDO’s)
Code Comparison completed• SDO Convergence Board established:
CSA

ASME

JSME
KEA

NIKIET
SDO Convergence
Board

AFCEN

Propose code rules for convergence(e.g., CORDEL)• CORDEL Codes and Standards Task Force pilot project for
convergence of selected code differences- non-destructive-examination personnel certification- non-linear analysis methods (AFCEN)

Harmonisation of Codes at Top-Tier Levels
Harmonisation of codeswith MDEP’s fundamental
attributes and essential
performance guidelines- General- Design- Materials- Fabrication and Installation- Examination- Testing- Overpressure Protection

Fundamental Attributes

Essential Performance
Guidelines

Each Country’s Pressure
Boundary Code or Standard
BPV
Sec III

S-NC1

RCC-M

KEPIC

N285.0PNAE G-7

Code X

Code Y

Code Z

Conclusions• Harmonisation or convergence of pressure-boundarycodes and standards at the specific-requirements level isextremely difficult and impracticable.
• Harmonisation or convergence of specific code
requirements is possible, but is a costly venture andinvolves a lengthy process.
• Harmonisation of pressure-boundary codes andstandards at the top-tier levels is achievable and has
been accomplished.