CSN Regulatory Position on NDE Qualification Programs
C. Castelao, C. Mendoza, J. Figueras, CSN, Spain
ABSTRACT
Actual NDE Qualification Programs, available from USA (ASME XI Appendix VIII) and Europe (ENIQ), are analysed and compared from a regulatory view, as well as the Spanish proposed methodology (CEX-120) sponsored by UNESA and Tecnatom. Preliminary results of that analysis drive to the necessary validation of the Spanish proposal through a pilot project (*), which is currently going on, and is sponsored jointly by UNESA and CSN, in order to test "pros and cons" of the methodology, in both technical and functional aspects. Spanish methodology is a mix of the European Methodology, especially in the philosophy context, that takes into account the scope of ASME XI Appendix VIII. Specific aspects to be assessed by CSN in the pilot project context, are the correct organisation and operational functions of the so-called "Independent Validation Organisation", which acts as a Qualification Body, and inter-relationships with other involved groups as "licensees" and "vendor". In the technical aspects, CSN will review how both parts of these methodologies (Technical Justifications and Practical Demonstrations) are applied in practice, and how NDE techniques, procedures, equipment and personnel are qualified. Final results of the pilot project will be the basis for a regulatory proposal from CSN in the subject. (*) This Spanish project, called VENDE, is described in detail in other papers presented to this Conference.
Publication Source: 3nd International Conference on NDE in Relation to Structural Integrity for Nuclear and Pressurized Components, November 14-16, 2001, Seville Spain. Publisher: Tecnatom s.a. - [Homepage]
