The FILAB laboratory supports manufacturers in their approval processes by carrying out reliable PMUC analyses, compliant with EDF requirements and tailored to your technical constraints.
Your need: carry out a PMUC control or approval analysis by 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 may have a corrosive effect on steels when they contain halogenated or sulfur-containing species. PMUC control or approval analysis helps prevent and control the risk of corrosion in power plant metal circuits.
In order to be authorized for marketing, PMUC products must be approved by EDF, after analyses 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 analyses to obtain PMUC approval
Approval inspection: Chemical analyses 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)
Control and monitoring analysis of PMUC products
PMUC Analysis
PMUC analysis consists in characterizing the chemical composition of products likely to be used in a nuclear environment.
These analyses are primarily 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 analyses
The PMUC analyses 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 metal circuits of power plants.
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 analyses
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 a power plant during manufacturing, assembly, maintenance or operation.
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 sealing products, abrasives…
Who needs to have a PMUC product approved?
How do you choose a PMUC testing laboratory?
FILAB has recognized expertise in the chemical characterization of materials and supports manufacturers with their PMUC-related challenges.
- 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 of analytical results
- Expertise in PMUC analyses: implementation of chemical and physicochemical methods in line 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 analyses carried out by FILAB comply with EDF procedure D5713 / DJX / RB 90 0295.
The laboratory’s checks consist of analyzing the halogen content (fluorides F-, chlorides Cl-, bromides Br-) and sulfur content of 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 avoid 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 likely to enter a nuclear power plant may be concerned. 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, expanded foams, expanded polymers, temporary coatings, protective films, temporary marking products, wiping consumables (rags, wipes).
A PMUC analysis is used to check the chemical composition of a product to ensure its compatibility with use in a nuclear power plant.
PMUC approval is mandatory to ensure that a product complies with EDF thresholds for halogens, sulfur and silicones. These substances can cause corrosion, contamination and incidents in the plant. Only an accredited laboratory can carry out analyses in accordance with EDF standards (HN 03-S-90, HN 03-S-91).
PMUC control is only carried out as part of a check of a product's compliance with PMUC requirements when that product has already been approved for less than 5 years
The 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 a plant, according to EDF protocols specific to the product family.
Once the analysis has been completed, a report is prepared and sent to the client so that the results can be submitted to EDF for the issuance of PMUC approval by EDF.
The main steps are:
- Defining the product scope and collecting documents (SDS, technical data sheet).
- Chemical analyses (halogens, sulfur, silicones) by an accredited laboratory.
- Drafting a test report in compliance with EDF standards.
- Submitting the approval file to EDF.
Receiving the approval decision, valid for 5 years.
FILAB is a COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and, above all, is recognized by EDF (EDF approval) for carrying out PMUC analyses. FILAB support enables you to:
- Ensure reliable and traceable analyses,
- Benefit from technical support for preparing the file,
- Optimize turnaround times,
- 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 (material type, analysis requested, any applicable standard, urgency, number of samples…).
The quote turnaround time is 24 to 48 hours.