Translated from the French.

If any misunderstanding or
misinterpretation arise herefrom, the original French text alone is valid.
In case the CD Rom content differs from the printed text,
the printed text alone is valid.

SECTION III
Design and Construction Rules for Mechanical
Components of PWR Nuclear Islands
Z I SUBSECTIONS A - GENERAL RULES

EXAMINATION METHODS
Z - TECHNICAL ANNEXES

2012 Edition afcen

RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

SECTION III
EXAMINATION METHODS

Pages

MC 1000 MECHANICAL, PHYSICAL, PHYSICO-CHEMICAL

AND CHEMICAL TESTS .............................................................................. MC 1000/1

MC 1100 GENERAL ..................................................................................................................... /1

MC 1110 SAMPLING METHOD..................................................................................................... /1

MC 1111 Test materials

MC 1112 Welding

MC 1200 MECHANICAL TESTS ........................................................................................... /1

MC 1210 TENSILE TESTS ............................................................................................................. /1

MC 1211 Tensile testing at room temperature

MC 1212 Tensile testing at high temperature

MC 1220 IMPACT TESTS - PLOTTING OF DUCTILE-TO-BRITTLE

TRANSITION CURVES ................................................................................................. /3

MC 1221 Impact tests

MC 1222 Plotting the ductile-to-brittle transition curve

MC 1230 PELLINI DROP WEIGHT TEST (DETERMINATION OF TNDT)................................ /4

MC 1240 DETERMINATION OF REFERENCE NIL DUCTILITY

TRANSITION TEMPERATURE ................................................................................... /8

MC 1250 SPECIAL TOUGHNESS TESTS FOR HEAT

AFFECTED ZONES OF WELDS .................................................................................. /9

MC 1251 PELLINI drop weight tests

MC 1252 Impact tests

MC 1260 BEND TESTS................................................................................................................... /9

MC 1261 General
MC 1262 Basic bend test for steel products
MC 1263 Bend tests for weld
MC 1264 Bend tests for cladding
MC 1265 Dishing test

 n° 137-2012 MC / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 1270 FLARING AND FLATTENING TESTS ........................................................................ /10

MC 1271 Tubes - flaring tests

MC 1272 Tubes - flattening test

MC 1280 HARDNESS TESTS........................................................................................................ /11

MC 1281 BRINELL hardness test for steel - Testing method

MC 1282 ROCKWELL hardness test
MC 1283 VICKERS hardness test
MC 1284 Hardness test for weld test coupons

MC 1290 DETERMINATION OF FERRITE CONTENT.............................................................. /13

MC 1300 PHYSICAL AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL TESTS ...................................... /13

MC 1310 ACCLERATED INTERGRANULAR CORROSION TEST OF AUSTENITIC

STAINLESS 18.10 CHROMIUM-NICKEL STEEL ..................................................... /13

MC 1311 General
MC 1312 Description of test
MC 1313 Required results
MC 1314 Remarks
MC 1315 Remarks

MC 1320 EXAMINATION OF METAL STRUCTURE ................................................................. /21

MC 1321 Macrographic examination by etching with strong mineral acids

MC 1322 Micrographic examination
MC 1323 Micrographic examination using a cellulose replica

MC 1330 GRAIN SIZE ..................................................................................................................... /22

MC 1331 Determination of ferrite and austenite grain size in steels

MC 1340 FERRITE CONTENT MEASUREMENT ...................................................................... /22

MC 1341 Scope
MC 1342 Magnetic saturation method
MC 1343 Metallographic method of determination
MC 1344 Non saturating magnetic field methods

MC 1350 CHEMICAL ANALYSES ................................................................................................ /24

MC 1360 RESIDUAL TENSILE STRESS EVALUATION

FOR AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL
HEAT EXCHANGER TUBES ........................................................................................ /24

MC 1361 C-ring stress-corrosion test

MC 1362 Boiling magnesium chloride test

MC / 2  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 2000 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION ............................................................... MC2000/1

MC 2100 GENERAL ..................................................................................................................... /1

MC 2110 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................. /1

MC 2120 GENERAL CONDITIONS .............................................................................................. /1

MC 2121 Qualification and certification of non destructive examination personnel

MC 2122 Ultrasonic examination documents

MC 2130 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT ............................................................ /2

MC 2131 Ultrasonic examination apparatus

MC 2132 Probes
MC 2133 Coupling medium
MC 2134 Calibration and reference blocks

MC 2140 EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS...................................................... /3

MC 2141 Surface preparation

MC 2142 Verification of the full equipment – Time base calibration
MC 2143 Setting gain and power
MC 2144 Scanning method

MC 2150 CHARACTERIZATION OF INDICATIONS ................................................................. /5

MC 2151 Evaluation based on artificial reflector responses

MC 2152 Evaluation based on back echo loss

MC 2160 EXAMINATION REPORT .............................................................................................. /6

MC 2170 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTOMATED PROCEDURES ........................ /7

MC 2200 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF CASTINGS ........................................ /8

MC 2210 SCOPE OF THE METHOD ............................................................................................ /8

MC 2220 GENERAL CONDITIONS .............................................................................................. /8

MC 2230 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /8

MC 2231 Time of examination

MC 2232 Test areas
MC 2233 Scanning methods
MC 2234 Reference blocks
MC 2235 Distance-amplitude correction curves
MC 2236 Characterization of an indication

MC 2300 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF FORGINGS ....................................... /10

MC 2310 GENERAL......................................................................................................................... /10

MC 2311 General conditions

MC 2312 Examination conditions

 n° 140-2013 MC / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2313 Scanning procedures

MC 2314 Ultrasonic examination documents
MC 2315 Examination report
MC 2316 Certification of examination personnel

MC 2320 SHEAR WAVE EXAMINATIONS AND/OR LONGITUDINAL

INCLINED BEAM EXAMINATIONS............................................................................. /12
MC 2321 Reference block
MC 2322 Setting and indication characterization

MC 2400 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF FERRITIC STEEL

OR AUSTENITIC ALLOY PLATES AT LEAST
6 mm THICK................................................................................................................ /13

MC 2410 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................ /13

MC 2411 Coupling medium

MC 2412 Grade of the stepped block
MC 2413 Attenuation measurement

MC 2500 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF TUBES................................................. /16

MC 2510 SCOPE OF METHOD ..................................................................................................... /16

MC 2520 GENERAL CONDITIONS .............................................................................................. /16

MC 2530 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /16

MC 2531 Time of examination

MC 2532 Test areas
MC 2533 Scanning method
MC 2534 Reference tube

MC 2540 TEST EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................................... /17

MC 2541 Manual test equipment

MC 2542 Automatic test equipment

MC 2550 POWER AND GAIN SETTING...................................................................................... /18

MC 2560 CHECKING AND SETTING OF THE AUTOMATIC DEVICE .................................. /18

MC 2570 CHARACTERIZATION OF INDICATIONS ................................................................. /18

MC 2580 TEST REPORT ................................................................................................................ /19

MC 2600 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF FULL PENETRATION

WELDS IN FERRITIC STEEL ............................................................................. /19

MC 2610 SCOPE OF METHOD ..................................................................................................... /19

MC 2620 GENERAL CONDITIONS ............................................................................................. /19

MC / 4  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 2630 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /19

MC 2631 Time of examination

MC 2632 Test areas
MC 2633 Surface preparation
MC 2634 Scanning conditions
MC 2635 Reference block
MC 2636 Power and gain setting
MC 2637 Characterization of indications
MC 2638 Grouping of indications
MC 2639 Examination of repaired areas

MC 2700 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF BUTTERING,

CLADDING AND PLATING ................................................................................. /30

MC 2710 SCOPE OF METHOD ..................................................................................................... /30

MC 2720 GENERAL CONDITIONS .............................................................................................. /30

MC 2730 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /30

MC 2731 Time of examination

MC 2732 Test areas
MC 2733 Preparation of surfaces
MC 2734 Scanning methods
MC 2735 Reference block

MC 2740 CHARACTERIZATION OF INDICATIONS ................................................................. /32

MC 2741 Cladding
MC 2742 Buttering
MC 2743 Plating

MC 2750 EXAMINATION OF WELD REPAIRED ZONES ........................................................ /33

MC 3000 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION ........................................................ MC3000/1

MC 3100 GENERAL ..................................................................................................................... /1

MC 3110 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................. /1

MC 3120 GENERAL CONDITIONS ............................................................................................. /1

MC 3121 Qualification and certification of non destructive examination personnel

MC 3122 Radiographic examination documents
MC 3123 Reference radiographs

MC 3130 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT ....................................................... /2

MC 3131 Radiation sources

MC 3132 Film systems
MC 3133 Intensifying screens
MC 3134 Filters
MC 3135 Blocking (masking)
MC 3136 Penetrameters

 n° 140-2013 MC / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3137 Identification and location markers

MC 3138 Viewing equipment
MC 3139 Storage of films

MC 3140 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /6

MC 3141 Surface preparation

MC 3142 Choice of radiation source
MC 3143 Geometry
MC 3144 Relative position of radiographic films and sources
MC 3145 Penetrameters
MC 3146 Cassettes make up
MC 3147 Filter
MC 3148 Blocking (masking)
MC 3149 Identification of radiographs

MC 3150 PROCESSING AND EXAMINATION OF RADIOGRAPHIC FILMS....................... /12

MC 3151 Processing of radiographic films

MC 3152 Fog density
MC 3153 Examination of radiographs

MC 3160 RADIOGRAPHIC FILM QUALITY................................................................................ /14

MC 3161 Density
MC 3162 Image quality

MC 3170 EXAMINATION REPORT .............................................................................................. /16

MC 3200 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF STEEL CASTINGS ................. /17

MC 3210 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................. /17

MC 3220 GENERAL DISPOSITIONS ........................................................................................... /17

MC 3230 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /17

MC 3231 Time of examination

MC 3232 Test areas
MC 3233 Surface preparation
MC 3234 Class of film systems
MC 3235 Special examination conditions

MC 3240 AREAS RADIOGRAPHED ............................................................................................ /22

MC 3250 EXAMINATION OF WELD REPAIRED ZONES ....................................................... /25

MC 3300 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF WELDS.......................................... /25

MC 3310 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................. /25

MC 3311 General conditions

MC 3312 Examination conditions
MC 3313 Identification of test areas
MC 3314 Inspection of repaired areas

MC / 6  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 4000 LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION ............................................. MC4000/1

MC 4100 GENERAL ..................................................................................................................... /1

MC 4110 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................. /1

MC 4120 GENERAL CONDITIONS ............................................................................................. /1

MC 4121 Qualification and certification of non destructive examination personnel

MC 4122 Liquid penetrant examination documents

MC 4200 CONTROL METHOD............................................................................................... /2

MC 5000 MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION ......................................... MC5000/1

MC 5100 GENERAL ..................................................................................................................... /1

MC 5110 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................. /1

MC 5120 GENERAL CONDITIONS .............................................................................................. /1

MC 5121 Qualification and certification of non destructive examination personnel

MC 5122 Magnetic particle examination document

MC 5130 MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT ............................................ /2

MC 5131 Magnetization by electric current flow apparatus

MC 5132 Magnetization by magnetic flow apparatus
MC 5133 Fixed magnetic particle test units
MC 5134 Checking or calibration of apparatus
MC 5135 Detecting media
MC 5136 Apparatus for applying detecting medium
MD 5137 Determination of magnetization conditions

MC 5140 CONDITIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF EXAMINATION...................................... /4

MC 5141 Time of examination

MC 5142 Test areas
MC 5143 Surface preparation
MC 5144 Choice of examination method
MC 5145 Magnetization conditions checks
MC 5146 Special precautions
MC 5147 Application of detecting medium
MC 5148 Examination of magnetic patterns

MC 5150 INTERPRETATION OF INDICATIONS........................................................................ /7

MC 5160 CLEANING ....................................................................................................................... /7

MC 5170 DEMAGNETIZATION ..................................................................................................... /7

MC 5180 TEST REPORT ................................................................................................................ /7

 n° 140-2013 MC / 7
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 5200 MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING BY CURRENT FLOW

TECHNIQUE USING HAND-HELD PRODS................................................ /8

MC 5210 SCOPE OF METHOD ..................................................................................................... /8

MC 5220 GENERAL CONDITIONS .............................................................................................. /8

MC 5230 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /9

MC 5231 Strength of magnetization current

MC 5232 Grid pattern

MC 5300 MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION USING

THE MAGNETIC FLOW TECHNIQUE ........................................................... /11

MC 5310 SCOPE OF METHOD ..................................................................................................... /11

MC 5320 GENERAL CONDITIONS .............................................................................................. /11

MC 5330 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /11

MC 5331 Magnetization methods

MC 5332 Special technical conditions

MC 6000 EDDY CURRENT EXAMINATION

OF TUBULAR PRODUCTS ....................................................................... MC6000/1

MC 6100 GENERAL ................................................................................................................... /1

MC 6110 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................. /1

MC 6120 GENERAL CONDITIONS .............................................................................................. /1

MC 6121 Qualification and certification of non destructive examination personnel

MC 6122 Eddy current examination documents

MC 6130 EDDY CURRENT EXAMINATION DOCUMENTS..................................................... /2

MC 6131 Eddy current apparatus

MC 6132 Test coil
MC 6133 Automatic examination unit
MC 6134 Reference tube

MC 6140 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /4

MC 6141 Time of examination

MC 6142 Test areas
MC 6143 Surface preparation
MC 6144 Adjustment of test equipment
MC 6145 Verification of equipment settings

MC 6150 EXAMINATION REPORT .............................................................................................. /5

MC / 8  n° 140-2013
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 7000 OTHER EXAMINATION METHODS ................................................... MC7000/1

MC 7100 VISUAL EXAMINATION ........................................................................................ /1

MC 7110 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................. /1

MC 7120 GENERAL CONDITIONS ............................................................................................. /1

MC 7121 Qualification and certification of non destructive examination personnel

MC 7122 Visual examination documents

MC 7130 EXAMINATION EQUIPMENTS..................................................................................... /2

MC 7131 Direct visual examination

MC 7132 Indirect visual examination
MC 7133 Reference sample

MC 7140 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /2

MC 7141 Time of examination

MC 7142 Test areas
MC 7143 Examination conditions

MC 7150 EXAMINATION REPORT .............................................................................................. /2

MC 7200 DETERMINATION OF SURFACE CONDITIONS ..................................... /3

MC 7210 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................. /3

MC 7220 GENERAL CONDITIONS .............................................................................................. /3

MC 7230 EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT ....................................................................................... /3

MC 7231 Description
MC 7232 Characteristics

MC 7240 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /4

MC 7241 Time of examination

MC 7242 Test areas
MC 7243 Examination conditions
MC 7244 Characterization

MC 7250 EXAMINATION REPORT .............................................................................................. /5

MC 7300 NOT USED

MC 7400 LEAK TESTING METHODS ................................................................................ /5

MC 7410 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................. /5

MC 7420 GENERAL CONDITIONS .............................................................................................. /5

MC 7421 Certification of inspectors

MC 7422 Leak testing documents

 n° 140-2013 MC / 9
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 7430 LEAK TESTING METHODS.......................................................................................... /6

MC 7431 Choice of methods

MC 7432 Choice of units
MC 7440 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... /7

MC 7441 Preliminary conditions

MC 7442 Sealing of openings and systems
MC 7443 Cleanliness of vessels and circuits
MC 7444 Checking calibration
MC 7445 Procedure

MC 7450 EXAMINATION REPORT .............................................................................................. /8

MC 8000 QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF

NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION PERSONNEL .......... MC8000/1

MC 8010 QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON-DESTRUCTIVE

EXAMINATION PERSONNEL ...................................................................................... /1

MC 8020 DEFINITIONS................................................................................................................... /1

MC 9000 TERMINOLOGY................................................................................................... MC9000/1

MC 9100 GENERAL..................................................................................................................... /1

MC 9200 TERMINOLOGY ........................................................................................................ /1

MC / 10  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 1000

MECHANICAL, PHYSICAL,
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL TESTS

MC 1100 GENERAL
This chapter describes test conditions and sets the dimensions for specimens.

MC 1110 SAMPLING METHOD

MC 1111 TEST MATERIALS
The location and orientation of specimens in the test samples are specified in SECTION II under
general provisions and technical specifications and shall be indicated in the documents issued by the
Manufacturer or materials Supplier.

MC 1112 WELDING
The location of test specimens is specified in annex S I to SECTION IV.

MC 1200 MECHANICAL TESTS

Test conditions and dimensions of specimens shall comply with AFNOR standards* referred to
below and with any modifications or additional specifications appearing in this chapter.
* Note : Titles of AFNOR standards have been translated for the RCC-M.

MC 1210 TENSILE TESTS

Tension testing machines shall be verified as specified in standard NF EN ISO 7500-1. Machines
used shall be at least class 1.

Extensometer systems or extensometers shall be verified as specified in standard NF EN ISO 9513

(extensometer systems used shall be class 1 or better), or as specified in ASTM E.83 (extensometers
used shall be class B2 or better)

 n° 144-2014 MC 1000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 1211 TENSILE TESTING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

Standards NF EN ISO 6892-1 and NF EN 895 shall be applied taking the following remarks into
account:
A - NF EN ISO 6892-1 "Tension testing (test method)".
- §6
Unless otherwise expressly agreed with the manufacturer, the specimens shall comply with
Annexes B to E, the following additional requirements being taken into account:
ANNEX D
Specimen diameter shall be 10 mm (reduced section). Where a specimen of this diameter cannot
be procured, small specimens may only be used for information purposes or where explicit
provision is made for this possibility.
ANNEX E
Where the thickness of the tube (or fitting) allows, a test specimen with a diameter of 10 mm
shall be used. Otherwise, the test shall be performed on strips cut from the tube (or fitting) or on
sections of tube (or fitting).

B - NF EN 895 "Destructive tests on metal component welds". "Transverse-weld tensile test".

The degassing treatment proposed in the note of paragraph 5.3 of the standard is not allowed.

MC 1212 TENSILE TESTING AT HIGH TEMPERATURE

The standard NF EN ISO 6892-2 shall be applied taking the following remarks into account:
- Paragraph 6
The restrictions applicable to paragraph 6 of the tensile test at room temperature (see
MC 1211 A) also apply.

- Paragraph 10.2.2.2:
Method 1 is not allowed.

- Paragraph 10.4:
The rate of stressing shall not exceed 80 MPa per minute up to yield strength.

MC 1000 / 2  n° 140-2013
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 1220 IMPACT TESTS - PLOTTING OF DUCTILE-TO-BRITTLE

TRANSITION CURVES
Testing machines shall be verified as specified in standard NF EN ISO 148-2.

MC 1221 IMPACT TESTS

Dimensions of specimens and test conditions shall comply with standard NF EN ISO 148-1 relative
to the Charpy impact test method for metallic materials, with the following additions and
clarifications:

A - Test conditions
Each test shall involve 2 or 3 specimens in accordance with the stipulations of Sections II and IV.

Charpy V-notch impact test:

If a standard 10x10x55 test specimen cannot be used, the test shall be performed using the widest
possible reduced-section test specimens (width = 7.5 mm or 5 mm). Except where special
requirements are stipulated in the Code, the Charpy V-notch impact energy values required shall
be those specified for standard 10 x 10 x 55 mm test specimens. The impact energy values
required for reduced section test specimens shall be converted using the following equations and
rounder up to the next whole number:

- 7.5 mm wide reduced-section test specimens: (7.5 x KV impact)1 10,

- 5 mm wide reduced-section test specimens: (5 x KV impact)1 10.

2.5 mm thick reduced specimens shall not be used.

The impact test shall be performed using a machine equipped with a 2 mm striker (KV2 or KU2).
For each specimen the fracture appearance (or proportion of shear fracture) and the lateral
expansion value must be measured if so required by the procurement specifications in Section II
(Materials) or Section IV (Welding) or by any other specification pertaining to the purchase
order.
These measurements shall be made in accordance with the indications in B and C below.
As a minimum requirement, the test report shall contain the mandatory information stipulated in
NF EN ISO 148-1 plus the following:
- Orientation of the test specimen,
- Identification of any test specimens unbroken during the test,
- Identification of any test specimens for which the shear fracture energy absorbed exceeds 80%
of the test machine's capacity.

B -"The fracture appearance (or proportion of shear fracture) in accordance with Annex C of
NF EN ISO 148-1"C - "Lateral expansion value - in accordance with Annex B of NF EN ISO
148-1"

 n° 144-2014 MC 1000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

Micrometer readings shall also be authorized, provided that the following precautions are taken
(see drawing MC1221):
- eL = (e - e1) mm
eL = Lateral expansion value,
- faces A and B of the two halves of the specimen must be positioned in the exact same
plane (P),
- Three measurements per specimen shall be made. Value retained shall be the average of these
three measurements.

SCHEMA MC 1221

MC 1222 PLOTTING THE DUCTILE-TO-BRITTLE TRANSITION CURVE

The absorbed energy shall be plotted against temperature (ductile-to-brittle transition curve) in
accordance with Annex D of standard NF EN ISO 148-1 with the following additions and
clarifications:
Tests shall be performed in compliance with MC 1221 at no less than five different temperatures,
under the following conditions:
- one test at 0°C,
- one at a temperature on the lower shelf of the curve, corresponding to less than 10% shear
fracture,
- one at a temperature corresponding to 100% shear fracture,
- other temperatures selected with a view to defining the shape of the curve as accurately as
possible.
Test specimens shall be thermally conditioned to within ± 2°C of the temperatures chosen according
to standard NF EN ISO 148-1.

Transition temperature Tt is the temperature at which percent shear fracture is 50%.

MC 1000 / 4  n° 144-2014
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 1230 PELLINI DROP WEIGHT TEST

(determination of TNDT)
Preparation of specimens and test conditions shall be as stipulated in specification ASTM E 208.

Before each series of tests is performed, it is to be ensured load will be exerted from the correct
height (within tolerance limits of + 10% and – 0%). The weight of this load shall also be known.

Test specimens shall be type P3 with dimensions as shown on figure MC 1230.1.

Table MC 1230.1 shows test temperatures for cases where specification calls for an RTNDT  0°C.

Table MC 1230.2 shows test temperatures for cases where specification calls for an
RTNDT   12°C.

Table MC 1230.3 shows test temperatures for cases where specification calls for an
RTNDT   20°C.

 n° 140-2013 MC 1000 / 4 a
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 1000 / 4 b  n° 140-2013
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

TABLE MC 1230.1

 n° 137-2012 MC 1000 / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

TABLE MC 1230.2

MC 1000 / 6  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

TABLE MC 1230.3

 n° 144-2014 MC 1000 / 7
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 1230.1

DIMENSIONS OF TYPE P3 SPECIMENS

MC 1240 DETERMINATION OF REFERENCE NIL DUCTILITY

TRANSITION TEMPERATURE
RTNDT shall be determined by conducting both Pellini drop weight and KV impact tests.
Pellini drop weight tests shall be performed as specified in MC 1230.
KV impact tests shall be performed as specified in MC 1221.
Test temperatures shall be set on the basis of TNDT temperature (see MC 1230 above).
The tests shall be performed as follows (on KV specimens):
a) the test is considered valid when each of the three specimens in a given series simultaneously
provides the following results at a given test temperature:
- energy absorbed by breakage  68 J
- lateral expansion  0.9 mm.

MC 1000 / 8  n° 140-2013
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

b) the first series of specimens is broken at a temperature of:

TCV1 = TNDT + 33°C
If conditions set forth in a) above are met, then:
RTNDT = TNDT
If the results differ from those specified in a) above, a second series of specimens is tested as
specified in c) below.

c) where necessary, a second series of specimens shall be broken at a temperature of:

TCV2 = TCV1 + 5°C
If conditions set forth in a) are met, then:
RTNDT = TCV - 33°C

d) where conditions set forth under a) are not fulfilled at a temperature specified under c), a further
series of test specimens shall be broken at temperature intervals of 5°C until a temperature TCV
is reached at which said conditions are met. It is then considered that:
RTNDT = TCV - 33°C

MC 1250 SPECIAL TOUGHNESS TESTS FOR HEAT-AFFECTED

ZONES OF WELDS
MC 1251 PELLINI DROP WEIGHT TESTS
Test conditions shall be specified in MC 1230.

MC 1252 IMPACT TESTS

KV impact tests shall be performed in accordance with MC 1221 A.

MC 1260 BEND TESTS

MC 1261 GENERAL
Dimensions of specimens and test conditions shall comply with AFNOR standards referred to below
and with any modifications or additional specifications appearing in this chapter

MC 1262 BASIC BEND TEST FOR STEEL PRODUCTS

Tests are performed in compliance with standard NF EN ISO 7438.

 n° 137-2012 MC 1000 / 9
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 1263 BEND TESTS FOR WELDS

Tests shall performed in compliance with the following standard:
- NF EN 910 "Destructive tests on metal component welds". "Bend tests"
to which the following specifications and modifications have been added:
For test specimens removed from the skin, the bend test shall be performed in such a way as to
allow extension of the skin side of the weld face: transverse or longitudinal face or root bend test.
For side bend tests and longitudinal bend test specimens not removed from the skin, either face can
be chosen for extension.
The specimen shall be bent around a mandrel or roller of diameter 4a. For a press deformation test,
the distance between the rollers shall at most be 6.2 a.
Specimen ends shall be bent until they are more or less parallel with one another and no further
pressure shall be applied. Bending angle  after spring-back shall be not less than 120°.

Note: For materials with a limited capacity for deformation, the bending angle shall be limited to a value compatible
with this capacity, this may be checked using a grid marked on the extended face of the test specimen.

MC 1264 BEND TESTS FOR CLADDING

Tests shall be performed as specified in MC 1263 (standard NF EN 910: "Destructive tests on metal
component welds". "Transverse-weld tensile test". Bend tests")
Specimens shall be 10 mm thick and 30 mm wide.

MC 1265 DISHING TEST

The dimensions of the test specimens and test conditions shall be in accordance with standard
NF EN ISO 20482 "Dishing test with clamped test specimen edges".

MC 1270 FLARING AND FLATTENING TESTS

MC 1271 TUBES - FLARING TESTS
Test is performed in compliance with standard NF EN ISO 8493.

The test specimen shall consist of a tube section limited by two planes perpendicular to its axis.
These ends shall have been sawn or cut by mechanical means. Thermal cutting is prohibited.

MC 1000 / 10  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

For austenitic stainless steel and nickel-base alloy tubes, the test shall be carried out using a tapered
mandrel with an angle of 60° until the inside diameter of the tube has been increased as specified
below:

For heat exchanger tubes by 35%

For miscellaneous tubes by 30%
For nickel-base alloy steam
generator tubes by 30%

MC 1272 TUBES - FLATTENING TEST

Test is performed in compliance with standard NF EN ISO 8492.

The test specimen shall consist of a tube section limited by two planes perpendicular to its axis.
These ends shall have been cut or sawn by mechanical means. Thermal cutting is prohibited.

Austenitic stainless steel tubes

The test involves two steps:
- step one consists of flattening the tube until platen clearance is equal to a given value "Z"
calculated according to the formula:
(1 K ) a
Z
a
K
D
Z = distance between press platens, in mm.
a = specified thickness of tube wall, in mm.
D = specified outside diameter of tube, in mm.
K = coefficient based on outside diameter D as follows:

For heat exchanger tubes K = 0.15 for all diameters (D) and thicknesses (a)
K = 0,13 if D  114,3
For other tubes
K = 0,11 if D > 114,3

- in step two, flattening continues until the specimen fractures or its inside walls touch each other.
For testing of welded rolled tubes, weld heads shall be positioned parallel to and halfway
between the upper and lower platens of the press.

MC 1280 HARDNESS TESTS

Testing machines and standardized test blocks shall be verified as specified in the relevant AFNOR
standards.

 n° 137-2012 MC 1000 / 11
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

It is recommended that testing machines be verified at yearly intervals: such intervals may not
exceed 12 months.
- NF EN ISO 6506-2 "Brinell hardness test - Verification and calibration of testing machines".
- NF EN ISO 6507-2 "Iron and steel products - Verification of Vickers' hardness testing
machines".
- NF EN ISO 6508-2 "Iron and steel products - Verification and calibration of Rockwell hardness
testing machines (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, N and T scales)".
- NF EN ISO 6506-3 "Brinell hardness test - Calibration of reference blocks"
- NF EN ISO 6507-3 "Iron and steel products - Vickers hardness test - Calibration of reference
blocks".
- NF EN ISO 6508-3 "Iron and steel products - Calibration of reference blocks for use with
Rockwell hardness testing machines (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, N, T scales)"
Test conditions shall be those set forth in prevailing AFNOR standards and specified in MC 1281,
MC 1282, MC 1283 and MC 1284.
These standards shall also apply to nickel-base alloys.

MC 1281 BRINELL HARDNESS TEST FOR STEEL - TESTING METHOD

The test shall be performed in accordance with standard NF EN ISO 6506-1 and the results
determined in accordance with standard NF EN ISO 6506-4.

MC 1282 ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST

Test is performed in compliance with standard NF EN ISO 6508-1. "Iron and steel products -
Rockwell hardness test (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, T scales)",

MC 1283 VICKER'S HARDNESS TEST (HV5 to HV100)

The test shall be performed in accordance with standard NF EN ISO 6507-1 and the results
determined in accordance with standard NF EN ISO 6507-4.

MC 1284 HARDNESS TEST FOR WELDED TEST COUPONS

The test is performed in compliance with standard NF EN 1043-1 with the following requirements:
- hardness shall be HV 10,
- the minimum distance between the individual indentation centres, in any direction, shall not be
less than 2.5 times the average diagonal of the closest indentation.

MC 1000 / 12  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 1290 DETERMINATION OF FERRITE CONTENT

Where specifications require verification of ferrite content in austenitic-ferrite castings, this shall be
done according to one of the following modes:

- based on known chemical composition, the SCHAEFFLER method is used to determine

equivalent chromium and nickel content. The representative point is reported on the diagram
reproduced on figure MC 1290.1,
- from known chemical composition, equivalent chromium and nickel content are computed:
Creq = % Cr + % Mo + 1.5 % Si + 0.5 % Nb
Nieq = % Ni + 30 % C + 0.5 % Mn

then the equivalent SCHAEFFLER ferrite content is computed using the two following equations:
(Creq  4.75)
R
( Ni eq  2.64)

Fe % = (149,11 R3 - 550,34 R2 + 701,94 R - 297,25 ) R

Note: This calculation method is valid for calculated ferrite contents ranging between 10 and 25%.

MC 1300 PHYSICAL AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL TESTS

MC 1310 ACCELERATED INTERGRANULAR CORROSION

TEST OF AUSTENITIC * STAINLESS 18-10
CHROMIUM NICKEL STEEL
MC 1311 GENERAL
The purpose of this test is to ensure that the product will resist intergranular corrosion well enough
to withstand the manufacturing and service conditions to which it will be subjected.
Test conditions will be more or less stringent depending on the type of manufacturing and service
requirements:
- in manufacturing: hot forming, welding (various processes),
- in service: temperature, environment.

The following method includes both the test conditions which are applicable to all materials
regardless of stringency requirements and those which determine the degree of stringency of
the test.

MC 1312 DESCRIPTION OF TEST

A specially-prepared, intergranular corrosion-sensitized test specimen is immersed for a
predetermined time in a predetermined quantity of reagent. This reagent consists of a boiling
acidified copper sulphate solution. It is then determined by appropriate means whether intergranular
corrosion occurred in the specimen.

* See paragraph MC 1315

 n° 137-2012 MC 1000 / 13
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 1290.1

SCHAEFFLER DIAGRAM

MC 1000 / 14  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 1312.1 Sampling
Samples shall be taken as required in procurement specifications in annex S I and in accordance
with additional requirements given under MC 1315:
- either on the products as received,
- or at some intermediate stage in manufacturing,
- or at the steel mill, on a sample ingot cast especially for this purpose and forged to the
appropriate dimensions.

Note that for very thin specimens (less than 3 mm), test results are very difficult to interpret.

MC 1312.2 Specimen preparation *

Specimens shall be cut from test samples. Their orientation, exact position and dimensions shall be
as specified in MC 1315 and as follows:
- specimens taken from a sample ingot shall normally be from 3 to 4 mm thick, some 10 mm wide
and 60 to 70 mm long. Their axis shall be parallel to the main forging direction,
- sheet or strip specimens shall be taken from the products themselves and machined to a
thickness of 4 mm, with one rolled face,
- tube specimens may be cut from actual tubing.

Where the specific purpose of testing is to determine the weldability of products delivered in the
form of strips and plates less than 3 mm thick without further heat treatment, the intergranular
corrosion tests may be performed on welded sheet specimens prepared as described under
MC 1312.3 - Treatment C.

MC 1312.3 Pre-test specimen treatment *

Prior to the actual corrosion tests, specimens shall be subjected to one of the following "sensitizing"
treatments *.

- Treatment A
Heating in a laboratory furnace to a temperature "T" stipulated in the procurement
specifications.
This temperature "T" shall be:
- 650°C for 18-10 steels without molybdenum,
- 675°C for 18-10 steels with molybdenum.

Heating time shall not exceed 5 minutes and temperature shall be held to within ± 10°C for
10 minutes.

* See paragraph MC 1315.

 n° 137-2012 MC 1000 / 15
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

Specimens shall subsequently be cooled by immersion in water.

This treatment takes place before the specimen is machined to its final thickness of 3 to 4 mm.

- Treatment B
Heating in a laboratory furnace to a predetermined temperature as per procurement
specifications.

This temperature "T" shall be:

- 700°C for 18-10 steels without molybdenum,
- 725°C for 18-10 steels with molybdenum.

Heating time shall not exceed five minutes and temperature shall be held to within ± 10°C for
30 minutes.

Specimens shall then be cooled in the furnace very slowly to 500°C at a constant rate of
60°C ± 5°C per hour. They may subsequently be air cooled.

In order to ensure uniform cooling, the furnace shall be thermostat-controlled and have a set heat
cycle.

This treatment takes place before the specimen is machined to its final thickness of 3 to 4 mm.

- Treatment C
For products in sheet or strip form, which are less than 3 mm thick, sensitizing treatment A may
be replaced by welding as follows: two 50 x 100 mm rectangular portions of sheet or strip are
welded together in the flat position, using the same process as for the weldments in which they
would be used. In addition, a weld bead is deposited across the specimen as shown on
MC 1312.1. This bead is made with the largest diameter electrode used to weld together the two
portions of test metal, at the earliest 30 seconds after completing the first weld.

The surface of the welded sample must be free of slag or oxide. Foreign material may be
removed by grinding, or by buffing with a rotary wire brush, etc. Wire brushes must be made of
stainless steel. Overheating must be avoided if mechanical cleaning methods are used.

Test specimen axis shall coincide with that of the weld. The length of the specimen shall be the
same as for the specimens without welds: from 60 to 70 mm. Width shall be 45 mm. Edges of
the specimen shall be machined to a fine smooth finish.

MC 1312.4 Corrosion test

The test specimen shall be immersed for 72 hours* in a boiling solution with the following
composition (by weight):
- 10% crystallized copper sulphate (CuS04, 5H2O);

MC 1000 / 16  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- 10% sulfuric acid (H2SO4), specific gravity: 1.83;

- 80% distilled water.

Each test specimen shall be completely immersed in a separate Erlenmeyer or round glass flask
containing 250 cm3 minimum of reagent. 500 cm3 of reagent shall be needed for specimens made
from two welded portions of sheet.

The reagent shall be kept boiling throughout the test (it is recommended to use an electrically-
heated sand bed temperature bath). Glass boiling beads may be placed in the flask as needed, to
avoid excessive turbulence. If the flask has a flat bottom, measures shall be taken to avoid contact
between it and the surface of the specimen.

Reagent concentration shall be kept constant throughout the test. A reflux condenser shall be
mounted on the flask for this purpose.

A fresh reagent bath shall be used for each specimen.

Following corrosion treatment specimens shall be thoroughly rinsed with water and dried. Any
impurities resulting from surface corrosion shall be removed.

*Immersion time may be shortened to 24 hours by adding copper grindings to the reagent.

FIGURE MC 1312.1

 n° 137-2012 MC 1000 / 17
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 1312.5 Post-corrosion testing

Following corrosion treatment, test specimens shall be subjected to a series of tests to ensure that
they do not exhibit signs of intergranular corrosion.
These tests shall include:
a) sound test: which involves dropping the specimens onto a metal surface;

b) bend test: the specimen shall be bent slowly through a 90° angle around a mandrel no more than
twice its pre-corrosion testing thickness.
Where the specimen includes two welded sections of sheet or strip, the mandrel shall be oriented
along the axis of the weld, so that the face of the weld forms the convex surface of the bent
specimen (see fig. MC 1312.1).
Where the specimen is a full tube ring, the test shall consist of flattening said ring until the
clearance between the flattening grips is four times the thickness of the ring. If the tube has a
longitudinal weld, it must be folded along the weld axis.

c) Microscopic examination: (optional supplementary examination).

MC 1313 REQUIRED RESULTS

a) Specimens which have undergone corrosion tests should make a clear metallic sound on striking
a steel surface.
In order to facilitate interpretation of this test each specimen shall be compared with a control
specimen taken from the product at the same time as itself and subjected to all the same
treatments except the corrosion test.
The thinner the specimen, the more difficult it will be to interpret its sound qualities. Specimens
less than 3 mm thick shall not normally be used.

b) The tension face of specimens subjected to the 90° bend or the flattening test should not exhibit
fissures or cracks. Where this occurs, testing shall continue to fracture. Where partial or
complete break occurs, broken edges should not exhibit signs of intergranular corrosion.
In the same way as for the sound test, interpretation of bend and flattening results shall be
facilitated by comparison with reference control specimens subjected to the same tests.

c) Microscopic examination shall only be performed where doubt arises as to how the results for
the two preceding tests should be interpreted.

MC 1314 REMARKS
The degree of stringency of these tests is largely determined by the type of "sensitizing" treatment
applied to the specimen.

Treatment B is usually employed to test the immunity of a product to intergranular corrosion under
high temperature conditions.

MC 1000 / 18  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

When verifying the susceptibility of areas on a product which may have been affected by welding,
to intergranular corrosion, in a relatively low temperature environment:
- for products whose thickness does not exceed 3 mm: treatment A is usually applied; but
treatment C may also be used for plate, strips or tubes less than 3 mm thick,
- for all other products: treatment B is used.

TREATMENT IS APPLIED TO VARIOUS GRADES OF 18-10 STAINLESS STEEL

a) Low carbon 18-10 steel (C  0.06)
As a general rule, products made from this steel which are less than 3 mm thick should still be
immune to intergranular corrosion after one or more welding operations.
Required treatment shall therefore be:
- treatment A at a temperature of 650°C for 10 minutes (too long a treatment at this
temperature, instead of increasing the sensitivity of relatively low carbon steels to corrosion,
can actually de-sensitize them),
- or treatment C.

b) Very low carbon 18-10 steel (C  0.03)

Generally speaking, this steel should be immune to intergranular corrosion under all conditions.
Treatment B, at a temperature of 700°C, shall usually be applied.

c) 18-10 steel stabilized with titanium or niobium

Same tests as for very low carbon 18-10 steel.

d) Low carbon molybdenum 18-10 steel (C  0.07)

Same tests and remark as for low carbon 18-10 steel, with a temperature "T" of 675°C for
treatment A.

e) Very low carbon molybdenum 18-10 steel (C  0.03)

Same tests and remark as for very low carbon 18-10 steel, maximum temperature "T" shall
be 725°C.

f) 18-10 molybdenum steel stabilized with titanium or niobium

Same tests and remark as for very low carbon molybdenum 18-10 steel.

MC 1315 REMARKS
1) The above intergranular corrosion test shall also be applicable to austenitic-ferritic stainless
steels.

 n° 137-2012 MC 1000 / 19
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

2) In most cases, samples and specimens shall need to comply with the following:

Size of test samples shall be such that they provide enough specimens for all tests and retests.
At least two specimens - one to be used as a control specimen - shall be machined for each
corrosion test.
Corrosion tests specimen size shall normally be 70 x 10 x 4 mm.

A - SAMPLING OF FORGE-REDUCED AND ROLLED PRODUCTS

A1 - Ladle sampling
A bar procured from a forged ingot with a reduction ratio of 3 or more is solution heat- treated
after being held for one hour at the solution heat treatment temperature of the finished product.
The axis of this specimen shall be parallel to the direction of forging.
The faces of the specimen shall be located at least 3 mm from the skin of the ingot.

A2 - Sampling from semi-finished products

Semi-finished product samples shall be taken at a stage where the shape and thickness of the
semi-finished products is adequate to provide 70 x 10 x 4 mm coupons.
Samples shall be solution heat-treated in the same way as the finished product. Specimen axes
shall be parallel to the main forging direction. Specimen surfaces shall be those of the semi-
finished product itself.

A3 - Sampling from finished products

Specimens shall be taken from finished products in "as delivered" condition.
- Axes of test specimens for plates, sheets and strips shall be parallel to main forging direction.
- Specimens of products > 4 mm thick shall be reduced to 4 mm by machining one face only.
The skin of the final product which is in contact with the corrosive environment shall be
included in the specimen. Specimens for products  4 mm thick shall have the same thickness
as their respective products.
- Specimens for tubes whose diameter is 30 mm or less may be full rings 30 mm in length.
Specimens for tubes whose diameter is greater than 30 mm shall be procured in the same way
as plates or strips.
- Specimens of forgings shall be taken from a part representing a lot of parts or from a
prolongation or extension provided especially for that purpose. The specimen axis shall be
parallel to the direction of forging.

MC 1000 / 20  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

The surface of test specimens shall consist of the skin of the part itself, where the skin
undergoes no subsequent machining or is located, when machining is performed, at a depth
representative of the surface of the finished part, taking into consideration the mean extra
thickness for machining allowed for in fabrication. The surface to be considered is that
which, in service, is in contact with the fluid.

B - SAMPLING OF CASTINGS
Test specimens shall be procured from samples which themselves are taken from representative
cast ingots or from prolongations of solution heat-treated castings.
In all cases, samples shall be solution heat-treated at the same time as the castings.
The surface of test specimens shall be located at a depth representative of the surface of the
finished part, taking into consideration the mean extra thickness for machining allowed for in
fabrication. The surface to be considered is that which, in service, is in contact with the fluid.

3) After removal and rough machining of test specimens as specified in MC 1312 and before
sensitizing treatment, their faces and edges shall be polished using a no. 50 to 120 grit iron-free
abrasive.
Specimens shall then be carefully degreased with acetone or alcohol.
If one of the faces of the specimen is representative of a finished product face (i.e. when samples
are taken from finished products), this face shall not be cleaned or polished.
Only degreasing with acetone or alcohol shall be required.

4) Following sensitizing treatment and prior to actual corrosion testing, all specimen faces shall be
machine finished with passes with a maximum depth of 0.2 mm and polished with a no. 150 to
180 grit iron-free abrasive. Specimens shall not be allowed to overheat during polishing. Lines
shall be made in a lengthwise direction without crossing over one another.
Specimens shall then be carefully degreased with acetone or alcohol.

MC 1320 EXAMINATION OF METAL STRUCTURE

Metallographic examinations shall be performed in accordance with AFNOR standards mentioned
in MC 1321, MC 1322 and MC 1323.

MC 1321 MACROGRAPHIC EXAMINATION BY ETCHING

WITH STRONG MINERAL ACIDS
Test is performed in compliance with standard NF A 05-152.

 n° 137-2012 MC 1000 / 21
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 1322 MICROGRAPHIC EXAMINATION

Test is performed in compliance with standard NF A 05-150. One of the magnifications used for
this examination shall be 200 x.

MC 1323 MICROGRAPHIC EXAMINATION USING A CELLULOSE REPLICA

The test surface shall be carefully degreased using a product suitable for whatever the grade of steel
involved. The test surface shall then be polished mechanically from successive directions. Particular
emphasis shall be placed on avoiding overheating or strain hardening. This surface shall be cleaned
after each polishing operation. Final polishing shall be an electrolytic process. After polishing, the
surface shall be carefully cleaned (with water, then with acetone) and dried. It shall then be etched
with a suitable reagent, and finally cleaned and dried for application of the cellulose.

MC 1330 GRAIN SIZE

Grain size shall be determined in compliance with the prevailing AFNOR standard referred to in
MC 1331.

MC 1331 DETERMINATION OF FERRITE AND AUSTENITE

GRAIN SIZE IN STEELS
The metallographic determination of grain size is performed according to standard NF EN ISO 643.

Etching of nickel base alloys must be performed with an appropriate reagent and the observed
microstructure compared with reference images of the above mentioned standard.

MC 1340 FERRITE CONTENT MEASUREMENT

MC 1341 SCOPE
This paragraph sets forth the ferrite content measurement methods used for austenitic-ferritic
stainless steel castings or cast parts supplied in compliance with Part Procurement Specifications of
SECTION II, "Materials" or for welded assemblies with welding procedure qualified according to
SECTION IV, "Welding". This measurement can be performed using one of the three methods
(MC 1342 to MC 1344) described below.
In case of disagreement between the Supplier and the Contractor, a control measurement is
performed, in a laboratory and with procedures chosen by mutual agreement between both parties.

MC 1342 MAGNETIC SATURATION METHOD

The method consists in measurement of the saturation magnetic moment of the test sample. This
moment M, is proportional to the concentration n of the magnetic phase, to the specific
magnetization S of this phase and to the mass m of the test sample:
M = n.S.m

MC 1000 / 22  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

The apparatus is calibrated using a known gauge made of the same grade as the test sample, having
a ferrite content no as close as possible to the test sample expected ferrite content. This reference
ferrite content no shall be known with a relative accuracy of 3%.
The magnetic moment Mo of the gauge is determined by 3 successive measurements. Mo is the
mean of the three measured values.
The magnetic moment of the test sample is determined in the same way.
The mass, mo, of the gauge and the mass, m, of the test sample shall be determined with an
accuracy of ± 0.01 g.
The ferrite content of the test sample is deduced from the above measurement by:
mo M
n  no 
m Mo

MC 1343 METALLOGRAPHIC METHOD OF DETERMINATION

This method shall be used in accordance with AFNOR Standard NF A 05-165. The magnification
used shall be between 100 and 800 and selected so that the mean segment cut in ferrite layers is
approximately equal to half the lattice pitch.

The relative accuracy shall be 10%. The determination shall be performed after oxalic etching on
two sections cut along perpendicular planes. The minimum number of area tested on each plane
shall be 30.

The achieved confidence interval on each plane shall be computed. If both confidence intervals
overlap one another the ferrite content mean value and the confidence interval shall be estimated on
both sets of values. If not, the mean ferrite content and the confidence intervals for both direction
shall be recorded.

MC 1344 NON SATURATING MAGNETIC FIELD METHODS

a) Apparatus
Type and trade mark of the apparatus used (perma-scope, ferrite-scope) shall be specified in the
test report.

b) Calibration
The apparatus shall be calibrated before any measurement session, using gauges with ferrite
contents equal to approximately 5, 10, 20 and 25 %. This calibration shall give the assurance that
the response of the apparatus is linear.
The gauge ferrite content shall be determined before hand with a sigmameter (magnetic
saturation method) or by the metallographic method.

 n° 137-2012 MC 1000 / 23
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

c) Requirements on measurement areas

- Surface condition:
Surface roughness of the part or of the sample in the measurement area shall be Ra < 20 µm.

- For measurements on samples:

Minimal dimensions:
. thickness > 1 cm,
. plane surfaces > 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm.
When cut from one ingot, the sample shall be taken at more than 15 mm from the skins.

- Measurement points:
The distance between the measurement point and the edge of the sample or of the part shall
be higher than 1 cm.

d) Determination of ferrite content

The ferrite content shall be determined from the mean value of a set of several measurements on
the prepared surface of the part or on the sample; in this last case, measurements are performed,
if possible, on two perpendicular faces.

MC 1350 CHEMICAL ANALYSES

Chemical analyses and crosschecks shall be performed in a laboratory of the Supplier's choice,
according to that laboratory's usual methods.

In the event of disagreement between Supplier and Manufacturer, the chemical analyses shall be
performed in accordance with AFNOR standards in a laboratory selected jointly by the parties.
Calibration methods and results of verifications performed on testing equipment shall be available
for consultation in the laboratory.

MC 1360 RESIDUAL TENSILE STRESS EVALUATION FOR

AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL HEAT
EXCHANGER TUBES
These tests apply to heat exchanger tubes.

MC 1000 / 24  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 1361 C-RING STRESS-CORROSION TEST

The ring whose minimum length is 100 mm or 3 times its diameter shall be slit lengthwise on one
side at the top to bottom. Increase in ring diameter shall be measured at the centre of the sample
along an axis perpendicular to the cutting plane. In this way, it is possible to evaluate residual
tensile stresses in the tube by applying the following formula:
Ee 
 
1  2 Df D o
where:
σ = residual tensile stress
E = modulus of elasticity = 2.106 bar
 = Poisson's ratio = 0.3
e = tube thickness (in mm)
Ø = increase in ring diameter (in mm)
Df = ring diameter after longitudinal cut (in mm)
Do = initial diameter of the ring (in mm)

Residual stress shall be less than 7 hbar.

MC 1362 BOILING MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE TEST

1. SCOPE
The purpose of this paragraph is to define the process for stress-corrosion cracking tests in boiling
magnesium chloride to demonstrate the presence of residual tensile stress in austenitic stainless
steel parts.

2. GENERAL CONDITIONS
This test shall be performed on austenitic stainless steels of the following grades:
Z5 CN 18-10; Z5 CND 17-12; Z10 CNT 18-11; Z2 CN 18-10; Z2 CND 17-12

However, for grades which do not contain molybdenum, the sensitivity of the material to the crack
test may diminish or disappear when it is subjected to a few percentage elongation deformation
resulting in a phase transformation.

Thus for grades without molybdenum, the sensitivity to the test shall be verified by means of the
tests in MC 1362.3, MC 1362.4 and MC 1362.5, using one of the following set-ups:
- 2 test coupons, mechanically-expanded in accordance with F 4450,
or
- 2 reverse U Bend test specimens.

The following conditions shall be complied with:

- choice of plate to receive the tube: this shall be of the same grade as the tube,

 n° 137-2012 MC 1000 / 25
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- choice of tube: tubes shall be sampled from production tubes if this is possible for the grade
under test. Otherwise, select austenitic stainless steel tubes produced using the same
manufacturing process. If this proves impossible, use tubes of the same dimension after
performing the following:
. analysis of the chemical composition,
. heat treatment at 1025°C, hold time 20 minutes, air-cooling,
. fluonitric pickling.

In order to reduce the residual stress engendered on the external skin when preparing the test tubes,
stress-relieving heat treatment may be performed on the tubes.

3. TEST PRINCIPLE
The sample shall be immersed in a boiling magnesium chloride solution.

For a reagent concentration corresponding to a boiling point of 155°C and a 24-hour period of
immersion, tests on the grades of austenitic stainless steels listed in paragraph 2 have shown that
cracks generally appear on the surface of the sample where the residual tensile stress exceeds
100 ± 20 MPa. Crack orientation is perpendicular to that of the maximum tensile stress at the point
of formation.

4. METHOD
The test shall be performed in accordance with the recommended practice of ASTM G 36.

5. POST-TEST EXAMINATION
Following the test, the sample shall be pickled in a 50 percent volume, commercial-grade solution
of hydrochloric acid at room temperature for 16 hours. In the case of tube test coupons expanded in
a plate, the plate is removed before pickling.

The sample should be carefully rinsed in distilled water and thoroughly dried.

Liquid penetrant examination using organol red shall be performed to detect the presence of cracks.
In case of doubt, a micro-examination may be performed.

Cracks forming in the immediate vicinity of the cutting planes of the sample shall not be taken into
account.

6. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

The test should not reveal the presence of cracks which indicates that in the zone tested, the level of
residual stress is below the estimated crack threshold of approximately 100 ± 20 MPa.

MC 1000 / 26  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

However, if there are cracks in the zone tested, additional tests may be performed to assess the level
of residual stress causing the cracks. For this purpose, new tests may be performed under different
time and temperature conditions, to produce a higher cracking threshold. The new test conditions
shall then be validated by calibration performed using C ring type samples in accordance with
ASTM G 38.

The results of the tests shall be declared satisfactory if the level of residual stress causing cracking
is shown to be less than 150 MPa.

 n° 137-2012 MC 1000 / 27
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 1000 / 28  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 2000

ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

MC 2100 GENERAL

MC 2110 SCOPE
This subchapter sets out the general conditions to be applied for ultrasonic examinations specified
by this Code.
These conditions apply to the single probe reflection method (using one or two piezoelectric
elements).
They concern the presentation of a reference technique whose application is manual unless
otherwise specified. Other techniques which give overall results at least equivalent may be
submitted to the Contractor before being applied. The submission shall be accompanied by the
supporting details in accordance with MC 2170.

MC 2120 GENERAL CONDITIONS

The general principles of the method described in Standard NF EN 583-1 shall apply with the
following modification:
- paragraph 5.3 (through transmission examination) is not applicable.

MC 2121 QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON DESTRUCTIVE

EXAMINATION PERSONNEL
Non destructive examination personnel shall be qualified and certified in compliance with MC 8000,
which covers the examination documents (procedures and reports) and implementation.

MC 2122 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION DOCUMENTS

All ultrasonic examinations shall comply with conditions specified in a series of properly identified
documents (procedures, route sheets and instruction sheets), which shall comply with the
requirements of the applicable paragraphs and include, as a minimum, the following information:
- type of item being examined, its dimensions, size range and type of material used,
- reference to relevant chapters of this Code and of other applicable documents,

 n° 140-2013 MC 2000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- examination equipment: pulse generator, probes, coupling medium, automatic examination

system (if used), calibration and reference blocks,
- examination performance conditions: test areas and surface condition,
- examination procedures: angle and mode of wave propagation, coupling medium (contact or
immersion), scanning conditions (surface, orientation and examination direction),
- record level,
- acceptance criteria.

MC 2130 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT

MC 2131 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION APPARATUS
The characteristics of the ultrasonic apparatus shall be selected and verified in accordance with
NF EN 12668-1, with the following clarifications:
- paragraph 1, “Scope” shall apply with the following clarification:
. the central frequency range shall normally be between 1 and 6 MHz
- each apparatus shall be subjected to these checks:
. at acceptance on delivery,
. following repair,
. at least once a year.

MC 2132 PROBES
The probes nominal frequency as well as the sizes of piezoelectric elements shall be chosen in
accordance with the types and sizes of material under examination and in compliance with the
requirements of the relevant paragraphs. Frequency shall generally be within a range of between
1 and 6 MHz for longitudinal and shear waves.
Frequencies and refraction angles shall be specified in each case in the procurement specifications;
other values may nevertheless be used when necessary.
Piezoelectric elements may be circular or rectangular in shape. (For manual inspection, the length to
width ratio shall be  1.5 for rectangular shaped elements).
The largest allowable dimension for the piezoelectric element shall be between 10 and 30 mm.
Special probes (double crystal probes, refracted longitudinal wave probe, variable angle probes,
miniature probes, etc.) may be used for specific applications for which conventional probes are
unsuited.
Probe acceptance shall be in accordance with Standard NF EN 12668-2.

MC 2000 / 2  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2133 COUPLING MEDIUM

Coupling media such as:
- water with or without wetting agent,
- paste medium,
- oils,
- grease,
- cellulose adhesive with water added, etc., may be used.
The characteristics of coupling media shall remain unchanged throughout the examination session.
After examination has ended, the coupling medium shall be removed if likely to hinder later
manufacturing or inspection operations. For austenitic steel or nickel-base alloy parts in finished
condition, the coupling medium shall be removed from surfaces. The coupling medium shall be in
accordance with F 6000 where ultrasonic examination is not followed by passivation.

MC 2134 CALIBRATION AND REFERENCE BLOCKS

MC 2134.1 Calibration block
The calibration block to be used is specified by standard NF EN 12223.

MC 2134.2 Reference block

Reference block shall be manufactured in accordance with paragraph 6.3.1.1) of the NF EN 583-2
standard, with the following clarifications:
It shall be taken from:
- a prolongation of the part to be examined,
- a discard from a part made from the same material and having undergone the same heat treatment
as the part under examination,
- a product with characteristics similar to the acoustical properties of the material under
examination.
The block scanning surfaces shall be machined. Ra roughness shall not exceed 6.3 µm . Block
geometry, as well as the size and position of reflectors, when required, are specified for each case in
the relevant paragraphs of this Code. The position and number of reflectors, when required, shall be
such that the entire thickness of the part can be inspected.

MC 2140 EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

MC 2141 SURFACE PREPARATION
The scanning surfaces shall be free from paint, loose scale, dried coupling medium or any other
surface deposit or irregularity which may adversely affect the transmission of waves in the part,
hinder the free movement of the probe or cause interpretational errors (spurious echoes due to wave
mode conversion).

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

Unless otherwise specified, Ra roughness, assessed in compliance with MC 7200, shall not
exceed 12.5 µm .

MC 2142 VERIFICATION OF THE FULL EQUIPMENT

TIME BASE CALIBRATION
MC 2142.1 Verification of the full equipment
Verification of the full equipment shall be carried out in accordance with Standard NF EN 12668-3
modified as follows:
- second paragraph of 3.1: compliance with the tests indicated in this part of the standard should
not be mentioned in the ultrasonic examination report.

MC 2142.2 Time base calibration

The time base calibration and specifically for angle probes, determination of the angle of refraction
shall be performed:
- for ferritic steel parts using the calibration block specified in MC 2134.1,
- for austenitic steel and high nickel alloys: using artificial reflectors placed in a test piece made of
material possessing similar acoustical characteristics to the parts under examination. The
accuracy to be obtained using this method shall be in the same range as for ferritic steel with the
calibration block.
For normal probe examination, the time base calibration may be performed on a section of the part
with parallel surfaces.
These operations shall be performed prior to each test session.

MC 2143 SETTING GAIN AND POWER

Gain and power settings shall be set using the responses from artificial reflectors (cylindrical side
drilled holes, cylindrical flat bottomed holes and notches) as per standard NF EN 583-2. These
settings shall be made at the same time by bringing the amplification threshold back to zero. During
adjustment, gain and power (when adjustable) shall be selected to obtain the best
signal-to-noise ratio.
These settings shall be made at the start of every test session and checked at the end of the first hour,
and once every two hours thereafter. They shall also be checked when the operator suspects that a
drift has occurred and at the end of the test session.
No special report need be written concerning these settings.
A verification shall be considered satisfactory if the drift detected is no greater than ± 2 dB. If this is
not the case, all parts subjected to examination since the preceding check shall be re-examined.

NOTE : Since the initial settings are obtained from the reference block, subsequent settings and verifications may be
performed using a transfer block instead of the reference block.

This transfer block shall enable the plot of the distance-amplitude curve or the record of initially obtained
amplification values to be verified.

MC 2000 / 4  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2143.1 Setting using responses from artificial reflectors

in a reference block
Two types of setting methods may be used:
a) Distance-amplitude curve
This setting shall be carried out in accordance with paragraph 6.3 of standard NF EN 583-2

b) If the performance characteristics of the apparatus so allow, the distance-amplitude curve may be
replaced by recording the amplification values required to adjust echo amplitudes obtained from
each reflector to the same height (about 75% of screen height).

MC 2144 SCANNING METHOD

The test area shall be scanned in compliance with the conditions of the relevant paragraph of
the Code.

Generally scanning shall be performed using a setting which corresponds to the highest sensitivity
level possible with allowance for background noise. If the latter is liable to adversely affect
detection of defects and/or if a clearly distinct echo cannot be obtained from the reflector nearest the
scanning surface of the reference test piece at this setting, a lower sensitivity setting shall be used.
The latter shall not, however, be lower than the reference setting for the area being examined.

By applying the above method it will be possible to correlate various data obtained for scans made
in one or more directions with the same indication.

The depth of the dead zone expressed in mm of material thickness examined is noted when required.
This depth is conventionally expressed as being the distance L shown on figure MC 2144 obtained
under the reference setting conditions corresponding to the reflector furthest from the scanning
surface.

MC 2150 CHARACTERIZATION OF INDICATIONS

MC 2151 EVALUATION BASED ON ARTIFICIAL
REFLECTOR RESPONSES
Characterisation and sizing of indications shall be performed in compliance with NF EN 583-5, with
the following clarifications:

MC 2151.1 Amplitude evaluation

Amplitude evaluation shall be performed as per paragraph C2 (DAC method) of annex C.
a) If the distance-amplitude curve is used as per MC 2143.1 a), the maximum amplitude obtained at
the indication is compared to the ordinate of the curve for the same sound path under the same
setting conditions used to establish the DAC curve. The significance of the defect is expressed as
a percentage of the distance-amplitude curve.

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

b) If setting up is performed according to the requirements of MC 2143-1 b) then once the depth of
the indication has been established, the setting shall be adjusted to the one obtained with the
closest artificial reflector and reference amplitude. The significance of the defect is expressed as
a percentage of the reference-amplitude.

MC 2151.2 Size evaluation

Size evaluation shall be performed as per paragraph D2 of annex D (6 dB drop from the maximum
level).
The surface area of the indication is obtained from the product of the two dimensions measured as
indicated above, in two perpendicular directions.

MC 2151.3 Grouping of indications

When a group of indications is to be treated as a single indication, the rules for such action are
specified in the relevant paragraphs of this Code.

MC 2152 EVALUATION BASED ON BACK ECHO LOSS

MC 2152.1 Amplitude evaluation
Every area in which a loss of back echo is observed shall be characterized by its R ratio.
Fo n
R with n 1
Fn
where:
Fo1 : amplitude of first reference back echo specified in MC 2143.1,
F1 : amplitude of the first reference back echo of the zone under consideration. A check is
performed to ensure that the reduction in back echo is not due to the part geometry.

MC 2152.2 Size evaluation

The probe shall be positioned at the point where the maximum R value (minimum amplitude of
corresponding back echo) is registered. The probe shall then be moved around this position until a
back echo amplitude equal to the required R value, as required by the procurement specifications
increased by 50% (+ 6 dB) is obtained.
The beam axis position shall be noted for each probe position.
The defective zone is defined as the area bounded by the contour obtained by joining the beam axis
positions.

MC 2160 EXAMINATION REPORT

Unless stated otherwise elsewhere in the Code, the examination reports shall include the following
information:
- identification of Manufacturer, purchase order and equipment,

MC 2000 / 6  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- identification of the weld, buttering, cladding or of the part examined including grade (ferritic
steel, austenitic steel, etc.) and fabrication process used for the part (forging, rolling, casting),
- designation of the examination documents used,
- time of examination,
- surface preparation (method, cleaning),
- type, make and designation of the equipment used:
. test unit,
. probe (dimensions, frequencies),
- calibration and setting conditions (calibration and reference blocks used),
- length of the measured dead zone, where applicable (otherwise state "not applicable"),
- examination procedure
. angle of ultrasonic beam and type of wave used in the part,
. scanning direction,
- characteristics of indications (location, amplitude, length) which are equal to or higher than the
record level,
- interpretation results, including explanation for any indications that are interpreted as not
characteristic of a defect,
- identification of the company responsible for examination when subcontracted out,
- name, certification, date and Inspector's signature. For automatic examinations, the Inspector is
the controlling agent for non-destructive examinations who validates the installation adjustments
and the examination results.

To avoid unnecessary repetition, some of the information listed above may be given in properly
identified Manufacturers' documents attached to the examination report.

MC 2170 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR

AUTOMATED PROCEDURES
The file submitted to the prior approval of the Contractor shall include the following:
- the qualification programme for the method, and the test results which demonstrate that the
automated process is equivalent to the reference technique as far as detection, evaluation and
acceptance are concerned

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 7
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- the control procedure:

This shall state, in particular, the rules applied for guarding against all drifts, both in the software
and in the control sequence, which might be prejudicial to the validity of the control.

FIGURE MC 2144

MC 2200 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

OF CASTINGS

MC 2210 SCOPE OF THE METHOD

This subchapter covers ultrasonic examination specified in SECTION II of this Code for ferritic
steel castings using the single probe longitudinal wave reflection method.

MC 2220 GENERAL CONDITIONS

The general conditions specified in MC 2100 relating to the method described shall be applied.
They are supplemented by the conditions given below.

MC 2230 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 2231 TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) during manufacture at which parts are subjected to ultrasonic examination are specified
in SECTION II of this Code.

MC 2000 / 8  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2232 TEST AREAS

Test areas and degree of examination are defined in SECTION II of this Code.

MC 2233 SCANNING METHODS

The scanning methods shall be chosen to assure that the entire test area is scanned.
The length of the dead zone as defined in MC 2144 is noted except where unnecessary with the
techniques used (scanning methods, probe with short dead zone, etc).

MC 2234 REFERENCE BLOCKS

The reference block(s) shall be manufactured in compliance with MC 2134.2.
The reflectors shall be flat bottomed cylindrical holes, 6 mm in diameter. They shall be drilled
perpendicularly to the scanning surface. Their number and position shall be such that the entire
thickness of the part undergoing examination can be examined. The first reflector shall be located at
a maximum distance of 25 mm from the scanning surface. The last hole shall be located at a distance
equal to the maximum thickness to be examined within ± 20%.

MC 2235 DISTANCE-AMPLITUDE CORRECTION CURVES

For thicknesses greater than 40 mm, the distance-amplitude correction curve shall be plotted as set
forth in MC 2143.1, using at least 3 reflectors as specified in MC 2234. For thicknesses of 40 mm or
less, two reflectors are required.

MC 2236 CHARACTERIZATION OF AN INDICATION

MC 2236.1 Amplitude
The amplitude of an indication shall be characterized in compliance with MC 2151.1.

MC 2236.2 Size
Sizes of indications shall be characterized in compliance with MC 2151.2. The probe shall be
positioned only in positions where a loss of 6 dB in echo amplitude from the indication is observed.

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 9
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2300 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

OF FORGINGS

MC 2310 GENERAL
MC 2311 GENERAL CONDITIONS
The requirements of standards NF EN 10228-3 and NF EN 10228-4 shall apply.
The surface roughness shall be compatible with the quality class required according to Chapter 10 in
standards NF EN 10228.
The method specified in standard NF EN 10308 may be used for the examination of steel bars (the
acceptance criteria shall be those stipulated in the corresponding part procurement specifications).
For steel bars examined according to standard NF EN 10308, surface roughness shall at least be as
specified in standard NF EN 10228-3 in the case of ferritic and martensitic steels and in standard
NF EN 10228-4 in the case of austenitic steels.

MC 2312 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

Time of examination
The stage(s) during manufacture at which forgings are subjected to ultrasonic examination are
specified in SECTION II of this Code.
At the time of examination, the profile of type 1, 2 and 3 parts shall be such that the scanning
surface and the opposite surface are parallel.
If the heat treatment quality requires that profile of the part or area of the part does not comply with
this condition, a complete preliminary examination shall be performed before such treatment. This
examination shall take place at a stage in the manufacturing process when the two surfaces are
parallel. Examination after heat treatment shall then be performed to the fullest extent possible.

Areas subjected to examination

Test areas and the extent of examination are specified in SECTION II of this Code.

Examination of the area near to the surface (dead zone).

Examination of the dead zone is not required unless specified by the equipment specification or
other relevant contractual documents.

Reference blocks (see para. 7.4)

In the case of austenitic and austenitic-ferritic steels, reference blocks produced according to
MC 2134.2 shall be used in order to validate the DGS curves.

MC 2000 / 10  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

Couplant (see para. 7.5)

The requirements of MC 2133 shall apply.

Surface condition (see para. 10)

Ra roughness shall not exceed 12.5 µm .

Amplification setting (see para. 11)

For straight beam and shear wave transducers, either technique may be used (i.e. CAD curve and
DGS methods).

Longitudinal inclined beam examination

If the signal-to-noise ratio or beam attenuation in the material so warrants, a longitudinal inclined
beam probe may be used instead of the shear wave type.

Dimensioning (see para. 15)

Discontinuity size shall be evaluated using the "- 6 dB" method.

MC 2313 SCANNING PROCEDURES

Type 1 parts
Unless otherwise specified in the Part Procurement Specifications of SECTION II, only parts whose
smallest dimension is higher or equal to 50 mm are subjected to examination. Those parts to be
bored when in their final condition shall be examined before such boring takes place.
Axial examination starting from both ends of cylindrical parts and lengthwise examination of
parallelepiped-shaped parts shall only be performed insofar as beam attenuation and/or possible
wave conversion do not hinder interpretation.

Type 3 parts
At the time of examination of these parts along the axial direction parasitical phenomena such as
edge or wall effects shall be reduced to a minimum by a careful choice of probes and scanning
surfaces, taking into account the geometry of the part under examination. This examination shall be
performed insofar as beam attenuation and/or possible wave conversion do not hinder interpretation.

Type 4 parts
Examination shall be performed using the straight beam longitudinal wave method either before or
after boring, depending on the geometry and accessibility of test areas and scanning surfaces.
wherever possible, such examinations shall be performed in mutually perpendicular directions.

NOTE: When no back echo exists due to beam attenuation in material, the examination is performed from both faces
over a half length plus 10%.

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 11
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2314 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION DOCUMENTS

Paragraph MC 2122 of SECTION III of this Code shall apply.

MC 2315 EXAMINATION REPORT

Paragraph MC 2160 of this code shall replace paragraph 16 of the standards.

The dead zone length shall be recorded.

MC 2316 CERTIFICATION OF EXAMINATION PERSONNEL

(replace paragraph 10.1 of the AFNOR standard)
Ultrasonic examination shall be performed by certified personnel according to MC 8000
specifications.

MC 2320 SHEAR WAVE EXAMINATIONS AND/OR LONGITUDINAL

INCLINED BEAM EXAMINATIONS
When explicitly referred to by Part Procurement Specifications of SECTION II, the following
prescriptions related to the reference block and to the calibration method, fully apply and supersedes
the corresponding prescriptions of standards NF EN 10228-3 or NF EN 10228-4.

MC 2321 REFERENCE BLOCK

The reference block is defined as follows:
As a general rule the reference block shall be a rectangular parallelepiped except for reference
blocks used for examination of cylindrical parts with diameters  250 mm. In this last case, it shall
have the same radius of curvature, within 25%, as the part being examined.

The width of the block shall be about 60 mm. For thicknesses  100 mm, the width of the block may
be less than 60 mm but shall enable gain to be set without edge effect.

Its length shall enable reference reflectors to be detected.

MC 2322 SETTING AND INDICATION CHARACTERIZATION

Paragraphs MC 2143.1 and MC 2151.1 of this Code apply.

MC 2000 / 12  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2400 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF FERRITIC

STEEL OR AUSTENITIC ALLOY PLATES
AT LEAST 6 MM THICK

MC 2410 GENERAL
The requirements of standards NF EN 10160 and NF EN 10307 shall apply and shall be
supplemented by paragraph MC 2120 and the following clarifications:
- table 1, probe type: for thicknesses  60 mm, only a straight probe is allowed,
- paragraph 9.1 of standard NF EN 10160: use of rectangular notches is not allowed.
The following additional paragraphs shall supplement the standards:

MC 2411 COUPLING MEDIUM

For the final surfaces of austenitic steel or nickel-based alloy parts, the coupling medium shall be
removed upon completion of the examination.

MC 2412 GRADE OF THE STEPPED BLOCK

The stepped block shall be made from high-alloy steel with a similar ultrasound permeability.

MC 2413 ATTENUATION MEASUREMENT

MC 2413.1 Principale
The purpose is to detect areas in which the loss of back echo is greater than – 18 dB, without
disturbing the normal running of the examination.

MC 2413.2 Procedure
Depending on the probe, the quality class required, the thickness and the grade of the plate, the
amplitude of the first back echo is located at various levels in relation to the reference level and the
total height of the screen.

MC 2413.2.1
If under test conditions, a loss of – 18 dB of the first back echo makes the top of the echo visible on
the screen, the corresponding level shall be noted and shall be used as a threshold for marking out
the absorbent zone (see fig. 1).
In this zone, any indications shall be evaluated taking account of the absorption (readjustment of the
sensitivity transfer). Additional examinations (search for the origin of the attenuation) may be
required by the part procurement specification or the purchase order.

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 13
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2413.2.2
If the loss of – 18 dB on the first back echo does not mean that the top of this echo is visible on the
screen, the second back echo should be visualized (2 scans) and its amplitude shall be noted and
used as the threshold for marking out the absorbent zone (see fig. 2).

This zone shall be dealt with as in MC 2413.2.1.

Figure 1

MC 2000 / 14  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

Figure 2

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 15
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2500 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF TUBES

MC 2510 SCOPE OF METHOD

This subchapter concerns ultrasonic contact or immersion examination of seamless tubes or rolled
welded tubes without filler metal using inclined shear waves and made of:
- carbon steel,
- austenitic stainless steel,
- high-nickel content alloy when this examination is specified in SECTION II of this Code.

The following are excluded :

- tubes obtained directly by bar forging and boring,
- tubes obtained directly by forging on mandrel,
- thick tubes (thickness  50 mm) obtained directly through drawing on mandrel or through
extrusion,
- cast tubes.
These cases are covered in other paragraphs of this Code.
Note: Examination of extremely thin tube may be performed using Lamb waves.

MC 2520 GENERAL CONDITIONS

The requirements of Standards NF EN 10246-6 and NF 10246-7 shall be applied. They are
supplemented by the conditions given here after.

MC 2530 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 2531 TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) during manufacture at which tubes are subjected to examination are specified in
SECTION II of this Code.

MC 2532 TEST AREAS

The test areas and degree of examination are defined in SECTION II of this Code.
When automatic units are used, the lengths of tubes inspected both automatically and manually (at
the ends) shall be established.

MC 2533 SCANNING METHOD

a) Scanning shall be performed in two opposite directions: along the circumference and/or in a
longitudinal direction starting from an outside cylindrical surface. These conditions are specified
in SECTION II of this Code.

b) The angle of refraction shall be between 35° and 70°, depending on thickness.

MC 2000 / 16  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2534 REFERENCE TUBE

For steels with more than 6% alloy elements, the calibration tube shall be of the same grade and
shall undergo the same heat treatment as the tubes to be examined.

The reflectors are rectangular or V-shaped notches whose number, dimensions and position are
specified below.
This tube shall contain 2 longitudinal notches, one positioned on the outside surface and the other
on the inside surface. They shall be offset in relation to each other to enable echoes to be clearly
separated.
When scanning is performed in a longitudinal direction, the reference tube shall contain two
circumferential notches, one located on the outside and the other on the inside surface. They shall
be offset in relation to each other to enable echoes to be clearly separated.

MC 2534.1 Seamless pipe

For carbon steels, the notch depth shall be of severity level U2, representing 5% of the pipe
thickness, with a minimum of 0.2 mm and maximum of 1 mm. This minimum may be raised to
0.3 mm for hot finished pipes.
For austenitic stainless steels and high nickel content alloys, the notch depth shall be:
- severity level U1, representing 3% of tube thickness with a minimum of 0.1 mm and a maximum
of 1 mm for class 1 tubes and heat exchanger tubes of all classes,
- severity level U2, representing 5% of tube thickness within a minimum of 0.2 mm and maximum
of 1 mm for class 2 tubes not intended for use in heat exchangers.

In the particular case of steam generator exchanger pipes, the notch is rectangular and its maximum
width is 0.1 mm.

MC 2534.2 Rolled welded pipe without filler metal

The notches are located on the weld bead.
The notch depth shall be of severity level U2, representing of the pipe thickness with a minimum of
0.2 mm.

MC 2540 TEST EQUIPMENT

Examination may be performed by either manual methods or by using an automatic unit.

MC 2541 MANUAL TEST EQUIPMENT

The conditions set forth in MC 2100 with regard to examination equipment and verification of such
equipment shall apply.

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 17
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2542 AUTOMATIC TEST EQUIPMENT

Units allowing the probe to move in a helix relative to the tube shall be used. This motion may be
obtained by either translating the tube and rotating the probe holder or by rotating the tube and
translating the probe holder.
Helical movement shall enable overlapping of the examination zones by at least 20%. The relative
position of the probe(s) and the tube shall be accurately specified and there shall be no drift.
The unit shall include an automatic sorting system and/or a recorder. When recorders are used, it
shall be possible at all times to correlate an indication with its position on the tube.

MC 2550 POWER AND GAIN SETTING

The gain and power are adjusted using a reference tube by tuning the gain to bring the amplitude of
the echoes from the reflector(s) to the same height on the screen (about 75%).
For automatic examination, settings shall be performed under actual operating conditions of the
installation; in certain cases (large pipes), settings may be performed on a separate bench under
representative conditions (the set of probes and electronics shall be those used for series
examination and the relative pipe-probe speeds shall be the same).
If the unit includes a system enabling the same amplitude to be obtained from both notches, this
amplitude shall be used as the reference level. In the case of multiple selectors, trip levels shall be
set separately for each notch.
If this is not the case, the reference amplitude shall be obtained using the notch producing the
weakest echo.

MC 2560 CHECKING THE SETTING

OF THE AUTOMATIC DEVICE
Power and gain settings shall be checked at the start and at the end of each work shift. They shall be
checked at least every two hours. No special report need be written concerning these settings.

This check shall be considered satisfactory if the drift detected is no greater than ± 2 dB.

If the setting is found to be unstable during such a check, those tubes examined since the preceding
checks shall be subjected to further tests using the corrected setting.

MC 2570 CHARACTERIZATION OF INDICATIONS

The indications are characterized:
- when preparing the catalogue of defects if required by SECTION II, by their amplitude
expressed as a percentage of the reference amplitude defined in MC 2550,

MC 2000 / 18  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- during the production check, by their amplitude in relation to a rejection threshold.

The length of indications may be characterized in compliance with MC 2151.2 if this is required in
SECTION II.

MC 2580 TEST REPORT

Test reports shall comprise the following:
- identification of Manufacturer, purchase order,
- identification of steel grade,
- identification of standard, specification or procedure,
- state of treatment of product,
- surface preparation method,
- type, make and designation of the equipment used,
- the reference tube identifier,
- beam angle, type of wave, scanning direction,
- test results,
- identification of subcontractor in charge of examination (where applicable),
- name(s) and qualifications of operator(s)
- name, certification, date and Inspector's signature. For automatic examinations, the Inspector is
the controlling agent for non-destructive examinations who validates the installation adjustments
and the examination results.

To avoid unnecessary repetition, some of the information listed above may be given in properly
identified Manufacturers' documents attached to the examination report.

MC 2600 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

OF FULL PENETRATION WELDS
IN FERRITIC STEEL

MC 2610 SCOPE OF METHOD

This subchapter covers ultrasonic examination for full penetration butt and branch connection fillet
welds in ferritic steel with thicknesses greater than or equal to 10 mm when this examination is
specified in chapters 4000 of each relevant subsection of SECTION I of this Code.
NOTE: Where the ultrasonic examination of full penetration austenitic welds is envisaged in the present Code, due to
technical difficulties or where it proves technically impossible to meet the requirements for a specific
radiographic examination, the Manufacturer shall submit the method he intends to adopt to the Contractor
along with supporting evidence demonstrating that the method does in fact enable the defects being tested for
to be identified and characterised.

MC 2620 ENERAL CONDITIONS

The general conditions specified in MC 2100 for the methods described below shall apply. They are
supplemented by the conditions given below.

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 19
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2630 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 2631 TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) in manufacture at which welds are subjected to ultrasonic examination are specified in
SECTION I (chapter 4000 of each relevant subsection) of this Code.

MC 2632 TEST AREAS

The test areas and the degree of examination are specified in SECTION I (chapter 4000 of each
relevant subsection) of this Code. The area subjected to examination shall include at least the weld
metal and the heat affected zones.

MC 2633 SURFACE PREPARATION

Scanning surfaces shall be prepared in compliance with MC 2141. Ra roughness shall not
exceed 6.3 µm .

MC 2633.1 Butt welds

Accessible inside and outside surfaces shall be made flush using suitable mechanical means.

MC 2633.2 Fillet welds and branch connection

These welds are classified into 3 categories as indicated in the following figures:

a) set-on T joints (Figure MC 2633.2.a),

b) set-on branch connections (Figure MC 2633.2.b),

c) set-in branch connections (Figure MC 2633.2.c).

The surface(s) of the weld bead(s) shall connect smoothly, without undercutting, with the surfaces
of the assembled part. For branch connection, the inside surface of the bead, if accessible shall be
made flush by a suitable mechanical means (figures MC 2633.2b and MC 2633.2.c.2).

MC 2634 SCANNING CONDITIONS

MC 2634.1 Butt welds
Scanning conditions shall enable the entire test area to be investigated where accessibility and part
geometry so permit. Examination shall be performed using 14 orientations at all points on the part
(12 with shear waves and 2 with longitudinal waves) as indicated on figure MC 2634.1.a.1.

MC 2000 / 20  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

For shear wave scanning, the angles of refraction which are chosen according to weld thickness and
geometry, shall range from 35 to 70 degrees. When shear wave examination is required using 2
distinct angles of refraction, the nominal value of these two angles shall in principle differ by at
least 15°.Depending on the type of bevel used and considering the expected defect type and
orientation, the angles shall be chosen, in particular, so as to allow examination of fusion along the
connecting zones under the best possible conditions. For this purpose, for bevels close to the
perpendicular, of the wall and for the detection of longitudinal defects in ferritic steel welds, if 45°
is chosen as the first refraction angle and 70° as the second angle, then for this second angle the
examination shall extend for each face of the component (internal and external) on a depth limited
into the volume between 50 and 80 mm. The limit finally chosen shall enable to cover the largest
possible area to be examined taking into account the thickness and the accessibility of the
welded joint.

1) Scanning using shear waves shall be performed using orientations 1 to 12 as indicated on figure
MC 2634.1.a.1 along both surfaces in compliance with note 1.
When one surface and/or one side of the weld bead is/are inaccessible, the examinations along
this surface and/or this side of the weld bead shall be replaced by the single bounce method
(echo from opposite wall) along accessible sides. The latter shall be carried out where possible
using the 12 required orientations (see note 3).
For examination of components clad with stainless steel or high nickel alloys, at the time of
examination these 12 scanning orientations are no longer required. The examination shall
include, wherever possible:
- examination along orientations 1 to 4 and 9 to 10 along an unclad surface,
- supplementary examination of the area falling within the initial probe's dead zone. This
inspection shall be performed along orientations 1, 3, 9 and 10 using probes with a short dead
zone. The angle of refraction shall then be at least equal to the largest angle of refraction used
for the first examination.

Note 1: Each probe shall cover the dead zone of the identical probe sweeping the opposite surface. Thus, for a
typical examination performed with probe A (inclined shear wave type), the sound path to cover
probe B's dead zone is as shown in figure MC 2634.1.a.2 when the single bounce method is not
required.
For joints with thicknesses of 150 mm or more, it may be covered by performing another scan along
the same surface with a probe B' having a short dead zone. The probe's angle of refractions shall be
greater than or equal to that of probe B.
Note 2: When supplementary probes with short dead zones are used, indications shall only be detected and
characterized in the sound path corresponding to the dead zone of the first probes used.
Note 3: Detection and characterization of indications using the single bounce method are not required for
thicknesses equal to 100 mm or more. In this case, probes with short dead zones are used to cover the
dead zones of probes operating from the accessible surface. Such scans shall be performed using the
same orientations.

2) Straight beam longitudinal wave scans shall be carried out using orientations 13 and 14 given in
figure MC 2634.1.a.1 along both surfaces.

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 21
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

When one surface is inaccessible or when components with an entirely finished stainless steel or
high nickel alloy clad scanning surface are to be examined, the two scanning orientations
provided above are no longer required. Instead the examination:
- shall be carried out using orientation 13 along either the unclad or the accessible surface,
- supplementary examination falling within the initial probe's dead zone. This examination
shall be performed using a short dead zone probe along orientation 13.

MC 2634.2 Fillet welds and branch connection

Scanning conditions shall enable the entire test area to be investigated where accessibility and part
geometry so permit. Examination shall be performed at all points on the part using orientations
given in figures MC 2634.2.a, MC 2634.2.b and MC 2634.2.c.
For shear wave scanning, the angles of refraction of between 35 and 70 degrees shall be used.
These angles are chosen according to weld geometry to ensure that the beams are virtually
perpendicular to weld bevels. When examination is performed using shear waves at 2 separate
angles of refraction, these two angles shall differ by at least 15°.
If one scanning surface is inaccessible, the examination scheduled from this surface shall be
replaced by a single bounce scan performed on the opposite surface. The latter shall be carried out
along the required orientations insofar as this is possible (see note).
For examination of welded components with one surface clad with stainless steel or high nickel
alloys, the examinations indicated above are no longer required. Instead, examination shall include
as far as possible:
- shear wave scan starting from unclad surfaces,
- longitudinal straight beam examination irrespective of whether surfaces are clad or not.

Note : Detection and characterization of indications using the single bounce technique are not required if the
thicknesses of items to which probes are applied are greater than or equal to 100 mm.

MC 2635 REFERENCE BLOCK

The reference block shall comply with MC 2134.2 and with special conditions.

MC 2635.1 Geometry
The reference block shall be a rectangular parallelepiped except in the following cases, where it
shall have the same radius of curvature (within 25%) as the part being examined.
- Use of a probe whose largest dimension is 15 mm or less, if the radius of curvature of the part is
100 mm or less.
- Use of a probe whose largest dimension is greater than 15 mm if the radius of curvature of the
part is 250 mm or less.

MC 2000 / 22  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

The width of the block shall be about 60 mm. For thicknesses  100 mm, this width may be lower
than 60 mm but shall enable an amplification to be set without edge effect.
Its length shall enable the reference reflectors to be detected.
Its thickness shall be:
- for the single bounce method, equal to the thickness of the part ± 5 mm,
- for direct scan, equal to or greater than the thickness of the part.

MC 2635.2 Artificial reflectors

Artificial reflectors shall consist of cylindrical holes drilled through the width of the reference
block, parallel to its scanning surface.
These holes shall be 2 mm in diameter.
The first hole shall be drilled 10 mm below the scanning surface. The difference in depth of
subsequent holes shall then be at most:
- 10 mm for blocks 50 mm thick or less,
- 20 mm for blocks from 50 mm to 100 mm thick,
- 30 mm for blocks more than 100 mm thick.
All reflectors shall be positioned at least 20 mm from either end of the reference block.

MC 2636 POWER AND GAIN SETTING

Power and gain levels shall be set in compliance with MC 2143 using the artificial reflectors
described in MC 2635.2.

MC 2637 CHARACTERIZATION OF INDICATIONS

Indications shall be characterized by their:
- position,
- amplitude,
- size,
- volumetric or non-volumetric character.

a) Position
The indications shall be located in relation to a clearly defined referencing system.

b) Amplitude
Amplitude shall be evaluated in compliance with MC 2151.1. For indications detected in the
10 mm thick zone adjacent to the surface opposite the scanning surface, amplitude may be
evaluated in accordance with a supplementary and duly qualified method which allows for
spurious echoes.

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 23
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

c) Size
The conditions of MC 2151.2 shall apply. An indication shall be considered as being isolated
(pin-point) if its size, measured in accordance with MC 2151.2, is less than:
- 10 mm where its depth measured from the scanning surface is 100 mm or less,
- 10% of its depth if this is greater than 100 mm.

d) Volumetric or non-volumetric character

Classification of defects as volumetric or non-volumetric shall be based on several parameters:
welding techniques, geometrical position of defect, the leading edge or shape of echo and
directional reflectivity from the defect.
As a general rule, non-volumetric reflectors such as cracks or lack of fusion give rise to high
amplitude echoes and steep leading edges. However, in certain specific cases, e.g. when the angle
of incidence of the ultrasonic beam in these planes is too wide, such reflectors may result in low
amplitude echoes.
Volumetric or non-volumetric characterization of defects shall be done in compliance with the
cascade procedure given in document B of the French Institute of Welding recommendation
IS US 319-21.
The threshold values mentioned on figure B 221-2 of recommendation IS US 319-21 shall be
used, using reference echoes obtained on 2 mm side drilled holes.
As an alternative, this volumetric or non-volumetric characterization may be done in compliance
with standard NF EN 1713.

MC 2638 GROUPING OF INDICATIONS

a) Single indication
Two indications detected by two different soundings (different angles and orientation) shall be
regarded as originating from the same reflector if the following two conditions are satisfied:
- the distance between the centre of their projections on the scanning surface is less than 10% of
maximum depth,
- the distance between the centre of their projections on a cross section of the weld is less than
10% of maximum depth.
The indication which fulfils these conditions shall be characterized by the lesser depth and by the
higher amplitude and size.

b) Separate indications
Separate indications may be grouped together if the following two conditions are satisfied:
- the distance separating their projections on the scanning surface is less than or equal to either 6
times the length of the smallest indication or 20 mm if one of the indications is of the pin-
point type,
- the distance separating their projections on a cross section of the weld is less than or equal
to 20 mm.

MC 2000 / 24  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

The amplitude of the grouped indication shall be the highest obtained from any separate
indication. Its size shall be established by joining the ends of the indications furthest apart.
The rule concerning grouping of indications shall only be applied to indications taken one by one.

MC 2639 EXAMINATION OF REPAIRED AREAS

Weld repaired areas shall be examined ultrasonically under the same conditions as specified for pre-
repair examination.

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 25
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 2633.2

MC 2000 / 26  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 2634.1.a-1

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 27
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 2634.1.a-2

MC 2000 / 28  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 2634.2

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 29
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 2700 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF BUTTERING,

CLADDING AND PLATING

MC 2710 SCOPE OF METHOD

This subchapter covers ultrasonic examinations of stainless steel and high nickel alloy buttering,
cladding and plating, and ferritic steel buttering, which are more than 2 mm thick, specified by
SECTION I (chapter 4000 of the relevant subsections) of this Code.

MC 2720 GENERAL CONDITIONS

The general conditions specified in MC 2100 relating to the described method shall apply. They
shall be supplemented by the conditions given below.

MC 2730 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 2731 TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) during manufacture at which buttering, plating and cladding are subjected to
examination are specified in SECTION II and/or SECTION I (chapter 4000 of the relevant
subsections) of this Code.

MC 2732 TEST AREAS

The test areas and the degree of examination are defined in SECTION II and/or SECTION I
(chapter 4000 of the relevant subsections) of this Code.

MC 2733 PREPARATION OF SURFACES

Surfaces shall be prepared in compliance with MC 2141.

Valleys between cladding and buttering are acceptable. If the profiles of cladding runs do not allow
satisfactory contact of probe, at right angles to the interpass grooves, peaks and valleys shall be
ground to ensure satisfactory coupling.

Coupling shall be considered satisfactory if one of the following characteristics is obtained:

- an echo from the opposite wall,
- background noise produced by ultrasonic waves travelling through the base metal.

MC 2734 SCANNING METHODS

MC 2734.1 Buttering and cladding
The test area should be scanned in such a way as to ensure coverage of the entire buttered or clad
surface and at least a 4 mm thick section of the base metal.

MC 2000 / 30  n° 144-2014
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

Examination shall be performed using longitudinal waves with either normal or double crystal
probes so as to ensure detection of defects located in the buttering or cladding/base metal interface,
and in the weld metal.
Sounding shall be performed from the surface of the weld metal.

MC 2734.2 Plating
The test area shall be scanned using longitudinal waves on the plated surface. Scans shall be
performed using a probe enabling the entire interface zone to be examined.

MC 2735 REFERENCE BLOCK

The reference block shall comply with MC 2134.2 and with the specific conditions set forth in the
following paragraphs.

MC 2735.1 Type and geometry

- For stainless steel and high nickel alloy cladding and buttering, the reference block shall be a
rectangular parallelepiped clad or buttered on one of its surfaces. Cladding or buttering shall be
deposited manually or automatically under conditions similar to those used for the items under
examination (grade, sizes of wire, electrodes and strips, number of runs, disposition, settings and
heat treatment).
For ferritic steel cladding and buttering, the reference block shall be a rectangular parallelepiped
in ferritic steel. Buttering is not required.

The surface condition and thickness of the block shall correspond to those of the part under
examination.
- The reference block for plating shall be made from the plate itself.

MC 2735.2 Artificial reflectors

a) Cladding
Artificial reflectors shall consist of:
- dia. 19 mm flat bottomed holes drilled starting from the unclad surface. They shall be drilled
perpendicularly to the clad surface and shall reach the base metal/weld metal interface. Other
holes shall be drilled in the weld metal at each interpass interface.
- dia. 2 mm holes drilled parallel to the clad surface at the base metal filler metal interface as
well as at each interpass interface.

b) Buttering
Artificial reflectors shall be made up of dia. 3.2 mm flat bottomed holes.

In the case of a buttered block, these flat bottomed holes shall be drilled from the unbuttered
surface, perpendicularly to the buttering surface.

 n° 144-2014 MC 2000 / 31
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

The flat bottom of the first hole shall be positioned at 5 mm from the scanning surface. The
difference in depth between the following holes shall be  5 mm until a depth of 15 mm is
reached: this difference in depth shall then be  10 mm. The flat bottom of the last hole shall be
positioned on the buttering/base metal interface, or at a depth equivalent to the ferritic steel
buttering/base metal interface.
Note: The edges of holes shall be located at least 20 mm from the edges of the block.

c) Plating
The ultrasonic beam shall be reflected off the surface opposite the scanning surface.

MC 2740 CHARACTERIZATION OF INDICATIONS

MC 2741 CLADDING
Two types of indications shall be considered:
- volumetric indications which are characterized by the presence of a single echo,
- continuous lack of bond type indications which are characterized by a succession of echoes.

MC 2741.1 Amplitude evaluation

Amplitude evaluation shall comply with MC 2151.1.
Volumetric type indications in cladding shall be evaluated by comparison with the 2 mm diameter
side drilled holes. Continuous lack of bond type indications shall be evaluated by comparison with
the 19 mm diameter flat bottomed holes.

MC 2741.2 Size evaluation

MC 2151.2 shall apply.

MC 2741.3 Grouping of indications

MC 2741.3.1 Volumetric type indications
Two separate indications may be grouped if the two following conditions are satisfied:
- the distance separating their projections on the scanning surface is no greater than 6 times the
length of the smallest indication or 20 mm for pin-point indications,
- the distance separating their projections on a cross section of the weld is lower than or equal
to 20 mm.
When indications are grouped, they shall be characterized by the amplitude of the largest indication
and by the size obtained when the distance between the ends of the indications furthest apart are
joined together.

The rule relating to grouping may only be applied to indications taken one by one.

MC 2000 / 32  n° 144-2014
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2741.3.2 Continuous lack of bonding type indications

Two indications shall be grouped if the distance between them is less than or equal to 6 times the
length of the smaller indication.

The grouped indication shall then be characterized by:

- the highest amplitude,
- an area equal to the sum of the areas of the two original indications.

The rule relating to grouping may only be applied to indications taken one by one.

MC 2742 BUTTERING
MC 2742.1 Amplitude evaluation
Indications shall be characterized in compliance with MC 2151.1.

MC 2742.2 Size evaluation

Size evaluation shall be performed in compliance with MC 2151.2 (except the last paragraph).

MC 2742.3 Grouping of indications

The provisions of paragraph MC 2638 apply.

MC 2743 PLATING
MC 2743.1 Amplitude evaluation
Indications shall be characterized in compliance with MC 2152.1. Lack of fusion is defined as
being R > 8.

MC 2743.2 Size evaluation

Size shall be evaluated in compliance with MC 2152.2 taking R = 4.

MC 2750 EXAMINATION OF WELD REPAIRED ZONES

Weld repaired zones shall be examined ultrasonically under the same conditions as for pre-repair
examination.

 n° 137-2012 MC 2000 / 33
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 2000 / 34  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 3000

RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION

MC 3100 GENERAL

MC 3110 SCOPE
This subchapter sets forth the general conditions for radiographic examination when specified
inthe Code.

Some of these conditions concern the definition of a reference practice, i.e., the conditions of
paragraphs MC 3134, MC 3135, MC 3136, MC 3137, MC 3142, MC 3146, MC 3147, MC 3148,
MC 3149, MC 3150, MC 3312.5. Other practices which overall give results that are at least
equivalent may be proposed to the Contractor before being applied, substantiated accordingly.

MC 3120 GENERAL CONDITIONS

MC 3121 QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON DESTRUCTIVE
EXAMINATION PERSONNEL
Non destructive examination personnel shall be qualified and certified in compliance with MC 8000,
which covers the examination documents (procedures and reports) and implementation.

MC 3122 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION DOCUMENTS

All radiographic examinations shall comply with conditions specified in a series of properly
identified documents (procedures, route sheets and instruction sheets) which shall meet the
requirements given in the relevant paragraphs of this Code and include, as a minimum, the
following information:
- types of items being examined (shape, size range, and type of material used),
- reference to relevant chapters of this Code and to other applicable documents,
- examination equipment: radiation sources (type and size), films, intensifying screens, filters,
blocking, penetrameter type, location markers, film processing and examination equipment, etc.,
- examination conditions: test areas and surface condition, etc.,
- examination procedure: cassette composition; type, location and number of penetrameters, type
of identification markings and exposure conditions (location of source or radiographic apparatus
in relation to test area),

 n° 140-2013 MC 3000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- film processing conditions,

- types of film which can be used,
- instructions for film viewing (double film; double or single film),
- radiographic quality requirements; geometrical unsharpness, density, image quality, etc.,
- acceptance criteria.

MC 3123 REFERENCE RADIOGRAPHS

When an examination procedure is used for the first time, radiographs shall be taken in compliance
with the examination documents written by the Manufacturer to check that the application of the
methods used will enable the film quality required in this paragraph to be guaranteed.

Examination documents shall mandatorily be modified where any change occurs in one or more of
the following parameters:
- type of radiation,
- type of exposure,
- type of film,
- type of screen and filter,
- processing method.

If significant modifications are involved, a new set of reference radiographs shall be taken.

These radiographs shall be taken separately or chosen from a series of acceptance radiographs using
either a representative part or the first part from a production lot.

In the first case, i.e. radiographs taken separately, such radiographs shall be stored by the
Manufacturer and made available on request during production of a given lot of parts.

In the second case, i.e. use of selected acceptance radiographs, radiographs shall be stored by the
Manufacturer and made available on request until forwarded to the Client, if such a transfer is
planned. A new set of reference radiographs shall then be established using the acceptance
radiographs of a part from a production lot and so forth.

In both cases, the reference radiographs shall be identified as such.

MC 3130 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT

MC 3131 RADIATION SOURCES
Two types of radiation may be used:
- radiation produced by X-Ray apparatus, linear accelerators and betatrons,
- radiation produced by Iridium 192, Cobalt 60 and Thulium 170 sources.

MC 3000 / 2  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3132 FILM SYSTEMS

The film systems shall be used with metallic screens. They are classified into 6 categories C1 to C6
as defined in AFNOR standard NF EN 584-1.

The scope of application for each film system type is specified in MC 3200 and MC 3300.

The Supplier shall provide a certificate containing all the relative data specified in clause 5 of the
standard, as well as the Ks dose and the type of treatment :
- manual or automatic,
- type of chemistry,
- developer immersion time,
- developer temperature.

The Supplier shall also provide all technical information necessary for the proper use and storage of
the film and where necessary, restrictions of use. Films shall not be used beyond the date of expiry
indicated by the film Manufacturer. They shall be stored before processing at the temperature and
humidity conditions recommended by the film Manufacturer and shall be protected from all ionizing
radiation. After processing, films shall be stored in compliance with the requirements of MC 3139.

MC 3133 INTENSIFYING SCREENS

Metallic intensifying screens shall be used with the films specified in MC 3132.

Screens shall be perfectly clean, polished and free of scratches.

MC 3134 FILTERS
A filter shall consist of a sheet of lead placed between the part to be radiographed and the cassette
containing the films and intensifying screens. It may also be positioned inside the cassette.

The filters shall be 0.5 - 1 - 1.5 or 2 mm thick. A 3 mm diameter hole shall be drilled in one corner
of each 0.5 - 1 or 1.5 mm thick filter and two such holes shall be drilled in each 2 mm thick filter.

It is recommended that filters be stamped for identification in case there is subsequently some doubt
as to the interpretation of the radiographs.

MC 3135 BLOCKING (MASKING)

Blocking shall consist of one or several lead sheets placed in contact with the back of the cassette
containing the films and intensifying screens. In certain cases, it may be positioned inside the film
cassette. It shall be at least 2 mm thick.

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3136 PENETRAMETERS
Penetrameters shall be used to determine radiographic quality but never to evaluate the size
of defects.
Penetrameters shall be of either the stepwedge and hole or wire type as specified in standards
NF EN 462-1 and NF EN 462-2.

MC 3137 IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION MARKERS

Identification and location markers in lead or any other material of suitable density shall be used for
referencing of radiographs; their thickness shall depend on the thickness of the parts subjected to
radiographic examination and the requirement for the radiographs to be read without any ambiguity.

MC 3138 VIEWING EQUIPMENT

MC 3138.1 Densitometer
The densitometer shall enable the density reference films to be measured accurate to ± 0.1 by direct
readout or with the aid of a duly identified correction (table or curve) permanently attached to the
densitometer.
Independently of the routine checks carried out at the time of each film viewing session, the
densitometer shall be checked thoroughly.
This check shall be made the first time the densitometer is used and every 6 months or less.
The check shall be made once thermal stability has been achieved using a reference density standard
or a reference film.
The check shall be written up in a report and may include adjustment of zero setting of the
characteristic slope (where possible) followed by recording of the characteristic curve of displayed
density as a function of calibration density for at least 8 density ranges at regular intervals between
0 and 4.3 in density. If the characteristic curve deviates by more than 0.1 in density from the ideal
curve, a correction curve or table shall be used.

MC 3138.2 Density reference film and standard

- Density reference standard
Film whose densities have been measured optically by a physical measurements laboratory to an
uncertainty degree of less than or equal to 0.1 in the range of 0 to 4.2.
With utmost care being taken with regard to conditions of storage and use, the validity of the
standard shall be 5 years. Validity is renewed for a further 5 years if measurements performed by
a physical measurements laboratory demonstrate that the densities have not changed.

- Reference film
Film whose densities have been measured by comparison with a density reference standard.

MC 3000 / 4  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

The reference film shall be calibrated every two years. Utmost care must be taken with regard to
conditions of storage and use.

- Standard and reference films are used without interposing any "transparent" protection or
superposing another film or additional density standard.

MC 3138.3 Film illuminator

The film illuminator, the properties of which shall be checked in accordance with standard
NF EN 25580, shall enable films whose density is specified in MC 3161 to be read (single or double
film viewing). This check shall be made the first time the equipment is used and then at
recommended 12 monthly intervals with a maximum interval not exceeding 18 months.

MC 3139 STORAGE OF FILMS

Storage of films depends on development quality and radiograph filing conditions.
After processing, films shall be stored in compliance with the film Manufacturer's recommendations
and the requirements given below.

MC 3139.1 Packaging of the film

The developed films shall be placed between sheets of paper or folded sheets of paper used for the
packaging of unexposed films.
The films together with their sheets of paper shall be placed in paper or fine card sleeves.
The sleeves themselves should preferably be placed in cardboard boxes.
Gumming, where used, should be kept to a minimum and the gum must never come into contact
with the film.
The sleeves and/or cardboard boxes used to store the films shall be set on their edges to avoid
pressure on the films due to stacking.

MC 3139.2 Filing cabinets

The sleeves and/or boxes shall be stored in filing cabinets.
These cabinets shall be fire-proof and should not give off fumes which might damage the stored
documents.

MC 3139.3 Archives
Archives shall be kept scrupulously clean.
Archives must be free from the risk of flooding. In particular, the passage of liquid effluent bearing
pipes shall not be permissible.
Fire protection by water fire-fighting equipment shall not be sufficient. Other measures must
be taken.

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

Protection against rodents and insects must be provided.

Other than radiographs, the archives may only be used to house magnetic tapes and files of papers.

MC 3139.4 Ambient conditions

- Temperature
Storage temperature shall not normally exceed 21°C. It shall be permissible for the temperature
to rise occasionally to 24°C, and for short periods up to a maximum of 32°C.

- Humidity
Recommended relative humidity shall be 30 to 50%, although it may occasionally rise to 60% for
short periods.

- Lighting
The films shall not be exposed to light and should therefore be stored in an enclosed repository
such as a filing cabinet or packing case.

MC 3139.5 Filing of films

Films shall be filed in such a way as to avoid unnecessary handling of films not required.

MC 3140 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 3141 SURFACE PREPARATION
Surfaces of parts shall be free from rust, foreign matter and from any irregularity which may
adversely affect the interpretation of radiographs. Surfaces may be machined, ground, shot blasted
or left untreated. Subchapters MC 3200 and MC 3300 specify appropriate surface preparations
when applicable.

MC 3142 CHOICE OF RADIATION SOURCE

The radiation source shall be chosen on the basis of part wall and test area thickness(es) (see
requirements given in table MC 3142).

MC 3000 / 6  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

TABLE MC 3142

CHOICE OF RADIATION SOURCE BASED

ON TOTAL WALL THICKNESS(ES)
RADIATION CASTINGS
WELDMENTS
SOURCES WELD ZONES OTHER ZONES
X-Rays up to 400 kV up to 70 mm up to 70 mm up to 70 mm
Iridium 192 up to 100 mm up to 100 mm up to 100 mm
Cobalt 60  70 mm  70 mm  50 mm
1 Mev  70 mm  60 mm  30 mm
1,5 Mev  70 mm  60 mm  40 mm
Linear
2 - 3 Mev  70 mm  60 mm  50 mm
accelerator*
4 - 6 Mev  80 mm  70 mm  60 mm
8-12 Mev  90 mm  80 mm  70 mm
Note : Exposure time shall not exceed 18 hours with iridium 192 and 24 hours when cobalt 60 is used

* : For intermediary energy values, the thickness limits of the higher range energy value shall be
applied

MC 3143 GEOMETRY
MC 3143.1 Geometrical unsharpness
a) Definition
The following formula shall be used for calculating geometrical unsharpness:
da
f 
Fa
with:
f = geometrical unsharpness in mm,
d = radiation source size in mm,
a = distance in mm between the entry surface of the test area and the cassette,
F = source-to-film distance in mm.
For gamma rays, the source size "d" where this source is taken to be a straight cylinder, shall be:
- for uni-directional radiation sources:
. height "h" of the cylinder if its axis is parallel to the film plane,
. diameter "" of the cylinder if its axis is perpendicular to the film plane,

- for multi-directional radiation sources:

. the largest of the two values "h" or ""
These cases are shown in figures MC 9220.1, 2 and 3.

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 7
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

b) Geometrical unsharpness value

b.1) General practice
Geometrical unsharpness which is calculated in accordance with MC 3143.1. shall not exceed
the values given in table MC 3143.1.b.1).

TABLE MC 3143.1.b.1)

MAXIMUM VALUE OF GEOMETRICAL UNSHARPNESS

CASTING
SOURCE WELD JOINTS
WELD ZONES OTHER ZONES
X-Rays up to
400 kV or Ir 192 0.30 mm 0.40 mm 0.50 mm

Co 60 0.60 mm 0.60 mm 1.0 mm

Linear accelerator
or betatron 1.0 mm 1.0 mm 1.0 mm

b.2) Special cases

When panoramic or internal eccentric exposures as specified in MC 3144 are used, the
geometrical unsharpness values specified in table MC 3143.1.b.2) are authorized if:
- the source used is considered to be of minimum size by industrial standards,
- replacing the exposure technique by an external source method would lead to an
unacceptably long set up time (positioning of cassettes and source, exposure time) for use
in industry, since the source must be used before the end of the second half life.

The Supplier shall take all action necessary to minimize the time needed for setting up
cassettes and source by using suitable systems or assembling devices.

b.3) Special case of set-in branches fabricated from austenitic or austenitic-ferritic stainless steel:
In the case of exposure to an internal Ir 192 source positioned in the axis of the branch for
examination of the weld connecting the branch to the pipe, the maximum geometrical
unsharpness value is 0.60 mm up to nominal branch diameter of 250 mm. It is permissible for
this value to reach 0.90 mm for a nominal diameter greater than or equal to 250 mm.

TABLE MC 3143.1.b.2)

ALLOWABLE GEOMETRICAL UNSHARPNESS VALUES

CASTINGS
SOURCE THICKNESS WELDMENTS
WELD ZONES OTHER ZONES

All
Ir 192 0.60 mm 0.60 mm 0.60 mm
thicknesses

e  100 mm 0.80 mm 0.80 mm 1.0 mm

Co 60
e > 100 mm 0.90 mm 0.90 mm 1.0 mm

MC 3000 / 8  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3143.2 Sizes of radiation sources

The height and diameter of sources as well as the focal spot sizes of the X-Ray apparatus and
accelerator, shall be specified by the Supplier of the source or apparatus.

MC 3143.3 Film-to-part distance

During exposure, films shall be placed in contact with the part except where another arrangement
provides a better image of the test area.

MC 3144 RELATIVE POSITION OF RADIOGRAPHIC

FILMS AND SOURCES
MC 3144.1 Single wall exposure
A single wall of the item to be examined shall be radiographed. Three exposure techniques may
be used:
a) Single or partial exposure
One or more cassettes are exposed at the same time. The cassettes and the radiation source are
positioned on either side of the item being examined.

b) Single panoramic exposure

This technique shall only apply to cylindrical or almost round surfaces. All cassettes are exposed
at the same time. The radiation source shall be positioned on the axis of the item under
examination and the radiation beam axis shall be nearly normal to the surface of the area under
examination.

c) Eccentric radiation source exposure

This technique shall only apply to round or almost round items. One or more cassettes are
exposed at the same time. The radiation source is set up inside the item between the axis of this
item and the wall farthest from the surface to be radiographed. The radiation beam axis shall be
nearly normal to the examination surface.

MC 3144.2 Double wall exposure

This kind of exposure technique shall apply to hollow parts. The radiation shall pass through both
walls of the item being examined. The cassette(s) shall always be positioned on the wall farthest
from the radiation source. In general and depending on the source-to-film distance, the part of the
film which shall be interpreted (single or double wall viewing) is mainly determined by its
geometrical unsharpness value. In the specific case of welds, the part of the film to be interpreted
depends on the source location in relation with the line of the weld (elliptical or planar projection).
If geometrical unsharpness requirements are met, the density values obtained locally will determine
which parts of the film can be interpreted. If the entire part is to be examined, as many exposures as
are needed for complete coverage shall be performed.

MC 3144.3 Multiple panoramic exposure

Several parts positioned around the source are exposed simultaneously. Either single or double wall
techniques may be used.

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 9
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3145 PENETRAMETERS
MC 3145.1 Choice of penetrameter
Penetrameters shall be selected according to image quality requirements given in MC 3162.
The hole (or the wire) which is required to be visible shall not be the smallest diameter hole (or
wire) of the penetrameter used.

MC 3145.2 Penetrameter positions

Penetrameters shall be positioned in compliance with the requirements of paragraph 5.2 of standards
NF EN 462-1 and 2.
Where the penetrameter is positioned on the film side, a comparison test shall be performed with
penetrameters positioned on both the film and source sides such that the correction factor to be
applied to the penetrameter on the film side may be determined.

MC 3146 CASSETTES MAKE UP

MC 3146.1 Films
a) Single film technique
A single film shall be used

b) Double film technique

Two identical films shall be placed in the cassette.

c) Multiple film technique

One or more films shall be positioned against a double film of a different speed in the same
cassette.

MC 3146.2 Intensifying screens

a) X-Radiation at voltages < 100 kV
The single film technique shall be used. The use of intensifying screens is not mandatory.

b) X-Radiation at voltages  100 kV and  400 kV

The double film technique shall be used. The cassette shall contain:
- one lead front screen of between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm thick,
- an intermediate lead screen of between 2 x 0.05 mm and 2 x 0.10 mm thick; the thickness of
each screen shall in every case be less than that of the front screen,
- a lead back screen of between 0.05 mm and 0.20 mm thick.
Note 1: For thicknesses less than 30 mm, the use of intermediate screens is not mandatory when the double film
technique is employed.

Note 2: For thicknesses less than 30 mm, the single film technique may be used, provided that the front and back
screen thicknesses specified above are maintained.

MC 3000 / 10  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

c) Gamma ray source

The double film technique shall be used. The cassette shall contain:
- Radiation source Ir 192 and Co 60
. a lead front screen with a nominal thickness of between 0.20 and 0.25 mm,
. a lead intermediate screen with a nominal thickness of 2 x 0.10 mm,
. a lead back screen with a nominal thickness of between 0.20 mm and 0.25 mm.

- Radiation source Co 60 - For welded joints

The use of stainless steel screens 0.25 mm thick for welded joints is mandatory.
Note : Screens of a metal other than lead may be used provided that their type and thickness are proven
satisfactory by means of comparative tests.

d) Linear accelerators and betatrons

The double film technique shall be used. The film cassettes shall contain:
- lead front and back screens with a nominal thickness of between 1 and 1.6 mm,
- an intermediate screen (optional) with a nominal thickness of 2 x 0.10 mm.

MC 3147 FILTER
MC 3147.1 X-Radiation at voltages < 400 kV
The use of a filter is not mandatory.

MC 3147.2 Gamma ray source

Unless otherwise specified in this Code, the use of a filter is mandatory. Filter thicknesses are given
in table MC 3147.2.

TABLE MC 3147.2

THICKNESSES PENETRATED in mm FILTER THICKNESS (Pb) in mm

e  40 0.5
40 < e  60 1
60 < e  80 1.5 or 2 (for carbon or low alloy steel)
or 2 (for stainless steel)
e > 80 2

MC 3147.3 Linear accelerators and betatrons

The use of filters is not mandatory.

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 11
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3148 BLOCKING (MASKING)

Blocking (masking) shall be used. In order to check that there is no backscattered radiation, a lead
letter "B" between 1.5 and 2.5 mm thick shall be positioned behind the blocking to ensure that it
works efficiently. If the colour of the letter "B" appears lighter on the radiograph, it must be
rejected. If it appears darker or is invisible, the radiograph is acceptable.

MC 3149 IDENTIFICATION OF RADIOGRAPHS

The film identification system shall enable radiographs to be correlated with the relevant test area at
any given moment. This identification system shall in no case interfere with the interpretation of the
area examined on the film.

MC 3149.1 Identification and marking of radiographed items

In most cases, permanent markings on the part shall provide reference points enabling radiograph
positions to be accurately identified at a later date.
If the kind of material or in-service conditions makes stamping impossible, other ways of
determining radiograph positions at a later date shall be investigated. In particular, accurate
diagrams may be drawn and these diagrams may possibly be used in conjunction with paint.

MC 3149.2 Identification and marking of radiographic films

Radiographic films shall be identified using numbers and letters which appear on a part of the film
outside the test area. If luminous identification marking is used, it should normally be applied before
exposure of the film.
The markers defined in MC 3137 which match with the markings stamped on the part shall be
visible to enable films to be correlated with the relevant test areas without any doubt.
After repair, the films used to inspect this repair shall include the letter "R" in addition to the
identification marker. Radiographs taken after a second or subsequent repair shall be marked R2,
R3, etc.

MC 3149.3 Number of exposures - Film overlap

The number of exposures taken as well as film overlap shall enable the entire volume of the test area
to be radiographed.

MC 3150 PROCESSING AND EXAMINATION

OF RADIOGRAPHIC FILMS
MC 3151 PROCESSING OF RADIOGRAPHIC FILMS
Films shall be processed manually or using automatic processing machines in accordance with the
sequences recommended by the Manufacturers in order to obtain the class required for the
film systems.

MC 3000 / 12  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

The following additional conditions are recommended:

a) Manual processing
- before being used, new baths shall be aged with exposed film,
- when not in use, precautions shall be taken to limit evaporation and oxidation of the baths,
- the developer shall be changed after processing of approximately 0.5 m2 of film per litre of
developer, or no later than 2 months from its date of initial use, under normal conditions of
use and storage,
- once they have been removed from the developer, films shall be immersed in a bath of
running water for about 2 minutes,
- the water used for all processing operations shall be clean and free from particles in
suspension, and possibly filtered,
- a humectant may be used to prevent drops of water from forming during drying.

b) Automatic processing
The recommendations of the processor Manufacturer shall be complied with as well as the
temperature and the developer immersion time, in order to obtain the class required for the film
system.
Special care shall be taken to ensure that the film rollers are periodically cleaned.

Note 1: Manual and automatic processing shall be carried out within 8 hours of exposure and no later than
24 hours.

Note 2: Precautions shall be taken to ensure that developed films are free of chemical, mechanical, developing or
handling defects which might interfere with the defect of the part proper. If the defect is minor and only
affects one film of the same cassette, the exposure corresponding to the film shall not be repeated.

Note 3: As a general rule, films shall be developed with products of the same make as the films. However,
products of other makes may be used on condition that justification is provided in the form of
comparative tests.

c) Examination of the processing quality of radiographic films

The purpose of this check is to ensure that the processing to which the film is subjected allows
optimum storage of the latter.
The storage lifetime of radiographs is directly linked to the thiosulfate ion content. A
concentration of these ions which is below 0.050 g/m2 normally guarantees a long storage
lifetime.
Evaluation of the thiosulfate ion content can be based on a visual comparison, performed in
daylight, of the image obtained by chemical etching, of a processed unused film, using a solution
recommended by the film manufacturer and typical images representative of the various
concentrations. This test shall be carried out within a week of processing.
The frequency of the examination is left to the user's initiative, the processing conditions shall
remain constant during this period of time.

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 13
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

If the test reveals a concentration of thiosulfate ions greater than 0.050 g/m2, the following
actions shall be taken:
- stop developing and take corrective action,
- reprocess the reference film (fixing + rinsing),
- re-examine the reference film,
- reprocess all defective films.

MC 3152 FOG DENSITY

Fog density shall not exceed 0.3. Fog density is taken as meaning total density (emulsion + support)
of an unexposed developed film. Fog density shall be measured at least once every 6 months on a
sample from a batch unexposed and developed under the same conditions as the manufactured films,
in order to check that the instructions for storage of films before use defined in MC 3132 has been
complied with. A batch, in this case is defined as being a set of films purchased at the same time,
irrespective of format.

MC 3153 EXAMINATION OF RADIOGRAPHS

Radiographs shall be examined using a suitable film illuminator in a room designed for this purpose.
The illuminated surface of the film shall be reduced to the minimum necessary for examination. The
film illuminator shall be provided with a system allowing adjustment of screen luminance for
satisfactory film viewing.

Except in special cases given elsewhere, in this Code, radiographs exposed using the double film
technique shall be interpretated by simultaneous double film viewing.

MC 3160 RADIOGRAPHIC FILM QUALITY

MC 3161 DENSITY
Film density shall be measured using a densitometer. Except in special cases given elsewhere in this
Code, double film density shall be higher than 2.7 and shall be compatible with the luminance levels
of film illuminators used in industry. Density, however, shall never exceed 4.5. Density within the
interpretable area of a double film shall vary progressively.

Except for the special covered in this Code, when single film reading is used, the density of this film
shall be at least 2. Density within the interpretable area of this film shall vary progressively.
Maximum density requirements shall be as specified here above.

When double film reading is used, the difference in density measured at the same point on each film
in the stipulated density zone shall not exceed 0.50.

MC 3162 IMAGE QUALITY

Image quality recorded using penetrameters shall be sufficient for the hole or wire to be clearly
visible. The diameters of holes or wires are given in tables below.

MC 3000 / 14  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 3162.1 Weldments
a) General practice
TABLE MC 3162.1

WELDMENTS - GENERAL PRACTICE

DIAMETER OF LAST DIAMETER OF SMALLEST

THICKNESS (mm) VISIBLE PENETRAMETER VISIBLE PENETRAMETER
HOLE (mm) WIRE (mm)

e 3 0.25 0.10
3< e  6 0.32 0.125
6< e  10 0.40 0.16
10< e  16 0.50 0.20
16< e  25 0.63 0.25
25< e  32 0.80 0.32
32< e  40 1.00 0.40
40< e  80 1.25 0.50
80< e  125 1.60 0.63
125< e  160 2.00 0.80
160< e  200 2.50 1.00
200< e  250 3.20 1.60
250< e  320 4.00 2.00
320< e  400 5.00 2.50

b) Practice of welds of pipes or branches with an external diameter less than or equal to 120 mm,
and practice for fillet welds.
The required image quality to obtain with wire or hole penatrameters is shifted one step towards
the hightest diameter wires or holes in accordance with table MC 3162.1.

c) Other special cases

For examination of butt-welds the values given in table MC 3162.1a should be moved up one line
toward the smaller hole or wire diameters for thicknesses greater than 80 mm in the following
cases:
- welds between the cone and the upper and lower cylindrical sections of the steam generator
secondary circuit,
- welds between flat heads and shells subjected to a maximum effective in-service pressure
greater than 20 bar.

 n° 144-2014 MC 3000 / 15
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3162.2 Castings
TABLE MC 3162.2

CASTINGS

DIAMETER OF LAST DIAMETER OF SMALLEST

THICKNESS (mm) VISIBLE PENETRAMETER VISIBLE PENETRAMETER
HOLE (mm) WIRE (mm)

e 10 0.50 0.20
10 <e  16 0.63 0.25
16 <e  25 0.80 0.32
25 <e  40 1.00 0.40
40 <e  63 1.25 0.50
63 <e  100 1.60 0.63
100 <e  160 2.00 0.80
160 <e  200 2.50 1.00
200 <e  250 3.20 1.60
250 <e  320 4.00 2.00
320 <e  400 5.00 2.50
400 <e  550 6.30 3.20
500 <e  650 8.00 * 4.00 *
e> 650 10.00 * 5.00 *

* NOTE: These dimensions are not standardised in standards NF EN 462. These parts maybe
procured as per standard ISO 1027.

MC 3170 EXAMINATION REPORT

The examination report shall include the following information:
- identification of Manufacturer, purchase order and equipment,
- identification of part, weld or area subjected to examination, including grade of steel,
- designation of the examination documents used,
- time of examination,
- thickness of radiographed area,
- type and characteristics (size) of radiation source,
- RCC-M film classification and commercial brand name of film,
- type, number and thickness of screens and filters,
- type of penetrameter,
- location of radiation source with relation to test area and source-to-film distance,
- exposure time,
- film processing conditions,
- diameter of the smallest visible hole (or wire),
- the interpretation of film results and, for welded joints, the nature and size of detected
indications,

MC 3000 / 16  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- name and qualification of operator and of the Inspector who interprets the films,
- identification of the subcontractor conducting the examination, where applicable,
- date of examination and Inspector's signature.
To avoid unnecessary repetition, some of the information listed above may be given in properly
identified Manufacturer's documents attached to the examination report.

MC 3200 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION

OF STEEL CASTINGS

MC 3210 SCOPE
This subchapter covers radiographic examination of steel castings when such examination is
specified by SECTION II and/or the 4000 chapters of the various subsections of SECTION I of
this Code.

MC 3220 GENERAL CONDITIONS

All the general conditions specified in MC 3100 shall be applied. They are supplemented by the
following conditions.

MC 3230 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 3231 TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) during manufacture when parts are subjected to examination are specified in
SECTION II and/or SECTION I (chapter 4000 of each relevant subsection) of this Code.

MC 3232 TEST AREAS

The test area and the degree of examination are defined in SECTION II and/or SECTION I
(chapter 4000 of the relevant subsections) of this Code.

MC 3233 SURFACE PREPARATION

The conditions set forth in MC 3141 shall apply. Surfaces may be prepared using shot blasting, sand
blasting, grinding or machining. Weld repaired areas shall be ground.

MC 3234 CLASS OF FILM SYSTEMS

Film-systems used for radiographic castings are specified in table MC 3234.

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 17
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

TABLE MC 3234

AREAS RADIOGRAPHED FILM SYSTEM TO BE USED

Weld zones and e < 100 mm Up to class C2 inclusive (1) (3)

repair of weld zones e  100 mm Up to class C3 inclusive
e < 100 mm Up to class C3 inclusive (3)
Other parts Up to class C4 inclusive (2)
e  100 mm
(1) In the case of an Ir 192 source, class C3 film shall be accepted provided the image quality
required in MC 3162.2 or MC 3162.1.a has been obtained.

(2) For zones of thickness greater than 300 mm, class C5 is accepted, provided that the image
quality required in MC 3162.1.a is obtained.

(3) Use of film systems up to class C4 inclusive is authorized in cases when X-Radiation up to
400 kV is used provided the provisions of MC 3142 are respected.

MC 3235 SPECIAL EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 3235.1 Filters
The use of filters for Ir 192 and Co 60 radiation sources as set forth in table MC 3147.2, is not
mandatory except for weld zones and those major excavated cavities repaired by welding and
specified in the procurement specifications used.

MC 3235.2 Type of exposure and interpretation of films

MC 3235.2.1 Constant Thickness Parts
Interpretation is performed from double film.

MC 3235.2.2 Parts with thickness variations

a) Double film exposure
Double film interpretation shall be employed when the overall density of the interpretable area of
film is between 2.7 and 4.2 (or 4.5 if the film illuminator so allows).
The parts of the films with a double film density of more than 4.2 (or 4.5) are interpreted as
single films. The density of this film is between 2 and 4.2 (or 4.5).

b) Multiple film exposure

In cases when parts have significant thickness variations, more than two films may be used. The
film cassette shall contain at least one double film of the same sensitivity enabling the greater
area of the test area to be interpreted under the density conditions indicated below:
- films having the same sensitivity are interpreted using single or double viewing techniques in
compliance with MC 3235.2.a,
- supplementary films are either viewed separately or with another film of similar sensitivity
superimposed. The density of the interpreted zone shall be between 2.0 and 4.5 and the
minimum density of the least dense film shall be 1.0 in cases when the double film technique
is used.

MC 3000 / 18  n° 140-2013
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3235.3 Penetrameters
a) Individual exposure
When the variation of the thickness radiograph allows double film viewing over the entire zone
to be examined, as set forth in MC 3161, first paragraph, a penetrameter is placed so as to project
into the least dense zone as far as possible.
Otherwise, two penetrameters are used.
They are placed so as to project as far as possible into the extreme density zones of the
radiographic area.

b) Panoramic exposure
The requirements of individual exposure are to be applied to at least two opposing sites on the
panoramic exposed area.

MC 3235.4 Radiography of rough cast parts

MC 3235.4.1 Nozzle weldments
Castings are classified into one of the following two categories: multi-purpose or special purpose
parts.
a) special purpose parts
These parts correspond to duly identified components for which the value h defined in figures
MC 3235.4.1.a and MC 3235.4.1.a (bis) is known by the foundry.

FIGURE MC 3235.4.1.a

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 19
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 3235.4.1.a (bis)

b) Multi-purpose parts
This category covers valve casings with a nominal diameter less than or equal to 250 mm,
ordered in lots and corresponding to several pressure ratings defined in subchapters B, C
and D 3500.
At the time of examination, the maximum thickness of the cylindrical section of the rough cast
part (figure MC 3235.4.1.b) shall be equal to that of the thickest pipe (e) corresponding to the
design pressure of the valve, plus the extra thickness defined in MC 3235.4.1.c. The foundry
shall determine the thickness (e) in accordance with tables B 3611.4 and C 3643.

FIGURE MC 3235.4.1.b

MC 3000 / 20  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

c) Length of cylindrical section of rough cast part and extra thickness value
Where there are variations in the thickness of the nozzle, the rough cast part shall incorporate a
cylindrical section of length l:
- equal to or greater than e or h for multi-purpose and special purpose parts respectively, of
ND > 250 mm,
- equal to or greater than 1.5 times e or h, for multi-purpose and special purpose parts
respectively, of ND  250 mm.
In all cases, l shall cover the zone examined during radiographic examination of the butt weld on
the pipe and shall not exceed 75 mm.
The maximum permissible extra thickness of the cylindrical section of the rough cast part shall
be equal to e or h plus the extra thickness defined below:
- 8 mm for parts of ND  150 mm,
- 12 mm for parts where 150 < ND  250 mm,
- 16 mm for parts where 250 < ND  450 mm,
- 22 mm for parts of ND > 450 mm.

d) Calculation of geometrical unsharpness

Geometrical unsharpness shall be calculated using the formula given in MC 3143.1. Where
radiographic examination consists of single wall exposure technique, the thickness taken into
consideration shall be that of the cylindrical section of the rough cast part at the time of
radiographic examination. When radiographic examination consists of double wall exposure
technique, the thickness taken into consideration shall be the outside diameter of the cylindrical
section of the rough-cast part.

e) Image quality
Required image quality shall be as shown in table MC 3162.2. The thickness taken into
consideration shall be either h or e, when the single wall technique is used and 2h or 2e when the
double wall technique is used.

f) Interpretation of films
The double film viewing technique (two films of the same type) shall be used over the entire
length of the cylindrical section of the rough cast part.

MC 3235.4.2 Other areas

No specific requirements apply to maximum extra thickness at the time of examination. However, it
is advisable to radiograph these areas with an extra thickness suitable for the type and size of the
indications sought.

MC 3235.5 Areas of parts which produce edge effect

When the extra length or the geometry of a part mean that the edge effect cannot be totally
eliminated, suitable methods such as compensatory materials and parts, blocking and filters shall
be employed.

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 21
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3235.6 Small diameter valves and pumps

1st case: Parts with a nominal diameter less than 100 mm (ND < 100 mm). The "Double wall
exposure technique" specified in MC 3144.2 may be used for the entire part (body, shaft,
flanges and nozzle weldments).
2nd case: Parts with a nominal diameter of between 100 and 150 mm (100  ND  150 mm). The
"Double wall exposure technique" specified in MC 3144.2 may be used for the entire
part, except for nozzle weldments. For nozzle weldments, the "single wall exposure
technique" specified in MC 3144.1 shall be used.

Where the "double-wall exposure technique" is used :

- the penetrameter shall be placed on the wall nearest the radiation source, along the axis of
the beam,
- geometrical unsharpness is calculated using the formula given in MC 3143.1, where "thickness"
is the outside diameter of the part section being radiographed.,
- image quality is determined on the basis of the wall thickness(es) through which the beam
passes.

MC 3240 AREAS RADIOGRAPHED

This paragraph applies to parts which should theoretically be subjected to 100% examination but
cannot be so examined in practice. These include areas such as seat-to-body connections on valves
and nozzle-to-casing connections on auxiliary pump casings, where, because of geometry, thickness
or variations in thickness:
- normal examination procedures cannot be applied,
- film quality requirements (with regard to geometrical unsharpness, density, etc.) cannot be met
or only at the expense of a long set-up time.

Minimum zones to be radiographed in such cases are specified in figure MC 3240 a and b. Areas
which cannot be radiographed because of the above-mentioned problems are specified in an
annotated drawing of the relevant parts.

MC 3000 / 22  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 3240.a

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL MINIMUM TEST AREAS FOR VALVES

(CROSS HATCHED AREAS)

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 23
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 3240.b

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL MINIMUM TEST AREAS FOR PUMPS

(CROSS HATCHED AREAS)

MC 3000 / 24  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3250 EXAMINATION OF WELD REPAIRED ZONES

The types of films which shall be used are specified in MC 3234.

The repaired zone, including the heat affected zone, may be marked out using suitable location
markers. Only that part of film showing the identified zone shall be interpreted (when markers are
not used, the entire film shall be interpreted).

When radiographic examination is required:

- in the case of repaired cavities considered as major because of their depth the image quality
requirements of table MC 3162.1 shall be used. This table shall be applied taking the thickness
of the wall directly above the repair cavity as the reference,
- in other cases, the image quality requirements given in table MC 3162.2 shall apply and
provisions given in the third paragraph of MC 3149.2 are not applicable,
- geometrical unsharpness shall be calculated taking as the thickness, the depth of the repair cavity
when the film is positioned on the repaired surface as the reference. The value which shall be
taken into account is specified in table MC 3143.1.b in the column "weld zones".

MC 3300 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF WELDS

Radiographic examination of butt and full penetration fillet welds using single and double wall
techniques.

MC 3310 SCOPE
This subchapter MC 3300 covers radiographic examination of homogeneous or heterogeneous full
penetration butt or fillet welds irrespective of thickness. These welds may be located on rolled,
forged or cast products and may be examined using single or double wall techniques when such
examination is specified in SECTION I (chapter 4000 of the relevant subsections) of this Code.

MC 3311 GENERAL CONDITIONS

All the general conditions specified in MC 3100 shall be applied. They are supplemented by the
following conditions.

MC 3312 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 3312.1 Time of examination
The stage(s) during manufacture at which welds are subjected to radiographic examination are
specified in SECTION I (chapter 4000 of the relevant subsections) of this Code.

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 25
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3312.2 Test areas

Test areas and the degree of examination are defined in SECTION I (chapter 4000 of each relevant
subsection) of this Code. Test areas shall include at least the filler metal and the heat affected zones.

MC 3312.3 Surface preparation

Surfaces shall be prepared in compliance with MC 3141. The degree of such preparation shall allow
radiographs of the test areas specified in MC 3312.2 to be satisfactorily interpreted.
a) Butt welds
In the case of welds > 50 mm thick, outside and accessible inside surfaces shall be made flush
with base material using a suitable mechanical method.
Inside weld surfaces are not required to be flush when the first penetration weld run is performed
using the TIG process and when such a run does not contain irregularities liable to hinder
radiographic interpretation.
For  50 mm thick welds, the connection between the weld bead surface and the surfaces of the
assembled parts shall be regular in appearance and be free from undercutting serious enough to
be inconsistent with the requirements of chapters B, C and D 4000. Furthermore, when covered
electrode welding, in the horizontal vertical position is performed, such welds shall be ground to
remove longitudinal grooves and surface defects. If necessary, welds performed in other
positions shall be ground to allow interpretation of films.

b) Set-in fillet welds

The inside weld surface shall be ground flush when accessibility so permits.
On the outside, the weld bead and the surfaces of the assembled parts shall be regular in
appearance and be free from undercutting serious enough to be inconsistent with the
requirements of chapters B, C and D 4000.

MC 3312.4 Film systems classes

- Exposures performed with an accelerator and with Cobalt 60: class C1 and C2 film systems. Use
of film systems until the class C5 is authorized for thicknesses greater than 300 mm.
- Exposures performed with Iridium 192: class C1 and C2 film systems.
For welds with a thickness greater than 50 mm and outside level 1, the use of class C3 film
system is authorized.
- Exposures with X-rays and with Thulium 170: film systems up to class C4 inclusive can be used.

Note: Specifically when vertical electroslag welding is performed, film systems up to class C3 inclusive may
be used.

MC 3000 / 26  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3312.5 Relative positions of radiographic films and radiation sources

MC 3312.5.1 Butt welds joining tubes
MC 3312.5.1.1 Outside diameter < 90 mm
a) Plane on plane exposures and elliptical projections. Interpretation of 2 walls - Source remote
from pipe
- The following techniques may be used with a minimum of two 90° shots:
. Ratio /e  10* plane on plane technique,
. Ratio /e > 10 plane on plane or elliptical projection.
For the plane on plane technique, the source is located in the plane of the weld on the outside
of the pipe.
For the elliptical projection, the radiation source is offset in relation to the plane of the weld
such that the ellipse is as shown in figures MC 3312.5.1.1.b where 0 < X  15 mm (X = edge
to edge distance of the bead image).
The maximum value of X = 20 mm is allowable in the special case of narrow weld beads for
pipes of thickness not exceeding 5 mm.
- The geometrical unsharpness is calculated using the formula defined in MC 3143.1, in which
the thickness taken into account is the outside diameter of the pipe.
- The penetrameter is placed such that the hole (or wire) required is placed on the axis of the
beam (see figures MC 3312.5.1.1.b.bis).
Reading shall be performed using the double film technique. When the density with the double
film technique reaches 4.5, reading may be continued using the single film technique in
accordance with the requirements of paragraph MC 3312.5.2.b.
* :  = outside diameter of the pipe in mm.
e = thickness of the pipe wall in mm.

b) Double wall exposure, contact source, interpretation of a single wall

The source is placed on the outside wall of the pipe, diametrically opposite the film, as shown in
figure MC 3312.5.1.2.a.bis.
The geometrical unsharpness is calculated using the formula defined in MC 3143.1. The image
quality is determined by taking the radiographed thickness as being equal to the thickness of the
wall interpreted.
As many shots are taken as are necessary to obtain the densities required by MC 3161.

MC 3312.5.1.2 Outside diameter 90 <   170 mm

a) Ratio /e  5
When it is possible to place the source inside the tube, it shall be placed against the inside
surface of the wall diametrically opposite the film in accordance with figure MC 3312.5.1.2.a).

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 27
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

If this is not possible, the source shall be placed on the outside surface of the tube wall
diametrically opposite the film in accordance with figures MC 3312.5.1.2.a.bis.

b) Ratio /e > 5

If it is possible to place the source inside the tube and meet geometrical unsharpness
requirements, the exposure technique used shall be:
- source in the centre of the weld plane,
- source in contact with the inside surface of the tube diametrically opposite the film, as per
figure MC 3312.5.1.2.a,
in that order of priority.
If this is not possible, the source shall be positioned:
- in contact with the outside surface of the tube diametrically opposite the film as per figure
MC 3312.5.1.2.a.bis; at least 4 regularly spaced exposures shall be taken,
- in the plane of the weld, on the outside of the tube as per figure MC 3312.5.1.2.a. ter: single
wall exposure technique shall be carried out with as many exposures as required.

MC 3312.5.1.3 Outside diameter > 170 mm

When it is possible to place the source inside the tube, either directly or by using an inspection pipe,
it shall preferably be placed in the centre of the tube.
If this is not possible, the exposure shall be taken with the source placed on the outside of the tube.

MC 3312.5.2 Butt welds

The source shall either be positioned in the axial plane of the weld or in one of the weld bevel
planes.
a) Double film viewing technique
All of the films shall be interpreted. The zone to be examined shall be subjected to double wall
viewing, the density of which shall conform to the requirements of MC 3161.

b) Single film viewing technique

If the double film minimum density is between 2.7 and 3.5 and if certain parts of the double film
corresponding to the zone to be examined have a density greater than 4.5, single film viewing
may be used, provided the requirements of MC 3161 are met; both films are viewed.

MC 3312.5.3 Full penetration fillet welds

a) Set-on branch connections
The film shall be positioned inside the branch and placed against the wall subjected to
examination. The source shall be positioned outside on the axis of the weld bevel within an
accuracy of between 0° and + 10° as shown in figure MC 3312.5.3.a.
Lead blocking of at least 6 mm thick shall be placed behind the film.

MC 3000 / 28  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

b) Set-in branch connections

The film shall be placed either inside the main pipe or component or on the outside as shown in
figures MC 3312.5.3.b and MC 3312.5.3.b.bis.
When the film is placed on the inside, the source shall be positioned so as to form an angle of
between 20° and 30° with the top line of the external surface of the branch.
When a film is placed on the outside, the source shall be positioned on the axis of the branch to
permit compliance with geometrical unsharpness requirements.

Note 1: Geometrical unsharpness shall only be calculated in the main planes:

- cross-section in the plane of the tube and branch axes (right angles),
- cross-section in a plane perpendicular to that defined above passing through the axis of the branch
(edges).
In all cases, the size of the source to be taken into account in calculating geometrical unsharpness shall
be the larger of the values diameter or height.
The distance between the surface of incidence of the part being examined and the cassette containing the
films is defined as follows :

XY
a
2
X and Y: see figure MC 3312.5.3.b (quater).
The distance to be taken into account shall be the larger of the two (edges or right angles).
When the variation in the thickness of the weld bead permits compliance with density limits of between
2.7 and 4.5, a single exposure shall be taken.
If this is not possible, one of the following two solutions shall be used in order to respect this range:
a) use of a cassette comprising a twin double film with different film types with one exposure being
taken,
b) as many exposures shall be taken as necessary.

Note 2: Welds whose maximum radiographed thickness is greater than 100 mm. See fig. MC 3312.5.3.b.ter.
In the case of radiographic examination by iridium radiation, the source being positioned on the branch
axis, required image density and quality shall be mandatory in the hatched areas.
The Manufacturer shall establish a method of location which must be described and the reasons for its
choice explained. In order to guarantee the above-mentioned areas, a margin (indicated by criss-crossing
on the figure) shall be allowed to take into account various possible inaccuracies; this area shall be
located on the surface with the aid of location markers appearing on the film.

MC 3312.6 Penetrameters
When a wire penetrameter is used, the direction of the wires must be perpendicular to the weld and
it shall be positioned so that at least 10 mm of the wire length is visible in a zone of even density,
which is normally the base metal adjacent to the weld. As an exception, in the case where plane on
plane exposures and elliptical projections are performed under the conditions specified in
MC 3312.5.1.1, the wire penetrameter must be placed parallel to the weld.
When a step wedge and a hole penetrameter is used, it is placed in such a way that it is projected:
- beyond the melted metal,
- as far as possible, outside the rest of the area submitted to examination.
When used to examine piping welds with an external diameter of no greater than 120 mm, it is
placed in the median plane of exposure.

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 29
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

a) Individual exposure
- Case of butt welded joints.
When double film viewing can be performed on the entire zone to be examined, as defined in
MC 3312.5.2.a, a penetrameter is placed at one end of the interpretable part of the film.

- Case of butt welded joints between materials with different thicknesses or types.
When single film viewing as defined in MC 3312.5.2.b is performed in addition to double
film viewing, a penetrameter adapted to the height or type of the material radiographed must
be placed on each component of the joint assembly, at the end of the interpretable part of the
film, if the geometry of the joint so allows.

- In the case of radiographs of double wall tubes butt welds:

. If the two walls are interpreted, the quality of the image is determined by considering the
radiographed thickness as being equal to twice the thickness of the wall and the
penetrameter is placed on the external face of the part turned towards the source of
radiation,
. If only a single wall is interpreted, the quality of the image is determined by considering
the radiographed thickness as being equal to the thickness of the wall interpreted, the
values of table MC 3162.1 being shifted one step towards the highest diameter holes or
wires. The penetrameter is placed according to MC 3145.2.

- In the case of fillet welds, when a wire penetrameter is used, it is placed so that it projects into
the areas subjected to the examination. If the zone is wide, the penetrameter is placed so that
it projects as much as possible into the least dense area.

b) Panoramic exposure
The requirements of individual exposure are to be applied to at least two opposing locations of
the panoramic exposure area.
In cases where the external diameter is greater than 200 mm these requirements shall be applied
to at least three locations spaced at regular intervals.

MC 3312.7 Special cases

a) Radiographic examination between weld runs
The examination conditions shall be specified according to weld thickness and taking the
following specific conditions into account:
- the surface may remain as welded,
- the test area shall be limited to the central part of the bead.

b) Radiographic examination of buttering/base metal interfaces

Due to the important variation of radiographic absorption of the various metals present, the
following requirements shall be applicable:
1) Austenitic stainless steel buttering.
The radiation source shall be placed in the extension plane of the buttering base metal
interface.

MC 3000 / 30  n° 144-2014
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

2) Buttering with high nickel content alloy.

Radiographic examination of these interfaces shall be recorded in an inspection report
specifying the main parameters (angle of shots, special radiographic images, density, etc.).
This report shall be submitted to the Contractor before start-up.

c) Image quality for electro-slag welds performed in the vertical position

Image quality shall comply with table MC 3162.1.a.

d) Radiographic examination of socket welds (see figure MC 3312.7 d)

The double film technique shall be used.
1) Relative positions of the radiographs and the radiation source.
The source is positioned in the plane of connection of the weld to the socket pipe. The source-
to-film distance shall be equal to at least 10 times the outside diameter of the pipe.
2) Number of views
- class 1 and 2 welds: 2 views, one at 90° to the other,
- class 3 welds: 1 view only.
3) Image quality
The density measured on the axis of the branch pipe in the immediate vicinity of the weld
shall be greater than 3 in the case of single film viewing. By way of indication a wire-type
penetrameter is used as reference. It is positioned on the same side as the radiation source
across the pipe in the zone defined by figure MC 3312.7.d. Interpretation of the weld is
conducted using single and/or double film.

FIGURE MC 3312.7 d

MC 3313 IDENTIFICATION OF TEST AREAS

When the test area cannot be determined directly on the film, as in the case of flush butt welds, the
boundaries of the area examined shall be marked. Lead location markers shall be used, or preferable
a strip, placed as follows:
- at least 5 mm from the edge of the initial groove for weld thicknesses  30 mm.
- at least 10 mm from the edge of the initial groove for weld thicknesses > 30 mm.

 n° 140-2013 MC 3000 / 31
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

The position of these location markers shall not hinder interpretation of the interpretable area
of films.

However, where specific reference points are systematically seen on films (e.g. traces of root
passes, which have not been ground flush), the Manufacturer may propose a standard width for the
test area, taking into account all possible uncertainties with respect to manufacturing and
positioning of the source, in order to guarantee examination of the area specified in all cases shown
in the figures (as per manufacturing drawings and specification). In this case, marking of the area of
the film to be examined with lead markers may be dispensed with.

MC 3314 INSPECTION OF REPAIRED AREAS

Areas repaired with filler metal are subjected to radiographic examination under the same
conditions as specified for pre-repair examination.

Films shall be identified in compliance with MC 3149.2.

MC 3000 / 32  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURES MC 3312.5.1.1.b.bis

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 33
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 3000 / 34  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

 n° 137-2012 MC 3000 / 35
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 3312.5.3.b.quater

MC 3000 / 36  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 4000

LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION

MC 4100 GENERAL

MC 4110 SCOPE
This subchapter sets forth general conditions for liquid penetrant examinations specified in
the Code.
These requirements are related to the presentation of a reference practice. Other practices leading to
at least equivalent results may be proposed to the Contractor before being applied, with the
corresponding justifying details.

MC 4120 GENERAL CONDITIONS

MC 4121 QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON DESTRUCTIVE
EXAMINATION PERSONNEL
Non destructive examination personnel shall be qualified and certified in compliance with MC 8000,
which covers the examination documents (procedures and reports) and implementation.

MC 4122 LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION DOCUMENTS

All liquid penetrant examinations shall be performed in accordance with conditions specified in a
series of properly identified documents (procedures, work sheets, instruction sheets), which shall
meet the requirements given in relevant paragraphs of the RCC-M and shall include, as a minimum,
the following information:
- types of item tested and type of material used,
- reference to the relevant chapters of the RCC-M and to other applicable documents,
- examination equipment: penetrant product (brand, reference and name of the liquid penetrant
system as per point 6.4 of standard NF EN ISO 3452-1), cleaning products and equipment,
- examination conditions: test areas and surface condition,
- examination procedure: penetrant process, examination parameters (temperature of parts, dwell
time, etc.),
- acceptance criteria.

 n° 144-2014 MC 4000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 4200 CONTROL METHOD

The examination procedure described in standard NF EN ISO 3452-1 shall be applied with the
following modifications:
- The following is added to paragraph 6.3 of the standard :

- "For coloured products:

In compliance with EN ISO 3452-2, the sensitivity of the products families shall be 2 at least.
Mixed products shall be treated as coloured products.

- For fluorescent products:

As an alternative to the electronic method described in paragraph 7.2.1 of standard
EN ISO 3452-2 the visibility of indications may be measured with the naked eye.
The product ranges shall, as a minimum, achieve the following performance levels:

% of discontinuities found *
20 µm 10 µm
100 > 75

* as per standard EN ISO 3452-2 §7.2.2.3.

- For cases where recycled products are used or where liquid penetrant is kept in open
containers, the sensitivity of the liquid penetrant range shall be tested before examination
takes place using reference part 2 described in standard EN ISO 3452.3. A given reference
part shall be used for a given type of liquid penetrant range. Test results shall be equivalent to
those obtained at acceptance. If this is not the case, the product range shall no longer be used.
A record shall be kept for this type of results."

- The following is added to paragraph 7.3 of the standard:

"The requirements contained in the "General Rules" of subchapter F 6423 in SECTION V of the
RCC-M (restrictions regarding chlorine, fluorine and sulphur content for products used for
examination of austenitic steel or nickel-base alloys) must be complied with".
- The following is added to paragraph 8.2.1:
"Weld surfaces at the final or intermediate stage (root or filler passes) may be left as-welded. In
the case of cladding, the existence of grooves between passes is tolerated.
Sand or shot blasting operations, before any liquid penetrant examination, shall only be
acceptable for as-cast parts.
Maximum Ra roughness value shall be 6.3 µm for ground and machined surfaces and 12.5 µm for
shot blasted "as-cast" parts. Roughness shall be evaluated in compliance with MC 7200."

MC 4000 / 2  n° 144-2014
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

- Paragraph 8.3 is replaced by:

"Unless otherwise specified, the temperature of the part under examination and the products in
use shall remain within a range of 10°C to 50°C throughout the entire penetrant process.

LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION AT LOW TEMPERATURE

Where this is not possible (examination out of doors, on site, etc.) the minimum temperature may
be lowered to 5°C provided the following special requirements are complied with.
In the special case of examination at a temperature of less than 10°C, the developer shall be
applied using an aerosol whose temperature, at the time of being used, shall be approximately
20°C. Furthermore, drying shall be accelerated by use of air blowers, hot air blowers if possible,
although the surface temperature of the part should not exceed 50°C. "

LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION AT HIGH TEMPERATURE

The temperature may be between 50°C and 220°C, subject to the use of a procedure and range of
products suitable for the temperature and of proven performance (in accordance with
paragraph 6.3).
The prior consent of the Contractor is required.

- The following is added to paragraph 8.4.2:

"Dwell time shall be at least 20 minutes.
A substantially longer dwell time may be needed for certain supplementary tests requiring higher
sensitivity.
The penetrant film shall remain damp for the entire dwell period".

- The following point is added to paragraph 8.5.2 of the standard:

"The spraying of the solvent is prohibited and the solvent used must be one of those
recommended by the Manufacturer of the liquid penetrant products".

- The following is added to paragraph 8.5.3 of the standard:

"In the case of small parts excess penetrant may be removed by non-prolonged immersion in
water".

- The following is added to paragraph 8.7 of the standard:

"Indications are characterized by their dimensions. They are classified as "linear" or "rounded".
An indication is classified as linear when its largest dimension measures more than 3 times its
smallest dimension.
All other indications are classified as "rounded".
A first examination shall be performed as soon as the applied developer is dry. This is
particularly useful in cases where the characteristics of the indication change during the
developing process to the point where they can no longer be considered representative of the
defect, which generates it.

 n° 144-2014 MC 4000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

- Paragraph 9 of the standard is replaced by the following:

"TRACEABILITY OF NON COMPLIANT TESTS

The purpose of these requirements is to keep track of any excavations that might be indicative of
a drift in manufacture quality.

Case where no indication is allowed

Indications shall be recorded in an examination report before being removed.

Case of hot worked products

Where the cause of indications seems to be insufficient surface preparation, fine grinding
followed by a new liquid penetrant examination shall be allowed before final characterization. If
the indications are still unacceptable following fine grinding, they shall be recorded in an
examination report before being removed.

Case of castings and welds

If indications appear, "controlled" removal followed by a liquid penetrant examination shall be
allowed before final characterization. "Controlled" removal may be continued as long as it does
not compromise the dimensional conformance or volumetric testability and that no welding
repair is necessary. If the indications are still unacceptable after "controlled" removal, they shall
be recorded in an examination report before being removed.

EXAMINATION REPORT
The examination report shall include the following information:
. identification of Manufacturer, purchase order, and equipment,
. identification of part or weld, including grade (ferritic or austenitic steel) and fabrication
process (forging, rolling, casting, buttering or cladding, etc.),
. designation of the examination document used,
. time of examination,
. surface preparation (method, cleaning),
. type of products used (brand, reference and lot number),
. examination procedure (method of penetrant application, dwell time, compliance with
temperature and lighting requirements),
. unacceptable indications observed shall be recorded. Any indications initially considered
unacceptable but interpreted as non characteristic of an unacceptable defect, and therefore not
taken into account, shall be reported.
Interpretation results are given by recording the position and dimensions of unacceptable
indications, possibly on sketches. For castings, only a chart of major excavations will be
supplied,

MC 4000 / 4  n° 144-2014
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

. name and qualification of the Inspector,

. identification of Subcontractor conducting the examination, where applicable,
. date of examination and Inspector's signature.

To avoid unnecessary repetition, some of the information listed above may be given in properly
identified Manufacturer's documents attached to the examination report."

 n° 140-2013 MC 4000 / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 4000 / 6  n° 140-2013
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 5000

MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION

MC 5100 GENERAL

MC 5110 SCOPE
This subchapter sets forth the general conditions for magnetic particle examinations using the
technique known as the "continuous method" specified in the Code.
Note: The continuous method is taken as meaning the method by which the detecting medium is applied while the
electrical current is flowing through or a magnetic flow is being induced.

Some of these conditions concern the definition of a reference practice, i.e., the conditions of
paragraphs MC 5137, MC 5144, MC 5145, MC 5148, MC 5231, MC 5232, MC 5331, MC 5332.
Other practices which overall give results that are at least equivalent may be proposed to the
Contractor before being applied, substantiated accordingly.

MC 5120 GENERAL CONDITIONS

MC 5121 QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON DESTRUCTIVE
EXAMINATION PERSONNEL
Non destructive examination personnel shall be qualified and certified in compliance with MC 8000,
which covers the examination documents (procedures and reports) and implementation.

MC 5122 MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION DOCUMENT

All magnetic particle examinations shall comply with the conditions specified in a series of properly
identified documents (procedures, route sheets and instruction sheets), which shall meet
requirements given in relevant paragraphs of this Code and include, as a minimum, the following
information:
- type of items being examined: e.g. weld grooves, back welds, completed welds, fillets, etc.,
- references to relevant chapters of this Code and of other applicable documents,
- examination equipment: current generators, magnetization equipment (prods, electromagnets,
coils, etc.) detecting media used, magnetic particle field indicator and characteristics of
demagnetizing equipment if needed,

 n° 140-2013 MC 5000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- examination conditions: surface examined, surface condition, temperature of parts subjected to

hot working,
- examination procedures: magnetization technique, type of detection medium (dry or wet
methods), contrast aids if used, surface to be examined, examination parameters (surface grid
pattern, sequence, type of current, amperage, spacing of prods or poles, number of coil turns),
demagnetization technique if applicable,
- acceptance criteria.

MC 5130 MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT

MC 5131 MAGNETIZATION BY ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW APPARATUS
A current flow machine capable of supplying a high amperage at low voltage current shall be used.
The type of current supplied by this machine may be:
- full wave (alternating current),
- half wave rectified,
- full wave rectified.
The current flow machine shall be equipped with an ammeter for measuring the magnetizing
current. The types of values measured shall be clearly indicated on the ammeter (peak, average and
true (RMS) current). Double current generators shall be equipped with two ammeters.
A switch within reach of the operator shall be provided allowing the current to be turned on and off.
The prods used for applying the magnetizing current to the part being examined shall be made of a
thick material with good electrical and thermal conduction properties.
They may be used either with or without contact pads (in which case the ends entering into contact
with the part are pointed) and shall comply with the requirements of MC 5146.

MC 5132 MAGNETIZATION BY MAGNETIC FLOW APPARATUS

The part or section of the part to be examined can be magnetized using: a portable yoke generally
fitted with flexible pole arms, a fixed electromagnet or using a coil wound around either the part or a
section of the part.
These devices can be powered by alternating, rectified or direct current.

MC 5133 FIXED MAGNETIC PARTICLE TEST UNITS

Certain units enable the above two methods to be combined. The parts to be examined are subjected
to simultaneous magnetic flow and electric current flow.

MC 5000 / 2  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 5134 CHECKING OR CALIBRATION OF APPARATUS

MC 5134.1 Checking magnetization apparatus
Apparatus, especially ammeters, shall be checked every 6 months in accordance with conditions set
forth in a written document.

MC 5134.2 Calibration of measuring apparatus

Measuring apparatus (lightmeter, radiometer, field indicator) shall be calibrated every 12 months in
accordance with conditions set forth in a written document.

MC 5135 DETECTING MEDIA

MC 5135.1 Dry powders
The powder used shall be manufactured from ferro-magnetic oxide. This powder may either be
used without an special preparation or may be coloured to improve contrast.
Certain powders are coated with fluorescent pigment enabling examination under ultraviolet light to
be performed.

MC 5135.2 Magnetic inks

Magnetic inks shall contain finer particles than those used in MC 5135.1 and are suspended either in
kerosene or in water. In the latter case, a wetting agent (enabling the ink to be evenly distributed)
and a corrosion inhibitor shall be added to the water.
The concentration of magnetic particles visible in white light shall be maintained within the limits
recommended by the Manufacturer, and shall in all cases be higher than 2 g/l in new products. For
ready-to-use detecting media, the concentration, measured using the ASTM test specimen, shall be
between 12 and 24 ml/l.
Fluorescent detecting media are available with which indications become visible under ultraviolet
light. In this case, the particle concentration may be lower: minimum value 0.5 g/l in new products
and between 1 and 5 ml/l measured using the ASTM test specimen in ready-to-use detecting media.

MC 5135.3 Devices for checking detecting media

Checking the procurement and consistency over time of the performance of detecting media is
performed using previously-magnetized magnetic particle field indicators (type with magnetic field
gradient) ensuring selectivity independent of any magnetizing conditions imposed by the equipment.

MC 5136 APPARATUS FOR APPLYING DETECTING MEDIUM

These manual or automatic apparatuses shall enable the detecting medium to be evenly distributed
over the entire examination surface. Any disturbance to the magnetic particle pattern caused by
heavy-handed spraying of the product shall be avoided.

 n° 137-2012 MC 5000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 5137 DETERMINATION OF MAGNETIZATION CONDITIONS

MC 5137.1 Measurement of tangential magnetic field
This instrument enables the magnetic field strength the be determined on the actual surface of the
part in a direction indicated by the field meter probe. In some cases, measurement of the field may
be difficult on account of geometric variation of the part or if the field lines originate outside the
material. The measurement shall be taken on an appropriate section of the part close to the area
under examination.

MC 5137.2 Typical samples

In the case of repetitive small parts, a typical sample containing either natural or artificial defects
may be used.

MC 5137.3 Calculation
For methods which involve passing the current through the whole part, the value of the tangential
magnetic field can be determined using simple calculations.

MC 5137.4 Pre-determined values

In the case of examination by passing a current using portable electrical contacts, the recommended
values given in table MC 5231 give satisfactory results.
In the case of examination by passing a current using a portable electro-magnet, the recommended
distances between the poles (MC 5332.2b) give satisfactory results.

MC 5140 CONDITIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF EXAMINATION

MC 5141 TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) during manufacture when parts are subjected to examination are specified in
SECTION II and/or the 4000 chapters of the various subsections in SECTION I of this Code.

MC 5142 TEST AREAS

The area(s) subjected to examination and the degree of examination are specified in SECTION II
and/or the 4000 chapters of the various subsections of this Code.

MC 5143 SURFACE PREPARATION

Surfaces of parts to be examined shall be clean and free from any irregularities liable to adversely
affect the correct distribution of detection media and the correct interpretation of magnetic patterns.
In the case of examination under normal light, and prior to magnetization, the contrast may be
improved by applying a fine coat of light colour paint or coating.

MC 5000 / 4  n° 144-2014
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

The paint or contrast covering shall be applied to the surface if the defect recording threshold is
strictly less than 2mm and :

- if the condition of this surface is with a roughness Ra > 6.3 µm, or if the surface exhibits traces of
oxidation,

- or where powder developer is used.

After examination, the coat applied is removed.

 n° 144-2014 MC 5000 / 4 a
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 5000 / 4 b  n° 144-2014
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 5144 CHOICE OF EXAMINATION METHOD

MC 5144.1 Choice of magnetization method
The choice of the magnetization method depends on the geometry, mass, condition and grade of the
parts under examination in addition to the assumed orientation and depth of the discontinuities
sought.
In cases when material being examined is subjected to cracking, only the magnetic flow method
shall be used.

MC 5144.2 Field of use of detecting media

In addition to requirements dictated by the surface condition of the parts to be examined, the choice
shall depend on the temperature of the part in compliance with table MC 5144.2.

TABLE MC 5144.2

AUTHORIZED DETECTING TEMPERATURE

MEDIA   50°C 50°C <   100°C 100°C <   300°C

Magnetic inks X

Dry powder containing

X X
organic pigments
Dry powder containing
either no pigments or with X X X
non-organic pigments

MC 5145 MAGNETIZATION CONDITIONS CHECKS

The check is performed by measuring the tangential magnetic field using appropriate apparatus.
The result shall be between 2400 and 4000 A/m in the area under examination.
Overall checking of application of the method may be performed using one of the following
magnetic particle field indicators:
- AFNOR
- BERTHOLD
- ASME
The use of magnetic particle field indicators is a quick method of checking the magnetization
conditions and for overall checking of application of the method. They shall not be relied on alone
to check the magnetization conditions, except in the case of MC 5137.4.

 n° 137-2012 MC 5000 / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 5146 SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

- The cables shall be as short as possible and special care shall be taken to avoid winding them.
- The ends of the prods and the poles of the yokes shall be suitably shaped and be in a satisfactory
clean condition.
- The area of the prod in contact with the part shall be made of a material compatible with the
contamination restrictions for parts undergoing examination and shall be sufficiently large to
avoid local over-heating on the surface of these parts.
- The electrodes shall be applied at right angles to the examination surface wherever possible.
- The magnetizing electrical current shall only be switched on and off when contact between the
test part and the prods is satisfactorily established.
- After magnetic particle examination by the electric current flow technique, the points where the
electrodes enter into contact with the surface shall be ground and subjected to visual examination
after grinding. For class 1 components and in case of doubt for other components, a liquid
penetrant examination or magnetic particle examination by the magnetic flow technique shall be
performed. This is not required in the case of magnetic particle examination performed
during welding.

MC 5147 APPLICATION OF DETECTING MEDIUM

The detecting medium shall be applied as soon as magnetization occurs. This magnetization shall be
held for at least 3 seconds and shall only be stopped once the detecting medium has been applied
and flowed over the entire area undergoing examination.

MC 5148 EXAMINATION OF MAGNETIC PATTERNS

When dry powder is applied, inspection shall take place during and immediately following
magnetization.
When magnetic inks are used, examination may take place during magnetization and when
magnetization has ended.
When detecting media visible under normal lighting conditions are used, the area examined shall be
illuminated to a level of not less than 500 lux.
Where fluorescent detecting media are used, the examination shall be performed in a darkened area.
However, the examination of the surface to be checked must take place in ultraviolet light. The
ultraviolet light source(s) shall have warmed up to its/their maximum intensity before the
examination commences. The examiner shall be in the darkened area for at least 5 minutes before
starting the examination, to give his eyes time to become accustomed to the dark. The ultra-violet
light intensity on the surface to be observed shall be at least 10 W/m2, with the source at the normal
distance from the part being examined (not less than 30 cm).

MC 5000 / 6  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 5150 INTERPRETATION OF INDICATIONS

Discontinuities appear as an accumulation of ferromagnetic particles. However, not all such
indications necessarily correspond to defects.
False indications may be due to the following causes:
- irregular part geometry,
- excessive surface roughness,
- major variation in magnetic permeability,
- overly strong magnetic field,
- residual magnetization, etc.
In case of doubt, the examination shall be repeated, if possible, after eliminating the above-
mentioned causes. Further investigations shall also be undertaken (after improving surface
condition and modifying the magnetization characteristics, etc.).
Indications are characterized by their dimensions. They are classified as linear or non-linear
indications.
An indication is classified as "linear" when its largest dimension is greater than three times its
smallest dimension.
Other indications are classified as "non-linear".

MC 5160 CLEANING
Once the examination has ended, remaining products shall be removed through use of suitable
cleaning agents.

MC 5170 DEMAGNETIZATION
Demagnetization shall be performed when testing has ended if so required by SECTION II and/or
the 4000 chapter of the various subsections of SECTION I of this Code.

MC 5180 TEST REPORT

The test reports shall include the following information:
- identification of Manufacturer, the purchase order and equipment,
- part identification specifying how it was manufactured (forged, rolled, cast) or specifying the
type of weld to be tested,
- designation of examination document used,
- time of examination,
- surface preparation (method, cleaning),
- type, brand and designation of equipment used,

 n° 137-2012 MC 5000 / 7
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- magnetization method used,

- examination sequence,
- type, colour and brand of the detecting medium used,
- magnetization parameters (type of current, amperage, magnetic particle field indicator),
- temperature of part when inspected at temperature,
- type of lighting (daylight, artificial, ultraviolet),
- unacceptable indications observed shall be recorded. Any indications initially considered as
unacceptable but interpreted as non characteristic of an unacceptable defect, and therefore not
taken into account, shall be reported,
interpretation results are given by recording the position and dimensions of unacceptable
indication, possibly on sketches. For castings, only a chart of major excavations will be supplied,
- name and qualification of the Inspector,
- identification of the Subcontractor conducting the examination when applicable,
- date of examination and the Inspector's signature.
To avoid unnecessary repetition, some of the information listed above may be given in properly
identified Manufacturer's documents attached to the examination report.

MC 5200 MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING

BY CURRENT FLOW TECHNIQUE
USING HAND-HELD PRODS

MC 5210 SCOPE OF METHOD

This subchapter sets forth special conditions for magnetic particle examinations specified in
SECTION II and/or SECTION I (chapter 4000 of each relevant subsection) of this Code, whereby a
flow of current is produced between two hand-held electrical prods. Methods which involve current
flow through the entire part are not included here.

This method is proscribed when surface condition and machining tolerances must be respected.

MC 5220 GENERAL CONDITIONS

All the general conditions specified in MC 5100 shall apply. They are supplemented by the
conditions given below.

MC 5000 / 8  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 5230 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 5231 STRENGTH OF MAGNETIZATION CURRENT
Table MC 5231 gives the amperage for each type of electrical magnetizing current.

MC 5232 GRID PATTERN

The examination surface shall be marked out to ensure uniform spacing of prods and to enable
correct overlapping of the area examined. The grid pattern shall be physically marked out on the
surface of parts. Physical marking out of pattern is optional for weld grooves, non flush welds, flush
welds meeting the requirements of note (1) and excavated areas.
Note (1): flush welds with :
- either geometrical discontinuity (fillet welds),
- or permanently embossed markings at regular intervals which enable the boundaries of the area subjected
to examination to be unambiguously identified across the whole length and circumference,
the edges of the area subjected to examination shall be delimited.

The prods shall be positioned on the grid in such a way as to permit the part to be magnetized in
2 approximately perpendicular directions with a maximum perpendicularity deviation of 30°.
The distance between the contact pads shall within the range 75 to 250 mm.
Diagrams MC 5232.1 and MC 5232.2 show two examples of prod positions with respect to a given
grid surface pattern.
Cross hatched areas represent the zones in which the magnetization complies with the requirements
set forth in paragraph MC 5137.4. The distance between the edges of these areas and the prods shall
be  25 mm. The width of these areas shall be equal to about half the distance separating the prods.

TABLE MC 5231

RECOMMENDED VALUE
AMPERAGE OF CURRENT IN AMPERES TYPE OF MEASURING
TYPE OF CURRENT
MEASURED PER cm OF SPACE INSTRUMENT
BETWEEN THE PRODS

Ammeter:
Effective
Alternating current (root-mean-square) 40 to 50 – ferromagnetic,
(I RMS) – AC with built-in rectifiers,
– digital - True RMS value.

Half-wave rectified Average Moving dial

25 to 32
current (I Avg.) ammeter

Full-wave rectified Average Moving dial

36 to 45
current (I Avg.) ammeter

 n° 140-2013 MC 5000 / 9
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 5000 / 10  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 5300 MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION USING

THE MAGNETIC FLOW TECHNIQUE

MC 5310 SCOPE OF METHOD

This subchapter sets out the special conditions for magnetic particle examinations using the
magnetic flow technique specified in SECTION II and/or SECTION I (chapter 4000 of each
relevant subsection) of this Code.

MC 5320 GENERAL CONDITIONS

All the general conditions specified in MC 5100 shall apply. They shall be supplemented by the
conditions given below.

MC 5330 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 5331 MAGNETIZATION METHODS
Magnetization may be by means of:
1) Generation of a magnetic flow by:
a) passing an electric current through a series of coil turns wound around the outside of the part
or section of the part to be examined (figure MC 5331.1.a),
b) applying an electric current via a conductor coiled through the bore of a hollow part or section
of that part (figure MC 5331.1.b),
c) passing an electric current through a conductor threaded through the centre of the part (figure
MC 5331.1.c).

2) Passing a magnetic flow created by means of a portable or fixed electromagnetic yoke (figure
MC 5331.1.d).

MC 5332 SPECIAL TECHNICAL CONDITIONS

MC 5332.1 Magnetic flow method (MC 5331.1)
a) Current amperage is selected in accordance with the dimensions (length and diameter) of the part
with the number of coil turns needed to provide the magnetization characteristics specified
in MC 5145.
b) The coils shall be spaced at regular intervals as close as possible to one another. They may be
placed edge to edge.
c) At least two separate examinations shall be performed on each area. The second examination
shall be performed in such a way as to produce magnetic lines of force which run virtually
perpendicular to those produced for the first examination. Different magnetization techniques
may be employed for the second examination.

 n° 137-2012 MC 5000 / 11
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

d) When outside coils are used (MC 5331.1.a) the area subjected to examination during each
magnetizing operation shall extend up to a maximum of 100 mm at either side of the coil or
solenoid.

MC 5332.2 Portable electromagnet

a) Strength of electromagnet
The electromagnet shall be capable of lifting a ferromagnetic weight:
- of at least 4.5 kg (for AC magnets),
- of at least 18 kg (for DC magnets) with the poles being separated to the maximum extent for
the use intended.

b) Grid pattern
The examination surface shall be marked out to ensure uniform spacing of prods and to enable
correct overlapping of the area examined. The grid pattern shall be physically marked out on the
surface of parts. Physical marking out of pattern is optional for weld grooves, non flush welds, flush
welds meeting the requirements of note (1) and excavated areas.
Note (1): flush welds with :
- either geometrical discontinuity (fillet welds),
- or permanently embossed markings at regular intervals which enable the boundaries of the area subjected
to examination to be unambiguously identified across the whole length and circumference,
the edges of the area subjected to examination shall be delimited.

The poles shall be positioned on the grid in such a way as to permit the part to be magnetized in
2 approximately perpendicular directions with a maximum perpendicularity deviation of 30°.
The distance between the poles shall within the range 75 to 250 mm.
Diagrams MC 5332.2.b.1 and MC 5332.2.b.2 show two examples of pole positions with respect
to a given surface grid pattern.
Cross-hatched areas represent the zones in which the field indicator readings comply with the
requirements of paragraph MC 5137.4.
When a pole with flexible jointed arms is used, the distance between the edges of these zones and
the poles themselves shall be no less than 25 mm. The width of these zones shall be equal to
about half the distance separating the poles.

MC 5000 / 12  n° 140-2013
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 5332.2.b.1 FIGURE MC 5332.2.b.2

 n° 137-2012 MC 5000 / 13
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 5000 / 14  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 6000

EDDY CURRENT EXAMINATION

OF TUBULAR PRODUCTS

MC 6100 GENERAL

MC 6110 SCOPE
This subchapter sets forth general conditions to be respected for eddy current examinations specified
in SECTION II of the RCC-M for tubes < 65 mm in outside diameter and  0.75 mm and < 3 mm in
thickness.

MC 6120 GENERAL CONDITIONS

MC 6121 QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON DESTRUCTIVE
EXAMINATION PERSONNEL
Non destructive examination personnel shall be qualified and certified in compliance with MC 8000,
which covers the examination documents (procedures and reports) and implementation.

MC 6122 EDDY CURRENT EXAMINATION DOCUMENTS

All eddy current examinations performed on tubular products shall comply with conditions specified
in a series of properly identified documents (procedures, work sheets and instruction sheets), which
shall meet the requirements given in relevant paragraphs of the RCC-M and include, as a minimum,
the following information:
- type of item being examined, its dimensions and type of material used,
- reference to relevant chapters of the RCC-M and to other applicable documents,
- examination equipment:
. eddy current apparatus,
. test coil,
. automatic examination unit,
. recorder,
. reference tube, etc.,
- examination conditions: test areas and surface condition,
- examination procedures:
. frequency of induction current,
. discriminator phase setting(s),
- acceptance criteria.

 n° 140-2013 MC 6000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 6130 EDDY CURRENT EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT

MC 6131 EDDY CURRENT APPARATUS
The eddy current apparatus shall be able to produce a harmonic current with a frequency range of at
least 1 to 100 kHz in the test coil (inside coil or encircling coil).

The bridge circuit shall operate in the differential mode. The apparatus shall be equipped with a
sensitivity control and a phase discriminator whose adjustment range is from 0° to 360°.

It shall be possible to connect the apparatus to a recorder (e.g. MOD, VCD, DVD) ; the apparatus
may also be fitted with a magnetic saturation system.

MC 6132 TEST COIL

The test coil (inside coil for internal examination, encircling coil for external examination) shall
include one or more differential coil arrangements.

MC 6133 AUTOMATIC EXAMINATION UNIT

The unit shall allow relative travel of test coil or test tube at constant speed (+ 10%).

The unit shall include an automatic sorting system and/or a recorder.

When recorders are used, it shall be possible at all times to correlate a recorded indication with its
position on the tube.

MC 6134 REFERENCE TUBE

The diameter, nominal wall thickness, and metallurgical and surface conditions of the reference tube
shall be the same as for the tubes being examined.

Reference discontinuities shall consist of cylindrical hole(s) drilled radially.

The number, position and size of these holes are specified in MC 6134.1 for usual practice, and in
MC 6134.2 for stainless steel or high nickel content alloy steam generator tubes.

Diameter and depth tolerances for these holes shall be ± 5%

The shape and size of holes shall be checked by suitable means (e.g. making replicas).

MC 6134.1 Reference tubes - General

The reference tube shall include three holes, drilled through one of its walls, in radial, longitudinal
planes 120 degrees apart. The distance between the holes and ends shall be such that the recorded
signals are separate and distinct, without any interference or amplification.

Maximum hole diameters, which vary according to tube thickness, are given in table MC 6134.1.

MC 6000 / 2  n° 144-2014
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

TABLE MC 6134.1

MAXIMUM DIAMETER OF REFERENCE TUBE HOLES

WALL THICKNESS (mm) DIAMETER OF DRILLED HOLE (mm)

0.75  e < 1 0.8

1 e< 2 1
2 e< 3 1.2

MC 6134.2 Reference tube for examination of stainless steel or high nickel alloy
steam generator tubes
The reference tube shall contain a single flat-bottomed hole drilled from the outside. The distance
between the holes and ends shall be such that the recorded signals are separate and distinct, without
any interference or amplification.

Maximum hole diameters, which vary according to tube thickness, are given in table MC 6134.2.

TABLE MC 6134.2

MAXIMUM DIAMETER OF REFERENCE TUBE HOLES

WALL THICKNESS (mm) DIAMETER OF DRILLED HOLE (mm)

0.75  e < 1 0.6

1  e < 1.5 0.75

MC 6134.3 Reference tube holes for heat exchanger tubes (except for the steam
generator)
The reference tube contains three holes located on 3 axes at 120° to each other passing through a
single wall of the tube. The distance between the holes and ends shall be such that the recorded
signals are separate and distinct, without any interference or amplification.

The maximum hole diameters which are a function of the thickness of the tube are given in table
MC 6134.3.

TABLE MC 6134.3

MAXIMUM DIAMETER OF REFERENCE TUBE HOLES

TUBE THICKNESS (mm) NOMINAL DIAMETER OF TUBE (mm) DIAMETER OF HOLES (mm)

  20 0.6
0.75  e < 1
 > 20 0.7
  20 0.7
e1
 > 20 0.8

 n° 144-2014 MC 6000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 6140 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 6141 TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) in manufacture at which tubes are subjected to examination are specified in
SECTION II of the RCC-M.

MC 6142 TEST AREAS

Test areas and degree of examination are defined in SECTION II of the RCC-M.

Where automatic examination units are used, the length of material at tube ends which is not
subjected to examination under this chapter must be specified.

MC 6143 SURFACE PREPARATION

Tube surfaces shall be free of paint, loose scale or any other surface deposit or irregularity which
may adversely affect the flow of eddy currents or hinder the relative travel of test coil or tube.

Maximum roughness Ra shall be 6.3 µm and shall be determined in compliance with MC 7200.
Lower roughness maybe required for certain applications in the procurement specifications of
SECTION II.

MC 6144 ADJUSTMENT OF TEST EQUIPMENT

The frequency chosen shall be such that the depth of eddy current penetration is at least equal to the
thickness of the tube.
Phase discrimination shall be selected with a view to obtaining the optimum signal-to-noise ratio.
Sensitivity shall be set using the reference hole with the lowest amplitude signal.
Conditions shall be the same for both calibration and actual examination of tubes.

MC 6145 VERIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT SETTINGS

Sensitivity setting is checked at the beginning and end of each shift and at least once every
two hours.
This setting is considered to be satisfactory if there is no more than a ± 10% amplitude drift.
If the setting is found to be unstable during a check, all tubes examined since the previous check
shall be subjected to further tests using the corrected setting.

MC 6000 / 4  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 6150 EXAMINATION REPORT

The examination report shall include the following information:
- identification of Manufacturer, purchase order, and equipment,
- identification of tube examined, including grade, size and fabrication process,
- designation of the examination documents used,
- time of examination,
- type, make and designation of equipment used,
- calibration and setting conditions,
- length of material tube ends which is not subjected to examination,
- interpretation of results,
- name and qualification of the Inspector,
- identification of the Subcontractor conducting the examination where applicable,
- date of examination and the Inspector's signature.

To avoid unnecessary repetition, some of the information listed above may be given in properly
identified Manufacturer's documents attached to the examination report.

 n° 137-2012 MC 6000 / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 6000 / 6  n° 137-2012
R RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 7000

OTHER EXAMINATION METHODS

MC 7100 VISUAL EXAMINATION

MC 7110 SCOPE
This subchapter sets forth general conditions for detecting surface defects by visual examination
methods specified by SECTION II and/or SECTION I (chapter 4000 of the relevant subsections) of
this Code.

Note: Methods for determining whether surface conditions required prior to non-destructive examination as indicated
in MC 2100, MC 3100, MC 4100 and MC 5100 have been met are specified in MC 7200.

MC 7120 GENERAL CONDITIONS

MC 7121 QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON DESTRUCTIVE
EXAMINATION PERSONNEL
The definitions of ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ visual examination shall be those defined in standard
NF EN 13018.
- Indirect visual examination:
Non destructive examination personnel shall be qualified and certified in compliance with
MC 8000, which covers the examination documents and implementation.
- Direct visual examination :
Personnel responsible for visual examinations shall be chosen either among non-destructive test
personnel or among personnel familiar with the manufacture and fabrication processes for items
under examination.
The examination personnel shall provide proof that their vision satisfies the requirements of
ISO 9712. The documented evidence of visual acuity shall be provided annually.

MC 7122 VISUAL EXAMINATION DOCUMENTS

All visual documents shall be performed in accordance with conditions specified in a series of
properly identified documents (procedures, instruction sheets) which shall meet the requirements
given in relevant paragraphs and include as a minimum, the following information:
- types of items examined, its shape and sizes,
- reference to relevant chapters in the Code and to other applicable documents,

 n° 144-2014 MC 7000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

- the examination equipment: magnifying glasses, endoscopes, etc.

- the examination conditions: test areas, surface conditions, direct or indirect examination
techniques, etc.,
- acceptance criteria.

MC 7130 EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT

MC 7131 DIRECT VISUAL EXAMINATION
Direct visual examination shall be performed with the naked eye, and where necessary using a
magnifying glass with maximum magnification of 6, or with mirrors, endoscopes or replicas.

MC 7132 INDIRECT VISUAL EXAMINATION

Instruments used for indirect visual examination shall have a resolution capability at least equal to
that of direct visual examination.

MC 7133 REFERENCE SAMPLE

The Manufacturer may propose that a visual comparison be made of the part being examined with a
reference sample (other than surface condition samples or reference standards).

MC 7140 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 7141 TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) during manufacture at which visual examination shall take place is/are specified in
SECTION II and/or in SECTION I (chapter 4000 of the various relevant subsections) of this Code.

MC 7142 TEST AREAS

The test areas and the degree of examination are specified in SECTION II and/or in Section I
(chapters 4000 of the relevant subsections) of this Code.

MC 7143 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

The test areas shall be free of any product likely to hinder examination and interpretation. When
inspection surfaces are accessible in the normal way, they shall be examined at a viewing angle of
more than 30 degrees to the surface, at a maximum distance of 600 mm.

The level of examination surface illumination shall not be lower than 500 lux.

MC 7000 / 2  n° 140-2013
R RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 7150 EXAMINATION REPORT

The examination report shall include the following information:
- identification of Manufacturer, purchase order and equipment,
- identification of the part, weld or area subjected to examination. The simplified version of the
reference grade shall be provided,

 n° 140-2013 MC 7000 / 2 a
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - June 2013 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 7000 / 2 b  n° 140-2013
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- designation of the visual examination specification used,

- time of examination,
- method used,
- equipment used,
- results of interpretation,
- the name of the Inspector,
- identification of the company responsible for examination when the work is subcontracted out,
- examination date and the signature of the Inspector.

To avoid unnecessary repetition, some of the information listed above may be given in properly
identified Manufacturer's documents attached to the examination report.

MC 7200 DETERMINATION OF SURFACE CONDITIONS

MC 7210 SCOPE
Surface condition shall be determined by comparison with tactile and visual roughness comparison
samples, electronic apparatus with sensors or optical instruments.

This subchapter sets out the general conditions to be applied for determining surface condition
through comparison with visual, tactile reference samples.

Measurement of surface roughness using electronic apparatus with sensors is covered in AFNOR
reference document NF E 05-017.

MC 7220 GENERAL CONDITIONS

Surface condition shall be assessed in compliance with the requirements of this subsection.

MC 7230 EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT

MC 7231 DESCRIPTION
MC 7231.1 Tactile and visual roughness comparison specimens
Tactile and visual roughness comparison specimens shall be full scale reproductions of actual
surface topographies produced by various production or manufacturing processes. They may or may
not as the case may be, consist of graduated roughness values suited to each process.

 n° 137-2012 MC 7000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 7231.2 Other tactile and visual roughness samples

These samples are produced by the Manufacturer under such conditions as to represent the surface
condition sought.

MC 7232 CHARACTERISTICS
MC 7232.1 Samples characterized by a roughness value figure
For these samples which represent machined, ground or shot blasted parts, the criteria for the profile
shall be characterized by an Ra value.

MC 7232.2 Samples which are not characterized by a roughness value figure

These samples may possess, for every manufacturing method, either a graded surface condition or
the surface condition sought.

MC 7240 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 7241 TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage during manufacture when the surface condition shall be determined is specified in
SECTION II and/or SECTION I (chapter 4000 of the relevant subsections) of this Code.

MC 7242 TEST AREAS

The areas subjected to examination and the degree of examination are specified in SECTION II
and/or SECTION I (chapter 4000 of the relevant subsections) of this Code.

MC 7243 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 7243.1 Cleanliness
All surfaces to be examined shall be dry and clean, free from oil, grease and paint. A general
requirement is that all foreign matter which may adversely affect the comparison of examination
surfaces with the reference samples shall be removed.

MC 7243.2 Illumination
The level of examination surface illumination shall not be lower than 500 lux.

MC 7243.3 Precautionary procedures

A part manufactured in accordance with a given manufacturing process shall be compared with one
of several roughness comparison samples corresponding to the same type of manufacturing process.

Roughness values shall be assessed visually and by touch whenever possible.

MC 7000 / 4  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 7244 CHARACTERIZATION
The surface condition of a part shall be determined either:
- by comparing it with the graded roughness or surface condition of the roughness comparison
samples,
- by comparing it with the desired roughness or surface condition when a single roughness
comparison specimen is used.

MC 7250 EXAMINATION REPORT

The examination report shall include the following information:
- identification of Manufacturer, purchase order and equipment,
- identification of part, weld or area subjected to examination,
- designation of the specification used,
- time of examination,
- examination method used,
- equipment used,
- test results,
- name of the Inspector,

- identification of the company responsible for examination when the work is subcontracted out,
- examination date and the signature of the Inspector.
To avoid unnecessary repetition, some of the information listed above may be given in properly
identified documents attached to the examination report.

MC 7300 NOT USED

MC 7400 LEAK TESTING METHODS

MC 7410 SCOPE
This subchapter sets out the general conditions to be applied when leak testing examinations are
specified by the Code.

MC 7420 GENERAL CONDITIONS

MC 7421 CERTIFICATION OF INSPECTORS
The examinations shall be performed by personnel certified in compliance with MC 8000.

 n° 137-2012 MC 7000 / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 7422 LEAK TESTING DOCUMENTS

All leak tests shall be performed in accordance with conditions specified in a set of duly identified
documents which shall comply with the requirements of the applicable paragraphs and shall include,
as a minimum, the information given below:
- item examined: designation, shape, size, range, volume and material used,
- reference to corresponding chapters in this Code and to other applicable documents,
- examination equipment and products: detector, pumps, manometers and vacuum meters,
miscellaneous device, calibrated leak system, tracer gas, products used, etc.,
- examination procedure: time of examination, the surface cleanliness of the part examined,
working method for each technique used,
- acceptance criteria,
- cleaning method if required.,
- qualification of personnel.

MC 7430 LEAK TESTING METHODS

MC 7431 CHOICE OF METHOD
The leak detection method to be used shall depend upon:
- the acceptable level of the leak,
- whether or not it is necessary to quantify the value of the leak,
- whether or not it is necessary to locate the leak,
- the geometry, the volume and the material of the part to be tested,
- whether the pressure or vacuum can be maintained or not,
- operating procedure difficulties.

The examination procedures shall take into account the smallest detectable leak flow specified in
Appendix A of standard NF EN 1779 entitled "Specific characteristics of each leak detection
method".

MC 7432 CHOICE OF UNITS

The legal unit for measuring leaks is the Pascal cubic meter per second (Pa m3/s). For information,
Appendix B of AFNOR standard NF EN 1779 provides a comparison with other units still in use.

MC 7000 / 6  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 7440 EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 7441 PRELIMINARY CONDITIONS
A vessel or system shall only be pressurized with gas after having been successfully subjected to the
required hydrostatic or pneumatic tests, or when designed accordingly. A vessel shall only be put
under vacuum when designed accordingly.

Before using any of the techniques mentioned below, the Manufacturer shall ensure that the fluids
used (gas, liquid) for leaktightness testing are in no way harmful to the surfaces concerned (see
F6000 in SECTION V).

MC 7442 SEALING OF OPENINGS AND SYSTEMS

Blanking plates or blinds for opening in the vessel being tested and for associated systems and
instrumentation shall satisfy the same leaktightness requirements as the vessel itself.

MC 7443 CLEANLINESS OF VESSELS AND CIRCUITS

The vessels and systems to be tested shall be cleaned both inside and outside, if accessible.
Internal and external surfaces shall be degreased and dried, if accessible.
Vessels which are to be subjected to high vacuum shall be dried internally using filtered, oil free hot
air or surface heating.
Descaling and passivation treatment shall be performed before leak testing.

The cleanliness condition before leak testing shall vary with the maximum acceptable leak flow
which shall always be specified.

MC 7444 CHECKING CALIBRATION

For all methods requiring use of a calibrated leak, the associated leak rate at the time of examination
shall be known. This leak rate shall be measured at least once every two years.

MC 7445 PROCEDURE
The operating procedures listed in standard NF EN 1779 and described in NF EN 13184,
NF EN 13185 and NF EN 1593 are applied with, for certain techniques, the following additional
specifications.

A.1 & A.2 - HOOD TEST - full and partial - NF EN 13185

The measurement is made after a helium application time of at least three times the response time of
the installation, the minimum being ten minutes.

 n° 137-2012 MC 7000 / 7
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

B.2.1 & B.2.2 - VACUUM BOX - NF EN 13185

In the case of repetitive checks, the helium may be applied by means of a box applied against
the wall.

The calibration is performed by allowing a standard reference leak flow into the suction cup. The
reference signal and the response time are measured.

The leak is measured after a helium application time of at least three times the response time, the
minimum being ten minutes.

B.4 - SNIFFING TEST - NF EN 13185

This is a variation of method B.3. The leak is located by moving a sniffing probe around the
suspected areas.

HOOD TEST WITH ACCUMULATION

This is a variation of method B.3. The procedure is identical to that method except that the pressure
container is depressurized and itself acts as an accumulation tank. The helium is applied to the
outside.

D1 & D2 - PRESSURE DECREASE OR INCREASE METHODS - NF EN 13184

The pressure variation is measured after time t. The leak rate can be calculated by means of the
following formula:
PV
q
t
V = volume of the container,
q = leak flow.

Temperature variations must be taken into account and any necessary corrections made.

N - THE VACUUM METHOD USING PRESSURE RISE

The same as method M.

MC 7450 EXAMINATION REPORT

The examination report shall contain the following information:
- identification of the Manufacturer, the purchase order and equipment,
- identification of the part, weld or the area subjected to examination,
- designation of the examination documents,
- time of examination,
- examination equipment,

MC 7000 / 8  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

- surface preparation (surface condition and cleanliness),

- examination conditions and in particular, calibration and setting conditions,
- interpretation results,
- name and qualification of the Inspector,
- identification of the Subcontractor conducting the examination, where applicable,
- date of examination and Inspector's signature.
To avoid unnecessary repetition, some of the information listed below may be given in a set of
properly identified Manufacturer's documents attached to the examination report.

 n° 137-2012 MC 7000 / 9
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 7000 / 10  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition - March 2014 Addendum Section III - MC

MC 8000

QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION

OF NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION PERSONNEL

MC 8010 QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON-

DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION PERSONNEL
Personnel are qualified and certified according to standard ISO 9712. A certification granted by an
independent organisation, following an equivalent standard may be used once approved by the
Contractor, on the condition that the applicable regulatory requirements are complied with.

MC 8020 DEFINITIONS
Definitions given in standard ISO 9712 apply. The non destructive testing methods specified in
standards ISO 9712 are defined as "Examination Methods" in this Code.

 n° 144-2014 MC 8000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 8000 / 2  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 9000

TERMINOLOGY

MC 9100 GENERAL

This chapter provides practical definitions of terms used in chapters MC 2000 to 6000.
- The first column lists the terms used in MC 2000 to 6000 in alphabetical order.
- The second column provides the definitions of these terms.

MC 9200 TERMINOLOGY

Each of the following paragraphs (MC 9210 to MC 9250) refers to chapters MC 2000 to MC 6000.
See table MC 9200.

TABLE MC 9200

TERMINOLOGY TABLE

Ultrasonic Examination MC 9210

Radiographic Examination MC 9220
Penetrant Examination MC 9230
Magnetic Particle examination MC 9240
Eddy Current Examination MC 9250

 n° 137-2012 MC 9000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 9210
TABLE MC 9210

TERMINOLOGY FOR ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

TERM DEFINITIONS

Angle beam probe Probe emitting an ultrasonic wave beam which is inclined in relation
to the direction of propagation.

Angle of incidence Angle 1 as defined by figure MC 9210-1.

Angle of reflection Angle 2 as defined by figure MC 9210-1.

Angle of refraction Angle 3 as defined by figure MC 9210-1.

Background noise A semi-continuous series of small echoes showing up on the display

of a cathode ray tube and which are mostly due to diffusion
phenomena.

Back echo Echo obtained when a longitudinal wave is reflected off the surface
opposite the scanning surface.

Beam axis The locus of points of maximum intensity in the far field in a beam
of ultrasonic waves, and its geometrical prolongation into the near
field.

Beam index Point of intersection between beam axis and the probe shoe.

Calibration block A special piece of material whose shape and dimensions are
specified and which is used for checking and calibrating the
ultrasonic examination equipment.

Contact Method Technique in which the search unit(s) make(s) direct contact with
(Examination by) the examination material with couplant film interposed.

Coupling Medium A liquid or pliable solid interposed between the probe and part
under examination enabling ultrasonic waves to pass from one to the
other.

Decibel (dB) Value equalling 20 times the decimal logarithm of a ratio of two
amplitudes.

Immersion (Technique) Examination technique in which the coupling between probe and
part is obtained through immersion in water.

Lamb waves Type of wave generated in plates or thin tubes; the particle
displacement affects the entire thickness of the product.

Leading edge (of echo) The part of the echo specified in figure MC 9210-3.

MC 9000 / 2  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

TERM DEFINITIONS (cont'd)

Longitudinal waves Type of wave in which the particle displacement at each point in a
material is parallel to the direction of propagation.

Mode transformation The process by which a wave of a given mode of propagation is

caused to generate waves of other modes of propagation by
refraction or reflection.

Nominal Frequency Theoretical frequency indicated by the search unit Manufacturer.

Piezo-electric crystal Material which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy
and vice-versa. The definition has been extended and also applies to
ferro-electrical ceramics.

Power (setting of) Setting enabling the electrical power of the pulse emitted by the
piezo-electric crystal to be varied.

Probe Device containing one of several piezo-electric crystals.

Pulse generator That part of an ultrasonic system giving out a series of electrical
pulses of constant amplitude and uniform duration following a
repetition frequency (pulse recurrence frequency).

Reference block A piece of material with acoustical characteristics close to or

identical to those of the object under examination. It may or may
not contain artificial defects. It is usually used for setting
sensitivity.

Sensitivity (setting of) Setting of the amplification gain control.

Shear waves Type of wave in which the particle displacement at each point in a
material is at right angles to the direction of propagation.

Skip distance For a transverse-wave probe transmitting an ultrasonic wave beam

(figure MC 9210-2) at an angle X to the normal into a body of thickness e, the skip
distance is that distance measured over the surface of the material
between the probe index and the point at which the beam index
impinges on the surface, after following a double traverse path. It is
given by: Single bounce = 2e tan x.

Straight beam A beam of longitudinal waves which propagate at an angle of 90° to

(normal beam) the contact surface.

Straight beam probe Probe emitting a straight ultrasonic beam.

Time base calibration Setting by which a ratio of the ultrasonic wave path over the time
base is obtained.

Note : Ultrasonic examination is covered by MC 2000,

 n° 137-2012 MC 9000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 9220
TABLE MC 9220

TERMINOLOGY FOR RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION

TERM DEFINITIONS

Betatron X ray generators in which electrons are accelerated along circular

trajectories before impinging on target. These devices enable
production of very high energy rays.

Blocking (masking) Sheets of lead placed behind the cassette for absorbing back scattered
radiation.

Cassette Rigid or flexible light-tight container in which the front face is

relatively transparent to penetrating radiation. It is designed to hold
one or several radiographic films with or without intensifying screens.

Device for measuring light density of radiographs.

Densitometer
Operation which mainly consists of converting latent image into
Development visible image by treating radiographic films exposed to radiation with
(manual or automatic) developer and fixing with chemical solution.

Exposure with or without collimation during which only a small part

Directed emission of the beam is used. A single cassette may be used (single exposure)
or several such cassette may be arranged on the circumference of a
circle with the source at the centre (panoramic exposure).

Figures MC 9220-1 and MC 9220-2.

Parasitical effect caused by diffused radiation originating from

Edge effect radiographed surfaces almost parallel to radiation beam.

Film consisting of a basic material usually coated with a photographic

Film (radiographic) emulsion on both its surfaces.

Device fitted with illumination system enabling examination of

Film illuminator radiographs.
(Negatoscope)
Area of the orthogonal projection of the target (focus of heat) or of
Focal spot (X-ray system source in a plane normal to the X-ray beam axis.
and accelerators)
Penumbra along edge of radiographic image caused by the
Geometrical unsharpness geometrical conditions under which exposure took place (source or
focal spot size, source-to-film distance, etc.).

Device enabling internal inspection of pipe welds by insertion of

Inspection pipe source through sides when area is inaccessible from ends.

MC 9000 / 4  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

TERME DEFINITIONS (cont'd)

Intensifying screen Metallic sheet placed against radiographic film. It is designed to

intensify effect of primary radiation through emission of electrons.

Light density Blackening level of radiographs.

This level is determined by the decimal logarithm of the ratio of
incident light intensity to the transmitted light intensity.

Linear accelerator X-ray generators in which electrons are accelerated along straight
trajectories before impinging on target. These devices enable
production of high energy rays.

Multi-directional emission Partial or panoramic exposure during which cassettes are arranged
at an almost uniform distance around the source. This exposure
makes use of the major part or entire useful volume of the source
(Figure MC 9220-3).

Penetrameter Device used for determining the conventional quality of a

(Image Quality Indicator) radiographic image.

Roentgen Unit permitted for measuring exposure (new unit: Coulomb per
kilogram).

1 m R = 0.258 C kg - 1

Source (of radiation) Any apparatus or substance capable of emitting ionizing radiation.

Note : Radiographic Examination is covered in MC 3000.

 n° 137-2012 MC 9000 / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 9230
TABLE MC 9230
TERMINOLOGY FOR PENETRANT EXAMINATION

TERM DEFINITIONS

Cleaning products Products used for cleaning the surface of the examination part
before applying penetrant.

Developer White coloured substance which has the property of withdrawing a

penetrant retained in defects and providing a contrasting
background. Developer may be:
- dry (powder),
- wet (a suspension of finely divided particles in a liquid).

Dwell time Time during which penetrant in its liquid form (one or several
(Penetration Time) applications) is in contact with the test surface.

Emulsifier Liquid which, when combined with an oily penetrant, makes it

water-washable. It may be either water or oil base.

Oil base emulsifier Emulsifier which mixes with penetrant to make it water-washable.

Penetrant Liquid which penetrates into surface cracks and then seeps through
a fine coating of developer. It may be dye (usually red) or
fluorescent penetrant (which contains pigments emitting visible
radiation under ultra-violet light).

Post emulsifiable penetrant Penetrant requiring use of separate emulsifier prior to washing off
excess penetrant with water.

Solvent Product used to remove excess of certain types of penetrant.

Ultra-violet radiation Radiation at wave lengths of between 3500 and 4000 Å used to
(examination by) make pigments in penetrant fluorescent.

Water base emulsifier Emulsifier which does not mix with penetrant but acts through
surface wetting, thus enabling water-washing.

Water-washable penetrant Penetrant not requiring use of emulsifier. This type of penetrant can
be directly washed off with water.

Note: Penetrant Examination is covered by MC 4000.

MC 9000 / 6  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 9240
TABLE MC 9240
TERMINOLOGY FOR MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION

TERM DEFINITIONS

Contrast aid A thin coating of film (usually white) applied to the test surface to
improve contrast. Contrast aids are applied prior to magnetization.

Corrosion inhibitor Agent which, when added to the liquid used in magnetic particle
examination, avoids corrosion of examination surfaces.

Demagnetization Operation consisting of reducing residual magnetism in a ferro-

magnetic part.

Dry detecting media Powder made up of ferro-magnetic particles.

Fluorescent pigments Particles contained in product used for fluorescent magnetic particle
examination (see fluorescent detecting media).

Inducing a magnetic field Creation of a magnetic field in which an electrical current circulates
through a conductor which may be the examination part.

Liquid detecting media Ferro-magnetic particles suspended in a liquid bath. For fluorescent
media, these particles are coated with pigments which under ultra-
violet radiation, emit visible radiation.

Magnetic field The space within which a magnet is subjected to forces.

Magnetic Particle Field Device for judging magnetization conditions and containing several
Indicator (MPFI) known artificial defects.

Magnetic permeability The ability of a material or part to be magnetized.

Magnetic powder See dry detecting media.

Magnetization by current flow Creating a magnetic field by passing alternating, rectified or direct
current through the entire part or section of part.

Magnetization by current Creating a magnetic field in the entire part or section of part either
induction directly with an electro-magnet or indirectly through induction.

Residual magnetism The magnetism remaining in the part after magnetization.

Ultra-violet light Radiation at wave lengths of between 3500 and 4000 Å used to
make pigments in detecting media fluorescent.

Wetting agent Product used for reducing the surface tension of liquid detecting
media

Note: Magnetic Particle examination is covered by MC 5000.

 n° 137-2012 MC 9000 / 7
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

MC 9250
TABLE MC 9250
TERMINOLOGY FOR EDDY CURRENT EXAMINATION

TERM DEFINITIONS

Background noise Parasitical signals produced by:

- a metallurgical or dimensional variation in tubes not

corresponding to significant defects,
- a variation in examination parameters such as speed or position of
probe relative to tube.

Differential mode Measurement bridge unit enabling comparison of two adjacent zones
on examination tube.

Eddy current Current inducted in a conduction body placed in an alternating

electro-magnetic field.

Magnetic saturation Condition reached in a ferro-magnetic tube subjected to a ferro-

magnetic field when permeability is equal to unity (permeability =
ratio of the magnetic flux density induced to the intensity of the
induction field).

Measurement bridge Electrical unit connected to an alternating current generator used

comparing an unknown impedance value with a known impedance
value.

Penetration (depth) Depth measured from tube surface in contact with probe at which
intensity of eddy currents is reduced to 0.37 times surface value.

Phase discriminator Device for measuring amplitude of signal imbalance from the
measurement bridge at a known phase value in comparison with the
reference alternating signal phase.

Note: Eddy Current Examination is covered in MC 6000.

MC 9000 / 8  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 9210.1

FIGURE MC 9210.2

FIGURE MC 9210.3

 n° 137-2012 MC 9000 / 9
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Section III - MC

FIGURE MC 9220.1

FIGURE MC 9220.2

FIGURE MC 9220.3

MC 9000 / 10  n° 137-2012