2025 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section III, Rules for Construction of Nuclear Facility Components, Division 5, High Temperature Reactors

Division 5 of Section III of the BPVC provides construction rules for high-temperature reactors, including both high-temperature, gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) and liquid-metal reactors (LMRs). These rules are for components exceeding the temperature in Division 1 and are meant for components experiencing temperatures that are equal to, or higher than, 700F (370C) for ferritic materials or 800F (425C) for austenitic stainless steels or high nickel alloys. Importantly, Division 5 also contains the new rules pertaining to graphite core components. These new rules include general requirements, plus design and construction rules, for graphite. Irradiation effects on graphite are addressed, as are the features of probabilistic design reflected in the determination of graphite material strength properties. Division 5 reflects new, safety-criteria approaches for nuclear power plants, accumulating rules conveniently into one, single-book format. These rules have been updated and improved over those still in Code Case format. Various industries are beginning to appreciate the unique advantages that exist with nuclear power plants that operate at elevated temperatures. For example, HTGRs can yield higher operating efficiencies, provide not only electrical power but also process heat for other industries, and can be designed to be passively-safe.

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