About the BPVC

Since its first issuance in 1914, ASME’s Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) has pioneered modern standards-development, maintaining a commitment to enhance public safety and technological advancement to meet the needs of a changing world.  More than 100,000 copies of the BPVC are in use in 100 countries around the world.

Product Scope / Abstract

Provides requirements to maintain the nuclear power plant while in operation and to return the plant to service following plant outages. The rules require a mandatory program to evidence adequate safety and manage deterioration and aging effects. The rules also stipulate duties of the Authorized Nuclear Inservice Inspector to verify that the mandatory program has been completed, permitting the plant to return to service in a safe and expeditious manner. Application of this Section begins when the requirements of the construction code have been satisfied.

DIVISION 2
This Division provides the requirements for the creation of the Reliability and Integrity Management (RIM) Program for advanced nuclear reactor designs. The RIM Program addresses the entire life cycle for all types of nuclear power plants, it requires a combination of monitoring, examination, tests, operation, and maintenance requirements that ensures each Structure, System, and Component (SSC) meets plant risk and reliability goals that are selected for the RIM Program.