ASME BPVC Section III, Division 5: High Temperature Reactors, 2023

The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section III, Division 5 – 2023 outlines construction rules for nuclear facility components used in high temperature reactor (HTR) systems. Developed for advanced fission and fusion reactors, this section addresses unique design, material, and fabrication challenges posed by elevated temperature environments, including creep, fatigue, and environmental degradation. It applies to Class A and Class B metallic pressure boundaries, core supports, and components made from graphite and composite materials.

Highlights:

• Covers materials, design, fabrication, inspection, and testing for elevated temperature reactors
• Subdivides content by metallic and nonmetallic materials, temperature range, and component class
• Defines qualification of graphite/composite core components and high-temperature alloys
• Provides creep–fatigue rules and inelastic analysis requirements
• Integrates design-by-analysis criteria for pressure vessels, piping, pumps, and valves
• Details responsibilities, certification, and data reporting for code activities
• Includes overpressure protection and quality assurance provisions
• Incorporates mandatory and nonmandatory appendices for strain limits, material guidelines, and fatigue evaluation
• Harmonized with other BPVC Sections including II, V, IX, and XI for materials, NDE, welding, and inspection

Who It’s For:
Nuclear design engineers, advanced reactor developers, QA professionals, and regulators focused on the construction and qualification of components for high temperature nuclear systems operating under ASME code compliance.

BPVC.III.5-2023