ISO 20890-5-2020 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 20890-5:2020 — Guidelines for in-service inspections for primary coolant circuit components of light water reactors — Part 5: Eddy current testing of steam generator heating tubes. The standard provides guidance for pre‑service and in‑service eddy current testing of non‑ferromagnetic steam generator heating tubes using mechanized test equipment operating from the tube inner side; it excludes in‑service testing of tube plugs (special qualifications required).

Abstract

This document specifies test‑system requirements and procedures for the localisation of surface inhomogeneities by eddy current testing, personnel and device qualifications, preparation and implementation of tests, and recording/reporting of results. It notes that intervals, acceptance criteria and detailed inspection extents are defined in applicable nuclear safety standards and recommends qualifications for testing complex U‑tube geometries.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed during systematic review in 2025).
• Publication date: 12 June 2020 (publication process completed 12‑Jun‑2020).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 27.120.10 (Reactor engineering / nuclear technology).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2020).
• Number of pages: 19.

Scope

Applies to pre‑service inspection (PSI) and in‑service inspection (ISI) by mechanized eddy current tests of non‑ferromagnetic steam generator heating tubes in light water reactors, performed from the tube inner side. The standard excludes in‑service eddy current testing of steam generator tube plugs (these require specially adapted, qualified systems). It is intended to be used together with applicable national nuclear safety requirements that set inspection extents, intervals and acceptance criteria.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and objectives for mechanized eddy current testing of steam generator heating tubes.
• Requirements for test systems and equipment qualification for localisation of surface inhomogeneities.
• Personnel qualification and competence for PSI and ISI activities.
• Preparation of test and device systems, including handling of tube geometries (noting special qualification for complex bends).
• Implementation procedures for inspections, data recording and reporting of indications.
• Reference to national nuclear safety standards for inspection extent, frequency and evaluation criteria.

Typical use and users

Used by nuclear utilities, plant inspection teams, NDT service providers, equipment manufacturers for eddy current inspection systems, nuclear regulators and engineering organizations involved in maintenance and lifetime assessment of steam generators in light water reactors.

Related standards

ISO 20890‑5 is part of the ISO 20890 series on in‑service inspection guidance for primary coolant circuit components (other parts include ISO 20890‑1:2020 — mechanized ultrasonic testing, ISO 20890‑2:2020 — magnetic particle and penetrant testing, ISO 20890‑3:2020 — hydrostatic testing, and ISO 20890‑4:2020 — visual testing). These companion parts share the same technical committee (ISO/TC 85/SC 6) and ICS classification.

Keywords

eddy current testing; steam generator heating tubes; in‑service inspection (ISI); pre‑service inspection (PSI); nuclear reactor coolant circuit; mechanized NDT; ISO 20890.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 20890‑5:2020 is an ISO international standard that gives guidelines for mechanized eddy current pre‑service and in‑service inspections of non‑ferromagnetic steam generator heating tubes in light water reactors.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test system requirements, localisation of surface inhomogeneities by eddy current methods, personnel and device qualifications, preparation and implementation of inspections, and recording/reporting of results. It does not set inspection intervals or acceptance criteria (these are provided by national nuclear safety standards) and excludes in‑service testing of tube plugs without special qualifications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Nuclear power plant owners/operators, NDT inspection vendors, equipment manufacturers, inspection planners and regulatory bodies concerned with steam generator integrity in light water reactors.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2020 edition (Edition 1) is published and was reviewed and confirmed during the ISO systematic review cycle in 2025; therefore this version remains current (not superseded as of the confirmation).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 20890‑5 is Part 5 of the ISO 20890 series (Parts 1–4 cover mechanized ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle & penetrant testing, hydrostatic testing and visual testing respectively). The series is produced by ISO/TC 85/SC 6.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Eddy current testing; steam generator tubes; in‑service inspection; pre‑service inspection; mechanized NDT; nuclear; ISO 20890.