INTERNATIONAL ISO

STANDARD 20890-4

First edition
2020-06

Guidelines for in-service inspections

for primary coolant circuit
components of light water reactors —
Part 4:
Visual testing
Lignes directrices pour
iTeh STANDARD les contrôles périodiques des composants du
PREVIEW
circuit primaire des réacteurs à eau légère —
(standards.iteh.ai)
Partie 4: Examen visuel

ISO 20890-4:2020
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e5f386052c34/iso-20890-4-2020

Reference number
ISO 20890-4:2020(E)

© ISO 2020
ISO 20890-4:2020(E)


iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

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Contents Page

Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... iv
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Inspection technique........................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
5 Requirements........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
5.1 Test personnel.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
5.1.1 Task of NDT personnel................................................................................................................................................. 4
5.1.2 Personnel requirements............................................................................................................................................. 4
5.2 Test area......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
5.3 Optical auxiliaries and combined device system........................................................................................................ 6
5.3.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
5.3.2 Image quality and resolution................................................................................................................................. 6
5.3.3 Construction......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
5.3.4 Lighting equipment for the remote visual testing............................................................................... 8
5.3.5 Data storage medium.................................................................................................................................................... 8
5.3.6 Test robots.............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
6 Testing.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
6.1 Preparation................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
6.1.1 iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
General...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
6.1.2 Test location.......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
6.2
(standards.iteh.ai)
Performance............................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
6.2.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
6.2.2 Direct visual testing ISO.....................................................................................................................................................
20890-4:2020 10
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Remote visual testing................................................................................................................................................. 10
6.2.4 Mechanizede5f386052c34/iso-20890-4-2020
visual testing...................................................................................................................................... 10
6.3 Evaluation.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
6.4 Final measures...................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
7 Recording................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Annex A (informative) Examples of a test image...................................................................................................................................12
Annex B (informative) Test procedures..........................................................................................................................................................13
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14

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ISO 20890-4:2020(E)


Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www​.iso​.org/​directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www​.iso​.org/​patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
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World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following
URL: www​.iso​.org/​iso/​foreword​.html.
(standards.iteh.ai)
This document was prepared by ISO/TC 85, Nuclear energy, nuclear technologies, and radiological
protection, Subcommittee SC 6, Reactor technology. ISO 20890-4:2020
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A list of all parts in the ISO 20890 series can be found on the ISO website.
e5f386052c34/iso-20890-4-2020
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www​.iso​.org/​members​.html.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 20890-4:2020(E)

Guidelines for in-service inspections for primary coolant

circuit components of light water reactors —
Part 4:
Visual testing

1 Scope
This document gives guidelines for pre-service inspection (PSI) and in-service inspections (ISI) for
reactor coolant circuit components of light water reactors and their installations as direct or remote
visual testing in the form of a
— general visual testing (overview), or
— selective visual testing (specific properties).
This document is also applicable to other components of nuclear installations. The requirements in this
document focuses on remote (mechanized) visual testing, but also specifies global requirements for
direct visual testing. For specific requirements for direct visual testing of welds see ISO 17637.
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
This document is not applicable to tests in respect to the general state that are carried out in conjunction
(standards.iteh.ai)
with pressure and leak tests and regular plant inspections.
This document specifies test methods that ISO allow deviations from the expected state to be recognised,
20890-4:2020
requirements for the equipment technology and test personnel, the preparation and performance of the
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testing as well as the recording. e5f386052c34/iso-20890-4-2020
NOTE Data concerning the test section, test extent, inspection period, inspection interval and evaluation of
indications is defined in the applicable national nuclear safety standards.

2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 8596, Ophthalmic optics — Visual acuity testing — Standard and clinical optotypes and their
presentation
ISO 9712:2012, Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel
ISO 18490, Non-destructive testing — Evaluation of vision acuity of NDT personnel
EN 1330-10, Non-destructive testing — Terminology — Part 10: Terms used in visual testing
EN 13018, Non-destructive testing — Visual testing — General principles
EN 13927, Non-destructive testing — Visual testing — Equipment

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 1330-10 and the following apply.

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ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://​w ww​.iso​.org/​obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://​w ww​.electropedia​.org/​
3.1
conspicuous indications
deviations in the actual state recorded during the visual testing from the expected target state
3.2
relevant indication
<visual testing> NDT indication (conspicuous indication) that is caused by condition or type of
discontinuity that requires evaluation
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 18173:2005, 2.24]
3.3
colour intensity
difference in a colour from the equally bright achromatic colour
Note 1 to entry: Colours with equally bright achromatic colour create the same grey tone in the black-white
appearance.

3.4
hue
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
chromatic and achromatic type of a colour
Note 1 to entry: Words like red, yellow, green etc. are used to refer to this in daily life.
(standards.iteh.ai)
Note 2 to entry: In this document achromatic colours means black and white and any type of grey.
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data storage medium e5f386052c34/iso-20890-4-2020
<visual testing> storage medium for the storage of image information
3.6
direct visual testing
visual testing where there is an uninterrupted optical path from the observer's eye to the test area
Note 1 to entry: This test can be carried out with or without auxiliaries, e.g. magnifying glass, mirror, binoculars,
borescopes, endoscopes or fibre-optics.

[SOURCE: EN 1330-10:2003, 2.12, modified — The examples given in the Note are different.]
3.7
remote visual testing
visual testing where there is an interrupted optical path from the observer's eye to the test area
Note 1 to entry: Remote visual testing may include a device system that records, communicates, visualises and, if
necessary, stores image information.

[SOURCE: EN 1330-10:2003, 2.37, modified — Different systems are named in the Note.]
3.8
general visual testing
visual testing over areas of the component (3.10) to observe overall condition, integrity and state of
degradation
[SOURCE: EN 1330-10: 2003, 2.18]

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3.9
selective visual testing
local visual testing for unique recognition of specified properties
Note 1 to entry: The selective visual testing is used in order to record the state of parts, components (3.10) or
surfaces to be examined in respect to cracks, wear, corrosion, erosion or mechanical damage on the surface of the
parts or components (3.10).

3.10
component
part of a system delimited according to structural or functional aspects, which can still implement
independent sub-functions
3.11
reference standard
<visual testing> specimen for inspecting the settings of the test system and its function during the testing
Note 1 to entry: Test images (e.g. colour boards according to Annex A or similar test images) are used as reference
standards during the visual testing. Depending on the test assignment and device system, a scalability of test
images can be necessary.

3.12
mechanized visual testing
remote visual testing (3.8) with mechanized guidance of camera or video-endoscope
3.13
test section iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
part of the test area (3.15)
3.14
(standards.iteh.ai)
test supervisor ISO 20890-4:2020
responsible for application of the test method and for the individual details of the test performance
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including monitoring of the activities for preparation and performance of the test as well as analysis of
e5f386052c34/iso-20890-4-2020
the test results
3.15
test area
defined area on the test object (3.17) over which the tests are to be conducted
[SOURCE: ISO 5577:2017, 6.2.2]
3.16
test surface
surface of the test object (3.17) to be tested
3.17
test object
part of a component (3.10) to be tested
3.18
visual testing
method of non-destructive testing using electromagnetic radiation in the optical range
[SOURCE: EN 1330-10:2003, 2.53]
Note 1 to entry: The visual testing serves to acquire the actual state of a test object with the human eye for
comparison with the expected target state.

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3.19
reference block
piece of material, with specified metallurgical, geometrical and dimensional characteristics, used for
calibration and assessment of equipment for visual testing
Note 1 to entry: Specified metallurgical, geometrical and dimensional characteristics means for example
material, weld seam implementation, form, wall thickness, any cladding present) with reference characteristics
(e.g. grooves, bores) that are adapted to the test assignment.

Note 2 to entry: Depending on the test assignment, the properties relevant to the inspection technique can be
determined by hue (3.4), colour intensity (3.3), reflectivity or texture of the surface.

4 Inspection technique
Visual testing is used to recognise deviations from the expected state. This state is specified in the test
procedures. Depending on the test assignment, the visual testing is conducted either as a general visual
testing or a selective visual testing. Depending on the accessibility and required detail recognition,
direct or remote visual testing is used, whereby the latter can be carried out as a mechanized visual
testing. The local radiation dose rate shall be considered when selecting the inspection techniques and
auxiliaries.
The suitability of the inspection technique and the combined device system shall be validated according
to the requirements of the applicable nuclear safety standards.
NOTE 1 The procedure for the qualification of the inspection techniques or the combined device system is
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
described in ENIQ report nr. 31[3].

NOTE 2 (standards.iteh.ai)
The visual testing test method discussed in this document involves a standardized test method whose
application is realised based on standard test procedures relating to nuclear power plants. A qualification as
above can be necessary in individual cases if there are significant deviations from the specifications from the
test procedures.
ISO 20890-4:2020
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A general test procedure shall be prepared. Annex B contains the items of the general test procedure.
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5 Requirements

5.1 Test personnel

5.1.1 Task of NDT personnel

NDT personnel[4] have a great responsibility, not only with respect to their employers or contractors
but also under the rules of good workmanship. The NDT personnel shall be independent and free from
economic influences with regard to his test results, otherwise the results may be compromised. The
NDT personnel shall be aware of the importance of his signature and the consequences of incorrect
test results for safety, health and environment. Under legal aspects, the falsification of certificates is an
offence and judged according to the national legal regulations. A tester may find himself in a conflicting
situation about his findings with his employer, the responsible authorities or legal requirements.
Finally, the NDT personnel is responsible for all interpretations of test results carrying his signature.
NDT personnel should never sign test reports beyond their certification (see Table 1).
NOTE For reasons of readability, the male form is used with personal names, however the female form is
also always intended.

5.1.2 Personnel requirements

The test personnel comprise the test inspector, the test supervisor and possibly the operating personnel
for the test robot.

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Those personnel, using qualified non-destructive testing (NDT) procedures and equipment, should be
qualified through one or any combination of the following:
— certification through a national NDT personnel certification scheme;
— theoretical and/or open trials;
— blind trials.
Any personnel certification requirements invoking relevant national NDT personnel certification
schemes (e.g. ISO 9712) should be validated according to Table 1. Any additional personnel training
requirements should also be specified in the qualification dossier.
If no relevant scheme exists or if extra personnel qualification is needed, the qualification body should
determine the additional practical and theoretical examinations needed beyond those in the national
certification scheme, include these in the qualification procedure and ensure that the NDT procedure also
includes the necessary requirements. The qualification procedure should describe the proposed system.
The test supervisor is responsible for the application of the NDT qualified system and shall have
the knowledge required for his tasks as well as sufficient knowledge of the application options
and limitations of the test methods and have knowledge about the characteristic appearances of
operationally induced faults. Conspicuous indications requiring more extensive measures shall be
evaluated by the test supervisor, who has the requisite experience in respect to the test object, test
assignment, test method and combined device system.
The test inspectors shall have the skills to perform the work they are to carry out. In particular, they
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
shall have sufficient experience in conducting visual testing and knowledge in respect to this concerning
the test object and appearance of conspicuous indications that can result during operation.
(standards.iteh.ai)
The operating personnel for test robots and the test inspectors during mechanized testing shall be
trained for the requirements of the workISO to be carried out.
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Test personnel performing NDT and the evaluation of the results shall be qualified in accordance with
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ISO 9712 or equivalent at an appropriate level in the relevant industrial sector.

Table 1 — Minimum requirements for the test personnel

Test personnel Qualification
Operating personnel for test robots Validation by training
Test inspector Certified with at least level 2 according to ISO 9712 or
comparable qualification
Test supervisor Certified with at least level 2, in case of mechanized
tests certified with level 3, according to ISO 9712
respectively

The test personnel shall fulfil the vision requirements of ISO 9712:2012, 7.4.
The test personnel shall provide annual validation of their visual ability, which has been determined
by an ophthalmologist, optician or other medically recognised person. The vision requirements of
ISO 9712 shall be fulfilled. The following modifications can be used as a substitute to ISO 9712.
a) The visual acuity testing shall be conducted using standard symbols in accordance with ISO 8596
(Landolt rings) or ISO 18490 (E shaped character). Here a near vision acuity of 1,0 at a test distance
of 0,33 m and a with at least one eye, with or without optical aid shall be validated.
b) The ability to distinguish between colours and between grey shadowing shall be validated with
colour sense test boards. The validation can typically be conducted with the help of Ishihara colour
boards as well as the "shades of grey test". In case of anomalies, the employer shall decide whether
the ability to see colours is sufficient for the test assignment.
If disorders in the adaptability are determined, these shall be considered.

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ISO 20890-4:2020(E)


5.2 Test area

The test area shall be accessible directly or remotely with optical auxiliaries. The viewing section shall
be illuminated sufficiently. Interfering reflections shall be avoided, insofar as possible. Interfering
deposits shall be removed, insofar as possible, unless they represent an indication of a relevant change.
During testing under water, it shall be ensured that vision is not inadmissibly impaired by suspended
matter and streak formation.

5.3 Optical auxiliaries and combined device system

5.3.1 General

The use of optical auxiliaries and combined device systems during visual testing is necessary if
— concealed test objects or test objects inaccessible due to ionising radiation have to be made accessible
to observation,
— the detail resolution is inadequate,
— image documentation is required.
Optical auxiliaries and combined device systems used shall fulfil the requirements of EN 13927 as well
as the requirements according to 5.3.2 to 5.3.6.

5.3.2 iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

Image quality and resolution

The examination equipment shall fulfil (standards.iteh.ai)

the following requirements:
— The image quality of the examination equipment shall be validated at a reference standard (e.g. test
ISO 20890-4:2020
image according to Annex A or a similar test image). The calibration of the device system shall be
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documented; e5f386052c34/iso-20890-4-2020
— The reference standard shall be reproduced to fill the format on the screen without any zoom in
direct view. The minimum distance between the screen and observer is minimum 30 cm when
checking the image quality. The resolution of the camera should be at least 400 lines or 600 kpixels
(depending on the referenced test chart).
If a resolution of 400 lines cannot be attained, the attained resolution shall be documented in the
technical justification. The working distance between the camera and reference standard or the
zoom level of the camera shall be selected so that the required resolution of 400 lines is attained
in the mapped partial section of the reference standard. This distance or this zoom level shall be
documented and considered during the testing.
— The individual stages of the colour circle and colour bars shall be distinguishable both for the colour
reproduction and for the black-white reproduction (see Annex A test image) and shall reproduce the
corresponding hue (chromatic and achromatic colour) and colour intensity. The grey tones shall be
resolved. The geometry distortions may not impair the visual testing;
— The validation of the image quality shall be provided and documented. The validation shall
be performed at the screen used for analysis and evaluation of the visual testing. All essential
parameters for validation have to described in a Technical Justification (e.g. zoom level, working
distance, incidence angel, etc.)
The image quality and resolution depend on the system used in the case of remote VT systems (e.g. video
endoscopes). The requirements in place for conducting the test are specified in the test procedures.
The performance of the examination equipment shall be validated at a reference block adapted to the
test assignment. The detail resolution shall be determined and documented. The working distance and
zoom level shall be documented and considered in the test.

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The recorders and playback devices shall meet the requirements of this subclause in respect to the
image quality of the optical auxiliaries. The playback device shall have frame-to-frame playback.
In case of underwater tests, an inspection of the function, image quality and capability of the immersed
equipment is necessary. The inspection shall be documented.

5.3.3 Construction

5.3.3.1 General

The optical auxiliaries and combined device systems shall be selected with consideration of the
application conditions in such way that
— they can be handled in a time-saving manner in respect to the radiation exposure of the test
personnel,
— they are easy to decontaminate,
— the materials used, in particular glass as well as electrical and electronic components are resistant
to ionising radiation and do not release or exhibit any impermissible impurities,
— the effect of ionising radiation on the image quality is kept as low as possible by corresponding
measures (e.g. shielding),
— they can be used in a temperature range required for the application,
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
— adjustable lighting equipment is available, which is protected against bursting and mechanical
damage, (standards.iteh.ai)
— connection options for recorders are available in examination equipment (for remote VT),
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— visualisation ofhttps://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/63ef2124-06b1-422e-86e9-
the following data is possible in combined device systems:
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— place, date, time;
— component, test item, comments.

5.3.3.2 Endoscopes and video-endoscopes

Endoscopes and video-endoscopes shall be selected in relation to the test assignment in such way that
— focussing, if necessary,
— if there is a light cable, then the shaft needs to be rotatable,
— the probes are corrosion resistant and, insofar as required, watertight in design,
— if necessary, a scale or scaling function is available for measure the dimension of indications.

5.3.3.3 Cameras

Cameras shall be selected with consideration of the terms of reference and the application conditions.
EXAMPLE  

Camera can be equipped with

— autofocus,

— automatic aperture control,

— automatic brightness control,

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