Designation: E213 14

Standard Practice for

Ultrasonic Testing of Metal Pipe and Tubing1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E213; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This practice2 covers a procedure for detecting discon-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
tinuities in metal pipe and tubing during a volumetric exami-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
nation using ultrasonic methods. Specific techniques of the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ultrasonic method to which this practice applies include
pulse-reflection techniques, both contact and non-contact (for
2. Referenced Documents
example, as described in Guide E1774), and angle beam
immersion techniques. Artificial reflectors consisting of 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
longitudinal, and, when specified by the using party or parties, E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
transverse reference notches placed on the surfaces of a Testing
reference standard are employed as the primary means of E1065 Practice for Evaluating Characteristics of Ultrasonic
standardizing the ultrasonic system. Search Units
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
1.2 This practice is intended for use with tubular products
E1774 Guide for Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers
having outside diameters approximately 12 in. (12.7 mm) and
(EMATs)
larger, provided that the examination parameters comply with
E1816 Practice for Ultrasonic Testing Using Electromag-
and satisfy the requirements of Section 12. These procedures
netic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) Techniques
have been successful with smaller sizes. These may be speci-
fied upon contractual agreement between the using parties. 2.2 ASNT Documents:
These procedures are intended to ensure that proper beam Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A for Nondestructive
angles and beam shapes are used to provide full volume Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification4
coverage of pipes and tubes, including those with low ratios of ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certifi-
outside diameter-to-wall thickness, and to avoid spurious cation of Nondestructive Testing Personnel4
signal responses when examining small-diameter, thin-wall 2.3 ISO Standards:
tubes. ISO 9712 Non-destructive Testing Qualification and Cer-
1.3 The procedure in Annex A1 is applicable to pipe and tification of NDT Personnel5
tubing used in nuclear and other special and safety applica- 2.4 Aerospace Industries Association Document:
tions. The procedure in Annex A2 may be used to determine NAS 410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
the helical scan pitch. Testing Personnel6
1.4 This practice does not establish acceptance criteria; they
must be specified by the using party or parties. 3. Terminology
3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of terms used in this
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
practice, see Terminology E1316.
as standard. The SI equivalents are in parentheses and may be
approximate.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
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contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM

1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde- Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.06 on the ASTM website.
4
Ultrasonic Method. Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc., 1711
Current edition approved June 1, 2014. Published June 2014. Originally Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228.
5
approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as E213 - 09. DOI: Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
10.1520/E0213-14. la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
2 6
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Practice Available from Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc., 1250 Eye St.
SE-213 in the Code. NW, Washington D.C. 20005.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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4. Summary of Practice 6. Basis of Application
4.1 A pulsed ultrasonic angle beam by means of non- 6.1 The following are items that must be decided upon by
contact, surface contact or immersion method shall be used. the using party or parties.
Fig. 1 illustrates the characteristic ultrasonic angle beam entry 6.1.1 Size and type of pipe or tubing to be examined,
into the wall of a pipe or tube in the circumferential direction 6.1.2 Additional scanning for transverse discontinuities,
to detect longitudinal discontinuities using a single search unit.
6.1.3 Items that affect examination coverage may also be
Fig. 2 illustrates the characteristic angle beam ultrasound entry
specified such as scan overlap, pulse density and maximum
into the wall of a pipe or tube in the axial direction to search
search unit size.
for transverse discontinuities using a single search unit.
6.1.4 The stage(s) in the manufacturing process at which the
NOTE 1The immersion method may include tanks, wheel search units, material will be examined,
or systems that use streams or columns of liquid to couple the ultrasonic
energy from the search unit to the material. 6.1.5 Surface condition,
6.1.6 Maximum time interval between equipment standard-
4.2 To ensure detection of discontinuities that may not
ization checks, if different from that described in 13.2 and the
provide a favorable response from one side, scanning shall be
tolerance to be applied to a standardization check,
performed in both circumferential directions for longitudinal
discontinuities and when an axial scan is specified by the using 6.1.7 Type, dimensions, location, method of manufacture,
party or parties, in both axial directions for transverse discon- and number of artificial reflectors to be placed on the reference
tinuities. standard,
6.1.8 Method(s) for measuring dimensions of artificial re-
4.3 For efficient examination of large quantities of material,
flectors and tolerance limits if different than specified in
multiple search units and instruments may be used simultane-
Section 11,
ously to perform scanning in the required directions. Multiple
search units may be employed for interlaced scanning in 6.1.9 Criteria for reportable and rejectable indications (ac-
each required direction to enable higher examination rates to be ceptance criteria),
achieved through higher allowable scan index or pitch. 6.1.10 Reexamination of repaired/reworked items, if re-
quired or permitted, shall be specified in the contractual
5. Significance and Use agreement.
5.1 The purpose of this practice is to outline a procedure for 6.1.11 Requirements for permanent records of the response
detecting and locating significant discontinuities such as pits, from each tube, if applicable,
voids, inclusions, cracks, splits, etc., by the ultrasonic pulse- 6.1.12 Contents of examination report,
reflection method. 6.1.13 Operator qualifications and certification, if required,

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FIG. 1 Circumferential Propagation of Sound in a Pipe or Tube Wall

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 E213 14

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FIG. 2 Axial Propagation of Sound in a Pipe or Tube Wall

6.1.14 Qualification of Nondestructive Agencies. If speci- tions or interference from other instruments and search units
fied in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be being used for simultaneous examinations in other directions or
qualified and evaluated as described in Practice E543. The along other scan paths.
applicable edition of Practice E543 shall be specified in the 9.1.1 The frequency and bandwidth of the instrument and
contractual agreement. search unit shall be capable of being selected to produce a
6.1.15 Level of personnel qualification. (See 7.1) satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio for the detection of the re-
quired notches as compared to background noise response
7. Personnel Qualification from irregularities such as grain boundaries and surface rough-
7.1 If specified in the contractual agreement, personnel ness.
performing examinations to this standard shall be qualified in 9.2 Search unit frequency shall be selected to produce a
accordance with a nationally recognized NDT personnel quali- desirable signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), from the material to be
fication practice or standard such as ANSI/ASNT-CP-189, examined, at the specified sensitivity. A S/N value of at least 3
SNT-TC-1A, ISO 9712, NAS-410, or a similar document and to 1 is usually considered to be minimum. A higher minimum
certified by the employer or certifying agency, as applicable. value is desirable and may be specified by the contracting
The practice or standard used and its applicable revision shall agency.
be identified in the contractual agreement between the using 9.2.1 Select a search unit size, frequency and refracted angle
parties. (or corresponding parameters for non-contact techniques) to
8. Surface Condition produce an approximate 45 degrees beam-center shear wave in
the tube or pipe wall. For material with an outside diameter-
8.1 All surfaces shall be clean and free of scale, dirt, grease, to-thickness ratio less than 7, a lower refracted angle (or
paint, or other foreign material that could interfere with corresponding parameters for non-contact techniques) must be
interpretation of examination results. The methods used for used to ensure intersection with the inside surface. This does
cleaning and preparing the surfaces for ultrasonic examination not ensure detection of midwall discontinuities (See Reference
shall not be detrimental to the base metal or the surface finish. 5).
Excessive surface roughness or scratches can produce signals
that interfere with the examination. 9.3 The positions of all conveyor and drive mechanisms
must be set to support and feed the material to be examined in
9. Apparatus a stable manner and at the desired scan pitch (helix). For
9.1 Instruments shall be of the pulse echo type and shall be small tubes, support mechanisms must be used in the exami-
capable of detecting the reference notches of the types de- nation station to prevent any transverse motion with respect to
scribed in Section 11 to the extent required in the standardiza- the search unit beam during scanning. If larger material that is
tion procedure described in Section 12. An independent chan- not straight is to be examined the search units may have to be
nel (or channels) of instrumentation shall be employed to supported in a follower mechanism to compensate for this.
individually monitor the responses from the longitudinal and,
when required, transverse oriented search units. The instrument 10. Couplant
pulse repetition rate shall be capable of being adjusted to a 10.1 For piezoelectric-based search units (non-contact tech-
sufficiently high value to ensure notch detection at the scanning niques do not require couplant), a couplant such as water, oil,
rate employed. The instrument shall be capable of this pulse or glycerin, capable of conducting ultrasonic vibrations be-
repetition rate without false indications due to spurious reflec- tween the search unit and the pipe or tube being examined shall

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 E213 14
be used. Rust inhibitors, softeners, and wetting agents may be depending on the angle, frequency, and vibrational mode of the
added to the couplant. The couplant liquid with all the interrogating sound beam.
additives should not to be detrimental to the surface condition
NOTE 3In Fig. 3 (a), ( b), and (d), the sharp corners are for ease of
of the pipe or tube, and shall wet the surface of the material to illustration. It is recognized that in normal machining practice, a radius
provide adequate coupling efficiency. To prevent spurious will be generated.
signals or loss of sensitivity, or both, care must be taken to
11.5.1 The notch depth shall be an average measured from
avoid the presence of air bubbles in the couplant.
the circular tubing surface to the maximum and minimum
NOTE 2In the contact method, some couplants result in better penetration of the notch. Measurements may be made by
ultrasonic transmission when the tubing is precoated several hours before optical, replicating, or other agreed upon techniques. Unless
the examination.
specified otherwise by the using party or parties, the notch
11. Reference Standards depth shall be within 60.0005 in. (0.013 mm) of the specified
value for notches 0.005 in. (0.13 mm) or less in depth, and
11.1 A reference standard of a convenient length shall be within + 10, 15 % of the specified value for notches over
prepared from a length of pipe or tube of the same nominal 0.005 in. in depth. At the option of the testing agency,
diameter, wall thickness, material, surface finish, and acousti- shallower notches may be used to provide a more stringent
cal properties as the material to be examined. The reference examination.
pipe or tube shall be free of discontinuities or other conditions
producing indications that can interfere with detection of the NOTE 4For as-rolled or scaly pipe or tube surfaces, it may be
necessary to modify 11.5.1. Two acceptable modifications are listed
reference notches.
below. Modification (a) is preferred; however, modification (b) may be
11.2 Longitudinal and, when required by the contracting used unless otherwise specified.
agency, transverse reference notches shall be placed on both (a) The circular pipe or tube surface may be smoothed or prepared in the
the outside and inside surfaces of the reference standard to notch area, or
(b) The notch depth shall be within 0.001 in. (0.025 mm), or + 10, 15 %
ensure satisfactory examination sensitivity near each of these of the specified depth, whichever is greater.
boundaries.
11.5.2 When notch tolerances are specified by the using
11.3 Reference notches shall be separated sufficiently (cir- party or parties, tolerances may often include only negative
cumferentially or axially, or both) to preclude interference and values with zero positive deviation allowed so that sensitivity
interpretation difficulties. is never reduced below a specified minimum value. The use of
11.4 All upset metal, burrs, etc., adjacent to the reference smaller notches by the examination agency is permissible,
notches shall be removed. provided that concurrence is obtained from the contracting
agency.
11.5 The notch dimensions, which are length, depth, and
width (and for V-notches, the included angle) must be decided NOTE 5The amplitude of indications obtained from reference notches
upon by the using party or parties. Fig. 3 illustrates the may not be linearly proportional to notch depth. This depends upon the
common notch configurations and the dimensions to be mea- intercepting beam width to notch length.
sured (Note 3). Reflection amplitudes from V-, square-, and 11.5.3 The width of the notches shall be as small as
U-shaped notches of comparable dimensions may vary widely practical, but should not exceed twice the depth.
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FIG. 3 Common Notch Shapes

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 E213 14
11.6 Other types and orientations of reference reflectors Restandardize the equipment in accordance with 12.1 and 12.2
may be specified by the using party or parties. any time the equipment fails to produce the signal amplitudes
or other conditions for rejection within the tolerances agreed
12. Standardization of Apparatus upon with the contracting agency. In the event that the
12.1 Static StandardizationUsing the reference standard equipment does not meet this requirement, reexamine all pipe
specified in Section 11, adjust the equipment to produce clearly or tubing examined since the last acceptable standardization
identifiable indications from both the inner and outer surface after restandardization has been accomplished.
notches. The response from the inner and outer surface notches 13.2.1 When required by the purchaser, more specific re-
should be as nearly equal as possible. Use the lesser of the two standardization criteria may be specified.
responses to establish the rejection level. On large diameter or 13.3 For many tubular sizes and examination arrangements,
heavy wall pipe and tubing, if the inner and outer surface notch there will be a reflection from the entry surface of the pipe or
amplitude cannot be made equal because of material soundpath tube. This signal may be observed, but not gated, as a
distance and inside diameter curvature, a separate rejection supplement to the required checking of the reference standard
level may be established for the inner and outer surface to provide increased assurance that the equipment is function-
notches. ing properly. If such a signal does not exist, make more
frequent equipment standardization checks.
NOTE 6Distance-Amplitude Correction A method of compensating
for the reduction in ultrasonic signal amplitude as a function of material 13.4 Do not make any equipment adjustments, during
sound-path distance may be employed. Details of the procedures used to examination, unless the complete standardization procedure
establish and apply the distance-amplitude correction (DAC) curve shall
be established by the using party or parties.
described in Section 12 is performed after any such adjustment.
12.2 Dynamic StandardizationStandardize the equipment 13.5 The examination shall be applied to 100 % of the pipe
under dynamic conditions that simulate the production exami- or tubing unless otherwise specified.
nation. The pipe or tubing to be examined and the search unit NOTE 9Some traversing mechanisms do not allow examination of
assembly shall have a rotating translating motion relative to pipe or tube ends. When this condition exists, clearly indicate the extent
each other such that a helical scan path will be described on the of this effect, per tube, in the examination report.
outer surface of the pipe or tube. Maintain the speed of rotation 14. Interpretation of Results
and translation constant within 610 %. Axial scanning with
circumferential indexing may be used to provide equivalent 14.1 All indications that are equal to or greater than the
coverage. rejection level established during standardization as described
in Section 12, using the agreed upon reference indicators
12.3 The pitch of the feed helix shall be small enough to described in 11.5, shall be considered as representing defects
ensure at least 100 % coverage at the examination distance and and may be cause for rejection of the pipe or tube.
sensitivity established during standardization. Coverage shall Alternatively, the using party or parties may specify specific
be based upon the maximum effective size of the search unit, acceptance criteria.
the pulse density for each instrument channel and the helix.
14.2 If, upon further examination of the pipe or tube, no
13. Procedure rejectable indications are detected, the material shall be con-
sidered as having passed the ultrasonic examination, except as
13.1 Examine the pipe or tubing with the ultrasound trans- noted in 13.2.
mitted in both circumferential directions for longitudinal dis-
continuities and, when specified, in both axial directions for NOTE 10Rejected pipe or tubes may be reworked in a manner
acceptable to the purchaser. If, upon ultrasonic reexamination of the
transverse discontinuities, under identical conditions used for reworked pipe or tube, no rejectable indications are detected, the material
equipment standardization (see Note 7). should be considered as having passed the ultrasonic examination.
NOTE 11Care should be exercised to ensure that reworking a pipe or
NOTE 7Identical conditions include all instrument settings, mechani-
tube does not change its acceptability with respect to other requirements
cal motions, search unit position and alignment relative to the pipe or tube,
of the material specification such as wall thickness, ovality, surface finish,
liquid couplant, and any other factors that affect the performance of the
length, and the like.
examination.
NOTE 8If a requirement exists for both longitudinal and transverse 15. Documentation
notches the following three options are available:
(a) Each pipe or tube is passed through a single-channel examination 15.1 When a report is required, it shall contain such
station four times, twice in each direction, information as is mutually considered adequate to document
(b) Each pipe or tube is passed through a two-channel examination
station twice, once in each direction, or
that the examination of the pipe or tubes supplied meets the
(c) Each pipe or tube is passed through a four-channel examination requirements of this practice, and any modifications specified
station once. in the contractual agreement.
13.2 Standardization ChecksPeriodically check the dy- 15.2 When a third party examination is required, as might
namic standardization of the equipment by passing the refer- be performed by an independent examination facility, and to
ence standard through the examination system in accordance the extent specified in the contractual agreement, a permanent
with 12.2. Make these checks prior to any examination run, record containing objective evidence of the examination results
prior to equipment shutdown after an examination run, and at shall be obtained for pipe or tube examined. This may be in the
least every four hours during continuous equipment operation. form of a strip chart recording or computerized data of the
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ultrasonic instrument output during the examination. It shall 15.2.3 Details of the examination technique, including ex-
contain recordings of all standardizations and standardization amination speed, examination frequency, and end effects if any.
checks and should be annotated to provide a positive correla- 15.2.4 Description of the reference standard, including the
tion between examination record for each reject pipe or tube actual (measured) dimensions of the artificial reference reflec-
and the corresponding pipe or tube. The supplier shall maintain tors.
a report of the examination on file. When requested by the 15.2.5 Description of the distance-amplitude correction
customer, a report of the examination shall be submitted to the procedure, if used.
customer. The report shall include at least the following
information: 15.2.6 Examination results.
15.2.1 Identification of the material by type, size, lot, heat
treatment, and any other pertinent information. 16. Keywords
15.2.2 Identification of the examination equipment and 16.1 angle beam; nondestructive examination; pipe; tubing;
accessories. ultrasonic examination

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. EXAMINATION OF PIPE AND TUBING FOR SPECIAL AND SAFETY APPLICATIONS

A1.1 IntroductionWhen the end use of pipe or tubing (1), (2) and (3)). Search unit element size and focused beam
depends critically upon freedom from discontinuities over a length shall be suitable for achieving reliable detection of
certain maximum size, certain additional ultrasonic examina- defects equivalent in size to the reference notches at the
tion procedures are required to assure that the required quality scanning pitch or index used. When examination of heavy-wall
standards are met. The immersion method is almost always pipes and tubes is required the focal length, refraction angle
required for examining tubes for these uses. In some instances, and included beam angle of focused search units shall be
such as field examination or where part contact with water is suitable for complete through-wall coverage (See (4)).
undesirable, the contact method, or non-contact technique, for A1.3.2 The beam length of the search unit in the wall
instance as described in Guide E1774, may be employed. material must be either longer or shorter than the length of
A1.1.1 This practice is intended for use with tubular prod- longitudinal notches in the reference standard, by an amount
ucts of any diameter and wall thickness, provided that proper that is no less than the pitch (linear advance per revolution)
procedures, as described herein, are followed. These proce- of the helical scan path (see A2.1). This is necessary to ensure
dures are intended to ensure that proper refraction angles and detection of discontinuities that are as long as the notches in

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beam shapes are used to provide full volume coverage of pipes spite of their random locations with respect to the scan path,
and tubes, including those with low ratios of outside diameter- (See Annex A2).
to-wall thickness, and to avoid spurious signal responses when A1.3.3 The focal length of a focused immersion search unit
examining small-diameter, thin-wall tubes. should equal the pipe or tube radius plus a convenient water
A1.2 Summary of PracticePulsed ultrasonic angle beams path length so that it may be focused on the pipe or tube
by either the surface contact or immersion method shall be centerline (See (3)).
used. Fig. A1.1 illustrates characteristic angle beam ultrasound A1.3.4 The angle of the central beam of the search unit,
entry into the wall of a pipe or tube in the circumferential with respect to a perpendicular to the tangent to the surface at
direction to detect longitudinal defects and in the axial direc- the point of beam incidence, shall be adjusted to produce a
tion to detect transverse defects, when required. The incident suitable refraction angle in the pipe or tube wall to provide
and refracted beams in these cases are pictured as being complete coverage of the pipe or tube wall thickness (See (4)).
generated by a cylindrically focused immersion search unit. In A refraction angle of 45 degrees is typically used when
pipes and tubes with diameters several times larger than the examining pipe or tubes with a diameter-to-wall thickness ratio
length of a contact search unit, the general beam shapes are of no less than about 10 to 1. For many materials a 45 degree
approximately the same. refraction angle may be achieved with a beam incidence angle
of about 18 to 19 degrees. This may be achieved in the
A1.3 Additional Apparatus Requirements immersion method by parallel offsetting the beam centerline
A1.3.1 Although contact search units may be used for small from a perpendicular to a tangent of the surface by a distance
quantity and field examinations of pipes and tubes, cylindri- equal to 16 of the outside diameter of the pipe or tube. This is
cally (line) focused immersion search units are preferred for often a convenient initial adjustment during system standard-
critical examinations and for larger quantities (See References ization.

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FIG. A1.1 Beam Propagation in Pipe or Tube Walls

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A1.4 Additional Reference Standard Requirements A1.5.3 When contact examination is performed, the follow-
ing selection and standardization procedure shall be used
A1.4.1 Outer surface and inner surface longitudinal refer-
unless an alternate procedure is approved by the contracting
ence notches may be placed near one end of the reference
agency.
standard separated by a sufficient distance from each other and (a) Select a search unit size, frequency and wedge angle
from the end to preclude interference and interpretation and shape to produce an approximately 45 degree beam-center
difficulties, but close enough to each other to minimize the time shear wave in the tube or pipe wall. If it is determined that a
required in scanning from one to other to achieve good signal lower refraction angle would be beneficial, a wedge to produce
balance during set-up. For ease of fabrication, the inner surface that angle may be used.
notch should be nearer the end of the pipe or tube. When (b) Apply the search unit, with a suitable film of couplant,
required, transverse outer surface and inner surface reference to the surface of the reference standard in the vicinity of the
notches are typically placed in the same manner near the longitudinal reference notches. Direct the search unit beam in
opposite end of the reference standard from the longitudinal one circumferential direction.
notches. Although not mandatory, this practice enables all (c) While carefully maintaining uninterrupted coupling and
notches to be placed far enough from the ends to insure good constant pressure on the search unit, move it toward and away
support of the material end nearest the search unit(s) during from the outer surface longitudinal notch to achieve the
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set-up, and the inner surface notches to be near ends to maximum signal response from it by a beam reflection from the
facilitate insertion of the fabrication and verification means. inner surface which is beyond the interface signal on the
This procedure becomes less critical for material of larger display screen of the instrument. Adjust the gain control to set
diameters and stiffness. the peak response at this reflection location (node) to 80 % of
full screen height (FSH).
A1.5 Static StandardizationUsing the reference standard
(d) Without changing the gain control setting from that
specified in Section 11, adjust the equipment to produce clearly
determined in Step (c) above, move the search unit to the
identifiable indications from both the inner and outer surface
vicinity of the inner surface longitudinal notch and repeat the
notches. The relative responses from both the inner and outer
scanning procedure until the signal from that notch, at a node
surface notches should be as nearly equal as possible and
adjacent to that used for the outer surface notch signal, is
practical. Some differences in this procedure are required, as
maximum. Record the peak amplitude of the signal from the
described below, depending upon whether the contact or
inner surface notch. If this signal is higher than 80 % FSH,
immersion technique is employed.
lower the gain to bring it to 80 % FSH and move again to the
A1.5.1 Set the positions of all conveyor and drive mecha- outer surface notch and record its peak amplitude at the new
nisms to support and feed the material to be examined in a gain setting. The relative response from the inner and outer
stable manner and at the desired scan pitch, considering surface notches shall be as nearly equal as possible by selection
conditions for achieving satisfactory worst case interception of the pair of adjacent inner surface and outer surface notch
and required scan path overlap. (See Annex A2.) signal nodes are observed. Use the lesser of the two responses
to establish the rejection level. On large-diameter or heavy-
A1.5.2 Contact Examination TechniqueFor field wall pipe and tubing, if the inner and outer surface notch signal
examination, or in other cases where immersion examination is amplitudes cannot be equalized because of material sound path
not practical, the contact technique may be employed. It is distance and inside diameter curvature, a separate rejection
important to note however that it is more difficult to obtain level may be established for the inner and outer surface
repeatable and accurate results with this technique because notches, or, in this case, DAC may be used to balance the
(See (1)): signal amplitudes from the outer surface and inner surface
(a) It is difficult to maintain uniform sensitivity during notches.
scanning due to lack of constant pressure on the search unit and (e) Repeat steps (a) through (d) while scanning from the
inconsistent couplant coverage; opposite circumferential direction.
(b) Unless special involute (5), or similar, search units (f) Repeat the above steps while scanning in both axial
are used it is impossible to obtain the primary benefit of directions if detection of transverse notches and discontinuities
focusing which is the uniformity of sensitivity versus thickness is required by the user or contracting agency.
which results from the production of constant refraction angles
throughout the width of the beam; A1.5.4 Immersion Examination TechniqueThis is the pre-
(c) With a given search unit wedge it is impossible to vary ferred technique whenever practical (1). Any of the apparatus
the incident angle to achieve good balance of the signals from types listed in Note 1 (4.1) may be used for this purpose. The
outer surface and inner surface notch targets or to lower the following selection and standardization procedure shall be used
incidence angle to obtain good through-wall coverage on unless an alternative is approved by the contracting agency.
thick-wall pipe or tubes; A1.5.5 Using the guidelines listed below, select a cylindri-
(d) Maintenance problems may result from wear of the cally focused (line focused) search unit (2) of appropriate
search unit face plates; and, frequency, beam length and focal length for the material to be
(e) When manual scanning is employed it is difficult to examined and to the sensitivity level (notch sizes) specified by
insure that total surface coverage or any prescribed amount of the user or contracting agency. In cases where the type of
scan overlap has been achieved. examination, material dimensions or other properties make the

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use of spherically or flat focused search units more appropriate must be well beyond the direct-in signal from the outer surface
either of these types may be used in place of cylindrically notch. The outer surface notch signal subsequently used for
focused units. standardization should then be from the node immediately
(a) The frequency shall be selected to produce a desirable beyond the inner surface notch signal to obtain the best
signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) from the material to be examined condition for attempting to equalize both gated signals in the
at the specified sensitivity. A S/N value of at least 3 to 1 is following step (i).
usually considered to be a minimum. A higher minimum value (i) Move the reference standard to center the inner surface
is desirable and may be specified by the contracting agency. notch in the beam. Rotate the pipe or tube as for the outer
(b) The focal length must be equal to the pipe or tube surface notch and note the amplitude of the inner surface notch
radius plus a convenient waterpath length so that the search signal that appears just before the selected outer surface notch
unit may be focused on the central axis of the pipe or tube after signal.
normalization (3). For very large-diameter material where this (j) Make small adjustments to the offset (or angulation) and
requirement is found to be impractical search units of other to the water path length while alternately observing and
focal lengths or unfocused units may be used. attempting to equalize the outer surface and preceding inner
(c) The beam width, as measured between -3 dB points on surface notch signal amplitudes. Set the higher of the two
a pulse-echo profile as described in Guide E1065, must be signals to 80 % FSH and use the lesser of the two signals to
either longer or shorter than the length of the longitudinal establish the rejection level. Set the position and duration of the
notches in the reference standard by the amount of the scan instrument alarm gate to include both of these signals. For
pitch to be employed. This is necessary to ensure consistent examinations that require stopping and evaluating or marking
worst case interception of discontinuities that are as long as all relevant indications, or both, set the alarm activation
the notches in spite of their random location with respect to the threshold at 40 % FSH. Record all search unit position settings,
scan path. (See Annex A2.) instrument control settings and standardization signal levels on
(d) Position the search unit so that the length of its focused an examination record sheet.
beam is aligned with the long axis of the pipe or tube. (k) Repeat the above steps while scanning in the opposite
(e) With the water path length adjusted to focus the beam circumferential direction.
approximately on the outer surface of the pipe or tube, (l) When axial scanning for transverse indications is
normalize the search unit by adjusting its angulation and offset required, repeat the above steps with the search unit angled in
to peak its response from the surface. first one, then the other axial direction and using translation
(f) Change the water path so that it is equal to the focal rather than rotation of the reference standard to select response
length of the search unit minus the radius of the tube. Readjust nodes from outer surface and inner surface notches.
the angulation and offset if necessary to renormalize by A1.6 Dynamic StandardizationStandardize the equipment
repeaking the interface signal. under dynamic conditions that simulate the production exami-
(g) Offset the search unit in a direction that is parallel to its nation. The pipe or tubing to be examined and the search unit
centerline and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube assembly shall have a rotating translating motion relative to
by the amount required to establish a beam-center incidence each other such that a helical scan path will be described on the
angle that will produce the desired refraction angle in one outer surface of the pipe or tube. Maintain the speed of rotation
circumferential direction in the tube wall. (For many materials and translation constant within 610 %. Axial scanning with
a satisfactory initial offset distance is 16 of the tube diameter.) circumferential indexing may be used, especially on larger
For thick-wall tubes a lower refraction angle may be required material, to provide equivalent coverage. A method for achiev-
for examination of the entire thickness (4). Alternatively, the ing the required conditions is described below.
search unit may be angulated in a plane perpendicular to the
tube axis to produce the incidence angle. A1.6.1 The pitch of feed helix shall be small enough to
(h) Move the reference standard to center the outer-surface ensure 100 % coverage at the examination distance and sensi-
notch in the search unit beam. Rotate the tube without tivity established during static standardization per A1.5. Annex
translation (that is, without motion along its longitudinal axis) A2 describes how maximum allowable pitch for stable detec-
and observe on the instrument display screen the motion of the tion may be determined from the length of the longitudinal
notch signal away from any residual interface signal. The reference notches and the minimum beam length of the search
units.
amplitude should decrease and increase as successive reflec-
tions of the beam from the inner and outer surfaces intersect the A1.6.2 A preferred method for dynamic scanning, appli-
outer surface notch as it moves to various node positions away cable to all diameters but especially for smaller diameter
from the search unit. Select a convenient node well away from material, for example, less than 4 inches (100 mm) in diameter,
the direct-in intersection of the beam on the outer surface is for the examination system to produce a rotating and
notch (which coincides with the position of the interface translating relative motion between the pipe or tubing being
signal). Adjust the gain to set the amplitude of the signal at examined and the search unit(s). Run the reference standard
80 % FSH and note its horizontal position on the display. with random initial translational and angular orientation
Note Alternatively, set-up on the inner surface notch through the examination station at full speed and scan pitch and
may be performed before set-up on the outer surface notch, as observe, during multiple runs of the standard, the stability of
described in step (h) above. This inner surface notch signal the gated alarm signals from all notches in the reference
--`,`,,,`,``````,`,,`,`,,,``,,`,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

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 E213 14
standard on a strip-chart recorder or other means for observing standardization check shall be reexamined after the system has
signal amplitude stability or alarm function. In the absence of been successfully restandardized.
an alternate procedure approved by the contracting agency, the
A1.7.4 Decrease of Recorded Notch Signal Amplitude of
peak signal amplitudes must remain constant within 10 % FSH
Between 10 and 20 % and No Recorded IndicationsIn the
for the number of successive runs specified in an approved
case of a recorded examination wherein the signal amplitude
examination procedure (a minimum of six is suggested) or, if
from any notch in the rerun reference standard has decreased
another defect alarm device is used, it shall provide consistent
operation for the specified number of runs. If indexed axial from the average value of the initially recorded amplitudes by
scanning is used, the same stability verification procedure and more than 10 % but less than 20 %, no rerun of parts is
criteria shall apply. required after restandardizing if, since the last satisfactory
standardization check, there were no recorded unrejected
A1.7 Additional Mandatory Procedure Requirements signal indications that were greater than 50 % of the average
A1.7.1 Standardization ChecksPeriodically check the amplitude of the initially recorded signals. However, restan-
standardization of the equipment by passing the reference dardization shall be performed to bring the signal amplitude to
standard through the examination system. Make these checks within 10 % of the average of the initially recorded values

--`,`,,,`,``````,`,,`,`,,,``,,`,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
prior to any examination run, prior to equipment shutdown before examination is resumed.
after an examination run, and at least every hour during A1.7.5 Decrease of Recorded Notch Signal Amplitude of
continuous equipment operation. Restandardize and reexamine Over 20 % or of Between 10 and 20 % With IndicationsIf the
the material if necessary, in accordance with the following rerun recorded value is less than the average of the initial
procedures, unless otherwise specified by the contracting recorded amplitudes by more than 20 %, or if the decrease is
agency. between 10 % and 20 % and there are unrejected indications of
A1.7.2 RestandardizationIf any notch in the reference greater than 50 % of the average initial standardization
standard fails to actuate an alarm, or, where defect analysis is amplitude, the entire lot of material examined since the last
made from a strip chart recording of signal amplitudes, if the satisfactory standardization check shall be reexamined after
deviation from the recorded amplitude of the initial standard- restandardization.
ization signal exceeds 10 % of that amplitude, portions of the A1.7.6 Increase of Recorded Notch Signal AmplitudeIf
static and dynamic standardization procedures of A1.6 shall be any recorded notch signal amplitude is found to have increased
repeated until satisfactory operation is obtained. Then the by more than 10 % above the average of the initially recorded
following steps shall be taken, depending upon the nature of values, restandardization shall be performed to bring the signal
the failure. level to within that range. If the increase is between 10 % and
A1.7.3 Failure of Alarm ActuationWhen alarm actuation 20 % no rerun of material is required. If the increase is greater
is the only defect indication used, if a notch in the reference than 20 %, and there have been indications rejected since the
standard fails to actuate the flaw alarm during a standardization last satisfactory standardization check, the entire lot of material
check, all lengths of material run since the last satisfactory run since the last standardization check shall be reexamined.

A2. RESTRICTION ON THE SELECTION OF SCAN PITCH

A2.1 Determination of Scan PitchThe helical scan pitch, I wc 5 $ N1B 2 P % /2

however generated, must not exceed the absolute difference A2.1.2 The length of the best case random interception of
between the length of the longitudinal reference notches and the notch by the beam is equal either to N or B, depending
the effective length of the search unit beam. This requirement on which is longer. The fractional percentage change in notch
may be stated as: interception length, and therefore signal amplitude, between
P# N2B ? ? worst and best interceptions may be obtained by dividing Iwc
where: by either N (if B is longer) or by B (if N is longer);
that is:
N 5 Notch Length
I wc/N 5 1/21 $ B 2 P % /2N
B 5 Beam Length
or
A2.1.1 This restriction arises from consideration of the
worst case interception of the longitudinal notch (and there- I wc/B 5 1/21 ~ N 2 P ! /2B
fore defects of that length) by the search unit beam, regardless A2.1.3 It is seen from these equations that if the pitch is
of the random initial location of the notch with respect to the equal to either the beam length (if it is greater than N) or to the
scan pattern. The actual length of the worst case interception notch length (if it is greater than B), the percentage change
may be represented by: between best and worst case random interceptions of the notch

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by the beam will be 0.5 or 6 dB. No acceptable standardization interception is 1.0. This indicates no signal variation due to
repeatability can be provided in that case. However, if P = N - random alignment and is the prescribed condition for maxi-
B is substituted in the first of the above equations, or P = B - mum pitch if invariant notch detection is to be assured.
N is substituted in the second, the ratio of worst to best case

REFERENCES

--`,`,,,`,``````,`,,`,`,,,``,,`,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
(1) Bar-Cohen, Y., Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing, Nondestructive (4) Beck, K.H., Ultrasonic Refraction Angles for Inspection Throughout
Testing Handbook , 2nd Ed., Vol. 7, pp 220,221, 1991, Am. Soc. for the Total Wall Thickness of Tubes and Pipes, Materials Evaluation,
Nondestructive Testing, Columbus, Ohio. Vol. 51, No. 5, May 1993, pp 607-612, ASNT.
(2) Ensminger, D., Ultrasonics - Fundamentals, Technology, (5) Toth, J.M., and B.J. Ross, The Involute Search Unit-A New Concept
Applications, 2nd Ed., p 296, 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc. N.Y. and in the Ultrasonic Inspection of Pipe, Materials Evaluation, Vol. 39,
Basel. No. 9, Aug. 1981, pp 828-833.
(3) Beck, K.H., Ultrasonic Transducer Focusing for Inspection of
Cylindrical Material, Materials Evaluation, Vol.49, No. 7, July 1991,
pp 876 - 882, ASNT.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee E07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E21309)
that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Deleted MIL-STD-410 from Section 2. (2) Added ISO 9712 to 2 and 7.1.

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in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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