This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: E213 − 20

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
2
1.1 This practice covers a procedure for detecting discon- safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tinuities in metal pipe and tubing during a volumetric exami- responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
nation using ultrasonic methods. Specific techniques of the priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ultrasonic method to which this practice applies include mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
pulse-reflection techniques, both contact and non-contact (for 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
example, as described in Guide E1774 and Practice E1816), dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
and angle beam immersion techniques, both conventional and ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
phased array. Artificial reflectors consisting of longitudinal, Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
and, when specified by the using party or parties, transverse mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
reference notches placed on the surfaces of a reference Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
standard are employed as the primary means of standardizing 2. Referenced Documents
the ultrasonic system.
2.1 ASTM Standards:3
1.2 This practice is intended for use with tubular products E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
having outside diameters approximately 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) and Testing
larger, provided that the examination parameters comply with E1065 Practice for Evaluating Characteristics of Ultrasonic
and satisfy the requirements of Section 12. These procedures Search Units
have been successful with smaller sizes. These may be speci- E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
fied upon contractual agreement between the using parties. E1774 Guide for Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers
These procedures are intended to ensure that proper beam (EMATs)
angles and beam shapes are used to provide full volume E1816 Practice for Measuring thickness by Pulse-Echo Elec-
coverage of pipes and tubes, including those with low ratios of tromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) Methods
outside diameter-to-wall thickness, and to avoid spurious 2.2 ASNT Documents:4
signal responses when examining small-diameter, thin-wall Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A for Nondestructive
tubes. Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
1.3 The procedure in Annex A1 is applicable to pipe and ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certifi-
tubing used in nuclear and other special and safety applica- cation of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
tions. The procedure in Annex A2 may be used to determine 2.3 ISO Standard:5
the helical scan pitch. ISO 9712 Non-destructive Testing— Qualification and Cer-
1.4 This practice does not establish acceptance criteria; they tification of NDT Personnel
must be specified by the using party or parties. 2.4 AIA Document:6
NAS 410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
1.5 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be Testing Personnel
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
3
information only and are not considered standard. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde- the ASTM website.
4
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.06 on Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box
Ultrasonic Method. 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
5
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2020. Published January 2020. Originally Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E213 – 14ε1. DOI: Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
10.1520/E0213-20. Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
2 6
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Practice Available from Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd.,
SE-213 in the Code. Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.aia-aerospace.org.

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

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 E213 − 20
3. Terminology 5. Significance and Use
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this 5.1 The purpose of this practice is to outline a procedure for
practice, see Terminology E1316. detecting and locating significant discontinuities such as pits,
voids, inclusions, cracks, splits, etc., by the ultrasonic pulse-
4. Summary of Practice reflection method.
4.1 A pulsed ultrasonic angle beam by means of non-
contact, surface contact, or immersion method shall be used. 6. Basis of Application
Fig. 1 illustrates the characteristic ultrasonic angle beam entry 6.1 The following are items that must be decided upon by
into the wall of a pipe or tube in the circumferential direction the using party or parties.
to detect longitudinal discontinuities using a single search unit. 6.1.1 Size and type of pipe or tubing to be examined.
Fig. 2 illustrates the characteristic angle beam ultrasound entry 6.1.2 Additional scanning for transverse discontinuities.
into the wall of a pipe or tube in the axial direction to search 6.1.3 Items that affect examination coverage may also be
for transverse discontinuities using a single search unit. specified such as scan overlap, pulse density, and maximum
NOTE 1—The immersion method may include tanks, wheel search units, search unit size.
or systems that use streams or columns of liquid to couple the ultrasonic 6.1.4 The stage(s) in the manufacturing process at which the
energy from the search unit to the material. material will be examined.
4.2 To ensure detection of discontinuities that may not 6.1.5 Surface condition.
provide a favorable response from one side, scanning shall be 6.1.6 Maximum time interval between equipment standard-
performed in both circumferential directions for longitudinal ization checks, if different from that described in 13.2, and the
discontinuities and when an axial scan is specified by the using tolerance to be applied to a standardization check.
party or parties, in both axial directions for transverse discon- 6.1.7 Type, dimensions, location, method of manufacture,
tinuities. and number of artificial reflectors to be placed on the reference
4.3 For efficient examination of large quantities of material, standard.
multiple search units and instruments may be used simultane- 6.1.8 Method(s) for measuring dimensions of artificial re-
ously to perform scanning in the required directions. Multiple flectors and tolerance limits if different than specified in
search units may be employed for “interlaced” scanning in Section 11.
each required direction to enable higher examination rates to be 6.1.9 Method(s) for measuring side versus side acoustic
achieved through higher allowable scan index or “pitch.” response of reference notches and tolerance limits.

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

2
 E213 − 20

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

6.1.10 Criteria for reportable and rejectable indications tion procedure described in Section 12. An independent chan-
(acceptance criteria). nel (or channels) of instrumentation shall be employed to
6.1.11 Reexamination of repaired/reworked items, if re- individually monitor the responses from the longitudinal and,
quired or permitted, shall be specified in the contractual when required, transverse oriented search units. The instrument
agreement. pulse repetition rate per channel shall be capable of being
6.1.12 Requirements for permanent records of the response adjusted to a sufficiently high value to ensure notch detection at
from each tube, if applicable. the scanning rate employed. The instrument shall be capable of
6.1.13 Contents of examination report. this pulse repetition rate without false indications due to
6.1.14 Operator qualifications and certification, if required. spurious reflections or interference from other instruments and
6.1.15 Qualification of Nondestructive Agencies. If speci- search units being used for simultaneous examinations in other
fied in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be directions or along other scan paths.
qualified and evaluated as described in Specification E543. The 9.1.1 The frequency and bandwidth of the instrument and
applicable edition of Specification E543 shall be specified in search unit shall be capable of being selected to produce a
the contractual agreement. satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio for the detection of the re-
6.1.16 Level of personnel qualification. (See 7.1.) quired notches as compared to background “noise” response
from irregularities such as grain boundaries and surface rough-
7. Personnel Qualification ness.
7.1 If specified in the contractual agreement, personnel
9.2 Search unit frequency shall be selected to produce a
performing examinations to this standard shall be qualified in
desirable “signal-to-noise” ratio (S/N), from the material to be
accordance with a nationally recognized NDT personnel quali-
examined, at the specified sensitivity. A S/N value of at least 3
fication practice or standard such as ANSI/ASNT CP-189,
to 1 is usually considered to be minimum. A higher minimum
SNT-TC-1A, ISO 9712, NAS 410, or a similar document and
value is desirable and may be specified by the contracting
certified by the employer or certifying agency, as applicable.
agency.
The practice or standard used and its applicable revision shall
be identified in the contractual agreement between the using 9.2.1 Select a search unit size, frequency, and refracted
parties. angle (or corresponding parameters for non-contact tech-
niques) to produce an approximate 45 degrees beam-center
8. Surface Condition shear wave in the tube or pipe wall. For material with an
outside diameter-to-thickness ratio less than 7, a lower re-
8.1 All surfaces shall be clean and free of scale, dirt, grease,
fracted angle (or corresponding parameters for non-contact
paint, or other foreign material that could interfere with
techniques) must be used to ensure intersection with the inside
interpretation of examination results. The methods used for
surface. This does not ensure detection of midwall disconti-
cleaning and preparing the surfaces for ultrasonic examination
nuities (See Ref (1)).
shall not be detrimental to the base metal or the surface finish.
Excessive surface roughness or scratches can produce signals 9.2.2 For contact systems, the curvature of the contact
that interfere with the examination. mechanism should match the tube outside diameter.
9.3 The positions of all conveyor and drive mechanisms
9. Apparatus must be set to support and feed the material to be examined in
9.1 Instruments shall be of the pulse echo type and shall be a stable manner and at the desired scan “pitch” (helix). For
capable of detecting the reference notches of the types de- small tubes, support mechanisms must be used in the exami-
scribed in Section 11 to the extent required in the standardiza- nation station to prevent any transverse motion with respect to

3
 E213 − 20
the search unit beam during scanning. If larger material that is 11.3 Reference notches shall be separated sufficiently (cir-
not straight is to be examined, the search units may have to be cumferentially or axially, or both) to preclude interference and
supported in a “follower” mechanism to compensate for this. interpretation difficulties.
11.4 All upset metal, burrs, etc., adjacent to the reference
10. Couplant
notches shall be removed.
10.1 For piezoelectric-based search units (non-contact tech-
11.5 The notch dimensions and tolerances, which are length,
niques do not require couplant), a couplant such as water, oil,
depth, and width (and for V-notches, the included angle) must
or glycerin, capable of conducting ultrasonic vibrations be-
be decided upon by the using party or parties, unless specified
tween the search unit and the pipe or tube being examined shall
otherwise by the product specification. Fig. 3 illustrates the
be used. Rust inhibitors, softeners, and wetting agents may be
common notch configurations and the dimensions to be mea-
added to the couplant. The couplant liquid with all the
sured (Note 3). Reflection amplitudes from V-, square-, and
additives shall not be detrimental to the surface condition of the
U-shaped notches of comparable dimensions may vary widely
pipe or tube, and shall wet the surface of the material to
depending on the angle, frequency, and vibrational mode of the
provide adequate coupling efficiency. To prevent spurious
interrogating sound beam.
signals or loss of sensitivity, or both, care must be taken to
avoid the presence of air bubbles in the couplant. For contact, NOTE 3—In Fig. 3 (a), ( b), and (d), the sharp corners are for ease of
squirter, or wheel-type systems, the equipment may use ultra- illustration. It is recognized that in normal machining practice, a radius
sonic or other means/techniques to monitor the coupling to will be generated.
ensure uninterrupted examination. 11.5.1 The notch depth shall be an average measured from
NOTE 2—In the contact method, some couplants result in better the circular tubing surface to the maximum and minimum
ultrasonic transmission when the tubing is precoated several hours before penetration of the notch. Measurements may be made by
the examination. optical, replicating, or other agreed upon techniques. Unless
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
11.1 A reference standard of a convenient length (see A1.4) value for notches 0.005 in. (0.13 mm) or less in depth, and
shall be prepared from a length of pipe or tube of the same within + 10, − 15 % of the specified value for notches over
nominal diameter, wall thickness, material, surface finish, and 0.005 in. in depth. At the option of the testing agency,
acoustical properties as the material to be examined. The shallower notches may be used to provide a more stringent
reference pipe or tube shall be free of discontinuities or other examination.
conditions producing indications that can interfere with detec- NOTE 4—For as-rolled or scaly pipe or tube surfaces, it may be
tion of the reference notches. necessary to modify 11.5.1. Two acceptable modifications are listed
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
ensure satisfactory examination sensitivity near each of these (b) The notch depth shall be within ±0.002 in. (0.051 mm), or + 10, − 15 %
boundaries. of the specified depth, whichever is greater.

FIG. 3 Common Notch Shapes

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 E213 − 20
11.5.2 When notch tolerances are specified by the using 13.2 Standardization Checks—Periodically check the dy-
party or parties, tolerances may often include only negative namic standardization of the equipment by passing the refer-
values with zero positive deviation allowed so that sensitivity ence standard through the examination system in accordance
is never reduced below a specified minimum value. The use of with 12.2. Make these checks prior to any examination run,
smaller notches by the examination agency is permissible, prior to equipment shutdown after an examination run, and at
provided that concurrence is obtained from the contracting least every four hours during continuous equipment operation.
agency. Restandardize the equipment in accordance with 12.1 and 12.2
any time the equipment fails to produce the signal amplitudes
NOTE 5—The amplitude of indications obtained from reference notches
may not be linearly proportional to notch depth. This depends upon the or other conditions for rejection within the tolerances agreed
transducer beam profile as well as the intercepting beam width to notch upon with the contracting agency or the product manufactur-
length. er’s procedure. In the event that the equipment does not meet
11.5.3 The width of the notches shall be as small as this requirement, reexamine all pipe or tubing examined since
practical, but should not exceed twice the depth. the last acceptable standardization after restandardization has
been accomplished.
11.6 Other types and orientations of reference reflectors
13.2.1 When required by the purchaser, more specific re-
may be specified by the using party or parties.
standardization criteria may be specified.
12. Standardization of Apparatus 13.3 For many tubular sizes and examination arrangements,
12.1 Static Standardization—Using the reference standard there will be a reflection from the entry surface of the pipe or
specified in Section 11, adjust the equipment to produce clearly tube. This signal may be observed, but not gated for evaluation
identifiable indications from both the inner and outer surface purposes, as a supplement to the required checking of the
notches. The response from the inner and outer surface notches reference standard to provide increased assurance that the
should be as nearly equal as possible. Use the lesser of the two equipment is functioning properly. If such a signal does not
responses to establish the rejection level. On large diameter or exist, make more frequent equipment standardization checks.
heavy wall pipe and tubing, if the inner and outer surface notch 13.4 Do not make any equipment adjustments, during
amplitude cannot be made equal because of material soundpath examination, unless the complete standardization procedure
distance and inside diameter curvature, a separate rejection described in Section 12 is performed after any such adjustment.
level or gain may be established for the inner and outer surface
13.5 The examination shall be applied to 100 % of the pipe
notches.
or tubing unless otherwise specified.
NOTE 6—Distance-Amplitude Correction— A method of compensating
for the reduction in ultrasonic signal amplitude as a function of material NOTE 8—Some traversing mechanisms do not allow examination of
sound-path distance may be employed. Details of the procedures used to pipe or tube ends. When this condition exists, clearly indicate the extent
establish and apply the distance-amplitude correction (DAC) curve shall of this effect, per tube, in the examination report.
be established by the using party or parties.
14. Interpretation of Results
12.2 Dynamic Standardization—Standardize the equipment
under dynamic conditions that simulate the production exami- 14.1 All indications that are equal to or greater than the
nation. The pipe or tubing to be examined and the search unit rejection level established during standardization as described
assembly shall have a rotating translating motion relative to in Section 12, using the agreed upon reference indicators
each other such that a helical scan path will be described on the described in 11.5, shall be considered as representing defects
outer surface of the pipe or tube. Maintain the speed of rotation and may be cause for rejection of the pipe or tube.
and translation constant within 610 %. Axial scanning with Alternatively, the using party or parties may specify specific
circumferential indexing may be used to provide equivalent acceptance criteria or other means (manual or semi-automated
coverage. techniques) to further evaluate the indication to determine its
acceptability.
12.3 The pitch of the feed helix shall be small enough to
ensure at least 100 % coverage at the examination distance and 14.2 If, upon further examination of the pipe or tube, no
sensitivity established during standardization. Coverage shall rejectable indications are detected, the material shall be con-
be based upon the maximum effective size of the search unit, sidered as having passed the ultrasonic examination, except as
the pulse density for each instrument channel, and the helix. noted in 13.2.
NOTE 9—Rejected pipe or tubes may be reworked in a manner
13. Procedure acceptable to the purchaser. If, upon ultrasonic reexamination of the
13.1 Examine the pipe or tubing with the ultrasound trans- reworked pipe or tube, no rejectable indications are detected, the material
should be considered as having passed the ultrasonic examination.
mitted in both circumferential directions for longitudinal dis- NOTE 10—Care should be exercised to ensure that reworking a pipe or
continuities and, when specified, in both axial directions for tube does not change its acceptability with respect to other requirements
transverse discontinuities, under identical conditions used for of the material specification such as wall thickness, ovality, surface finish,
equipment standardization (see Note 7). length, and the like.

NOTE 7—Identical conditions include all instrument settings, mechani- 15. Documentation
cal motions, search unit position and alignment relative to the pipe or tube,
liquid couplant, and any other factors that affect the performance of the 15.1 When a report is required, it shall contain such
examination. information as is mutually considered adequate to document

5
 E213 − 20
that the examination of the pipe or tubes supplied meets the 15.2.1 Identification of the material by type, size, lot, heat
requirements of this practice, and any modifications specified treatment, and any other pertinent information.
in the contractual agreement. 15.2.2 Identification of the examination equipment and
15.2 When a “third party” examination is required, as might accessories.
be performed by an independent examination facility, and to 15.2.3 Details of the examination technique, including ex-
the extent specified in the contractual agreement, a permanent amination speed, examination frequency, and end effects if any.
record containing objective evidence of the examination results
15.2.4 Description of the reference standard, including the
shall be obtained for pipe or tube examined. This may be in the
actual (measured) dimensions of the artificial reference reflec-
form of a strip chart recording or computerized data of the
ultrasonic instrument output during the examination. It shall tors.
contain recordings of all standardizations and standardization 15.2.5 Description of the distance-amplitude correction
checks and should be annotated to provide a positive correla- procedure, if used.
tion between examination record for each reject pipe or tube 15.2.6 Examination results.
and the corresponding pipe or tube. The supplier shall maintain
a report of the examination on file. When requested by the 16. Keywords
customer, a report of the examination shall be submitted to the
16.1 angle beam; nondestructive examination; pipe; tubing;
customer. The report shall include at least the following
ultrasonic examination
information:

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

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

A1.1 Introduction—When the end use of pipe or tubing A1.3 Additional Apparatus Requirements
depends critically upon freedom from discontinuities over a A1.3.1 Although contact search units may be used for small
certain maximum size, certain additional ultrasonic examina- quantity and field examinations of pipes and tubes, cylindri-
tion procedures are required to assure that the required quality cally (line) focused immersion search units are preferred for
standards are met. The immersion method is almost always critical examinations and for larger quantities (See Refs (2),
required for examining tubes for these uses. In some instances, (3), and (4)). Search unit element size and focused beam length
such as field examination or where part contact with water is shall be suitable for achieving reliable detection of defects
undesirable, the contact method, or non-contact technique, for equivalent in size to the reference notches at the scanning pitch
instance as described in Guide E1774, may be employed. or index used. When examination of heavy-wall pipes and
A1.1.1 This practice is intended for use with tubular prod- tubes is required, the focal length, refraction angle, and
ucts of any diameter and wall thickness, provided that proper included beam angle of focused search units shall be suitable
procedures, as described herein, are followed. These proce- for complete through-wall coverage (See (1)).
dures are intended to ensure that proper refraction angles and A1.3.2 The beam length of the search unit in the wall
beam shapes are used to provide full volume coverage of pipes material must be either longer or shorter than the length of
and tubes, including those with low ratios of outside diameter- longitudinal notches in the reference standard, by an amount
to-wall thickness, and to avoid spurious signal responses when that is no less than the “pitch” (linear advance per revolution)
examining small-diameter, thin-wall tubes. of the helical scan path (see A2.1). This is necessary to ensure
detection of discontinuities that are as long as the notches in
A1.2 Summary of Practice—Pulsed ultrasonic angle beams spite of their random locations with respect to the scan path,
by either the surface contact or immersion method shall be (See Annex A2).
used. Fig. A1.1 illustrates characteristic angle beam ultrasound
entry into the wall of a pipe or tube in the circumferential A1.3.3 The focal length of a focused immersion search unit
direction to detect longitudinal defects and in the axial direc- should equal the pipe or tube radius plus a convenient water
tion to detect transverse defects, when required. The incident path length so that it may be focused on the pipe or tube
and refracted beams in these cases are pictured as being centerline (See (4)).
generated by a cylindrically focused immersion search unit. In A1.3.4 The angle of the central beam of the search unit,
pipes and tubes with diameters several times larger than the with respect to a perpendicular to the tangent to the surface at
length of a contact search unit, the general beam shapes are the point of beam incidence, shall be adjusted to produce a
approximately the same. suitable refraction angle in the pipe or tube wall to provide

6
 E213 − 20

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

complete coverage of the pipe or tube wall thickness (See (1)). of no less than about 10 to 1. For many materials, a 45 degree
A refraction angle of 45 degrees is typically used when refraction angle may be achieved with a beam incidence angle
examining pipe or tubes with a diameter-to-wall thickness ratio of about 18 to 19 degrees. This may be achieved in the

7
 E213 − 20
immersion method by parallel offsetting the beam centerline (c) With a given search unit wedge it is impossible to vary
from a perpendicular to a tangent of the surface by a distance the incident angle to achieve good balance of the signals from
equal to 1⁄6 of the outside diameter of the pipe or tube. This is outer surface and inner surface notch targets or to lower the
often a convenient initial adjustment during system standard- incidence angle to obtain good through-wall coverage on
ization. thick-wall pipe or tubes;
(d) Maintenance problems may result from wear of the
A1.4 Additional Reference Standard Requirements search unit face plates; and,
A1.4.1 Outer surface and inner surface longitudinal refer- (e) When manual scanning is employed, it is difficult to
ence notches may be placed near one end of the reference ensure that total surface coverage or any prescribed amount of
standard separated by a sufficient distance from each other and scan overlap has been achieved.
from the end to preclude interference and interpretation A1.5.3 When contact examination is performed, the follow-
difficulties, but close enough to each other to minimize the time ing selection and standardization procedure shall be used
required in scanning from one to other to achieve good signal unless an alternate procedure is approved by the contracting
balance during set-up. For ease of fabrication, the inner surface agency.
notch should be nearer the end of the pipe or tube. For practical
(a) Select a search unit size, frequency and wedge angle
reasons, the reference standard may have adjacent support pipe
and shape to produce an approximately 45 degree beam-center
sections welded at each end provided those support sections are
shear wave in the tube or pipe wall. If it is determined that a
welded concentric with the reference standard on the same pipe
lower refraction angle would be beneficial, a wedge to produce
axis and all outside welding protuberances are removed. When
that angle may be used.
required, transverse outer surface and inner surface reference
(b) Apply the search unit, with a suitable film of couplant,
notches are typically placed in the same manner near the
to the surface of the reference standard in the vicinity of the
opposite end of the reference standard from the longitudinal
longitudinal reference notches. Direct the search unit beam in
notches. Although not mandatory, this practice enables all
one circumferential direction.
notches to be placed far enough from the ends to insure good
(c) While carefully maintaining uninterrupted coupling and
support of the material end nearest the search unit(s) during
constant pressure on the search unit, move it toward and away
set-up, and the inner surface notches to be near ends to
from the outer surface longitudinal notch to achieve the
facilitate insertion of the fabrication and verification means.
maximum signal response from it by a beam reflection from the
This procedure becomes less critical for material of larger
inner surface which is beyond the interface signal on the
diameters and stiffness.
display screen of the instrument. Adjust the gain control to set
A1.5 Static Standardization—Using the reference standard the peak response at this reflection location (node) to 80 % of
specified in Section 11, adjust the equipment to produce clearly full screen height (FSH).
identifiable indications from both the inner and outer surface (d) Without changing the gain control setting from that
notches. The relative responses from both the inner and outer determined in Step (c) above, move the search unit to the
surface notches should be as nearly equal as possible and vicinity of the inner surface longitudinal notch and repeat the
practical. Some differences in this procedure are required, as scanning procedure until the signal from that notch, at a node
described below, depending upon whether the contact or adjacent to that used for the outer surface notch signal, is
immersion technique is employed. maximum. Record the peak amplitude of the signal from the
inner surface notch. If this signal is higher than 80 % FSH,
A1.5.1 Set the positions of all conveyor and drive mecha-
lower the gain to bring it to 80 % FSH and move again to the
nisms to support and feed the material to be examined in a
outer surface notch and record its peak amplitude at the new
stable manner and at the desired scan “pitch,” considering
gain setting. The relative response from the inner and outer
conditions for achieving satisfactory “worst case interception”
surface notches shall be as nearly equal as possible by selection
and required scan path overlap. (See Annex A2.)
of the pair of adjacent inner surface and outer surface notch
A1.5.2 Contact Examination Technique—For field signal nodes are observed. Use the lesser of the two responses
examination, or in other cases where immersion examination is to establish the rejection level. On large-diameter or heavy-
not practical, the contact technique may be employed. It is wall pipe and tubing, if the inner and outer surface notch signal
important to note however that it is more difficult to obtain amplitudes cannot be equalized because of material sound path
repeatable and accurate results with this technique because distance and inside diameter curvature, a separate rejection
(See (2)): level may be established for the inner and outer surface
(a) It is difficult to maintain uniform sensitivity during notches, or, in this case, DAC may be used to balance the
scanning due to lack of constant pressure on the search unit and signal amplitudes from the outer surface and inner surface
inconsistent couplant coverage; notches.
(b) Unless special “involute” (5), or similar, search units (e) Repeat steps (a) through (d) while scanning from the
are used it is impossible to obtain the primary benefit of opposite circumferential direction.
focusing which is the uniformity of sensitivity versus thickness (f) Repeat the above steps while scanning in both axial
which results from the production of constant refraction angles directions if detection of transverse notches and discontinuities
throughout the width of the beam; is required by the user or contracting agency.

8
 E213 − 20
A1.5.4 Immersion Examination Technique—This is the pre- amplitude should decrease and increase as successive reflec-
ferred technique whenever practical (2). Any of the apparatus tions of the beam from the inner and outer surfaces intersect the
types listed in Note 1 (4.1) may be used for this purpose. The outer surface notch as it moves to various node positions away
following selection and standardization procedure shall be used from the search unit. Select a convenient node well away from
unless an alternative is approved by the contracting agency. the “direct-in” intersection of the beam on the outer surface
A1.5.5 Using the guidelines listed below, select a cylindri- notch (which coincides with the position of the interface
cally focused (line focused) search unit (3) of appropriate signal). Adjust the gain to set the amplitude of the signal at
frequency, beam length, and focal length for the material to be 80 % FSH and note its horizontal position on the display.
examined and to the sensitivity level (notch sizes) specified by NOTE A1.1—Alternatively, set-up on the inner surface notch may be
the user or contracting agency. In cases where the type of performed before set-up on the outer surface notch, as described in step
examination, material dimensions, or other properties make the (h) above. This inner surface notch signal must be well beyond the
use of spherically or flat focused search units more appropriate, direct-in signal from the outer surface notch. The outer surface notch
signal subsequently used for standardization should then be from the node
either of these types may be used in place of cylindrically
immediately beyond the inner surface notch signal to obtain the best
focused units. condition for attempting to equalize both gated signals in the following
(a) The frequency shall be selected to produce a desirable step (i).
signal-to-“noise” ratio (S/N) from the material to be examined (i) Move the reference standard to center the inner surface
at the specified sensitivity. A S/N value of at least 3 to 1 is notch in the beam. Rotate the pipe or tube as for the outer
usually considered to be a minimum. A higher minimum value surface notch and note the amplitude of the inner surface notch
is desirable and may be specified by the contracting agency. signal that appears just before the selected outer surface notch
(b) The focal length must be equal to the pipe or tube signal.
radius plus a convenient waterpath length so that the search (j) Make small adjustments to the offset (or angulation) and
unit may be focused on the central axis of the pipe or tube after to the water path length while alternately observing and
normalization (4). For very large-diameter material where this attempting to equalize the outer surface and preceding inner
requirement is found to be impractical, search units of other surface notch signal amplitudes. Set the higher of the two
focal lengths or unfocused units may be used. signals to 80 % FSH and use the lesser of the two signals to
(c) The beam width, as measured between -3 dB points on establish the rejection level. Set the position and duration of the
a pulse-echo profile as described in Practice E1065, must be instrument alarm gate to include both of these signals. For
either longer or shorter than the length of the longitudinal examinations that require stopping and evaluating or marking
notches in the reference standard by the amount of the scan all relevant indications, or both, set the alarm activation
pitch to be employed. This is necessary to ensure consistent threshold at 40 % FSH. Record all search unit position settings,
“worst case” interception of discontinuities that are as long as instrument control settings, and standardization signal levels
the notches in spite of their random location with respect to the on an examination record sheet.
scan path. (See Annex A2.) (k) Repeat the above steps while scanning in the opposite
(d) Position the search unit so that the length of its focused circumferential direction.
beam is aligned with the long axis of the pipe or tube. (l) When axial scanning for transverse indications is
(e) With the water path length adjusted to focus the beam required, repeat the above steps with the search unit angled in
approximately on the outer surface of the pipe or tube, first one, then the other axial direction and using translation
normalize the search unit by adjusting its angulation and offset
rather than rotation of the reference standard to select response
to peak its response from the surface.
nodes from outer surface and inner surface notches.
(f) Change the water path so that it is equal to the focal
length of the search unit minus the radius of the tube. Readjust A1.6 Dynamic Standardization—Standardize the equipment
the angulation and offset if necessary to renormalize by under dynamic conditions that simulate the production exami-
repeaking the interface signal. nation. The pipe or tubing to be examined and the search unit
(g) Offset the search unit in a direction that is parallel to its assembly shall have a rotating translating motion relative to
centerline and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube each other such that a helical scan path will be described on the
by the amount required to establish a beam-center incidence outer surface of the pipe or tube. Maintain the speed of rotation
angle that will produce the desired refraction angle in one and translation constant within 610 %. Axial scanning with
circumferential direction in the tube wall. (For many materials, circumferential indexing may be used, especially on larger
a satisfactory initial offset distance is 1⁄6 of the tube diameter.) material, to provide equivalent coverage. A method for achiev-
For thick-wall tubes a lower refraction angle may be required ing the required conditions is described below.
for examination of the entire thickness (1). Alternatively, the
search unit may be angulated in a plane perpendicular to the A1.6.1 The pitch of feed helix shall be small enough to
tube axis to produce the incidence angle. ensure 100 % coverage at the examination distance and sensi-
(h) Move the reference standard to center the outer-surface tivity established during static standardization per A1.5. Annex
notch in the search unit beam. Rotate the tube without A2 describes how maximum allowable pitch for stable detec-
translation (that is, without motion along its longitudinal axis) tion may be determined from the length of the longitudinal
and observe on the instrument display screen the motion of the reference notches and the minimum beam length of the search
notch signal away from any residual interface signal. The units.

9
 E213 − 20
A1.6.2 A preferred method for dynamic scanning, appli- A1.7.3 Failure of Alarm Actuation—When alarm actuation
cable to all diameters but especially for smaller diameter is the only defect indication used, if a notch in the reference
material, for example, less than 4 in. (100 mm) in diameter, is standard fails to actuate the flaw alarm during a standardization
for the examination system to produce a rotating and translat- check, all lengths of material run since the last satisfactory
ing relative motion between the pipe or tubing being examined standardization check shall be reexamined after the system has
and the search unit(s). Run the reference standard with random been successfully restandardized.
initial translational and angular orientation through the exami-
nation station at full speed and scan pitch and observe, during A1.7.4 Decrease of Recorded Notch Signal Amplitude of
multiple runs of the standard, the stability of the gated alarm Between 10 and 20 % and No Recorded Indications—In the
signals from all notches in the reference standard on a case of a recorded examination wherein the signal amplitude
strip-chart recorder or other means for observing signal ampli- from any notch in the rerun reference standard has decreased
tude stability or alarm function. In the absence of an alternate from the average value of the initially recorded amplitudes by
procedure approved by the contracting agency, the peak signal more than 10 % but less than 20 %, no rerun of parts is
amplitudes must remain constant within 10 % FSH for the required after restandardizing if, since the last satisfactory
number of successive runs specified in an approved examina- standardization check, there were no recorded unrejected
tion procedure (a minimum of six is suggested) or, if another signal indications that were greater than 50 % of the average
defect alarm device is used, it shall provide consistent opera- amplitude of the initially recorded signals. However, restan-
tion for the specified number of runs. If indexed axial scanning dardization shall be performed to bring the signal amplitude to
is used, the same stability verification procedure and criteria within 10 % of the average of the initially recorded values
shall apply. before examination is resumed.

A1.7 Additional Mandatory Procedure Requirements A1.7.5 Decrease of Recorded Notch Signal Amplitude of
Over 20 % or of Between 10 and 20 % With Indications—If the
A1.7.1 Standardization Checks—Periodically check the
rerun recorded value is less than the average of the initial
standardization of the equipment by passing the reference
recorded amplitudes by more than 20 %, or if the decrease is
standard through the examination system. Make these checks
between 10 % and 20 % and there are unrejected indications of
prior to any examination run, prior to equipment shutdown
greater than 50 % of the average initial standardization
after an examination run, and at least every hour during
amplitude, the entire lot of material examined since the last
continuous equipment operation. Restandardize and reexamine
satisfactory standardization check shall be reexamined after
the material if necessary, in accordance with the following
procedures, unless otherwise specified by the contracting restandardization.
agency. A1.7.6 Increase of Recorded Notch Signal Amplitude—If
A1.7.2 Restandardization—If any notch in the reference any recorded notch signal amplitude is found to have increased
standard fails to actuate an alarm, or, where defect analysis is by more than 10 % above the average of the initially recorded
made from a strip chart recording of signal amplitudes, if the values, restandardization shall be performed to bring the signal
deviation from the recorded amplitude of the initial standard- level to within that range. If the increase is between 10 % and
ization signal exceeds 10 % of that amplitude, portions of the 20 % no rerun of material is required. If the increase is greater
static and dynamic standardization procedures of A1.6 shall be than 20 %, and there have been indications rejected since the
repeated until satisfactory operation is obtained. Then the last satisfactory standardization check, all lengths of material
following steps shall be taken, depending upon the nature of having indications rejected since the last standardization check
the failure. shall be reexamined.

A2. RESTRICTION ON THE SELECTION OF SCAN PITCH

A2.1 Determination of Scan Pitch—The helical scan pitch, A2.1.1 This restriction arises from consideration of the
however generated, must not exceed the absolute difference “worst case interception” of the longitudinal notch (and there-
between the length of the longitudinal reference notches and fore defects of that length) by the search unit beam, regardless
the effective length of the search unit beam. This requirement of the random initial location of the notch with respect to the
may be stated as: scan pattern. The actual length of the worst case interception
may be represented by:
?
P# N2B ?
where: I wc 5 $ N1B 2 P % /2

N 5 Notch Length
B 5 Beam Length

10
 E213 − 20
A2.1.2 The length of the “best case” random interception of A2.1.3 It is seen from these equations that if the pitch is
the notch by the beam is equal either to “N” or “B,” depending equal to either the beam length (if it is greater than N) or to the
on which is longer. The fractional percentage change in notch notch length (if it is greater than B), the percentage change
interception length, and therefore signal amplitude, between between best and worst case random interceptions of the notch
worst and best interceptions may be obtained by dividing Iwc by the beam will be 0.5 or 6 dB. No acceptable standardization
by either “N” (if “B” is longer) or by “B” (if “N” is longer); repeatability can be provided in that case. However, if P = N -
that is: B is substituted in the first of the above equations, or P = B -
I wc/N 5 1/21 $ B 2 P % /2N N is substituted in the second, the ratio of worst to best case
interception is 1.0. This indicates no signal variation due to
or random alignment and is the prescribed condition for maxi-
I wc/B 5 1/21 ~ N 2 P ! /2B mum pitch if “invariant” notch detection is to be assured.

REFERENCES

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

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee E07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(E213 – 14ε1) that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Added “phased array” as an option to 1.1. (7) Added clarification to Note 5, 12.1, 13.3, and 14.1.
(2) Added by agreement statement to address side to side (8) Deleted Note 8 and renumbered subsequent notes accord-
variance of notches, 6.1.9. ingly.
(3) Added “per channel” to 9.1 to add clarification for multi- (9) Added additional means for requirements for Standardiza-
channel systems. tion checks in 13.2.
(4) Added verbiage in new 9.2.2 to address the contact systems (10) Added option to add support piece to reference standards
fitting the pipe outside diameter. in A1.4.1.
(5) Added coupling monitoring to 10.1. (11) Modified A1.7.6 to only require rejected lengths to be
(6) Changed notch depth tolerance in 11.5.1b to a more re-inspected and after an increase of 20 % in notch signal
realistic value. amplitude.

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