TABLEIII-422

REQUIREMEN
A T O F DE X A M I N A T I O N
OTFS
P R O C ER
DE
U

APPENDIX III _ TIME OF FLIGHT

DIFFRACTION (TOFD) TECHNIQUE
III-4IO

SCOPE

This Mandatory Appendix describesthe requirements

to be usedfor a Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) examinationof welds.

III-420

rtt-432.1

2OO4
SECTION

III-4IO

GENERAL

Requirement
(As Applicable)
I n s t r u m e n tm a n u f a c t u r e ra n d m o d e l
I n s t r u m e n ts o f t w a r e
D i r e c t i o n sa n d e x t e n t o f s c a n n i n g
M e t h o df o r s i z i n g f f a w I e n g t h
M e t h o df o r s i z i n g f f a w h e i g h t
D a t a s a m p l i n gs p a c i n g( i n c r e a s eo n l y )

Essential Nonessential
Variable
Variable
X
X
X
X
X
X

The requirementsof Article 4 apply unless modified

by this Appendix.
lll-422

on the raw data,this shall be increasedto eight times the

nominal frequencyof the probe.

Written Procedure Requirements

Ill-422.1 Requirements. TOFD shall be performed

in accordancewith a written procedurewhich shall, as a
minimum, containtherequirementslistedin TablesT-422
andlll-422. The written procedureshallestablisha single
value, or range of values,for each requirement.
lll-422.2 Procedure Qualification. When procedure
qualification is specified,a changeof a requirementin
TablesT-422 or III-422 identifiedas an essentialvariable
shall require requalificationof the written procedureby
demonstration.A changeof a requirementidentified as
a nonessentialvariable does not require requalification
of the written procedureA
. l l c h a n g e so f e s s e n t i a o
l r
nonessentialvariables from those specified within the
written procedureshall require revision of, or an addendum to, the written procedure.

rrr-430
III-431

EQUIPMENT
InstrumentRequirements

lll-431.2 Data Display and Recording. The data display shall allow for the viewing of the unrectilied Ascan so as to position the start and length of a gate that
determinesthe extent of the A-scan time-basethat is
recorded.Equipmentshall permit storageof all gated Ascansto a magneticor optical storagemedium.Equipment
shallprovidea sectionalview of the weld with a minimum
of 64 gray scaleor color levels.(Storageofjust sectional
imageswithout the underlying A-scan RF waveformsis
not acceptable.)Computer software for TOFD displays
shall include algorithmsto linearizecursorsor the waveform time-baseto permit depthandverticalextentestimations. ln addition to storageof waveform data including
amplitudeand time-basedetails,the equipmentshall also
store positional information indicating the relative position of the waveform with respectto the adjacentwaveform(s),i.e., encodedposition.
Ill-432

III-431.1 Instrument. The instrumentshall provide a

linear "A" scan presentationfor both setting up scan
parametersand for signal analysis.Instrumentlinearity
shall be such that the accuracyof indicatedamplitudeor
time is +5Vc of the actual full-scale amplitude or time.
The ultrasonicpulser may provide excitationvoltage by
tone burst,unipolar.or bipolar squarewave. Pulsewidth
shall be tunableto allow optimizationof pulse amplitude
and duration. The bandwidth of the ultrasonic receiver
shall be at least equal to that of the nominal probe frequency and such that the -6dB bandwidth of the probe
does not fall outsideof the -6dB bandwidth of the
receiver.Receivergain control shallbe availableto adjust
signalamplitudein incrementsof l dB or less.Pre-amplifiers may be included in the system.Analog to digital
conversionof waveforms shall have sampling rates at
least four times that of the nominal frequency of the
probe.When digital signalprocessingis to be carriedout

Search Units

Illrl-432.1 General. Ultrasonic probes shall conform

[ o t h e f o l l o w i n gm i n i m u mr e q u i r e m e n t s :
(a) Two probesshall be usedin a pitch-catcharrangement (TOFD pair).
(b) Each probe in the TOFD pair shall have the same
nominal frequency.
(c) The TOFD pair shallhavethe sameelementdimensions.
(d) The pulse duration of the probe shall not exceed
2 cycles as measuredto the 20dB level below the peak
response.
(e) Probesmay be focused or unfocused.Unfocused
probesarerecommendedfor detectionandfocusedprobes
are recommendedfor improved resolutionfor sizing.
(/) Probesmay be single elementor phasedarray.
(g.) The nominal fiequency shall be from 2 MHz to
l5MHz unless variables,such as production material
5 9 I.

ARTICLE 4 -

ttt-432.1

ULTRASONICEXAMINATION METHODSFOR WELDS

ITT-434

-fI
T

W e l d T h i c k n e s si n
, . (mm)

H o l e D i a m e t e ri,n . ( m m )

U pt o I ( 2 5 )
0 v e rI ( 2 5 )t h r u 2 ( 5 0 )
O v e r2 ( 5 0 )t h r u 4 ( 1 0 0 )
Ove4
r (100)

3/r,t2.4)
t/, {3.2)
3 / r u{ 4 . 8 )
lo tol

G E N E R A LN O T E S :
( a ) H o l e ss h a l l b e d r i l l e da n d r e a m e d2 i n . ( 5 0 m m ) d e e pm i n i m u m ,e s s e n t i a l lpya r a l l e tl o t h e e x a m i n a t i o sn u r f a c e .
( h ) H o l e T o l e r a n c eT. h e t o l e r a n c eo n d i a m e t e rs h a l l b e + l t r i n . { x 0 . 8 m m ) . T h e t o l e r a n c eo n I o c a t i o nt h r o u g h t h e b l o c k t h i c k n e s ss h a l l b e
t l" in. tx 3.2 mm).
( c ) A l l h o l e ss h a l lb e l o c a t e do n t h e s a m ef a c e ( s i d e )o f t h e b l o c k a n d a l i g n e da t t h e a p p r o x i m a t ce e n t e ro f t h e f a c e ( s i d e ) .
( d ) W h e n t h e w e l d i s b r o k e nu p i n t o m u l t i p l e z o n e s ,e a c h z o n e s h a l l h a v ea T , / 4 a n d T r 3 / 4s i d e d r i l l e d h o l e ,w h e r e I , i s t h e z o n et h i c k n e s s .

FIG.III-434.2.Ih)

TOFDREFERENCE
BLOCI(

grain structure, require the use of other frequencies to

assureadequatepenetration or better resolution.

be examinedand an adequatenumber of holes exist to

comply with III-434.2.1requirements.

lll-432.2 Cladding - Search Units for Technique

One. The requirementsof T-432.2 are not applicableto
the TOFD technique.

lll-434.2.3 Block Range of Use. The requirements

of T-434.2.3 are not applicableto the TOFD technique.

lll-434

lll-434.2.4 Alternate Block. The requirements of

T-434.2.4 are not applicableto the TOFD technique.

Calibration Blocks

III-434.3 Piping Calibration Block. The requirements of T-434.3 are not applicableto the TOFD technique.

lll-434.1.1 Reflectors. Side drilled holes shall be

used to confinn adequatesensitivity settings.
lll-434.2.1 Basic Calibration Block. The basic
calibration block configuration and reflectors shall be as
shown in Fig.III-434.2.1(a). A minimum of two holes
per zone, if the weld is broken up into multiple zones,
is required.SeeFig. III-434.2.1(b)for a two zone example. The block sizeandreflectorlocationshallbe adequate
to confirm adequatesensitivity settingsfor the beam
anglesused.
lll-434.2.2 Block Thickness. The block thickness
shall be at +10Voof the nominal thicknessof the piece
to be examinedfor thicknessesup to 4 in. (100 mm) or
+0.4 in. (10 mm) for thicknessesover 4 in. (100 mm).
Alternatively, a thicker block may be utilized provided
the reference reflector size is based on the thickness to
59.2

III-434.4 Cladding Calibration Blocks. The requirements of T-434.4 are not applicableto the TOFD technique.
Ill-434

Mechanics

Mechanicalholdersshall be used to ensurethat probe

spacingis maintainedat a fixed distance.The mechanical
holders shall also ensurethat alignment to the intended
scanaxis on the examinationpiece is maintained.Probe
motion may be achievedusing motorized or manual
means and the mechanical holder for the probes shall be
equippedwith a positional encoderthat is synchronized
with the samplingof A-scans.

trr-47t.1

2OO4SECTIONV

III.46O

t-I

U p p e rz o n e

II

Lower zone

_lG E N E R ANL O T E S :
(a) 11equalsthe thickness
of the upperzone.
(b) 12equalsthe thickness
of the lowerzone.

F I GI I I - 4 3 4 . 2 . 1 ( b T
) W O - Z O NR
EE F E R E N CBEL O C IE( X A M P L E

III-460

CALIBRATION

III-463

Calibration for Nonpiping

the probesoffset by the distance(s)identified above.See

Fig. III-463.5 for an example.

III-463.1 Calibration Block. Calibrationshallbe perf o r m e d u t i l i z i n g t h e c a l i b r a t i o nb l o c k s h o w n i n F i g .

434.2.1(a)or on the material to be examined.
lll-463.2 Calibration. Set the TOFD probes on the
surface to be utilized for calibration and set the gain
control so that the lateral wave amplitude is from 407o
to 90Voof the full screenheight (FSH) and the noise
(grass)level is lessthan5-10VoFSH. This is the reference
sensitivitysetting.For multiple zone examinationswhen
the lateral wave is not displayed,or barely discernible,
setthe gain control basedsolelyon the noise(grass)level.
III-463.3 Confirmation of Sensitivity. Scanthe calibration block's SDHs with them centeredbetween the
probes,at the referencesensitivitylevel set inIII-463.2.
The SDH with the weakest responseshall display an
indication of 80Voof FSH minimum.
lll-463.4 Multiple Zone Examinations. When a
weld is broken up into multiple zones, repeat lll-463.2
and III-463.3 for eachTOFD probe pair. In addition, the
nearestSDH in the adjoining zone(s)shall be detected.
III-463.5 Width of Coverage Confirmation. Two
additional scans per III-463.3 shall be made with the
probesoffset to either side of the applicablezone's weld
edge +'f in. (13 mm). If all the required holes are not
detected, two additional offset scans are required with

III-463.6 Encoder. Encoders shall be calibrated per

the manufacturer'srecommendationsand confirmed by
moving a minimum distance of 20 in. (500 mm) and
the displayeddistancebeing +lqo of the actual distance
moved.
lll-464

Calibration for Piping

The requirementsof T-464 are not applicableto the

TOFD technique.
III-465

Calibration for Cladding

The requirements of T-465 are not applicable to the

TOFD technique.
Ill-467

Encoder Confirmation

A calibrationcheck shall be performedat intervalsnot

to exceedone month or prior to first usethereafter,made
by moving the encoderalong a minimum distanceof 20
in. (500 mm) and the displayeddistancebeing +l7o s1
the acutal distancemoved.

EXAMINATION
III-470
Ill-471.1 Examination Coverage. The volume to be
scannedshall be examined with the TOFD probe pair
59.3

Ut-471.1

ARTICLE 4 -

ULTRASONICEXAMINATION METHODSFOR WELDS

ITI-473

SCAN#3
.
zone
PCSoffset+1/zof applicable

SCAN #1
PCScenteredon weld
axts

SCAN#2
PCSoffset -1lz of applicablezone
w i d t h + r / z i n . ( 1 3m m )

FIG,III-463.5 OFFSET
SCANS
centeredon and transverseto the weld axis and then
moving the probepair parallelto and along the weld axis.
If offset scansare required due to the width of the weld,
repeat the initial scan with the probes offset to one side
of the weld axis and again with the offset to the opposite
side of the first offset scan.

the probepair along and down the weld axis. If the weld
reinforcementis not ground smooth,position the probes
on the adjacentplate material as parallel to the weld axis
as possible.
lll-471.9 Supplemental Shear Wave Examination.
Due to the presenceof the lateral wave and back-wall
indication signals, flaws occurring in these zones may
not be detected.Therefore,the weld's near surfaces(i.e.,
both top and bottom faces) shall be angle beam examined
per Article 4 requirements with the angles chosen that
areclosestto being perpendicularto the fusion lines.This
examination may be performed manually or mechanized;
if mechanized,the data shall be collectedin coniunction
with the TOFD examination.

lll-471.4 Overlap. The minimum overlap between

adjacentscansshall be I in. (25 mm).
III-471.5 Multiple Zone Examination. When a weld
is broken down into multiple zones,repeatIII-411.1 for
each weld zone.
III-471.6 Recording Data (Gated Region). The
u n r e c t i f i e d( R F w a v e f o r m ) A - s c a n s i g n a l s h a l l b e
recorded.The A-scan gated region shall be set to start
just prior to the lateral wave and, as a minimum, not end
until all of the first back-wall signal with allowance for
thicknessand mismatch variations,is recorded.Useful
data can be obtained from mode-convertedsignals; therefore, the interval from the first back-wall to the modeconvefiedback-wall signal shall also be included in the
data collected when required by the referencing Code.

ttt-472

Weld Joint Distance Amplitude

Technique

The requirements of T-412 are not applicable to the

TOFD technique.

III-473

III-471.8 Transverse Examination. When required

by the referencingCode Section, position each TOFD
probe pair essentiallyparallel to the weld axis and move

Cladding Technique

The requirements of T-473 are not applicable to the

TOFD technique.
59.4

ilt-475

T A B L EI V - 4 2 2
A R R A YS, I N G L E
R E Q U I R E M E NO
TF
SA P H A S E D
F I X E DA N G L EW I T H M A N U A LR A S T E R
SCANNING
E X A M I N A T I OPNR O C E D U R E

Data Sampling Spacing

A maximum samplespacingof 0.040 in. (l mm) shall

be usedbetweenA-scanscollectedfbr thicknessesunder
2 in. (50 mm) and a samplespacingof up to 0.080 in.
(2 mm) may be used for thicknessesgreaterthan 2 in.
(50 mm).
III-485

Requirements
( A sA p p l i c a b l e )

Missing Data Lines

TV-420

III-492

Examination Record

lV-422
WrittenProcedureRequirements
lV-422.1 Requirements. Phasedarray, single fixed
angle with manualrasterscanningshall be performedin
accordancewith a written procedurewhich shall, as a
minimum, containtherequirementslistedin TablesT-422
andIII-422. The written procedureshall establisha single
value or range of valuesfor each requirement.
lY -422.2 Procedure Qualifi cation. When procedure
quali{icationis specified,a changeof a requirementidentified as an essentialvariableshall requirerequalification
of the written procedureby demonstration.A changeof
a requirementidentified as a nonessentialvariable does
not require requalificationof the written procedure.All
changesof essentialor nonessentialvariablesfrom those
specifiedwithin the written procedureshall requirerevision of, or an addendumto, the written procedure.

For each examination.the required information in

T-492 and the following information shall be recorded:
(a) probe center spacing(PCS)
( b l d a n s a m p l i n gs p a c i n g
(c) flaw height. if specified
III-493

IV-461
Instrument Linearity Checks
lY-461.2 Amplitude Control Linearity. The ultrasonic instrument's amplitude control linearity shall be
evaluatedin accordancewith Mandatory Appendix III
for eachpulser-receiver
circuit.

Report

A report of the examinationshall be made.The report

shall include those records indicated in T-491, T-492,
and III-492. The report shall be filed and maintained in
accordancewith the referencinsCode Section.

lV-462
GeneralCalibrationRequirements
lV-462.7 Focal Law.r The focal law to be useddurins
the examinationshall be used for calibration.

APPENDIX IV - PHASED ARRAY.

SINGLE FIXED ANGLE WITH
MANUAL RASTER SCANNING
IV-410

GENERAL

The requirementsof Article 4 apply exceptas modified

by this Appendix.

When heightof flaw sizing is required,afterthe system

is calibrated per III-643, a free run on the calibration
block shall be performedand the depth of the back-wall
reflection calculatedby the system shall be +0.4 in. (l
mm) of the actualthickness.For multiple zone examinations where the back wall is not displayed or barely
discernible.a side drilled hole in the calibration block
shall be used. See NonmandatoryAppendix N of this
Article for additionalinformationon flaw sizins and interpretation.

DOCUMENTATION

Nonessential
Variable

applicable)

Flaw Sizing and Interpretation

III-490

Essential
Variable

S e a r c hu n i t t y p e , e l e m e n ts i z e
a n d n u m b e r ,a n d p i t c h a n d
gapdimensions
F o c u sr a n g e ( i d e n t i f y i n gp l a n e ,
d e p t h ,o r s o u n dp a t h , a s

Missing lines in the display shall not exceed 5Vc of

the scanlines to be collected.and no adiacentlines shall
be missed.
III-486

tv-492

2OO4SECTIONV

III-475

IY-492

SCOPE

This MandatoryAppendix describesthe requirements

to be usedfor a manualphasedarray ultrasonicexamination utilizing a single fixed angle with manual raster
scanning.

Examination Record

For each examination,the required information of

T-492 and the following information shall be recorded:
' Focal law is defined as a phased array operational
file that defines
the searchunit elementsand their time delavs,for both the transmitter
and receiver function.

59.5

IY.492

ARTICLE 4 -

ULTRASONICEXAMINATION METHODSFOR WELDS

(a) search unit type, element size and number, and

pitch and gap dimensions
(b) focal law parameters,including angle, focal depth,
and elementsused

59.6

TV-492