Angle probe DAC with side drilled hole block :

Side drilled hole blocks are widely used for plotting the DAC
curve for weld testing. This method compares the reflectivity of a
flaw with that of the tangential area of the horizontal hole at the
relevant test distance and is thus echo amplitude dependent when
assessing flaw acceptability. These blocks contain one inch or more
deep drilled hole, with the hole axis parallel to the scanning
surface and perpendicular to the edge. The side of the hole
reflects ultrasound energy incident at any angle. The diameter of
the hole normally increases with block thickness. A 1.6 mm
diameter reference hole provides good test sensitivity for most of
the weld testing applications.
Depending on the block thickness T, holes are drilled at 1/4 T,
1/2 T, 3/4 T on the edge of the block.
Plotting the DAC curve :
A block is selected whose thickness [ T ] most closely matches
the part thickness [ equal to or within 10% of test thickness ] and
contains the hole, specified in the test procedure in use.
The maximized signal from the hole which produces shortest
beam path, [ Pos 1 or 2 ] is set to 80 % screen height. The probe
should be at least one half inch away from the edge of the block
to avoid corner effect. The peak of the signal is marked on the
face of the CRT screen. Without changing the gain control,
maximized signals from other positions [ Pos 2, 3, 4 ] are marked
and a curve is drawn through all these marks to complete the
DAC curve. A 50 % curve is also drawn by 6 dB reduction method.
Minimum three signal peaks are required to plot the DAC.
For a 1/4 T hole, signal from position 2 should be preferred as
the first reference point of the DAC curve. If the weld crown is
ground flush and the probe can move over the weld surface,
signal from position 1 may be used as the first reference point. In
angle beam testing of unground welds, the sound beam enters the
weld zone after traveling a certain distance in the test material
and depends on the location of the exit point on the probe body.
The DAC curve level falls sharply for higher frequency miniature
[ 4 MHz, 10 mm ] probes.
Flaws producing, > 100% DAC signal is normally rejected or a
certain length is permitted by the code. A certain length is also
permitted, for 50 % or more DAC signals. These signals are to be
recorded in the report for future reference.
For ASME pressure vessels, > 20 % DAC signals are to be
evaluated for crack, lack of fusion and lack of penetration. These
defects are not acceptable regardless of echo amplitude.
Important :
The sound attenuation, surface condition and contact area
of the block should be similar to the test part.
If possible, the block is to be prepared from the test
material itself.
Transfer correction of the reference test sensitivity will be
required if the block is different from the test material.
It is preferable to setup the test sensitivity on a block
equal in thickness to the test part. This will produce a
DAC curve with sufficient test length and internal
reflections similar to the test part. Thickness difference of
10 % is acceptable.
The DAC curve [ level ] must be at least 20 % screen
height up to the full test distance. If required more than
one curve should be plotted for flaw evaluation.

Side drilled hole block thickness and hole

size in inches for weld testing as per ASME Sec V.
plate block hole hole
thk, T thk size location
up to 1 T or 3 / 4 3 / 32 1/4, 1/2, 3/4T
>1 to 2 T or 1.51 / 8
>2 to 4 T or 3 3 / 16
>4 to 6 T or 5 1/4
>6 to 8 T or 7 5 / 16
>8 to 10 T or 9 3/8

Compiled by KALYAN PRASAD CHATTERJEE/ K. SHIVAKUMAR INTERNATIONAL TRAINERS