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NABL 108

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION

NABL BOARD FOR TESTING AND


CALIBRATION LABORATORIES

SPECIFIC CRITERIA
for NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
LABORATORIES

ISSUE NO : 02 AMENDMENT NO : 00
ISSUE DATE: 28.03.2008 AMENDMENT DATE: --
AMENDMENT SHEET

Sl Page Clause Date of Amendment made Reasons Signature Signature


No. No. Amendment QM Director
1

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National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: i
Contents

S.NO. SECTION PAGE NO.

Amendment Sheet i
Contents ii
1. Introduction 1
2. Classes of tests 2
3. Criteria for Accreditation 4
4. Specific Criteria 13

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: ii
1 Introduction

Laboratories Accreditation activities are administered under the direction of the National
Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and involving Technical
Committees and Accreditation Committees as recommending bodies. NABL assessment
system is based on ISO/ IEC 17011: 2004 and APLAC/ ILAC recommendations.

This document on “Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories” is one of a


series of supplementary booklets of the document ISO/ IEC 17025:2005 “General
Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories”.

Non-Destructive is one of the following fields of testing in which NABL currently gives
accreditation.

Fields of Testing
• Biological
• Chemical
• Electrical
• Electronics
• Fluid Flow
• Mechanical
• Non-Destructive
• Optical and Photometry
• Radiological
• Thermal
• Forensic

The field of NDT covers examination of materials, components and assemblies by means of
non-destructive testing techniques at field sites, in workshops and in laboratories. It is basically
applied to examine the material quality and to determine internal construction and dimensions.

The information contained in this document must be read alongwith the document ISO/ IEC
17025:2005.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 1/ 20
2 Classes of Tests

The field of NDT is divided into two groups ‘metals and alloys’ and ‘building materials’. Each
group is further classified into subgroups (classes). The classes of test are given hereunder.
Applications for accreditation may be made for one more classes of tests.

2.1 Metals and Alloys

2.1.1 Eddy Current Testing

Conductivity variation measurement


Detection of surface and sub-surface defects
Dimensional variations
Irregularities in microstructures
Variation in chemical composition

2.1.2 Emerging Areas Testing

Acoustic emission
Holography
Infra – red applications
Leakage flux techniques
Microwave applications
Neutron radiography
Real time radiography

2.1.3 Leak Testing

Argon leak test


Detection of leak by pressure rise or pressure drop
Halogen leak test
Helium leak test
Radio-isotope tracer leak test
Ultrasonic leak test

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 2/ 20
2.1.4 Magnetic Particle Testing

Detection of sub surface flaws


Detection of surface flaws

2.1.5 Penetrant Testing

Detection of surface flaws of materials with visible dye


Detection of surface flaws of materials with fluorescent dye

2.1.6 Radiography Testing

Detection of flaws with radio isotopes


Detection of flaws with X-rays

2.1.7 Ultrasonic Testing

Corrosion survey
Detection of internal flaws
Detection of surface and sub surface flaws
Thickness measurements
Measurement of variation in material properties

2.1.8 Under Water Testing

Corrosion survey
Detection of internal flaws
Detection of surface and sub surface flaws
Thickness measurements

2.2 Building Materials – Reinforced Concrete Structures

2.2.1 Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Tests


2.2.2 Rebound Hammer Test
2.2.3 Cover Meter Test
2.2.4 Half Cell Potential difference test
2.2.5 Carbonation test
2.2.6 Deflection measurement data (Load Test)
2.2.7 Crack width measurement in reinforcement concrete structures

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 3/ 20
3 Criteria for Accreditation

This section provides interpretations of some of the clauses of ISO/ IEC 17025: 2005.

3.1 Staff
The Board needs to satisfy that testing services have at least one person who has the
competence, time and authority to achieve adequate technical control of its operations.
A large testing service may need more than one such person.

3.2 Staff Structure


The Board classifies non-destructive testing staff into three tiers (categories):

i. Officers exercising technical control – those who are responsible for control of
non-destructive tests, including the drafting of specifications for meeting
requirements of standards and codes.

ii. Officers who, under direction, can take responsibility for performance of specific
procedures; and

iii. Assistants who perform routine technical an non-technical duties, under close
supervision.

3.2.1 Officers Exercising Technical Control


The officers must have authority and time for effective control of the non-
destructive testing operations that they superintend. They should have:

i. Sound knowledge of, and expertise in use of, applicable non-destructive


testing techniques;

ii. Knowledge of relevant materials, manufacturing processes and service


conditions;
iii. Experience and ability in interpretation of data from relevant service
conditions;

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


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Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 4/ 20
iv. Experience in use of relevant codes and standards, and ability to
prescribe suitable procedures in the absence of appropriate codes and
standards;

v. Ability to prepare routine and critical reports; and

vi. Ability to control quality of performance of non-destructive tests.

Persons controlling a significant range of non-destructive tests should have


tertiary qualifications in science or engineering, adequate training and have the
level of knowledge that would enable them to gain the relevant ISNT/ ASNT/
equivalent Level III qualification. A person who does not possess formal tertiary
qualifications may be considered acceptable to exercise technical control if he
has all the attributes as detailed above, together with compensating practical
experience.

3.2.2 Officers Responsible for Carrying out Tests as per Specific Procedures
Persons who, under direction, take responsibility for performance of specific
tests as per procedure should have at least:

i. Experience in performance of applicable non-destructive tests;


ii. Experience in use of relevant codes and standards, and ability to apply
appropriate codes and standards to the requirements of specific projects;
iii. Experience and ability in interpretation of data from non-destructive tests;

iv. Ability to maintain job records and to prepare routine reports.

In addition, they must have a background of knowledge and experience which


enables them to understand the response for the purposes of the operations for
which they are responsible. They should have a level of knowledge that would
enable them to obtain the relevant ISNT/ ASNT/ Level II qualification.

3.2.3 Assistants
Assistants must have knowledge and experience commensurate with the duties
that they are required to perform.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


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Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 5/ 20
3.2.4 Approved Signatory
The role of NABL signatory is to ensure the reliability and adequacy of the test
document. Any officer of a registered testing service who is competent to make
a critical evaluation of test results, and occupies a position in his organization’s
staff structure which makes him responsible for the adequacy of test results
related, is eligible for approval as a signatory for test documents.

An approval may be limited to specific tests, or may be granted for all tests for
which the testing service is registered.

The criterion of “competence in critical evaluation of test results” may extend


signatory approval well down the staff scale. When non-destructive testing is
performed away from the base and prompt on-the-spot reports are required, it
is obviously necessary for the officer Incharge on site to be an approved
signatory.

3.2.5 Qualifications
NABL recognizes the qualifications granted by ISNT/ ASNT or equivalent
through its Qualifying Board as evidence of the possession of adequate general
knowledge of a particular NDT method.

3.3 Equipment and Housing

A testing service must be fully equipped for performance of all tests for which
accreditation is sought. If tests are performed confirming to codes or standards which
define particular items or types of equipment becomes mandatory. All equipment must
be maintained in good condition.

The mobile laboratories must provide facilities comparable to fixed laboratories.


Adequate storage facilities must be available for equipment and records.

3.3.1 Magnetic Particle and Penetrant Testing.


The performance of equipment and materials used for magnetic particle testing
and penetrant testing must be checked periodically.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 6/ 20
3.3.2 Eddy Current Testing.
Eddy current testing instrument of adequate sensitivity over wide range of
frequency must be available. The equipment should have stable electronic
characteristics & should be checked for performance with standard calibrators
as per specific codes. The derive for tubular product testing system should
have stable response without creating undue vibrations during testing. Proper
recording media like strip chart, oscilloscope trace, tape recording or PC base
data acquisition systems should be available. Adequate numbers of variety of
test coils (encircling, bobbin, probe or flat coils) should be available.

3.3.3 Radiographic Testing.


X-ray equipment and radioactive sources must be suitable for the materials to
be examined. They should cover the expected thickness range and the shape,
nature and location of items likely to be submitted for examination. Required
accessories such as image quality indicators and intensifying screens must be
provided. Reference density standards or a densitomater must be available for
measurement of film density.

Facilities for processing films consistently at a high level of quality must be


available. They must be adequate for the number of films to be processed.
Procedures must be followed which ensure that the processing remains
satisfactory.

Facilities must be available for viewing radiographs under optimum conditions


of illumination. Viewing facilities should be located where operators are free
from disturbance.

3.3.4 Ultrasonic Testing.


Ultrasonic equipment of appropriate sensitivity and resolution for each
application must be available.

Equipment must be checked for performance in accordance with relevant


standards. Records of checks must be kept.

A separate work area for calibration and development work is desirable.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 7/ 20
3.3.5 Leak Testing
Leak testing instruments like helium leak detector, halogen leak detector,
ultrasonic leak detector, pressurise or drop test set up, bubble emission test set
up etc. of adequate sensitivity must be available. In case of helium leak
detector, standard leak calibrator, sniffer probes, spray probes, capillary leak
calibrator etc., adequate spares like maintenance tool kit containing set of ‘0’
rings, filaments, discharge gauge liner tubes, mechanical & diffusion pump oil
etc., must be available. Helium gas cylinders, liquid nitrogen etc. should be
available. The detector must have a stable & fast electronic meter response
when calibrated with a calibrator & tested over many hours of testing.
Calibrated pressure gauges, tube- fittings etc. should be available for sniffer
test. Adequate test space area should be available for testing long jobs like
tubes, heat exchangers, vessels etc.

3.4 Operating a Testing Service


Sound management is essential if a testing service is to operate at a satisfactory
standard. Particular attention should be given to the following aspects of management.

There must be clearly defined and recognisable lines of authority and responsibility
within the organisation, each officer being aware of both the extent and limitations of
his own responsibility. Job records must include instructions for each job. Records of
field jobs must include evidence of checking of records and reports of senior staff
during supervisory visits.

All field work must be under effective technical control.

3.4.1 Test Procedure


When the code or standard for a project specifies a test procedure, that
procedure must be followed exactly. When the test procedure is not specified
the officer incharge of the job must select an appropriate documented/ written
test procedure.

A copy of the written/ documented test procedure must be available to the staff
performing the test.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 8/ 20
Any variation from a standard test procedure must be noted and reported in test
documents.

Each testing service must have a routine arrangement for keeping codes and
standards upto date. Its reference library should include recommended
particles, codes for identification of indications and a selection of reference
books.

3.4.2 Records System


An adequate records system is essential. It must contain sufficient information
on each test to permit a repeat performance.

Identification of each test article, the client’s instructions, the test procedure, all
test data and the test results must be recorded. All records, including
radiographs, must be traceable to the article under test.

When record such as worksheets and viewing sheets are checked, they must
be signed or initialed by the checking officer as an indication that this has been
carried out.

Signed copies of test documents and all related records must be retained for
not less than five years after completion of the work involved.

All the test records must be kept confidential and they may be accessible to the
competent authority; and client only if needed.

Radiographs must remain the property of the testing service. If required


radiographs may be taken by the client and there should be record/ signature to
that effect and if the client is not taking them, these should be kept for 5 years.

3.4.3 Interim and Final Reports


There are many circumstances in which clients must have an immediate report
of results of non- destructive testing examinations. Irrevocable decisions are
frequently made on the basis of these immediate reports. This has led to the
practice of issuing, in some circumstances, “interim” and “final” reports.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 9/ 20
When a testing service is required to issue interim and final reports, the NABL
endorsement must not be applied to the final report unless the corresponding
interim reports have also been endorsed.

3.4.4 Vision
It is the responsibility of the testing authority to ensure adequacy of the natural
or corrected vision of the staff responsible for viewing non- destructive
indications.

3.5 Interpretation of Test Data


Thorough training of all staff engaged in interpretation of test data is essential. Each
interpreter must have all available information on the article under examination.

3.5.1 Magnetic Particle and Penetrant Testing


Operators using surface methods must be fully competent to interpret
indications for the specific work on which they are engaged. Regular checking
of the competence of each operator is essential.

3.5.2 Eddy Current Testing

Operators using Eddy Current test instrumentation must be well trained &
preferably certified by ISNT/ ASNT. The signals due to spurious reasons like –
noise, vibration, lift- off, baffles/ support plates etc. must not be taken as defect
indications. On the other hand, genuine defect signals should not be missed.
The controlling officer shall have the authority to give final interpretation.

3.5.3 Radiographical Testing

Check Viewing
Systematic check- viewing of interpretation of radiographs on each assignment
is essential. The percentage to be check- viewed will depend on the nature of
the work and the experience of the interpreter. The signatory must participate
personally in the viewing.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 10/ 20
Separate accreditation can be given for either the taking and processing of
radiographs or the interpretation of radiographs on the following conditions:

i) An endorsed reports covering the taking and processing of the


radiographs shall be available.
ii) The interpreter shall be provided with a copy of the job record covering
the taking and processing, and shall have the ability to assess the quality
of the radiographs.
iii) Standards shall be available which specify the radio- graphic technique
and the product quality requirements. The radio- graphic technique used
and the quality of the radiographs produced shall comply with the
requirements of the standards.
iv) Both laboratories shall have adequate radiographic viewing equipment
and film density standards.
v) The interpretation report shall identify the laboratory which produced the
radiographs, and shall note the serial numbers of the endorsed reports
covering the taking and processing of the radiographs.
vi) Radiographs shall remain the property of the laboratory responsible for
taking and processing.

Sensitivity
Compliance or otherwise each of radiograph exposure with sensitivity
requirements must be recorded. The sensitivity achieved in each
exposure outside the specified range, must be recorded and reported, but
if all exposures are within the specified range, it is sufficient to note this in
the report.

3.5.4 Ultrasonic Testing


The quality of an ultrasonic examination depends largely on the knowledge and
experience of the person performing the work.

Complex one- off ultrasonic examinations may be conducted only by people


with ISNT/ ASNT ultrasonic qualification or equivalent qualifications, together
with appropriate experience.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 11/ 20
The expression “complex or one- off” covers most ultrasonic examinations. The
only exceptions are ultrasonic thickness measurements and routine ultrasonic
flaws detections made in circumstances in which it is possible for the controlling
officer to define the test procedure in detail and to specify the circumstances in
which the operator must seek assistance or advice.

3.5.5 Leak Testing


Only experienced operator well versed in operating the leak detectors like
helium leak detector, halogen leak detector, ultrasonic leak detector will be
employed. The interpretation of test result data will be carried out by
experienced and preferably certified officer.

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Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 12/ 20
4 Specific Criteria

This section gives the specific details applicable for the tests to be conducted by the
laboratories seeking accreditation.

4.1 Control of Non Destructive Test Systems

Assuring confidence in the results of non- destructive testing necessitates various


controls on the measurements or examination process, as listed below:

i) Specifying the physical characteristic to be determined or examined, and any


acceptance/ rejection criteria.

ii) Setting a level of discrimination and measurement uncertainty that is adequate to


give confidence in the examinations and acceptances/ rejections concerned.

iii) Ensuring, through traceable calibrations (or by other methods of measurement


correlation, where the concept of traceability is not directly applicable) that
equipment is maintained so as to provide the appropriate discrimination and
measurement uncertainty.

iv) Taking any other necessary steps to ensure that test results are reproducible,
within the level of discrimination and measurement uncertainty claimed.

v) Meeting the calibration and traceability requirement of any standard or other


relevant specification.

4.2 Eddy Current Testing

4.2.1 An ongoing record of the performance of eddy current test sets must be
maintained.

4.2.2 For portable equipment, a reference ‘sensitivity block’ dimensionally certified by


the manufacturer will normally be used for checking the response of the
equipment to known flaws. For specilalised applications, such as tube testing,
reference standards shall be prepared from material of the same alloy, temper
and nominal dimensions as the product to be tested. The dimensions of holes
or notches and the thickness of the calibration piece must be certified by the
manufacturer or established in-house by means, which are traceable to
National Standards.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


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Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 13/ 20
4.2.3 Where eddy current examination is used for sorting of materials or products,
reference test standards shall be prepared from materials of the same alloy(s),
heat treatment conditions and nominal dimensions as the materials or products
to be tested.

4.2.4 Reference test standards shall be carefully maintained and properly identified.

4.2.5 The calibration of reference measuring equipment used for in- house
dimensional verification shall be recorded.

4.3 Emerging Areas Testing

The guidelines for accreditation of tests under this category will be provided on case by
case basis as applications are received.

4.4 Leak Testing

4.4.1 The equipment used for leak testing shall have adequate sensitivity to detect
the leaks as specified in the work order or the specification.

Depending on the leak tightness required in the job, a suitable leak testing
method (from amongst many) will be selected.

4.4.2 Leak testing should preferably be carried out in two ranges- gross leak testing &
fine leak testing. Examples of gross leak test are, pressure change test/ bubble
emission test and for fine leak test are- helium leak test, halogen leak test etc.

4.4.3 Any leak test must be carried out as per some standard code like BIS, ASTM,
and ASME etc. The personnel carrying out the test must preferably be certified.

4.4.4 The acceptance criteria giving the minimum acceptable leak rate in the job with
the particular technique of leak test should be clearly spelt out in the
specification.

4.4.5 Accessories of helium leak detection, like- sniffer, spray probe, pressure
gauges, liquid- nitrogen should be available.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


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Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 14/ 20
4.5 Magnetic Particle Testing

4.5.1 The solids content of magnetic inks must be checked as specified in National/
International standards. In case of aerosols, a representative sample from each
batch shall be tested.

4.5.2 When using fluorescent inks/ powders, the intensity of black light at the test
surface should be checked as frequently as necessary to monitor possible
deterioration of the illumination. Where grimy, dusty or other contaminating
environments are involved, checking should be carried out each time the
equipment is used. This will require the use of black light meter complying with
national standards.

4.5.3 Black light meters and ammeter shall be calibrated at twelve monthly intervals
by a manufacturer or appropriate services organisation.

4.5.4 The ambient white light level should be checked at least once every three
months where illumination is controlled on a long term basis and should be
checked from time from which the equipment is used in situations where
illumination may be variable from test to test (e.g. in day light conditions). These
checks will require the use of a white light meter.

4.6 Liquid Penetrant Testing

4.6.1 The liquid penetrant shall be suitable for the application for which it is intended.
A specific statement by the manufacturer is required, but this may be in the
form of a letter, certificate or technical leaflet or may be included in the labelling
of the product. The relevant national/ international standard, provisions of which
are applicable should be mentioned.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 15/ 20
4.6.2 In fluorescent penetrant examination areas, the intensity of black light
illumination at the inspection surface should be checked as frequently as
necessary to monitor possible deterioration of the illumination.. Where grimy,
dusty or other contaminating environments are involved, checking should be
carried out each time the equipment is used.

4.6.3 In non-fluorescent i.e. colour contrast penetrant examination areas, the intensity
of illumination at the inspection surface should be checked at least once every
three months where illumination is controlled on long term basis. It should be
checked each time the equipment is used, in situations where illumination may
be variable from test to test (e.g. in daylight conditions). The checks will require
the use of a white light meter.

4.6.4 White light meters shall be calibrated at twelve monthly or shorter intervals if
appropriate by a manufacturer or appropriate service organisation.

4.6.5 For both types of meter, the calibrations must be evidenced by certificates from
the appropriate service organisation.

4.6.6 Where the temperature of a bath or a test is of extreme values, quoted in


procedures, or other relevant specifications, the temperature shall be monitored
using a national standard stamped thermometer.

4.6.7 The laboratory should preferably have standard calibration blocks.

4.7 Radiographic Testing

4.7.1 The sensitivity of a radiograph shall be established by means of an IQI or


penetrameter, appropriate to the material and thickness.

4.7.2 Where the radiography is being performed in accordance with an agreed


Standard or Code, the requirements of the Standard or Code with respect to the
type and location of the IQI or penetrameter shall be strictly observed. IQIs will
be manufactured to meet the requirements of national standards.

4.7.3 The density of radiographs shall be ascertained using densitometers or film


density strips.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


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4.7.4 Densitometer shall be checked and linearity should be calibrated against a
reference density strip. Hand-held densitometers must be checked each time
they are used as part of the setting up procedure against the level of
background illumination on which they will be used. Linear calibration shall be
checked every twelve months and recorded.

4.7.5 Reference film density strips shall be uniquely identified and traceable by
certificate to a National Standard of Measurement.

4.7.6 Reference film density strips shall carry a manufacture’s certificate less than
five years old.

4.7.7 Film density strips used, as comparators will have the density of each step
ascertained using a calibrated and certified densitometer and recorded either
directly onto the film or onto a card strip permanently attached to the film. The
date of first calibration shall be recorded on the strip. All film density strips
which are more than five year old, or which have been subject to undue wear,
shall be taken out of use and destroyed.

4.7.8 Film density strips are subject to discolouring or fading and must be carefully
maintained and stored.

4.7.9 Where appropriate, thermometers must be used to check chemical process or


air dryer temperatures. The accuracy of working thermometers shall be
checked.

4.7.10 The overall effectiveness of radiographic processing carried out by the


laboratory shall be monitored every three months, or more frequently according
to the throughout of work, by comparison of results of tests on standard test
pieces.

4.7.11 The focal characteristics of an X-ray set are critical to the definition and
sensitivity of radiographs. The laboratory shall monitor any significant changes
in these focal characteristics, by comparison of results of tests on standard test
pieces, carried out over an appropriate period of time (e.g. once per year, for
the lifetime of the set).

4.7.12 A formal procedure for determining and monitoring the focal characteristics of
an X-ray set is provided by the pin- hole method (ASTM specifications).

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


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4.7.13 Each isotope used shall be accompanied by a decay chart for that isotope
together with an official record of dimensions, which must be certified by the
manufacturers of the isotope.

4.7.14 Safety aspects are to be adhered to as required by the stipulation of NABL


Specific Criteria for Radiological Testing.

4.8 Ultrasonic Testing

4.8.1 Ultrasonic calibration blocks should be used to set up the assembly of probe
and sensory electronics, each time the equipment is used. The blocks shall be
manufactured in accordance with the appropriate specification and
conformance with the requirements shall be evidenced by a manufacturer’s
certificate.

4.8.2 One set of calibration blocks shall be designated as master blocks and shall be
dimensionally calibrated with traceability established to National Standards at
intervals not exceeding five years.

4.8.3 Dimensional calibration shall be evidenced by a certificate. The calibration of


reference measuring equipment used for in- house dimensional calibration shall
be evidenced by a certificate.

4.8.4 Working standard calibration blocks shall be verified at intervals not exceeding
two years as follows:

Visual
Examination for deterioration such as corrosion or mechanical damage.
By comparison with corresponding Master Calibration
Block, using a calibrated ultrasonic test set
Attenuation check
Radio and other dimensional checks.

4.8.5 Ultrasonic equipment sets shall be verified in accordance with National


Standards daily, or each time the equipment is used including:

Visual checks for damage


Linearity of time base
Calibration of time base
Linearity of equipment gain
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
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4.8.6 The performance characteristics of ultrasonic probes shall be checked in
accordance with national standards as appropriate:

Probe index
Probe beam angle
Probe beam alignment
Frequency of checking may depend on volume of work.

4.8.7 Ultrasonic flaw detectors shall be calibrated at intervals not exceeding twelve
months in accordance with national standards and as appropriate, including:

Linearity of time base


Linearity of amplifier
Accuracy of calibrated attenuator

4.8.8 Calibrated must be evidenced by a certificate provided by the manufacturer of


the equipment or an established service agency. The calibration of reference
measuring equipment used for in- house calibration shall be traceable to
national standards and, where practical, must be evidenced by an official
certificate.

4.9 Underwater Non-Destructive Testing

The following specific requirements apply:

i) In general, for underwater ultrasonic examination, ultrasonic thickness


measurement and magnetic particle testing, the operator/ diver must have
signatory approval for these tests if he is responsible, below surface, for the
operation of these tests.

ii) In cases where these examinations are controlled and monitored on the surface
by another NDT operator holding signatory approval for the relevant tests, the
above requirements may be waived off provided the diver conducting the tests
holds an appropriate underwater NDT qualification.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


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Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 19/ 20
iii) It is the responsibility of the NDT testing service to ensure that all divers
supplied to them by diving companies satisfy the criteria set out in (i) or (ii)
above.

iv) The operators nominated as exercising technical control must satisfy the criteria
detailed in section 3.1 of this document. Additionally, the officers exercising
technical control over ultrasonic flaw examinations must be experienced in this
area and have underwater NDT experience.

v) Where conditions (i) to (iv) above do not apply, then registration will be
considered only if the laboratory can demonstrate both adequate technical
control over testing and expertise in the areas of test requested.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Doc. No: NABL 108 Specific Criteria for Non-Destructive Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 02 Issue Date: 28.03.2008 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: -- Page No: 20/ 20
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
3rd Floor, NISCAIR
14, Satsang Vihar Marg
New Mehrauli Road
New Delhi – 110 067
Tel.: 91-11 26529718 – 20, 26526864
Fax: 91-11 26529716
Website: www.nabl-india.org

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