GENERAL SPECIFICATION

Welding - Materials

GS RC WAM 002

NDE and testing on pressure vessels and

heat exchangers

01 11/2015 According to appendix 3

00 12/2012 Original Issue
Rev. Date Subject of revision
 Contents

Foreword ........................................................................................................................ 3

1. Subject ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Purpose .......................................................................................................................... 3

2. Reference documents ............................................................................................. 3

2.1 Priority rules .................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Deviations ....................................................................................................................... 7

3. Applicability ............................................................................................................. 7

4. Definitions of terms................................................................................................. 7

5. Testing ..................................................................................................................... 8
5.1 Non Destructive Examination (NDE) ............................................................................... 8
5.2 Positive Metal Identification ........................................................................................... 19
5.3 Production hardness testing .......................................................................................... 19
5.4 Vessels Production weld test coupons .......................................................................... 20
Appendix 1 Production hardness testing ............................................................................ 22
Appendix 2 Use of time of flight diffraction (T.O.F.D.) ........................................................ 24
Appendix 3 Revision summary ........................................................................................... 25
Foreword
Engineering Companies and Design Offices that are contractually bound to TOTAL are obliged
to always check that the applicable regulations, in particular regarding SAFETY, QUALITY and
protection of the ENVIRONMENT, do not impose more restrictive measures. If they do,
alternative solutions in accordance with the regulations must be submitted in writing to TOTAL.
Except for when it is used internally, the application of this specification is systematically
covered by a contract.
Caution, for new equipment, this specification supersedes the following specifications:
• GS RC WAM 002 Rev. 00 dated 12/2012
• GS RC WAM 006 Rev 02 dated 02/2012
• GS RC WAM 007 Rev 00 dated 09/2007
• GS TP WAM 002 Rev 01 dated 10/2010

1. Subject
1.1 Introduction
This Specification defines the examination, and testing requirements for shop and field
fabrication of Pressure Vessels, Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers, and Air Cooled
Exchangers.
For licensed units, this specification will have to be applied together with applicable licensor
specifications. The more stringent requirements shall govern.
This specification is not applicable for titanium, aluminium and copper base materials

1.2 Purpose
This Specification supplements the Codes listed in § 2, the project equipment specifications and
the project equipment data sheets/drawings.
For welding and thermal treatment, additional requirements are defined in TOTAL specification
GS RC WAM 001.
For pressure equipments in Wet H 2 S Services, additional requirements are defined in TOTAL
specification GS RC WAM 011.
For Duplex Stainless steel additional requirements are defined in TOTAL specification
GS RC WAM 010.
For Cr-Mo steel additional requirements are defined in TOTAL specifications GS RC PVE 004
and GS RC PVE 005.

2. Reference documents
The reference documents listed below form an integral part of this General Specification.
Unless otherwise stipulated, the applicable version of these documents, including relevant
appendices and supplements, is the latest revision published at the EFFECTIVE DATE of the
CONTRACT.
Standards

Reference Title
ISO 2400 Non-destructive testing Ultrasonic testing Specification for calibration
block No. 1
ISO 3057 Non-destructive testing — Metallographic replica techniques of surface
examination
ISO 7963 Non-destructive testing - Ultrasonic testing - Specification for calibration
block No. 2
ISO 17636 Non-destructive testing of welds — Radiographic testing of fusion welded joints
ISO 17643 Non-destructive testing of welds — Eddy current testing of welds by
complex-plane analysis
ISO 22825 Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Testing of welds
in austenitic steels and nickel-based alloys
EN ISO 9015-1 Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials - Hardness testing -
Part 1: Hardness test on welded joints
EN ISO 9712 Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of personnel
EN ISO 9934-1 Magnetic particle testing Part 1: General principles
EN ISO 11666 Non-destructive testing of welds - Ultrasonic testing Acceptance levels
EN ISO 11699-1 Non destructive testing - Industrial radiographic film - Part 1: classification
of film systems for industrial radiography
EN ISO 17635 Non destructive examination of welds - General rules for metallic materials
EN ISO 17637 Non-destructive testing of welds Visual testing of fusion-welded joints
EN ISO 17638 Non-destructive testing of welds Magnetic particle testing
EN ISO 17640 Non-destructive testing of welds Ultrasonic testing Techniques, testing
levels, and assessment
EN ISO 23277 Non-destructive testing of welds Penetrant testing of welds Acceptance levels
EN ISO 23278 Non-destructive testing of welds Magnetic particle testing of welds
Acceptance levels
EN ISO 23279 Non-destructive testing of welds Ultrasonic testing Characterization of
indications in welds
EN ISO 3452-5 Non-destructive testing Penetrant testing Part 5: Penetrant testing at
temperatures higher than 50 °C
EN ISO 3452-6 Non-destructive testing Penetrant testing Part 6: Penetrant testing at
temperatures lower than 10 °C
EN 444 Non-destructive testing General principles for radiographic examination of
metallic materials by X- and gamma rays
EN 462-1 Image Quality Indicators (wire type)
 Reference Title
EN 462-2 Non-destructive testing Image quality of radiographs Part 2: image quality
indicators (step/hole type)
EN 473 Qualification and Certification of NDT personnel
EN 571-1, Non destructive testing Penetrant testing Part 1: General principles
EN 1593 Non-destructive testing Leak testing Bubble emission techniques
EN 1711 Non-destructive examination of welds Eddy current examination of welds
by complex plane analysis
EN 1779 Non-destructive testing Leak testing Criteria for method and technique
selection
EN 10204 Metallic Products - Types of Inspection Documents
EN 12517-1 Non-destructive testing of welds Part 1: Evaluation of welded joints in
steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys by radiography — Acceptance levels

Professional documents
Reference Title
American Society of Non destructive Testing
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Non-destructive Testing Personnel
Qualification and Certification
American Society for Testing and Materials
ASTM A388 / A388M Standard practice for ultrasonic examination of steel forgings
ASTM A578 Specification for straight-beam ultrasonic examination of plain and clad
steel plates for special applications
ASTM A833 Standard practice for indentation hardness of metallic materials by
comparison hardness testers
ASTM A956 Standard test method for leeb hardness testing of steel products
ASTM A1038 Standard practice for portable hardness testing by the ultrasonic contact
impedance method
ASTM E18 Standard test methods for rockwell hardness of metallic materials
ASTM E110 Standard test method for indentation hardness of metallic materials by
portable hardness testers
ASTM E140 Standard hardness conversion tables for metals
ASTM E142 Method for controlling quality of radiographic testing
American Petroleum Institute
API RP 577 Welding inspection and metallurgy
API RP 582 Welding guidelines for the chemical oil gas industries
 Reference Title
American Welding Society
AWS A3.0 Standard welding terms and definitions
AWS A4.2M Standard procedure for calibrating magnetic instruments to measure the
delta ferrite content of austenitic and duplex austenitic-ferritic stainless
steel weld metal
AWS D18 2 Guide to weld discoloration levels on inside of austenitic stainless steel tube

Regulations

Reference Title
European Directive Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the
97/23/EC dated 29 approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning pressure
may 1997 equipment (PED)

Codes

Reference Title
American Society of Mechanical Engineers boiler and pressure vessel code
ASME B46.1 Surface texture (surface roughness, waviness, and lay)
ASME Section II, Welding Rods, Electrodes, and Filler Metals
Part C
ASME Section V Non-destructive Examination
ASME Section VIII, Pressure Vessels
Division 1
ASME Section VIII, Pressure Vessels - Alternative Rules
Division 2
ASME Section IX Welding and Brazing Qualifications
SNCT
CODAP Code de construction Des Appareils à Pression non soumis à la flamme

TOTAL General Specifications

Reference Title
GS RC PVE 001 Unfired metallic pressure vessels
GS RC PVE 004 General specification for equipment in materials 2¼Cr-1Mo & 2¼Cr-1Mo-¼V
GS RC PVE 005 General specification for equipment in materials 1¼Cr-½Mo
GS RC PVE 008 Unfired metallic pressure equipment quality class
GS RC WAM 001 Welding of pressure vessels and heat exchangers
 Reference Title
GS RC WAM 010 Requirements for material supply, welding and fabrication of duplex
stainless steel equipments
GS RC WAM 011 Additional Requirements for pressure equipments in Wet H 2 S Services

Other documents

Reference Title
Not applicable

2.1 Priority rules

The subject of this specification shall satisfy, in descending order of priority, the requirements of:
• the local regulations, when applicable,
• the project’s Job specification, when existing,
• this specification,
• other codes, specifications and standards to which this specification refers.
In the event of conflicting requirements between the selected construction code and these other
codes, specifications and standards (if they are stipulated by a particular contract), the most
restrictive requirement shall apply.

2.2 Deviations
Any deviation from the requirements of this specification may be suggested by the General
contractor, Engineering company, Manufacturer or Contractor, if he considers such deviation
beneficial for reducing the cost and/or completion time, provided that it does not compromise
the safety of personnel or the regulatory requirements (when such regulations apply).
Deviations must be submitted to TOTAL, as a variant with the necessary justifications, and must
receive the written approval of TOTAL.

3. Applicability
This specification is applicable to all new equipment covered by the § 2.
Full or partial application of this specification for equipment to be repaired or for components of
existing equipment shall by confirmed by TOTAL.
For category D as per GS RC PVE 008, this specification is not applicable to all new equipment
covered by the § 2.

4. Definitions of terms
For the purposes of this Specification, the following definitions shall apply:
• Company / Entity: TOTAL
• Contractor: The party which carries out all or part of the design, engineering, procurement,
construction and commissioning for the project.
 • Manufacturer / Vendor / Supplier: The party(s), which manufactures and/or supplies
equipment and services to perform the duties specified by the CONTRACTOR.
• MT Magnetic Particle Testing.
• PT Penetrant Testing.
• RT Radiographic Testing.
• UT Ultrasonic Testing.
• VT Visual Testing.

5. Testing
NDE / Hardness / Production test coupons requirements, shall be as specified on the
CONTRACTOR’s equipment drawings, applicable code, project specifications, purchase
requisitions, or purchase orders.

5.1 Non Destructive Examination (NDE)

5.1.1 General
Commonly, all welds are designed in order to:
• be able to carry all the NDE (as defined in this chapter) during manufacture,
• be able to carry the same NDE during the life of the vessels, during the turn around.

5.1.2 NDE personnel qualification

All NDE shall be performed by personnel certified in accordance with ASNT Recommended
Practice SNT-TC-1A or equivalent such as the European standard EN 473 (according to
construction code).
According the European Directive 97/23/EC (PED) Appendix 1 § 3.1.3 for pressure equipment
in categories III and IV, the personnel must be approved by a third-party organization
recognized by a Member State pursuant to the European Directive 97/23/EC (PED) Article 13.

5.1.3 NDE procedures and acceptance criteria

Non-destructive Examination (NDE) procedures and a NDE map shall be submitted to the
CONTRACTOR/COMPANY for review as required in Purchase Requisition. Examination shall not
proceed until procedures are accepted by the CONTRACTOR/COMPANY. All records pertaining to
inspection and certification shall be available for review by the CONTRACTOR’s Inspector.
Acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with the construction code.

5.1.4 Modification of the testing extent

5.1.4.1 Material
For 1.25%Cr Mo & 2.25%Cr Mo steels, NDE are described in TOTAL specifications
GS RC PVE 004 and GS RC PVE 005 when applicable.
For 5% cr steel, NDE required are describing in Appendix 4 of GS RC WAM 001.
Some operating conditions can require additional NDE. These supplementary NDE are
described by other specifications or by the CONTRACTOR/COMPANY.
For the other cases and other materials (Carbon steel to 5% of Chromium steel, when
GS RC PVE 004 and GS RC PVE 005 are not applicable), all the following requirement are required.

5.1.4.2 Full or spot examination when ASME code is applicable

Radiographic examination of welded seams shall be performed strictly in compliance with the
contractual Codes and Standards and according to the requirements specified in
CONTRACTOR’s drawings.
In any case, radiographic spot examination is required as minimum, unless otherwise specified.
When radiographic spot or full examination is required, the areas to be controlled shall at least
include the requirements described in table of § 5.1.4.3.
In this specification, full radiography examination as defined in ASME code shall be understood
as an extent of 100%.

5.1.4.3 Testing extent

In addition to ASME Section VIII Division 1 UW-11 or Division 2 AF-220 requirements (whichever is
applicable), or CODAP CEA1 or other construction codes, the following stage and method for NDE
shall be as per table 10 or 11.
Additional NDE requirement set in PROJECT or LICENSOR specifications shall also be taken
into account when specified on PROJECT equipment data sheets/ Guide drawings.
When a reinforcing pad is required, the weld shall be ground flush, radiographed or UT and
magnetic particle tested prior to the installation of the reinforcing pad.
For aircooler, longitudinal welds of header have to be consider as A joint type
 TABLE 10 – NDT TABLE ASME VIII Div1 joint efficiency 1.0 and ASME VIII Div2 and CODAP cat A
Equipment in ASME VIII Div 1 with joint Efficiency 1.0
Before PWHT Final stage after PWHT
and ASME VIII Div 2 and CODAP cat A
Final stage without PWHT (13)
from 0.5%Mo from 0.5%Mo
Type of Joint Carbon steel Carbon steel
to 5% Cr to 5% Cr
Gouged / Ground areas before back-welding
Category A (ASME) & t ≤ 50 mm 100% RT 100% RT (6) 100% RT
CEA1–1.1 (CODAP) 100% RT (6)
Butt weld t > 50 mm
100% MT
Category B (ASME) & t ≤ 50 mm 100% RT (11) 100% RT (6) 100% RT (11)
CEA1–1.2, CEA1-2,
CEA1-3, (CODAP) 100% RT (6)
t > 50 mm -
100% MT
Butt weld (1)
100% RT (3) 100% RT 100%
Butt (1) 10% RT 100% RT 10% RT
Category C (ASME) & 100% MT (3) MT
CEA1–6, CEA1-7, CEA1- 100% MT (3)
Corner 100% UT (5) 100% UT (5)
8, (CODAP) 100% UT (3), (5)
Lap Joint Double fillet 100% MT 100% MT
100% RT 100% RT (8) 100% RT
Butt (1) 10% RT 10% RT
Category D (ASME) & 100% MT 100% MT (8) 100% MT
CEA1–4, CEA1-5, 100% UT(8) 100% UT 100% UT(8) 100% UT
Tee full penetrated (Corner) 100% UT (8)
(CODAP) 100% MT(8) 100% MT 100% MT(8) 100% MT
Fillet 100% MT - 100% MT
Load bearing attachment (saddle to leg, saddle to chair, lifting 100% MT 100% MT
100% MT
lug, piping support, trunnions…) 100% UT (7) 100% UT (7)
Skirt to shell /head Butt weld between forging or built up
100% RT or UT - 100% RT or UT 100% RT or UT
Category and skirt
CEA1–13, (CODAP) Built up 100% UT, MT or PT (9) - 100% UT, MT or PT (9)
 Equipment in ASME VIII Div 1 with joint Efficiency 1.0
Before PWHT Final stage after PWHT
and ASME VIII Div 2 and CODAP cat A
Final stage without PWHT (13)
from 0.5%Mo from 0.5%Mo
Type of Joint Carbon steel Carbon steel
to 5% Cr to 5% Cr
Fillet 100% MT 100% MT 100% MT
Non load bearing attachment 100% MT or
10% MT or PT 100% MT or PT 10% MT or PT
(insulation support, davit, manway support …) PT
Skirt /saddle/chair support 10% MT or PT 10% MT or PT
Skirt to skirt circumferential and longitudinal butt welds 10% RT
Internal welds 100% MT 100% MT 100% MT
Repaired welds (12) (12)
Temporary welds See 12.1.4.6 See 13.1.4.6
Notes:
1. Butt weld definition according to UW3b for ASME & CEA1 for CODAP
2. MT on bevels (For carbon steel: only on thermal cut bevel)
3. For thickness over 30 mm
4. For all the welds on non-magnetic materials, including weld deposits, the MT examination shall be substituted by PT
5. For NPS over 10”
6. For thickness above 16 mm, RT before PWHT followed by UT after PWHT is acceptable with prior CONTRACTOR/COMPANY approval.
7. For full penetrated joint over 25 mm thickness
8. For NPS over 4” and shell thickness > 16 mm
9. After machining
10. For material 0.5%Mo steel with design pressure above 60 bars and nominal thickness above 50 mm, random MT shall be performed after hydrostatic test on joints category A, B, C and
D (butt and corner joints). Location shall be agreed with inspector before hydrotest.
11. VENDOR may be allowed to achieve Joint Efficiency 1.0 by fulfilling ASME UW-11 (a) by performing 100% RT of long seams, Spot RT (20% mini)of circumferential seams.
12. Repaired welds have the same extend of NDT after repair than for original weld (included a minimum of 100% of the repair area).
13. For austenitic stainless steel, UT is replaced by RT and MT by PT
 TABLE 11 – NDT TABLE ASME VIII Div1 joint efficiency 0.85 and CODAP cat B
Equipment in ASME VIII Div 1 with joint Efficiency 0.85 and CODAP cat B
Type of Joint (Note 2 & 7)
Gouged / Ground areas before back-welding 100% MT or PT
Category A and B (ASME) &
CEA1–1, CEA1-2, CEA1-3, Butt weld (1) 10% RT on each long seams + T-cross (3) (4)
(CODAP)
Category C (ASME) &
CEA1–6, CEA1-7, CEA1-8, Butt weld (1) 10% RT
(CODAP)
10% RT
Butt
Category D (ASME) & 10% MT
CEA1–4, CEA1-5, (CODAP) Tee full penetrated (Corner) 10% RT
Fillet 10% MT
Load bearing attachment (saddle to leg, saddle to chair, lifting lug, piping support, trunnions…) 100% MT
Butt weld between forging or built up and skirt 10% RT or UT
Skirt to shell /head Category
Built up 100% UT, MT or PT (5)
CEA1–13, (CODAP)
Fillet 10% MT
Non Load bearing attachment (insulation support, davit, manway support…) 10% MT or PT
Skirt /saddle/chair support 10% MT or PT
Skirt to skirt circumferential and longitudinal butt welds 10% RT
Internal welds 10% MT
Repaired welds 100% MT or PT of excavated areas (6)
Temporary welds See §13.1.4.6
Notes:
1. Butt weld definition according to UW3b for ASME & CEA1 for CODAP
2. For all the welds on non-magnetic materials, including weld deposits, the MT examination shall be substituted by PT.
3. All dissimilar welds shall be subject to 100% RT.
4. At least one exposure shall be taken of each welding process applied to the welded seams
5. After machining
6. Repaired welds have the same extend of NDT after repair than for original weld (included a minimum of 100% of the repair area)
7. For austenitic stainless steel, UT is replaced by RT and MT by PT
5.1.4.4 Hot formed and reheat treated parts
MT or PT shall be performed on the surfaces of hot formed, for all thicknesses for 0.5%Mo to
5%Cr materials, and for carbon steel materials with ultimate tensile strength ≥ 451MPa
(minimum tensile strength value specified in the norm/specification of the base metal) and/or
thicknesses > 16mm.

5.1.4.5 NDE before welding (e.g: Bevels)

The gouged/ground areas before back welding shall be 100% MT controlled (or PT when MT is
impossible).
The bevels prepared for welding shall be examined by:
• 100% MT for shell thickness ≥ 50 mm,
• 100% MT for all thicknesses for 0.5%Mo to 5%Cr materials, and for carbon steel materials
with ultimate tensile strength≥ 490Mpa (minimum tensile strength value specified in the
norm/specification of the base metal).

5.1.4.6 Temporarily welds

After removing parts temporarily welded to the shell, the involved area shall be ground flush and
checked by:
• 100% MT for all thicknesses for 0.5%Mo to 5%Cr materials, and for carbon steel materials
with ultimate tensile strength≥ 490Mpa (minimum tensile stren gth value specified in the
norm/specification of the base metal),
• 100% MT for shell thickness ≥ 38 mm,
• 100% MT or PT for shell thickness < 38 mm and ≥ 16mm.

5.1.4.7 Miscellaneous
When PWHT is required, the Radiographic examination (RT) and the Ultrasonic Examination
(UT) shall be performed as detailed in the table.
Materials Thickness Before PWHT After PWHT
Carbon steel ≤ 50 mm RT
0.5Mo steel ≤ 50 mm RT (1)
CS & 0.5Mo steels > 50 mm RT UT (1)
(1) For thickness between 16 to 50 mm, RT before PWHT followed by UT after PWHT is acceptable with prior
CONTRACTOR/COMPANY approval.

Plates thicker than 50 mm, and non-standards forgings shall be examined by UT, at the mill.
For all the welds on non-magnetic materials, including weld deposits, the MT examination shall
be substituted by P.T.

5.1.5 General points concerning the non-destructive inspections and tests

Reference documents:
General ASTM E1316
Welding EN ISO 17635
5.1.6 Visual Examination
Reference documents:
Welding EN ISO 17637

Visual examination procedures shall be in accordance with construction code and this Specification.
Visual examinations shall be performed on accessible surfaces of all completed welds and shall
include a band of base metal at least 25 mm wide on each side if the welds.
The surface under examination shall be viewed under white light of at least 1000 Lux intensity
on the surface. Glare and reflections shall be avoided.
Acceptance criteria for visual inspection shall be as required in construction code.

5.1.7 Thickness Measurement

See consolidated TOTAL specification GS RC PVE 001 Appendix 1 "Point zero".

5.1.8 Magnetic Particle Examination (MT)

Reference documents:
General EN ISO 9934-1
ASTM E709, ASTM E1444
Welding EN ISO 17638, EN ISO 23278

Magnetic particle examination procedures shall be in accordance with the requirements and
methods specified in the construction code.
Magnetic particle examination of welds shall include a band of base metal at least 25 mm wide
on each side of the weld.
The evaluation of indications and the acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with the
construction code.
The surface shall be examined in at least two approximately perpendicular directions to detect
defects lying in any orientation.
The surface under examination shall be viewed under white light of at least 1000 Lux intensity
on the surface. Glare and reflections shall be avoided.
For the wet particles method the surface to be inspected shall be coated with a white
background paint of a fine consistency.
Fluorescent particles shall be used to examine internal surfaces with black light. The surface
under examination shall be viewed under UV-A (Black light) of at least 10W/m2 intensity on the
surface. The background white light intensity shall not exceed 20 Lux. The black light intensity
shall be measured with a black light meter.
Adequacy of magnetic field strength shall be verified by Magnetic particle field indicator.
As a minimum the following shall be included in the MT procedure: scope, surface preparation,
areas to be examined; stage(s) at which examined (i.e. after welding, after heat treatment, after
hydrotest, etc.); magnetizing technique (e.g. AC Yoke), equipment used, magnetic ink trade
name; frequency of calibration of equipment and test of bath strength; coverage and direction of
magnetic field, measurement of field strength; application of examination media; acceptance
level; reporting format; operator qualifications.
5.1.9 Liquid Penetrant Examination (PT)
Reference documents:
General EN 571-1, EN ISO 3452-5, EN ISO 3452-6,
ASTM E165, ASTM E317, ASTM E433
Welding EN ISO 23277

Liquid penetrant examination procedures shall be in accordance with the construction code.
Penetrant materials shall meet the requirements of construction code, for sulphur and halogen
content regardless of the type of material to be examined.
Liquid penetrant examination of welds shall include a band of base metal at least 25 mm wide
on each side of the weld.
The evaluation of indications and the acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with the
construction code.
The surface under examination shall be viewed under white light of at least 1000 Lux intensity
on the surface. Glare and reflections shall be avoided.
As a minimum the following shall be included in the PT procedure: scope, surface preparation;
cleaning and drying; temperature limitations; penetrant application method and time; removal of
excess penetrant; drying; application of developer; development time; acceptance level;
reporting format; operator qualifications.

5.1.10 Radiographic Examination (RT)

5.1.10.1 Reference documents

General EN 444, EN 462-1, EN 462-2,
ASTM E242, ASTM E1742
Welding EN 12517-1, ISO 17636
ASTM E390, ASTM E1032

5.1.10.2 General
Radiographic examination procedures shall be in accordance with the requirements and
methods specified in the construction code.
Interpretation and acceptance criteria of radiographs shall be in accordance with the
construction code.

5.1.10.3 Type of radiographic examination

For base metal thickness ≤ 12.5 mm radiographic examination shall be performed using X-Ray
or Selenium 75 (however, when accessibility does not permit the use of X-ray, gamma radiation
with Ir192 may be used with CONTRACTOR/COMPANY prior agreement).
For base metal thickness > 12.5 mm radiographic examination shall be performed by X-Ray
whenever possible and practicable however Gamma radiation may be used with Se 75, Ir192
(Co60 may also be used for thickness above 50 mm) provided the required radiographic
sensitivity is obtained, and with CONTRACTOR/COMPANY prior agreement.
5.1.10.4 Examination
The double films technique may be used to reduce shooting time.
Film overlap shall be 50 mm minimum.
Radiography of welds on nozzles and communicating chambers etc. having a nominal diameter
of 3’’ or less may be performed by elliptical projection technique. At least two separate
exposures are required at locations 90° apart.
Where there is no internal access, radiographs of welds in pipe shall be double wall technique
with a minimum of 3 shots up to 4’’ in diameter and 4 shots over 4’’ diameter and only that portion
of the weld on the film side of the pipe (opposite to the radiation-source side) shall be interpreted.
Because of the variation in pipe diameters, wall thicknesses and source-to-film distances, it may
be necessary to take more than the minimum number of radiographs to properly examine the
entire circumference of a weld.

5.1.10.5 Film selection

Unless otherwise agreed by CONTRACTOR and COMPANY, the following table shall be used
for the selection of film depending o the materials and thicknesses involved:
Material and
EN ISO 11699-1 ASTM E 1815 Thickness
KODAK M C2 I
FUJI IX50 C2 I P n° 3 and greater
and
AGFA D3 C2 I P n° 1 above 50 mm
AGFA D4 C3 I
KODAK MX 125 C3 I
FUJI IX80 C3 I
KODAK T200X C3 I P n°1 from 10 to 50 mm
KODAK MX C3 I
AGFA D5 C4 I
KODAK AA 400 C5 II
AGFA D7 C5 II P n°1 up to 10mm
FUJI IX100 C5 II

5.1.10.6 Geometrical unsharpness limitation

Geometrical unsharpness shall be in accordance with the construction code.
5.1.10.7 Sensitivity
Sensitivity of the films shall be verified by the use of wire-type Image Quality Indicator (IQI) as
per ASTM E142 or per European Norm EN 462-1.
As a minimum sensitivity shall be 2T as per table T-276 in ASME Section V, Article 2, or
equivalent EN/ISO specification.
I.Q.I shall be placed on the weld seam at source side. Whenever this is impractical the I.Q.I.
shall be placed at film side together with a lead symbol “F” and the sensitivity shall be in
accordance with the construction code.
5.1.10.8 Radiographic density
Unless otherwise agreed with CONTRACTOR and COMPANY, the following film density shall
be obtained depending of:
Technique Range
Simple film X-Radiation 1.8 to 3.5
Simple film Gamma-Radiation 2 to 3.5
Double film X-Radiation 2.7 to 3.5
Double film Gamma-Radiation 2.7 to 3.5

Note: For composite viewing of multiple film exposures, each film of the composite set shall
have a minimum density of 1.3.
The density of the radiograph anywhere through the area of interest varies by more than minus
15% or plus 30% from the density through the body of the hole IQI or adjacent to the designated
wire of a wire IQI, within the minimum/maximum allowable density ranges specified in T-282.1.

5.1.10.9 Film marking

Following information shall be marked on the films:
• the job number,
• the item number,
• the weld number,
• welder’s symbol,
• examination stage,
• date of examination.
Markings shall clear the outer edges of the weld and shall not interact with IQI designation.

5.1.10.10 Report
In addition to code requirements, report shall include the following information as a minimum:
• date of examination,
• job number/ item number,
• source of radiation used together with power,
• codification of defects used for interpretation,
• for each weld joint: shooting technique / geometrical unsharpness or calculating parameters,
• for each film: density / film use / IQI seen versus IQI required,
• for each film: all imperfection/indication (defined according to ISO 6520-1) detected has to be
noted with precise localization. For non acceptable defects, reference of report after repair have
to be noted on initial report.
5.1.10.11 Radiographic procedure
As a minimum the following shall be included in the RT procedure: scope, source type (e.g. X-
ray, IR-912, etc.); material type; material thickness; pipe diameter for pipe components;
maximum KV of X-ray source, maximum focal spot size; minimum film to source distance;
exposure time; sketch of component and source; film and penetrameter placement for
components other than simple shape; intensifying screens type and thickness; image quality
indicator type and pattern; technique (e.g. double wall single image, etc.); sensitivity; film
density; viewing conditions for high density; back scatter checks/protection; marking and
identification of radiographs; film overlap; film storage; acceptance criteria; reporting format;
operator qualifications

5.1.11 Ultrasonic Examination (UT)

Reference documents:
General ISO 7963
IS US 319-21, ASTM E114, ASTM E127, ASTM E428, ASTM E587
Welding EN ISO 11666, EN ISO 17640, ISO 22825, ISO 2400, EN ISO 23279
ASTM E164

Ultrasonic examination procedures shall be in accordance with the requirements and methods
specified in the construction code.
The acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with the construction code.
The frequency of the transducers shall be 2 or 4 MHz and the angle shall be in the range of 45°
to 70°. For thicknesses above 20 mm, at least two different probe angles shall be used.
Inspection reports shall include as a minimum all information specified in the construction code.
As a minimum the following shall be included in the UT procedure: scope; equipment; probe type
and details; surface preparation; cleaning and couplant; technique sheet for each technique
specified (number of techniques to be sufficient to cover all type of joints to be covered by the
procedures scope); material; weld material (if different); sketch showing joint configuration, beam
coverage; extent of scan; scanning pattern; material thickness and curvature; calibrations and
frequency; means of setting and scanning sensitivity levels and DAC curves, flaw location and
size evaluation; acceptance criteria; reporting format; operator qualifications.
For each weld joints, all imperfection/indication (defined according to ISO 6520-1) detected has
to be noted with precise localization on final report. For non acceptable imperfection, references
of report after repair have to be noted on initial report

5.1.12 Time Of Flight Diffraction (TOFD)

Use of TOFD in substitution of radiographic examination when permitted by Code and Code
case shall require prior COMPANY/COMPANY approval.
TOFD shall be in accordance with ASME section V, article 4, mandatory appendix III (e.g. base
material thickness: TOFD can be used above 12 mm).