B S I 8S*5îîb 80 m l b 2 4 b b î 0078335 5 m

BS 5996 : 1980
UDC 669.15-1 94.57-41 3 : 620.1 79.1 6
(Reprinted, incorporating Amendments No. 1 and No. 2)

Methods for
a Ultrasonic testing and specifying
quality grades of ferritic steel plate

.
Méthodes pour le contrôle ultrasonore et la spécification des qualités de tôle en acier ferritique

Ultraschallprüfverfahren und Spezifizierung von Güteklassen von feriitischern Stahlblech

British Standards Institution

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards
Licensed by Information Handling Services
 BS 5996 : 1980

Contents
Page
Foreword Inside front cover Section three. Quality grades
Cooperating organizations Back cover 13. Designation of quality grades
14. Laminations
Methods 15. Inclusion clusters
Section one. General 16. Edge discontinuities
1, scope 1 17. Manufacturer's certificate
2. References 1
3. Terms and definitions 1 Tables
4. Information to be supplied by the purchaser 1 1. Types of ultrasonjc probe used in testing steel
plate
Section two. Test equipment and test methods 2. Quality grading of laminations
5. Operator 1 3. Quality grading of inclusion clusters
6. Equipment and testing technique 1 4. Quality grading of edge discontinuities
7. Surface conditions 2
8. Coupling 2 Figures grading of inclusion
0 009d,-0.02
clusters
Tc 0 Td 8Tj /F4 1
9. Description of test techniques 2
10. Location and delineation of area of
discontinuities 3
11. Test procedures 4
Automatic testing 5

Foreword
This British Standard has been prepared under the direction
of the Iron and Steel Standards Committee,
Provision had previously been made for standardizing the
test techniques for ultrasonic testing in BS 4336. Grading of
quality of steel plate in terms of the results of ultrasonic
tests presented obvious difficulties and, following extensive
consideration, led to the publication, in 1972, of DD 21
'Quality grading of steel plate from 12 mm to 150 mm
thick by means of ultrasonic testing'. Industry accepted
the concepts incorporated in the latter publication and
these have now been included and extended in this new
standard.
Extensive advances have been made in the understanding
and application of the techniques over the past decade,
including the introduction of automatic processes. The need
to choose a technique variant suited to the precise kind and
size of discontinuity being examined in a steel plate and
therefore for adequate training of an operator have become
appreciated by industry and are referred to in this British
Standard. No specific formal operator qualifications have
been specified, but those provided by a number of
appropriate technical teaching and other establishments
are recognized by industry.
 -

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BSI BS*S99b 80 M l b 2 4 b b î 0078338 O

BS 5996 : 1980

6.3 Equipment checks. The equipment shall be subject 8. Coupling @

to each of the following checks as specified in the relevant
part of BS 4331 : Parts 1 and 3:
(a) linearity of time base;
(b) calibration of time base;
(c) linearity of equipment gain;
(d) sensitivity and signalhoise ratio;
(e) pulse duration;
(f) beam profile.
If, in the interval between checks as specified in BS 4331,
any part of the equipment has been repaired, the full
range of checks shall be carried out before the flaw
detector is returned to service.
6.4 Probes. The ultrasonic probes shall be zero angle
compressional wave transceivers designed to operate a t
frequencies nominally within the range of 2 MHz to
5 MHz. The probes shall be either twin crystal or single
crystal as prescribed in table 1,
6.5 Presentation
6.5.1 For visual observations, a flaw detector shall be
used, with A-scope presentation. Other additional modes
of presentation capable of fulfilling the prescribed
functions may be used in mechanical systems of inspection.
6.5.2 A calibrated attenuator shall be used for measuring
the ratio of ultrasonic amplitudes when required.
6.5.3 Suppression (grass-cutting)circuits shall not be
used unless it can be shown they do not impair the
validity of the inspection.
6.5.4 The time base shall be so adjustable that two to
four multiples of the plate thickness can be displayed
on substantially the full time base of the oscilloscope.
7. Surface conditions
The surface of the material under t e s t shall be such that
uniformly full ultrasonic coupling is achieved over the
scanned area. All surfaces shall be free from such scale,
dirt, grease, paint and other foreign matter as would
interfere with the interpretation of the test. The methods
used for cleaning and preparing the surfaces for ultrasonic
inspection shall not be detrimental to the material or the
surface finish (see also clause 8).
8.1 The coupling shall be obtained by either contact,
gap or immersion scanning using a liquid or paste medium
suitable for the purpose. Adequate precautions shall be
taken to ensure that any coupling medium that may be
deleterious to the material or interfere with i t s
subsequent processing i s removed after completion of
the test.
8.2 When testing using the immersion scanning technique,
it is important to ensure that the distance between the
crystal and the plate surface is such that the second
reflection from the front plate surface does not appear
between the front and rear plate surface echoes.
8.3 For contact scanning, the use of intermediate
protective sheets may be used, provided that the
requirements of clause 6 are satisfied.
9. Description of test techniques
9.1 General
9.1.1 The physical nature and characteristics of steel and
laminar defects are such that a number of testing techniques
may be employed t o define the extent of a defect.
The techniques described allow a certain freedom of choice
compatible with the economics of testing and also with
satisfying the requirements of the material specification.
9.1.2 Unless otherwise agreed a t the time of the enquiry
and the order, the technique to be used is a t the discretion
of the producer.
9.1.3 In cases of dispute, the technique 1 shall be
employed (20 drop).
9.2 Technique 1: 20 dB drop
9.2.1 Technique 1, which may be used on plates of all
thicknesses, depends on the fact that there is a relatively
sudden fall in the intensity of the acoustical energy near
the perimeter of the beam. Ultrasonic probes can be so
calibrated that the position of the apparent edge of the
beam relative to the probe axis is known.
9.2.2 As the probe i s moved off a discontinuity,
the amplitude of the flaw echo decreases suddenly so
that, from the position of the probe when the flaw echo
amplitude has fallen by 20 dB, the location of the
boundary of the discontinuity can be determined.

Table 1. Types of ultrasonic probe used in testing steel plate

Plate thickness Type of probe and nominal Major Area of individuel

operating frequency dimension transmitter or
of probe receiver

mm mm mm mm2 '
6 15 Twin crystal 20 to 25 100 to 350
3 MHz to 5 MHz
15 40 Twin crystal 20 to 25 1O0 to 350
2 MHz to 3 MHz
40 150 Single crystal 20 to 25 300 to 650
2 MHz to 4 MHz

NOTE 1. Single crystal probes used in contact with the plate surface may be fitted with a diaphragm
provided that adequate sensitivity and resolution are retained.
NOTE 2. When immersion techniques are used, single crystal probes of the operating frequency
specified in the table may be used for all thicknesses.

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and 2Standards

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 BSI BS*599b
This British Standard, having been prepared under the direction of
the Iron and Steel Standards Committee, was published under the
authority of the Executive Board and comes into effect on
3 1 October 1 9 8 0
@ British Standards Institution, 1980
ISBN O 580 11631 X
The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:
Committee reference ISM/73 Draft for comment 78/80831 DC
British Standards Institution. Incorporated by Royal Charter, BSI i s
the independent national body for the preparation,of British
Standards. It is the UK member of the International Organization
for Standardization and UK sponsor of the British National
committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission.
In addition to the preparation and promulgation of standards, BSI
offers specialist services including the provision of information
through the BSI Library and Standardline Database; Technical Help
to Exporters; and other services. Advice can be obtained from the
Enquiry Section, BSI, Milton Keynes MK14 6LE, telephone
0908 221166, telex 825777.
Copyright. Users of British Standards are reminded that copyright
subsists in a l l BSI publications. No part of this publication may be
reproduced in any form without the prior permission in writing o f
BSI. This does not preclude the free use, in the course of
Cooperating organizations
The Iron and Steel Standards Committee, under whose direction
this British Standard was prepared, consists of representatives
from the following:
British Cast Iron Research Association
British Constructional Steelwork Association
British Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers' Association
British Ironfounders' Association
British Railways Board
'British Shipbuilders
'British Steel Industry
British Steel Industry (Wire Section)
Concrete Society Limited
Council of Ironfoundry Associations
Department of Industry (National Physical Laboratory)
'Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
'Engineering Equipment Users' Association
Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
Greater London Council
Institute of Marine Engineers
Institute of Quality Assurance
Institution of Production Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers
Amendments issued since publication
Amcl. No. Date of issue Text affected
3728 August 1981 Indicated by a line in the margin
4776 I January 1985 I Indicated by a line in the margin
.
British Standards Institution 2 Park Street London WIA 2BS Telephone 01-629 9000 Telex 266933
8708 -5 -0.6k- B ISM173
COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards
Licensed by Information Handling Services
Lb24669 0078344 b
BS 5996 : 1988
implementing the standard, of necessary details such as symbols and
size, type or grade designations. Enquiries should be addressed to
the Publications Manager, BSI, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes
MK14 6LE. The number for telephone enquiries is O908 220022
and for telex 825777.
Contract requirements. A British Standard does not purport to
include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users British
Standards are responsible for their correct application,
Revision of British Standards. British Standards are revised, when
necessary, by the issue either of amendments or of revised editions.
It is important that users of British Standards should ascertain that
they are in possession of the latest amendments or editions,
Automatic updating service. BSI provides an economic, individual
and automatic standards updating service called PLUS. Details are
available from BSI Enquiry Section a t Milton Keynes, telephone
0908 221 166, telex 825777.
Information on all BSI publications is in the
supplemented each month by which is available to
subscribing members of BSI and gives details of new publications,
revisions, amendments and withdrawn standards. Any person who,
when making use of a British Standard, encounters an inaccuracy or
ambiguity, i s requested to notify BSI without delay in order that
the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.
International Tin Research Institute
*Lloyd's Register of Shipping
Ministry of Defence
National Association of Drop Forgers and Stampers
'Oil Companies Materials Association
'Process Plant Association
Royal Institute of British Architects
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited
Steel Casting Research and Trade Association
'Water-tu be Boilermakers' Association
The organizations marked with an asterisk in the above list,
together with the following, were directly represented on the
Technical Committee entrusted with the preparation of this
British Standard:
Associated Offices Technical Committee
British Electrical and Allied hlanufacturers' Association (BEAMA)
British Steel Corporation
British Valve Manufacturers' Association Ltd.
Welding Institute
Individual manufacturers
 BSI BS*599b
This British Standard, having been prepared under the direction of
the Iron and Steel Standards Committee, was published under the
authority of the Executive Board and comes into effect on
3 1 October 1 9 8 0
@ British Standards Institution, 1980
ISBN O 580 11631 X
The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:
Committee reference ISM/73 Draft for comment 78/80831 DC
British Standards Institution. Incorporated by Royal Charter, BSI i s
the independent national body for the preparation,of British
Standards. It is the UK member of the International Organization
for Standardization and UK sponsor of the British National
committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission.
In addition to the preparation and promulgation of standards, BSI
offers specialist services including the provision of information
through the BSI Library and Standardline Database; Technical Help
to Exporters; and other services. Advice can be obtained from the
Enquiry Section, BSI, Milton Keynes MK14 6LE, telephone
0908 221166, telex 825777.
Copyright. Users of British Standards are reminded that copyright
subsists in a l l BSI publications. No part of this publication may be
reproduced in any form without the prior permission in writing o f
BSI. This does not preclude the free use, in the course of
Cooperating organizations
The Iron and Steel Standards Committee, under whose direction
this British Standard was prepared, consists of representatives
from the following:
British Cast Iron Research Association
British Constructional Steelwork Association
British Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers' Association
British Ironfounders' Association
British Railways Board
'British Shipbuilders
'British Steel Industry
British Steel Industry (Wire Section)
Concrete Society Limited
Council of Ironfoundry Associations
Department of Industry (National Physical Laboratory)
'Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
'Engineering Equipment Users' Association
Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
Greater London Council
Institute of Marine Engineers
Institute of Quality Assurance
Institution of Production Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers
Amendments issued since publication
Amcl. No. Date of issue Text affected
3728 August 1981 Indicated by a line in the margin
4776 I January 1985 I Indicated by a line in the margin
.
British Standards Institution 2 Park Street London WIA 2BS Telephone 01-629 9000 Telex 266933
8708 -5 -0.6k- B ISM173
COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards
Licensed by Information Handling Services
Lb24669 0078344 b
BS 5996 : 1988
implementing the standard, of necessary details such as symbols and
size, type or grade designations. Enquiries should be addressed to
the Publications Manager, BSI, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes
MK14 6LE. The number for telephone enquiries is O908 220022
and for telex 825777.
Contract requirements. A British Standard does not purport to
include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users British
Standards are responsible for their correct application,
Revision of British Standards. British Standards are revised, when
necessary, by the issue either of amendments or of revised editions.
It is important that users of British Standards should ascertain that
they are in possession of the latest amendments or editions,
Automatic updating service. BSI provides an economic, individual
and automatic standards updating service called PLUS. Details are
available from BSI Enquiry Section a t Milton Keynes, telephone
0908 221 166, telex 825777.
Information on all BSI publications is in the
supplemented each month by which is available to
subscribing members of BSI and gives details of new publications,
revisions, amendments and withdrawn standards. Any person who,
when making use of a British Standard, encounters an inaccuracy or
ambiguity, i s requested to notify BSI without delay in order that
the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.
International Tin Research Institute
*Lloyd's Register of Shipping
Ministry of Defence
National Association of Drop Forgers and Stampers
'Oil Companies Materials Association
'Process Plant Association
Royal Institute of British Architects
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited
Steel Casting Research and Trade Association
'Water-tu be Boilermakers' Association
The organizations marked with an asterisk in the above list,
together with the following, were directly represented on the
Technical Committee entrusted with the preparation of this
British Standard:
Associated Offices Technical Committee
British Electrical and Allied hlanufacturers' Association (BEAMA)
British Steel Corporation
British Valve Manufacturers' Association Ltd.
Welding Institute
Individual manufacturers