DEP SPECIFICATION

QUALIFICATION OF NDT FOR FABRICATION INSPECTION

Copyright Shell Group of Companies. No reproduction or networking permitted without license from Shell. Not for resale

DEP 30.55.03.30-Gen.

February 2017

ECCN EAR99

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE

© 2017 Shell Group of companies

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, published or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior
written permission of the copyright owner or Shell Global Solutions International BV.

This document contains information that is classified as EAR99 and, as a consequence, can neither be exported nor re-exported to any country which is under an
embargo of the U.S. government pursuant to Part 746 of the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. Part 746) nor can be made available to any national of such
country. In addition, the information in this document cannot be exported nor re-exported to an end-user or for an end-use that is prohibited by Part 744 of the Export
Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. Part 744).

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PREFACE

DEP (Design and Engineering Practice) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of Shell Global Solutions
International B.V. (Shell GSI) and, in some cases, of other Shell Companies.
These views are based on the experience acquired during involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where deemed appropriate DEPs are based on, or reference international,
regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the standard for good design and engineering practice to be applied by Shell companies in oil and
gas production, oil refining, gas handling, gasification, chemical processing, or any other such facility, and thereby to help
achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where DEPs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition at each
locality. The system of DEPs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to adapt the
information set forth in DEPs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use DEPs, they shall be solely responsible for such use, including the
quality of their work and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those
requirements not specifically covered, the Principal will typically expect them to follow those design and engineering
practices that will achieve at least the same level of integrity as reflected in the DEPs. If in doubt, the Contractor or
Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting from his own responsibility, consult the Principal.
The right to obtain and to use DEPs is restricted, and is typically granted by Shell GSI (and in some cases by other Shell
Companies) under a Service Agreement or a License Agreement. This right is granted primarily to Shell companies and
other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Company. Consequently, three
categories of users of DEPs can be distinguished:
1) Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or another Shell Company. The use of DEPs by these
Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service Agreement.
2) Other parties who are authorised to use DEPs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether as part of
a Service Agreement or otherwise).
3) Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)
which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.
Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI disclaims
any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or person
whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any DEP, combination of DEPs
or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell GSI or other Shell Company. The
benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to Shell GSI and/or any Shell Company, or companies affiliated to these
companies, that may issue DEPs or advise or require the use of DEPs.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual arrangements, DEPs shall
not, without the prior written consent of Shell GSI, be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever and the
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copyright of DEPs vests in Shell Group of companies. Users shall arrange for DEPs to be held in safe custody and Shell
GSI may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to ascertain how users implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the DEP Administrator in Shell GSI.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 4
1.1 SCOPE ....................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ......... 4
1.3 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................. 4
1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES ............................................................................................. 6
1.5 SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES ............................................................................... 7
1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP ....................................................................................... 7
1.7 DUAL UNITS............................................................................................................... 7
1.8 NON NORMATIVE TEXT (COMMENTARY) .............................................................. 7
2. GENERAL .................................................................................................................. 8
2.1 ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................... 8
3. ASSESSING THE NEED FOR QUALIFICATION ...................................................... 8
3.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF NDT JOBS ........................................................... 9
3.3 REVIEW WHETHER NDT IS “WITHIN THE SCOPE OF CODES AND
STANDARDS” ........................................................................................................... 10
3.4 ASSESSING WHEN ROUTINE NDT IS IN A CRITICAL ROLE .............................. 10
4. ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION ................................... 11
4.1 GENERAL PROCESS .............................................................................................. 11
4.2 ELEMENTS OF NDT SYSTEM NEEDING QUALIFICATION .................................. 12
4.3 THOROUGHNESS OF A QUALIFICATION ............................................................. 14
5. DEVELOPMENT OF A QUALIFICATION SCHEME ............................................... 15
5.1 GENERAL PROCESS .............................................................................................. 15
5.2 PREPARE TECHNICAL JUSTIFICATION WITH PRACTICAL TRIALS .................. 16
5.3 QUALIFICATION BODY ........................................................................................... 16
5.4 IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALIFIED NDT ............................................................... 17
6. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 18

APPENDICES
APPENDIX A NDT QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS IN QUALITY SYSTEMS .............. 19

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This DEP specifies requirements and gives recommendations for qualification of a
non-destructive testing (NDT) system to be applied during fabrication and construction.
This is a revision of the DEP of the same number dated September 2013; see (1.5)
regarding the changes.

1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this DEP is confined to Shell
companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers nominated
by them. Any authorized access to DEPs does not for that reason constitute an
authorization to any documents, data or information to which the DEPs may refer.
This DEP is intended for use in facilities related to oil and gas production, gas handling, oil
refining, chemical processing, gasification, distribution and supply/marketing. This DEP
may also be applied in other similar facilities.
When DEPs are applied, a Management of Change (MOC) process shall be implemented;
this is of particular importance when existing facilities are to be modified.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements could be more
stringent than in this DEP, the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of the
requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to the safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all
cases the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of
this DEP which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or local
regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the objective
being to obtain agreement to follow this DEP as closely as possible.

1.3 DEFINITIONS
1.3.1 General definitions
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project or operation of a
facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for it. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.
The word may indicates a permitted option.

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1.3.2 Specific definitions

Term Definition

Critical NDT Criticality in this DEP is related to the fabrication of a piece of

equipment, in a Project Quality Plan. Criticality is related to effect of
NDT not performing as per requirements, impacting project schedule
and the quality of the fabricated goods.

Fabrication Inspection of equipment before it is placed in service

Inspection

NDT System The combination of NDT technique, NDT equipment, procedure,

personnel

NDT The party that carries out the NDT and is responsible for the delivery of
Contractor the NDT-operators and necessary equipment and documentation for the
NDT-qualification and production inspection, including the requested
reporting.

Project Manufacturing of materials and fabrication of equipment and

construction of installations

Technical A Technical Justification (TJ) is a collection of all the information which

Justification provides evidence about the capability of an NDT technique as applied
to a specific component. It may include, for example, physical
reasoning, mathematical modelling, results from test piece trials, field
NDT results or experimental studies as appropriate to demonstrate that
the considered NDT is adequate for the intended application.

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1.3.3 Abbreviations

Term Definition

ASME American Association of Mechanical Engineers

EN European Norm

ENIQ European Network for Inspection Qualification

FFS Fitness for Service

FMECA Failure Mode, Effect and Consequence Analysis

ISO International Standards Organization

ITP Inspection and Test Plan

MFL Magnetic Flux Leakage

MT Magnetic Testing

NDE Non-destructive Examination (also known as NDT)

NDT Non-destructive Testing (also known as NDE)

POD Probability of Detection

POFA Probability of False Alarm (also called False Call Rate)

PQP Project Quality Plan

PT Penetrant Testing

QA/QC Quality Assurance / Quality Control

RT Radiographic Testing

SCE Safety Critical Element

TJ Technical Justification

UT Ultrasonic Testing

1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES
Where cross-references to other parts of this DEP are made, the referenced section or
clause number is shown in brackets ( ). Other documents referenced by this DEP are listed
in (6).

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1.5 SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES

This DEP is full revision of the DEP of the same number dated September 2013.
The following are the main, non-editorial changes.

Section/Clause Change
All Minor text editorial and update of informative data
All Created Informative and moved text as appropriate

1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP

Comments on this DEP may be submitted to the Administrator using one of the following
options:

Shell DEPs Online Enter the Shell DEPs Online system at

https://www.shelldeps.com
(Users with access to
Select a DEP and then go to the details screen for
Shell DEPs Online)
that DEP.
Click on the “Give feedback” link, fill in the online
form and submit.

DEP Feedback System Enter comments directly in the DEP Feedback

System which is accessible from the Technical
(Users with access to
Standards Portal http://sww.shell.com/standards.
Shell Wide Web)
Select “Submit DEP Feedback”, fill in the online form
and submit.

DEP Standard Form Use DEP Standard Form 00.00.05.80-Gen. to record

feedback and email the form to the Administrator at
(other users)
standards@shell.com.

Feedback that has been registered in the DEP Feedback System by using one of the above
options will be reviewed by the DEP Custodian for potential improvements to the DEP.

1.7 DUAL UNITS

This DEP contains both the International System (SI) units, as well as the corresponding
US Customary (USC) units, which are given following the SI units in brackets. When
agreed by the Principal, the indicated USC values/units may be used.

1.8 NON NORMATIVE TEXT (COMMENTARY)

Text shown in italic style in this DEP indicates text that is non-normative and is provided as
explanation or background information only.
Non-normative text is normally indented slightly to the right of the relevant DEP clause.

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2. GENERAL

2.1 ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The Contractor’s Quality System shall include a procedure specifying minimum
requirements for the qualification of NDT, for types of equipment, and for types of NDT
used.
a. If no such procedure is in use within the Quality System, the Contractor shall
prepare and propose an alternate to the Principal for review and approval.
The Principal determines which alternative process has to be implemented to
assess the criticality of the NDT jobs.
2. Contractor shall have assigned roles and responsibilities to staff to ensure that NDT
used in the Project is adequately qualified.
a. Refer to (Appendix A) for minimum roles and responsibilities.
b. Contractor shall provide Principal with opportunity to review and approve
personnel doing the assessments during the Project.

3. ASSESSING THE NEED FOR QUALIFICATION

3.1 GENERAL
1. Contractor shall provide records to the Principal for review and approval that
demonstrate that all NDT jobs in a Project have been assessed.
a. NDT jobs in the critical path and for nonstandard fabrication designed equipment
that the Principal has determined are not satisfactorily assessed shall be
reassessed to the satisfaction of the Principal.
The designation of “nonstandard fabrication designed equipment” is by the
Principal based on Company experience with the Contractor and Contractor’s
standard offerings.
b. The reassessment process shall be subject to approval by the Principal.
c. Refer to (Appendix A) for minimum roles and responsibilities.
d. The assessment should be able to be refined and updated, when more specific
details of components become available.

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3.2 GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF NDT JOBS

Refer to Figure 1 which determines how to divide NDT jobs classified as critical path and
for nonstandard fabrication designed equipment into groups by classifying the jobs.
1. In the triangle, the NDT jobs are divided in three levels:
a. “Routine” NDT, covered by Codes and Standards (3.3)
Example: Routine inspection of vessel or pipe welds, using for instance
radiography, manual UT, but also more advanced techniques like Time of
Flight Diffraction or Phased Array UT.
b. Special NDT, are based on existing techniques but are outside the generally
accepted application range of Codes and Standards
“Special” NDT, applied to critical and non-critical jobs are to be NDT that is
classed “special” for one or more reasons:
o the technique is not covered by a Code or Standard, or is outside the
generally accepted application range of the NDT Standard;
o the applicable standard may not provide acceptance criteria matching
the technique capability;
o access restrictions could cause incomplete examination;
o the NDT teams may have limited experience with the special
techniques.
c. New NDT where there are no Codes and Standards, but where also no or limited
knowledge about performance is available, though in some cases Project
Specifications should cover the use of such NDT:
Example: New ultrasonic imaging techniques using Phased Arrays and so-
called Total Matrix Capture with computerized image processing provide
promising improvements to weld inspection capability but are currently not
covered by Standards or publicly shared qualification records. For inspection
of Pipeline Girth Welds job-specific qualification is carried out, but more
general use on welds in vessels and pipework is awaiting more general
industry acceptance.
i. For such “new” NDT the qualification should demonstrate that the capability
is adequate, that no unknown factors jeopardize the performance, and that
NDT teams understand the operation of the new system and procedures.
Example: Heavy wall components, such as forged or welded Tee’s are
being manufactured for use in ultra-high pressure services. This requires
new NDT that needs design and testing, followed by extensive
qualification, including modelling of the NDT performance, testing on
mock-up test block (open trial) and blind trials with adequate numbers of
defects to assess Probability of Detection and accuracy of sizing
ii. A further classification divides Routine, Special NDT and New NDT jobs into:
1). critical NDT jobs
2). non-critical NDT jobs
For critical NDT jobs the uncontrolled acceptance of the NDT
examination is not be acceptable.
Acceptance typically requires enhanced procedures in the first place,
followed by an appropriate level of qualification.

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Figure 1 Categories of NDT jobs for which the need for qualification has to be
assessed

Shaded area: • No guidelines available;

New NDT
assessment required • Outside scope of Code;
• Covered by Project
Special NDT Specifications
Always assessment

NDT covered by Codes,

Standards
“Routine” NDT

All NDT jobs

Critical NDT jobs:
Always assessment

3.3 REVIEW WHETHER NDT IS “WITHIN THE SCOPE OF CODES AND STANDARDS”
This Section provides guidance to assess whether NDT falls in the lower level of the
triangle in Figure 1, i.e., can be considered “routine”, and is thereby within the generally
accepted scope of the applicable codes and standards, or is outside and is to be
considered “special”.
1. To identify whether NDT is classified as “routine” (i.e., in the lower level in Figure 1),
the following two properties are typically assessed:
a. Is the NDT method allowed by the fabrication Code?
b. Is the NDT within the scope of a recognized NDT Standard?
2. Examples of routine NDT outside the scope of the Standard:
a. coverage for volumetric examination of weld zones by UT can be reduced due to
the geometry of a weld (thickness transitions next to the weld; nearby other
welds; a corner weld (nozzle) with welded overlay on the inner surface; width of
the weld cap; etc.);
b. on larger wall thicknesses, the need to use optimum UT beam angles to detect
planar flaws, or the use of the tandem technique to detect near-vertical flaws (a
requirement in many DEPs) can be limited by access restrictions;
c. fabrication Codes allow materials of construction that lead to coarse grained weld
materials, but the UT Standards referenced to cannot provide suitable
instructions.

3.4 ASSESSING WHEN ROUTINE NDT IS IN A CRITICAL ROLE

This Section provides guidance to assess whether routine NDT is carried out in a critical
job and would thereby require further assessment of the need to review requirements for
qualification.
All routine NDT are reviewed to determine whether it is applied in a critical NDT job
using Figure 2.

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Figure 2 Decision flow scheme showing two ways to assess criticality of routine
NDT

Start:
All “routine” NDT jobs

Intervention Is Criticality No
No No critical role -
Levels Assessment
No assessment
provided by required (by
for qualification
Project? Principal)

Yes Yes

No critical role - No Intervention Apply approved process to

No assessment Levels 1 or assess NDT Criticality
for qualification 2?

Yes
Intervention
Critical role -
Levels >
Assess need for
defined
qualification
criteria?

When NDT job criticality is based on Intervention Levels, as per assessment in a Project
Quality Plan (PQP), NDT typically is considered critical when applied to equipment items
that have an Intervention level of 1 or 2.
When an alternative process is applied to assess NDT criticality, the criteria approved by
the Principal is to be applied to assess the need for qualification.

4. ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION

4.1 GENERAL PROCESS

1. For all NDT jobs that have been identified for assessment, the need for qualification
shall be established within a procedure.
2. This assessment shall produce one of the following outcomes:
a. no qualification is required when the review endorses the procedure and any
applicable QA measures;
b. qualification is required either for the whole NDT System, or for one or several
elements (procedure, technique, equipment, personnel).
3. The following shall be specified in the documents:
a. the specific qualification; see (4.2);
b. the thoroughness of qualification; see (4.3).
The actual development of a qualification scheme is discussed in (5).
4. Before embarking on the qualification, the NDT procedure shall be developed and
documented.

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5. Any measures from the Quality System that supports the delivery of NDT performance
shall be identified and defined.
This includes defining the scope of the inspection (i.e., the range of objects such as
materials, geometries, dimensions), and the requirements driving the inspection
(Fabrication Code, fabrication requirements, flaw types, and acceptance criteria
from Code or based on FFS).

4.2 ELEMENTS OF NDT SYSTEM NEEDING QUALIFICATION

Default rules are provided that indicate the elements of the NDT System that need
qualification. NDT job criticality and NDT maturity are the main parameters that drive
which elements need qualification.
For instance: qualification can be limited to personnel if all other elements have a known
performance. It could also be extended to other elements of the NDT system if these are
new or have been modified heavily. It could even include the technique if a proper
performance demonstration has never taken place or the evidence of it has not been
documented.
The categorization of NDT jobs results in at least five groups with typical (default)
qualification requirements, as indicated in Figure 3 (shaded areas).
Figure 3 Default requirements for qualification of the elements of the NDT
system

New NDT: “Full” qualification Non- routine NDT

Non-routine NDT in critical

and non-critical NDT jobs:
NDT System qualification

Routine, Complex NDT:

NDT System qualification Routine NDT

NDT with Code-required

qualification
Routine Simple NDT:
Operator qualification

All NDT jobs

Critical jobs = Qualification required
= No qualification required

Below, the categories of NDT jobs with specific qualification requirements are discussed:
4.2.1 NDT jobs: Routine, non-complex NDT
This group concerns mature NDT with known performance. The criticality of the job
warrants assurance that the performance will be delivered.
Generally, the qualification will focus on operator performance, in combination with the
effectiveness of measures from the Quality system (such as appropriate calibration
pieces, reporting formats; etc.).
The qualification typically focuses on demonstrating NDT Operator skills.
The decision to request for qualification would be based on an assessment (as part of
the Project Quality Plan) of the NDT service provider and the Contractor (quality system)
to deliver consistent NDT services of an acceptable level.

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4.2.2 NDT jobs: “NDT with Code-required Qualification”

This group concerns “routine” NDT where there is industry consensus that the typical
applications require assurance by a qualification effort, prescribed by the code/standard.
1. Qualification may focus on parts or the whole NDT System, dependent on the source
of variability.
2. The qualification shall be based on the requirements in the Code or Standard.
Example 1: Qualification requirements are built into the codes for girth weld
inspection of (subsea) pipeline (see for instance DEP 37.81.42.35-Gen.).
Example 2: Operator qualification only: In API RP 2X (manual UT on structural
joints), an operator qualification test is required. The operator needs to test a small
number of qualification samples to demonstrate adequate skill to detect and size the
flaws introduced. There is no qualification of the technique (angle beam UT) as this is
considered mature and relatively robust.
Example 3: Technique/procedure/operator qualification: Under ASME VIII
Division 2, when vessel welds are inspected by “UT in lieu of RT”, as per ASME V.
This specifies testing of a small number of qualification samples that reflect the
material properties, dimensions and geometry of the objects to be inspected, and
requires correct detection and evaluation of reference flaws to demonstrate
capabilities of identifying the smallest flaws that should be detected. With this
qualification test, the code is testing a broader set of parameters of the NDT system,
including the equipment (employing automated or semi-automated scanning with
computer based data acquisition and analysis abilities), procedure settings, and
operator skills.
4.2.3 Routine, complex NDT:
This group concerns “routine” NDT, but applied to more complex cases in critical NDT
jobs, while Codes and Standards do not require qualification.
1. Qualification procedure shall address the procedure, equipment and operator.
The aim is to demonstrate that the procedure is set up properly, and that the
operators are capable to handle the equipment and procedure. It is recognized that
the underlying technique has a proven performance when applied to materials and
component geometries that are within the application range of the code.
The decision to qualify the NDT is typically based on a criticality assessment (in the
Project Quality Plan) that assesses the complexity of the NDT job (e.g., difficult
geometry, unusual dimensions such as very thin or very thick, and difficult
materials, but all within the scope of the code), assesses the consequence of NDT
failing to perform (e.g., generating unnecessary repairs), and assesses any lack of
experience of the NDT service provides with such complex NDT jobs.
4.2.4 “Special” NDT, applied to critical and non-critical jobs
1. The Contractor shall demonstrate the necessity for “Special” NDT.
Additional, non-NDT related measures could also be taken, to compensate for any
unresolved shortcomings or weaknesses of the NDT.
2. Qualification procedure shall address the shortcomings of the initial procedure and on
any remedies implemented.
The aim is to demonstrate that the shortcomings and/or weaknesses in the NDT
procedure have been addressed adequately, and that any additional measures are
effective in compensating for the impairment of the NDT performance.
Example 1: Manual UT applied to welds with restricted access may reduce the
detection reliability. This may be compensated by using automated UT.

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Example 2: Inspection of welds of storage tanks according to API 653 allows UT in

lieu of RT, and the code offers two levels of Fitness for Service based acceptance
criteria, which requires sizing of length and height of flaws. Tanks with coarse-
grained weld materials would require the use of compression angle beam probes.
To apply such UT in isolation (no RT, hence UT in lieu of RT) would require sizing
the length and height of flaws. This UT capability has been demonstrated and
accepted for pipeline girth welds. But when applied to storage tank welds, it would
require full qualification of method, system and operator.
4.2.5 New NDT
A “full” qualification when required typically include:
 demonstrating the suitability of the technique selected;
 a quantified demonstration of adequate probability of detection (POD);
 an acceptable probability of false positive calls;
 if applicable, an acceptable sizing accuracy;
 operator qualification.
Such qualification normally requires use of test blocks with large numbers of flaws and
representative properties built in, such that they resemble conditions occurring on the
objects to be inspected.
The decision to qualify is driven by absence of appropriate Codes and Standards and
lack of knowledge about the performance of (most elements of) the NDT System.
Example: Tee’s in heavy wall pipework can be forged or welded, and be of carbon steel
or alloys. Such components could be used in plant with high or extreme risk levels,
which require reliable product quality, therefore effective NDT. The UT of forgings,
notably those made of alloyed materials, is a special skill, not very abundant in industry.
Such UT could also be limited, notably when stringent requirements are imposed on
acceptable flaw sizes in very heavy wall components.

4.3 THOROUGHNESS OF A QUALIFICATION

Thoroughness of a qualification is related to the effort to demonstrate performance. This
can start by developing a Technical Justification, which is a desk-study, comprising of
collecting and reviewing available performance data and assessing whether this
demonstrates performance adequately. If that is not adequate, experimental trials can be
added, either using open or blind test samples; by choosing the number of samples and
defects the level of thoroughness can be further varied.
1. The thoroughness of qualification should be determined using Table 2 which provides
default levels of thoroughness for qualification, if not already specified by Codes and
Standards.
2. If a lower level of qualification is to be judged more appropriate, a deviation of the
default level of thoroughness shall be documented as supported by an approved
Technical Justification (5).

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Table 2 Default levels of thoroughness of qualification is dependent on the

maturity of the NDT

NDT maturity level Level of thoroughness of qualification

(critical NDT jobs)

Routine, simple NDT Development of a Technical Justification (TJ);

Routine, complex NDT Additional testing on a small set of flaws in representative test
samples (open trials)

Non-routine Additional testing on a small to large set of flaws in test samples

that resemble the objects to be examined (open trials if
emphasis is only on the technique setting, and including blind
trials if emphasis is also on operator performance)

New NDT Quantitative assessment of the performance including blind

trials (establishing POD and POFA) with set of flaws in test
samples that represent all factors that have an important
influence on NDT performance, including all relevant properties
of the to be inspected objects and expected flaws

5. DEVELOPMENT OF A QUALIFICATION SCHEME

5.1 GENERAL PROCESS

1. A qualification scheme is typically developed and approved by following the process
shown in Figure 4.
2. The process is to start with the development and documentation of a Technical
Justification (TJ).
3. The TJ is typically to be approved by a Qualification Body as defined in Section 5.3.
Development of a TJ is a desk study, in which technical information is collected,
analysed, and possibly combined with modelling (which could be parametric studies
on parts of the NDT or full POD modelling, to reduce the amount of samples and
trials).
After a TJ has been developed and approved, the outcome could be:
 the NDT System, including relevant QA measures, is endorsed and the
NDT can be implemented;
 practical trials could be required, after which the TJ is updated with the
results;
 if approved, NDT could be implemented;
 if rejected, NDT is rejected.
The latter could require improved NDT or alternative fabrication.
4. Qualifications for personnel developing and approving a TJ shall be in accordance
with (Appendix A).

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Figure 4 Flow diagram showing the two-stage qualification process, with Technical
Justification only, or extended with practical trials on test samples

Practical
All NDT jobs identified to have trial req’d? No
qualification requirements
Yes

Define purpose of NDT and the Practical trial on test samples:

reason for qualification • Define number samples and flaws
• Develop qualification scheme
(witnessing req’d?)
• Reference inspection needed (to
Determine default scope using job
characterize flaws
criticality and NDT classification
• Conduct trials (ensure objective
routine/non-routine: NDT rejected
results of blind trials)
• Part or full qualification
• Confirm flaws (sectioning)
• Thoroughness level X
• Analyse results
• Combine with TJ and develop
capability statement
Develop Technical Justification (TJ)

Verify Updated Technical Justification

Verify Technical Justification (TJ)

No TJ+Practical No
TJ
trial
acceptable?
acceptable?

Yes √ Yes
Implement NDT

Guidance for development of a qualification scheme can be obtained from the following:
 CEN/TR 14748;
 ASME V, Article 14, Examination System Qualification.

5.2 PREPARE TECHNICAL JUSTIFICATION WITH PRACTICAL TRIALS

The personnel involved typically have a specialist level of experience with the NDT
technique of concern, and experience in the development and implementation of
qualification trials.
When developing blind trials that have to produce POD, POFA or sizing accuracy,
personnel typically have a working knowledge with the statistical analysis used to design
a qualification process and to process data from such qualification trials.

5.3 QUALIFICATION BODY

1. The Qualification Body may be a party of the Principal, or an external party.
2. The Qualification Body shall be independent of Contractor.
3. The Qualification Body shall not be part of the Supplier of NDT System involved.
4. The level of independence of the Qualification Body shall be clearly defined in the
objectives of the qualification (e.g., the Principal or Supplier Technical Authority;
Verification Body; Regulatory Body).
5. The level of involvement of the Qualification Body shall be clearly described in the
objectives of the TJ (defining which elements of the NDT System are subject to
qualification; defining test blocks and flaws; witnessing trials, reviewing results;
approving the conclusions).

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5.4 IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALIFIED NDT

1. The results of a qualification shall be documented, and held available in a Qualification
Dossier, for the time that use will be made of the NDT.
Any future use of the NDT application may require retrieval of the results to obtain
evidence of its appropriateness. When future NDT has slight modifications,
incremental qualification could reduce the effort to qualify the modified NDT.

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6. REFERENCES
In this DEP, reference is made to the following publications:
NOTES: 1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used,
together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. The DEPs and most referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell
Wide Web) at http://sww.shell.com/standards/.

SHELL STANDARDS

DEP feedback form DEP 00.00.05.80-Gen.

Qualification of girth weld inspection with automated ultrasonic DEP 37.81.42.35-Gen.
inspection (AUT) systems

EUROPEAN STANDARDS

Non-destructive testing – Methodology for qualification of CEN/TR 14748

non-destructive tests

AMERICAN STANDARDS

Recommended Practice for Ultrasonic and Magnetic Examination of API RP 2X

Offshore Structural Fabrication and Guidelines for Qualification of
Technicians - Fourth Edition
Tank inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction API STD 653
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 14 ASME/BPVC SEC V,
Examination System Qualification Article 14
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division ASME/BPVC SEC VIII-2
2-Alternative rules for construction of pressure vessels
Recommended practice for personal qualification and certification in ASNT SNT-TC-1A
nondestructive testing

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Non-destructive testing – Qualification and certification of ISO 9712:2012

NDT personnel – Fourth edition

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APPENDIX A NDT QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS IN QUALITY SYSTEMS

A.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION

1. The Quality System shall include requirements for qualification of NDT applied during
fabrication.
For instance, it could include a statement:
“All NDT applied during the Project will be assessed for the need for qualification
and, if required, will be qualified, in compliance with minimum requirements
specified in DEP 30.55.03.30-Gen.”

A.2 PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

1. Assessments shall be conducted by a NDT engineer, or a NDT technician, who is
knowledgeable in Codes and Standards on fabrication NDT, with a qualification level
of at least Level II (ASNT SNT-TC-1A, ACCP, ISO 9712 or equivalent
2. The following qualification tasks shall require staff with formal qualifications:
a. personnel competent to assess the need for qualification of NDT during:
i. design phase (Level 2; experience with Project QA, with NDT for
fabrication);
ii. detailed Design (Level 3 in the applicable NDT method);
iii. fabrication (Level 3 in the applicable NDT method).
b. personnel competent to develop a Technical Justification (without practical trials),
or conduct a standard practical trial as specified in standards; (Level 3 in the
applicable technique; or a degree in engineering with a minimum of practical work
experience in NDT (BS: 5 years; MS: 3 years; Ph.D: 1 year));
c. personnel competent to review the results of technical justifications. (Level 3 in
the applicable technique; or a degree in engineering with a minimum of practical
work experience in NDT (BS: 5 years; MS: 3 years; Ph.D: 1 year) and
experienced with at least two NDT qualification jobs);
d. personnel competent to perform qualification trials that include practical test trials,
including the fabrication and verification of test samples. (same qualifications as
under (c) above, and in addition experience with quantitative methods for NDT
qualification (POD, POFA; sizing accuracy) and experience with the statistical
methods used to design a qualification test and analyse the results.).

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