Refining & Chemicals

GENERAL SPECIFICATION

Pressure Vessel

GS RC WAM 631

Phased Array Inspection (PAUT)

00 03/2018 Original issue

Rev. Date Subject of revision

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This document is the official English version

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Contents

Foreword ........................................................................................................................ 4

1. Subject ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Scope ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Applicability ..................................................................................................................... 4

2. Reference documents ............................................................................................. 5

2.1 Priority rules .................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Deviations ....................................................................................................................... 7

3. Definitions and Abbreviations ............................................................................... 7

3.1 Definitions ....................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. 7

4. Technique capabilities requirements .................................................................... 8

4.1 Examination of longitudinally oriented defects ................................................................. 9
4.2 Examination of transversally oriented defects ................................................................. 9
4.3 Specific cases ................................................................................................................. 9

5. Requirements for personnel ................................................................................ 10

6. PAUT system requirements ................................................................................. 11

6.1 Ultrasonic device........................................................................................................... 12
6.2 Transducers & Wedges................................................................................................. 13
6.3 Scanning mechanisms .................................................................................................. 13
6.4 Coupling........................................................................................................................ 14
6.5 Software........................................................................................................................ 14

7. Examination level .................................................................................................. 15

7.1 Examination level requirements when using workmanship acceptance criteria ............. 15
7.2 Examination level requirements when fracture mechanics based acceptance criteria/
Acceptance criteria based on height and length ............................................................ 15

8. Preparation for testing .......................................................................................... 16

8.1 Information required prior to testing............................................................................... 16
8.2 Volume to be inspected................................................................................................. 17
8.3 Transducer selection ..................................................................................................... 17

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8.4 Scan increment setting.................................................................................................. 18

8.5 Geometry considerations .............................................................................................. 18
8.6 Surface preparation ...................................................................................................... 18
8.7 Examination Temperature ............................................................................................. 19

9. Testing of base material ....................................................................................... 19

10. Testing strategy - Definition of defect-UT beam interactions ........................... 19

11. Scan plan ............................................................................................................... 19

12. Rules for Ultrasonic and focal law settings ........................................................ 20

12.1 Ultrasonic settings......................................................................................................... 20
12.2 Focal laws settings ........................................................................................................ 21

13. Blocks .................................................................................................................... 21

13.1 Calibration/reference blocks .......................................................................................... 21
13.2 Performance demonstration/validation blocks ............................................................... 22

14. Instrument checking ............................................................................................. 22

15. Range and sensitivity settings ............................................................................. 23

16. Checking of the settings....................................................................................... 23

17. Procedure qualification-performance demonstration ........................................ 23

18. Testing ................................................................................................................... 24

19. Interpretation of Phased Array scans.................................................................. 24

20. Settings checking ................................................................................................. 25

21. Evaluation and acceptance criteria ..................................................................... 25

21.1 Evaluation based on amplitude and defect indication nature ......................................... 25
21.2 Evaluation based on height sizing ................................................................................. 26

22. Test Report ............................................................................................................ 27

Bibliography................................................................................................................. 28
Appendix 1 Demonstration/validation blocks ...................................................................... 29
Appendix 2 Setup checking and procedure performance demonstration ............................ 31
Appendix 3 Sensitivity correction for planar defects parallel to fusion lines and not
interrogated by perpendicular beams .............................................................................. 32

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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.

1. Subject
1.1 Scope
This specification defines the Company minimum requirements and details the general
conditions for performing Phased Array Ultrasonic Technique (PAUT) examination on fine grain
ferritic alloys welds for Pressure Vessels and Piping systems.
Use of PAUT is limited to the below conditions and is subjected to approval of Company before
to proceed:
• A substitution to conventional volumetric Non Destructive Technique (NDT) such as
Radiographic Testing (RT) or Manual Ultrasonic Testing (MUT)
• A substitution to Time Of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) ultrasonic technique as defined in
GS RC PVE 630
• A combination with any other volumetric NDTs.
The terms of use of PAUT are restricted, in the present specification, to the following welding
configurations:
• For Pressure vessels, Longitudinal, Circumferential and set-In nozzle butt welds with WT
(Wall Thickness) ≥ 25 mm.
• For Piping, Circumferential pipe to pipe butt welds with WT ≥ 6 mm and with OD (Outside
Diameter) ≥ 2” or DN (Nominal Diameter) ≥ 50 mm.
PAUT examination on fitting welds is not permitted by this specification.
PAUT shall be performed at each manufacturing stage required by the relevant design code
and after Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) if any.

1.2 Applicability
Implementation of PAUT shall be considered since design and fabrication sequence stages, this
in order to ensure sufficient clearance on both sides of the weld are made available for allowing
PAUT scanning and full weld volume coverage.
In any case, use of PAUT as a standalone technique shall fully comply with the appropriate
design code and present specification.
For equipments, which shall be designed and built according to ASME codes (ASME BPVC
Section VIII Div 1 or ASME BPVC Section VIII Div 2 for pressure vessels, ASME B31.3 for
process piping), PAUT shall be carried out according to ASME BPVC Section V article 4,
amended with respective construction code requirements or applicable code cases and the
ones stated in the present specification.

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For equipments, which shall be designed and built according to European pressure vessels
code BSI PD 5500, PAUT shall be carried out according to the rules of ISO 13588, with the
amendments stated in the present specification. Previous written acceptance by the Inspecting
Authority (IA) is required before any fabrication takes place.

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
BSI PD 5500 Specification for unfired fusion welded pressure vessels
EN 12668 (Parts Non-destructive testing - Characterization and verification of ultrasonic
1; 2; 3) examination equipment - Parts 1; 2; 3
EN 16392-2 Non-destructive testing - Characterisation and verification of ultrasonic
phased array equipment - Part 2: Probes
EN 583-2 Non-destructive testing - Ultrasonic examination - Part 2: Sensitivity and
range setting
ISO 13588 Non-destructive testing of welds - Ultrasonic testing - Use of automated
phased array technology
ISO 15626 Non-destructive testing of welds - Time-of-flight diffraction technique
(TOFD) - Acceptance levels
ISO 17640 Non-destructive testing of welds - Ultrasonic testing - Techniques, testing
levels, and assessment
ISO 2400 Non-destructive testing - Ultrasonic testing - Specification for calibration
block No 1
ISO 9712 Non-destructive testing - Qualification and certification of NDT personnel
ISO 16811 Non-destructive testing - Ultrasonic testing - Sensitivity and range setting
ISO 18563 (Parts Non-destructive testing - Characterization and verification of ultrasonic
1; 3) phased array equipment - Parts 1; 3

Professional documents

Reference Title
ASTM E164 Standard practice for contact ultrasonic testing of weldments
ASTM E2192 Standard guide for planar flaw height sizing by ultrasonics
ASTM E2491 Standard guide for evaluating performance characteristics of phased-array
ultrasonic testing instruments and systems
ASTM E2700 Standard practice for contact ultrasonic testing of welds using phased
arrays

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Regulations

Reference Title
Not applicable

Codes

Reference Title
ASME B31.3 Process Piping
ASME BPVC Rules for construction of pressure vessels - Division 1
Section VIII Div 1
ASME BPVC Rules for construction of pressure vessels - Division 2 Alternative rules
Section VIII Div 2
ASME BPVC Rules for construction of pressure vessels - Division 3 Alternative rules for
Section VIII Div 3 high pressure vessels
ASME BPVC Non destructive examination
Section V

TOTAL General Specifications

Reference Title
GS RC WAM 630 TOFD Inspection

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.

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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. Definitions and Abbreviations

3.1 Definitions
• Authorized Inspection: Organization Independent from the Manufacturer and
responsible for monitoring the equipment manufacture from the reception of the raw
materials to the delivery of the equipment.
This Authorized inspector shall insure that the following are respected:
− The regulations when they are applicable to the equipment concerned by the
specification herein
− The technical requirements in the Buyer’s order.
The type, number and distribution of the documents to be compiled by this Authorized
inspection shall be defined in the contract binding Company or the Engineering Company.
This Authorized inspection may be Company or the Engineering Company.
• Contractor: Natural person or legal entity that establishes the order and provide the
inspection and examination services covered by the specification herein, this specification
is an integral part of the order.
• Company: End user.
• Engineering Company: Natural person or legal entity who carries out the services
corresponding to the design and supply of the equipment covered by the specification
herein and in particular collects or establishes the data allowing the manufacturer to size
the equipment so that it can satisfy the process function for which it is destined.
• Manufacturer: Manufacturer has the responsibility of complying with all of the applicable
requirements and assuring that all work done by others also complies.
• Shall: Verbal form used to indicate requirements strictly to be followed.
• Approval: A written response from the Company confirming agreement to a proposal by
the manufacturer or inspection services company.

3.2 Abbreviations
• ACG Angle Correction Gain
• AI Authorized Inspector
• ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

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• AUT Automated Ultrasonic Testing

• BSI British Standards Institution
• C-Mn Carbon-Manganese
• CPY Company
• CTR Contractor
• DN Nominal Diameter
• EN European Standards
• ECA Engineering Critical Assessment
• FSH Full Screen Height
• HAZ Heat Affected Zone
• IA Inspection Authority
• ID Inside Diameter
• MPAUT Manual Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing
• MUT Manual Ultrasonic Testing
• NDT Non Destructive Testing
• OD Outside Diameter
• PAUT Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing
• PC Personal Computer
• PWHT Post Weld Heat Treatment
• RF Radio Frequency
• RT Radiographic Testing
• SAFT Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique
• SAW Submerged Arc Welding
• TCG Time Correction Gain
• TOFD Time Of Flight Diffraction
• UT Ultrasonic Testing

4. Technique capabilities requirements

PAUT shall ensure proper detection and evaluation of longitudinally oriented defects.
In addition, Examination of transversally oriented defects is required for:
• On all pressure vessels welds
• On all Piping welds, in case of transverse cracking is suspected.

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For instance, when:

− Welds are performed with high energy welding processes such as Submerged Arc
Welding (SAW)
− Use of high strength welding consumables
− Narrow gap bevel.

4.1 Examination of longitudinally oriented defects

A technique is considered capable if all the below requirements are fulfilled:
• 100% of the weld metal volume and adjacent parent material including HAZ (Heat
Affected Zone) are fully interrogated with suitable probe access and sufficient scanning
zone width from both sides of the weld.
• Perpendicularity tolerances between fusion lines (or a defect of a given orientation) and
beams remains within ± 6° in order to generate an optimum beam/discontinuity
interaction.

4.2 Examination of transversally oriented defects

A technique is considered capable if 100% of the weld metal volume and adjacent parent
material (including HAZ) are fully interrogated thanks to one of the scanning options detailed
below:
Option 1 Option 2* Option 3
From the weld bead and From the parent material When sufficient clearance
Probe access with suitable surface is available on both sides
scanning condition for scanning of the welds (parent
material)
PAUT / Weld PAUT / beams oriented PAUT or AUT (single
Scanning interrogation with beams between (15/20°- element probes) in pitch
technique parallel (0°/180°) to the 160/165° approximately) and catch mode (V
weld axis to the weld axis tandem technique)
* Option 2 is subjected to Company approval.

4.3 Specific cases

4.3.1 Definition of Limitation

As soon as a weld zone is not being properly interrogated for detection and/or evaluation under
the requirements detailed in sections 4.1 and 4.2, then this case shall be defined as a limitation.
The following configurations (but not limited to) shall be considered as limitations to the
technique detection and evaluation’s capabilities:
• Single access combined to geometry response
• Restricted access in terms of scanning zone width
• Presence of internal accessories, supports which interfere with scanning or beam skipping

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• Beam orientation regarding fusion lines modified by tapering (inside or outside) or

component curvature (along the primary axis)
• Specific bevel orientations, (e.g. vertical fusion line of K bevel, set-in nozzles without any
access from nozzle ID surface)
• Material anisotropy and/or attenuation
• Scanning from clad and/or weld overlay.
Each limitation case shall be subjected to Company approval.
Each limitation case shall be clearly identified and treated specifically in the procedure, by
detailing:
• The improvement of the testing strategy
• The improvement of the weld configuration such as cap flushing, internal tapering of
piping with smooth slope
• The implementation of additional NDT method or techniques.
Each limitation shall be assessing through trials on demonstration blocks and ray tracing and
approved by Company.

4.3.2 Pressure vessels with wall thickness above 50 mm

When height/length based acceptance criteria are used, for butt welds with thickness greater to
50 mm, TOFD technique complementarily to PAUT shall be implemented.
Time Of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) shall be performed following GS RC WAM 630 requirements.

4.3.3 Clad / overlaid pressure vessels

PAUT scanning from clad and/or weld overlay is subjected to Company approval.
Reference and validation blocks shall include clad/weld overlay of exactly the same
configuration as the production ones.
When height/length based acceptance criteria are used, for clad/overlaid butt welds, TOFD
technique complementarily to PAUT shall be implemented.
Time Of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) shall be performed following GS RC WAM 630 requirements.

5. Requirements for personnel

The requirements for personnel are given as per below table:
ASME components
Examination personnel shall be qualified and
certified following a procedure or program as
described in ASME BPVC Section V article 1 T-
120 (e), (f), (h) and (i).
PD 5500 components
Personnel shall be qualified to an appropriate
level in accordance with ISO 9712 or equivalent in
the relevant industrial sector + provision of 6.1 of
ISO 13588.

In addition:
Only level 2 or 3 technicians shall perform the instrument checking, setting, calibration and data
collection activities.

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Only level 2 or 3 technicians shall prepare the procedure and the scan plans.
Only level 2 or 3 technicians shall analyse the data, interpret the results and generate the
report.
The procedure and final data package shall be reviewed and approved by a PAUT level 3 or UT
Level 3 specialist being experimented with PAUT technique. The review shall include the
ultrasonic data records, the data interpretations and the flaw evaluations / classifications reports
performed by all the qualified UT/PAUT Level 2 or 3 teams involved on project.
Personnel shall demonstrate, through documentation, previous practical experience in PAUT
examination:
• 6 months for pressure vessel welds when testing pressure vessel welds
• 3 months on piping welds when testing piping welds.
The documentation shall clearly show the personnel qualification regarding the task in which he
is involved in:
• Scan plan generation
• Instrument setting and calibration, according to specific standards
• Data collection with the same instrument as those used for the project
• Data analysis and results interpretation.
Also, the personnel shall be trained to the performance of manual PAUT defect detection and
characterisation. Training and experience shall be documented and shall be subjected to
Company approval.

6. PAUT system requirements

PAUT shall be implemented in semi-automated or automated mode.
Manual PAUT (MPAUT) without encoder device and data recording is permitted to be used
under the following conditions:
• Complementary investigations needed for the defect/indication characterization previously
detected thanks to the semi or fully automated scanning method.
• Detection and evaluation of transversally oriented defects when semi or fully automated
scanning performance is demonstrated not efficient to Company.
• Weld configurations for which the use of an encoder device is demonstrated not
practicable. Then another traceable technique or method shall be used in complementary
to this technique and shall be subjected to Company approval.

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6.1 Ultrasonic device

The ultrasonic unit shall be an automatic computer based data acquisition device with the
following features:
ASME components PD 5500 components
Digitization of A-Scans at a minimum of five times A-Scan sampling rate at least six times the
the nominal frequency of the probe used. nominal probe frequency.
Amplitude digitized at a resolution of at least 8-bit Selection of an appropriate portion of the time
(256 levels). base within which A-Scans are digitized.
Angle Correction Gain (ACG) and Time Corrected Gain (TCG) function
Pulse-echo type
Single channel or multiplexed pulse-echo type (with multiple independent pulser/receiver channels)
Standardized dB gain or attenuation control (minimum step 1 dB)
Minimum frequency range from 0.5 to 10 MHz
A-Scan, B-Scan (D-scan), C-Scan, E-Scan & S-Scan presentations
On-board focal law generation software
Ultrasonic signals recorded in full rectified or RF A-Scan unprocessed forms
No gating or thresholding
Data recording and storage for archiving scan data
Analysis software embedded (real-time and post-acquisition data analysis) or PC remote
Instrument calibration within its validity period (12 months maximum)
Standardized for amplitude and height linearity in Verification performed by manufacturer every
accordance with ASTM E2491 / ASME BPVC twelve months according to ISO 18563-1 or
Section V SE 2491: annually EN 12668-1.
Other verification as per ASTM E2491 / Verification performed by operator before every
ASME BPVC Section V SE 2491 recommended use according to ISO 18563-3 or EN 12668-3.
practices shall be fulfilled.

In addition:
• C or D, and B/S/E-scans shall be visible during data collection process.
• Missing scan lines shall not be compensated (by use of software artifices such as pixel
size increase) and the instrument shall be able to clearly display those missing scan lines.

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6.2 Transducers & Wedges

The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 components:
ASME components PD 5500 components
Phased array probes used with a removable or integral wedge, delay line or localized bubbler system.
1D, 1.5D or 2D design.
Number of elements, element dimensions and pitch selected based on the application requirements
and the manufacturer’s recommended limitations.
Natural incident angle of the refracting wedge selected so that the angular sweep range does not
exceed the manufacturer’s recommend limits for the probe and mode (compression and transverse)
used.
Refracting wedges used on curved surfaces shall require contouring to match the surface curvature if
the curvature causes a gap “g” between the wedge and examination surface exceeding 0.5 mm
(0.020 in.) at any point. If a value larger than 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) still results, the probe shoe shall be
adapted to the surface and the sensitivity and range shall be set accordingly.
Verification of the phased array transducers
Determination of phased array element activity Verification performed by manufacturer before
as defined in Appendix A.3 ASTM E2491 / delivery (during fabrication) according to EN 16392-2
ASME BPVC Section V SE 2491 performed by (or EN 12668-2 if specifically approved by
operator. Company).
Verification performed by operator before every use
according to ISO 18563-3 or EN 12668-3.

In addition:
The selection of 1D Phased Array probes, regarding the component thickness to be examined,
shall also follow the requirements given in paragraph 8.3.
For Longitudinal butt welds, use of specific wedges, which are Shaped along circumferential
outside diameter, are not allowed.

6.3 Scanning mechanisms

The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 components:
ASME components PD 5500 components
For automated or semi-automated scanning, the probe shall be used with a positional encoder for each
axis in which probe motion is required. The encoder shall be calibrated to provide positional information
from a reference start position and shall be accurate to within 1% of total scan length or 10 mm
(0.4 in.), whichever is less. Guide mechanisms such as probe holding frames or magnetic strips shall
be used to ensure that the probe moves at a fixed distance from the weld centreline.
The devices and accessories (magnetic strips and magnetic wheel, optical target, carriage, cradle…)
shall ensure an accuracy of transducer positioning equal to the greater of 2 mm or 5% of the distance
from the transducer to the weld centreline and ensure also that the ultrasonic beams are perpendicular
to the theoretical axis of the flaws to be detected.
The encoder resolution shall be at least 0.2 mm.

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6.4 Coupling
The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 components:
ASME components PD 5500 components
Coupling media between probe and wedge:
A suitable coupling shall be used to ensure a proper transmission of the ultrasonic signals between the
probe and the wedge. Couplings with a good viscosity such as grease, glycerine or oil shall be used.
The same coupling shall be used for calibration and examination operations.
Coupling media between search unit and scanning surface:
A suitable coupling shall be used to acoustically couple the wedge to the inspected component, not
being detrimental to the material being examined.
The same coupling shall be used for calibration and examination operations. The characteristics of the
coupling medium shall remain constant throughout the verification, calibration operations and the
examination. It shall be suitable for the temperature range in which it will be used.
In case of constancy of the characteristics cannot be guaranteed between calibration and examination,
a transfer correction shall be applied. Method for determining the necessary correction is described in
ISO 16811.
After the examination is completed, the coupling shall be removed.

In addition:
Injected water shall be used in case of semi-automated or automated inspections: a thin film of
water shall be produced between scanning surface and search unit contact surface. Pre-wetting
agent is permitted to be added to the scanning surface. Additional viscous agent is permitted to
be added to the water being injected. In such case, this shall be specifically detailed in the
procedure and approved by Company.

6.5 Software
A Company recognized software shall be used.
The procedure shall identify which software, and associated release, is used for:
• Ray tracing, (scan plan)
• Focal law calculation (if not computed by the instrument itself)
• Data collection
• Data analysis.
A data viewer shall be permanently made available to Company, during the inspection phase as
well as for future data investigations. The data viewer shall be included with the data package.

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7. Examination level
7.1 Examination level requirements when using workmanship acceptance criteria
The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 components:
ASME components PD 5500 components
Requirements of mandatory appendix VII of Requirements of ISO 13588 -testing level C- shall
ASME BPVC Section V article 4 and be fulfilled.
recommended practices provided in For welds of complex geometry, e.g. weld joining
ASTM E2700 / ASME BPVC Section V SE 2700 materials of unequal thickness, materials that are
shall be fulfilled. joined at an angle or nozzles. These tests shall
always be carried out under testing level D of
ISO 13588.
In addition:
Provisions of ASTM E164 -table 2 related to the Provisions of ISO 17640-technique 1 and level B
MUT examination techniques, shall be taken in minimum- related to the MUT examination
account with the following considerations: techniques shall be taken in account with the
following considerations:
• Fusion lines shall be interrogated by beams being, within ± 6° tolerances, perpendicular to their
surfaces.
• All points of the weld metal volume shall be interrogated by two angle beams minimum, those
angles differing by more than 10°, whatever is the component thickness.
The procedure performance demonstration, in terms of defects location, length sizing and nature
evaluation shall be carried out on a demonstration block (included in “test block” Section as per
ISO 13588) containing artificial defects.
The block thickness shall be comprised between 0.8 to 1.5 times the weld thicknesses to be
inspected, and is defined in paragraph 13.2 and Appendix 1.

7.2 Examination level requirements when fracture mechanics based acceptance

criteria/ Acceptance criteria based on height and length
The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 components:
ASME components
Requirements of mandatory appendix VIII and IX
of ASME BPVC Section V article 4, construction
codes or applicable code cases requirements
shall be fulfilled, as well as the recommended
practices provided in ASTM E2700 / ASME BPVC
Section V SE 2700.
PD 5500 components
Requirements of ISO 13588 -testing level C- shall
be fulfilled.
For welds of complex geometry, e.g. weld joining
materials of unequal thickness, materials that are
joined at an angle or nozzles, shall always be
carried out under testing level D of ISO 13588.

Note: Such acceptance criteria do not include those resulting from ECA (Engineering Critical
Assessments).
Additional requirements related to the validation/demonstration block are defined in
paragraph 13.2 and Appendix 1.

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8. Preparation for testing

8.1 Information required prior to testing
The information required is both applicable to ASME and PD 5500 components.

8.1.1 Items to be defined prior to procedure development

a) Purpose and extent of testing
b) Testing levels
c) Acceptance criteria
d) Specification of reference blocks
e) Manufacturing or operation stage at which the testing is to be carried out
f) Weld details and information on the size of the heat-affected zone
g) Requirements for access and surface conditions and temperature
h) Personnel qualifications
i) Reporting requirements.

8.1.2 Specific information required by the operator before testing

a) Written procedure and technique sheet shall be permanently made available to the operator
in charge of the instrument setting, calibration and data collection, and shall describe at the
minimum:
- The scan plan and search units to be used
- The blocks to be used for calibration
- Configurations/setup files name to be used for the examination.
b) Type of parent material and product form
c) Joint preparation and dimensions
d) Welding instruction or relevant information on the welding process
e) Time of inspection relative to any post-weld heat treatment
f) Result of any parent metal testing carried out prior to and/or after welding.

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8.2 Volume to be inspected

The volume to be examined is defined as per below table:
ASME components PD 5500 components
The ultrasonic examination area shall include the volume of The testing volume shall include the weld
the weld, plus 50 mm (2 in.) on each side of the weld for and parent material for at least 10 mm on
material thickness greater than 200 mm (8 in.). For material each side of the weld, or the width of the
thickness 200 mm (8 in.) or less, the ultrasonic examination heat affected zone (based on the
area shall include the volume of the weld, plus the lesser of manufacturer’s information), whichever is
25 mm (1 in.) or the thickness on each side of the weld. greater and provided the following
Alternatively, examination volume is permitted to be reduced requirements are met:
to include the actual heat affected zone (HAZ) plus 6 mm
(1/4 in.) of base material beyond the heat affected zone on
each side of the weld provided the following requirements
are met:
1. The extent of the weld HAZ is measured and documented during the weld qualification process
and
2. The ultrasonic transducer positioning and scanning device is controlled using a reference mark
(paint or low stress stamp adjacent to the weld) to ensure that the actual HAZ plus an additional
6 mm (0.25 in.) of base metal is examined.

In addition:
PAUT procedure shall be submitted for Company approval and shall clearly explain how the
whole contractual volume is scanned. The volume to be scanned shall be studied (with
Company recognised software) from macro-examinations issued for WPQR (Welding Procedure
Qualification Records), including gouging and potential repairs.
Those macro-examinations (photographs with scale or etched coupons) shall be at the disposal
of the PAUT operator.
Explored volumes shall be detailed on a sketch showing the actual weld Section and the extent
of the scanning coverage by each probe.
Prior any data acquisition, a verification of the combination of set up of probes shall be
performed according to Appendix 2 to check if the entire volume is scanned.

8.3 Transducer selection

The selection of 1D Phased Array probes, regarding the component thickness to be examined,
shall follow the requirements provided below:
Active aperture Elevation
Thickness range Frequency range
(primary axis) (secondary axis)
8 to 12 mm 4 to 10 MHz ≥ 6 mm ≥ 6 mm
12 to 40 mm 4 to 7.5 MHz ≥ 9 mm ≥ 8 mm
40 to 70 mm 2 to 5 MHz ≥ 14 mm ≥ 10 mm
70 to 100 mm 2 to 5 MHz ≥ 14 mm ≥ 14 mm
100 to 150 mm 2 to 5 MHz ≥ 19 mm ≥ 19 mm
150 mm to 200 mm 1.5 to 3.5 MHz ≥ 19 mm ≥ 19 mm

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Note: The values in the table are given for:

• Standard compression or shear wave wedges
• Steering angle range 35° to 75°
• Based on 0.5 skip interrogation (For 1 skip or 1.5 skip, thickness shall be respectively
divided by 2 or 3).

8.4 Scan increment setting

The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 components:
ASME components PD 5500 components
The maximum recording increments shall be: For thicknesses up to 10 mm, the scan increment
-0.04 in. (1 mm) for material < 3 in. (75 mm) thick. shall be no more than 1 mm.
-0.08 in. (2 mm) for material ≥ 3 in. (75 mm) thick. For thicknesses between 10 mm and 150 mm, the
scan increment shall be no more than 2 mm.
Above 150 mm, the scan increment shall be no
more than 3 mm.
When applicable, the scan increment setting perpendicular to the weld shall be chosen in order to
ensure the coverage of the examination volume.

8.5 Geometry considerations

Care shall be taken when examining welds of complex geometry, e.g. weld joining materials of
unequal thickness, materials that are joined at an angle or nozzles.
For weld geometries differing from butt welds joining two parts of the same thickness, design of
the reference/performance demonstration block shall be specifically approved by Company.
These tests shall be planned carefully and shall require performance demonstration on mock-
ups representative of the component to be examined as detailed in Appendix 1.
When full skip interrogation is implemented, internal tapering, if any, shall be evaluated in terms
of length and slope. The slope shall be equal to or lower than ¼(14°or less).
These fabrication tolerances shall be checked during preliminary fit-up inspection carried out on
4 points at 0°/90°/180°/270° along the weld circumference.

8.6 Surface preparation

Scanning surfaces shall be clean in an area wide enough to permit the testing volume to be fully
covered.
Scanning surfaces shall be even and free from foreign matter likely to interfere with probe
coupling (e.g. rust, loose scale, weld spatter, notches, grooves). Waviness of the test surface
shall not result in a gap between a probe and the test surface greater than 0.5 mm. These
requirements shall be ensured by dressing the scanning surface, as soon as judged necessary
by the inspector.
Scanning surfaces is assumed to be satisfactory if the surface roughness, Ra, is not greater
than 6.3 μm for machined surfaces, or not greater than 12.5 μm for shot-blasted surfaces.
Weld intersection between circumferential and longitudinal welds shall be ground flushed in
order to insure a proper scanning (coupling and guiding of probes).

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8.7 Examination Temperature

The temperature difference between the reference block and examination surface shall be
within 14°C (25°F).
When not using special high temperature PAUT probes and coupling, the surface temperature
of the object under testing shall be in the range 0°C to 50°C.
For temperatures outside this range, the suitability of the equipment and coupling shall be verified.

9. Testing of base material

The initial straight beam material examination for reflectors that is likely to interfere with the
angle beam examination shall be performed manually or during the automatic UT examination
provided detection of these reflectors is demonstrated.

10. Testing strategy - Definition of defect-UT beam interactions

The procedure shall clearly define and explain:
• The type of defect-ultrasonic beam interactions involved for detection, sizing and defect
nature evaluation
• The type of focusing, which is implemented as soon as focused beams are employed.
Such descriptions shall be part of the scan plan strategy definition, and/or sizing, and/or PA
Scans interpretation.

11. Scan plan

The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 components:
ASME components PD 5500 components
Phased array scanning procedures for welds shall be established using scan plans that indicate the required
stand-off positions for the probe to ensure volume coverage required and appropriate beam angles.
Volume coverage required shall include the full volume of weld plus a specified region either side (such
as the heat affected zone). Welds shall be inspected from both sides, where possible.
ASTM E2700 / ASME BPVC Section V SE 2700 At a minimum, test set-ups according to Table 2 of
For heavy wall butt welds (WT ≥ 50 mm), TOFD ISO 13588.
as per GS RC WAM 630 shall be selected as a For heavy wall butt welds, TOFD as per
second technique. GS RC WAM 630 shall be selected as a second
technique.
In case of evaluation of indications is based on In case of evaluation of indications is based on
amplitude and defect indication nature only, the amplitude and defect indication nature only, the
provision of ASTM E164 -table 2, shall be taken in provision of ISO 17640, level B minimum, shall be
account. taken in account.
In case of evaluation of the indications is based on amplitude only, the deviation from the normal to the
bevel shall not exceed ± 6°.
In case of this deviation tolerance cannot be achieved, adjustments of sensitivity correction as
described in Appendix 3 shall be applied.

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ASME components PD 5500 components

For E-scan techniques, overlap between adjacent active apertures (i.e., aperture incremental change)
shall be a minimum of 50% of the effective aperture height.
For S-scan techniques, the angular sweep incremental change shall be a maximum of 1° or sufficient
to assure 50% beam overlap.
When multiple *linear scans are required to cover the required volume of weld, HAZ and base material,
overlap between adjacent linear scans shall be a minimum of 10% of the effective aperture height for
E-scans or beam width for S-scans.
*Linear scan: One linear scan corresponds to one offset scanning.
For transversally oriented defect examination, a For transversally oriented defect examination, a
supplementary technique shall be used that suitable additional test set-up shall be applied.
directs the beam parallel or essentially parallel to Skewed probe or electronically skewed beam is
the weld centreline. The technique used shall allowed to be used if detailed in the scan plan and
depend on whether or not the weld reinforcement specifically approved by Company.
has been ground flush or not.

In addition:
• As far as practicable, the weld shall be inspected from its both sides. The scan plans shall
always take into account symmetric condition for probes access, for which suitable
scanning path from the weld centreline is available.
• In case of limitation, below requirements shall also be taken into account:
− For cases of restricted access from one or both sides of the weld, phased array probes
with a smaller footprint and/or additional offset scans shall be used and the volume
coverage limitations shall be clearly described in the inspection report.
− Limitations encountered on-site (obstruction, inaccessibility from one side for example)
preventing the weld from being inspected from both sides, the scan plan strategy shall
be adjusted/fine-tuned and approved by Company.
− An insufficient coverage shall result in increasing the number of scans (use of offset
scans) at fixed probe position (index offset).
− Such an adjustment shall be performed on the basis of thickness measurements on
both sides of the inspected component (especially when only one side is available) and
thanks to profile gauges.

12. Rules for Ultrasonic and focal law settings

12.1 Ultrasonic settings
The procedure shall describe the general rules for ultrasonic settings and the specific ultrasonic
settings associated to each search unit and setup / weld to be inspected. Information requested
for each set up are:
• The search unit detail
• The pulse voltage (V)
• The receiver filter (MHz)
• The A-scan number of points

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• The pulse width (ns)

• The pulse repletion
• The time base (start/length/true depth (mm))
• The gate setting (start/length/true depth/threshold).
Specific settings shall be mentioned in technique sheets.

12.2 Focal laws settings

The procedure shall explain the general rules for the settings of focal laws, such as:
• The selection of the active aperture, (high number of element to improve focusing, low
number to improve extent of linear scanning or to reduce near field effect…)
• The focusing, if any, and type of focusing (true depth, soundpath, fixed distance…)
• Angular (S-scan) or linear (E-scan) resolution.

13. Blocks
13.1 Calibration/reference blocks
The below table provides a summary of the standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 vessels:
Features ASME components PD 5500 components
Time base/sweep range IIW or Phased Array calibration Block N°1 according to ISO 2400.
setting block type A.
(Velocity, wedge delay, exit
points…)
Sensitivity balancing
Sensitivity settings Provisions of T434 of Block compliant to ISO 17640
(DAC/ACG/TCG) ASME BPVC Section V article 4. technique 1 (EN 583-2) for
For piping diameter > 6’’ and DAC/TCG construction.
t > 20 mm, T-434.3-2 shall be Reference block C or C+D as
used. defined in ISO 13588 to
Provisions of mandatory appendix determine the adequacy of the
VII/VIII-434.2.4 (scanner block) sensitivity setting (all reflectors
response to be above reference
level).
Transverse reflectors (notches 6
& 7 as per ISO 13588) to be
machined only if examination for
transverse defect is required).
For examination from Nozzle ID surface, Nozzle weld blocks as per
Fig. T434.5.1 of ASME BPVC Section V article 4 (Side drilled holes
diameter = 3 mm for PD 5500 vessels, and as per T434.2.1 for
ASME vessels).

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In addition:
• “As built” dimensional reports of the blocks used for sensitivity calibration shall be
provided.
• For PD 5500 vessels, the reference blocks C+D as defined in ISO 13588, or, alternatively,
the blocks containing notches for procedure performance demonstration, shall be welded,
except if cap is flushed. The weld cap condition shall be the same at those of production
welds. (As-welded, smoothen, etc.).

13.2 Performance demonstration/validation blocks

The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 vessels:
ASME components PD 5500 components
Provisions of mandatory appendix IX of Reference block C or C+D
ASME BPVC Section V article 4. Transverse reflectors (notches 6 & 7 as per
ISO 13588) are mandatory.
Blocks shall be welded; the weld caps/root conditions being the same as those encountered for
production weld testing.

In addition:
• “As built” dimensional reports of the blocks shall be provided.
• Performance demonstration blocks are required for both fracture mechanics and
workmanship (Amplitude/nature evaluation) acceptance criteria.
• The reference block for longitudinal welds shall be of the same curvature (at ± 20% of D/t
ratio) when ID/OD is < 0.95.
For butt-weld joining two parts of different thicknesses, the reference block shall be prepared by
welding with the same geometry as the weld to be examined and shall contain the flaws (side
drilled holes, notches) defined in Appendix 1.
In case of shell to head/bottom circumferential welds, the curvature of the plate simulating the
head/bottom shall be of the same curvature as the head one (at ± 10%).

14. Instrument checking

The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 vessels:
ASME components PD 5500 components
ASTM E2491 / ASME BPVC Section V SE 2491 ISO 18563-3 or EN 12668-3

In addition:
The wedge shall not be damaged (no strips, cracks, wearing which produce spurious wedge
reflections) and shall be checked as follows: No wedge echoes, located in the area of interest,
and with amplitude > 20% reference level shall be observed.

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15. Range and sensitivity settings

The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 vessels:
ASME components PD 5500 components
ASTM E2700 / ASME BPVC Section V SE 2700 ISO 13588 and ISO 17640

In addition:
• The transfer correction, to be assessed when the block material differs from the reference
block, is allowed to be evaluated using Phased Array probes or single element probes of
similar frequency and active aperture.
• After dynamic sensitivity calibration (which shall be performed after “static” calibration
where the amplitude of reference reflector is manually maximized) the acceptable
tolerances for calibration reflector amplitude within the soundpath over which the focal
laws are calibrated shall be as follows: -1 dB ≤ Amplitude ≤ 3 dB. Otherwise general gain
adjustment shall be applied in order to meet these tolerances and shall not exceed 6 dB.
• Associated technique sheets, shall clearly describe which reflectors are selected for
sensitivity setting for each focal laws, as well as the probe access (from internal surface,
clad, weld overlay…).
• The wedges carbide pins position shall be the same during wedge delay/sensitivity
calibration and during examination.

16. Checking of the settings

The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 vessels:
ASME components PD 5500 components
ASME BPVC Section V article 4 T467 ISO 13588

17. Procedure qualification-performance demonstration

The procedure performance shall be demonstrated on test/demonstration block(s) to Company.
A satisfactory procedure qualification shall take place prior to the first inspection, and shall include:
a) Detection of all required reflectors
b) Sizing and categorization capability as required by this specification
c) Proof of coverage in depth and width.
Procedure qualification is described in Appendix 2, and shall take place before the first examination.
The results of the qualification shall be documented through the provision of a test report
including the information required in section 21, and:
• The correspondence between reflectors and PAUT images highlighting the size and
location of the reflector: at a minimum, side/top and end view (D/C/S or E-scan) of the
reflectors shall be shown.
• As built drawing of the demonstration blocks.

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18. Testing
The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 vessels:
ASME components PD 5500 components
ASTM E2700 / ASME BPVC Section V SE 2700 ISO 13588

In addition:
• Technicians in charge of the testing shall be in possession of the technique sheets
dedicated to the weld to be examined.
• Marking of lines corresponding to probe index location, as well as the use of a mechanical
device (e.g. magnetic strip for small encoders fixed to the probes) are mandatory,
• Minimum scan overlap between two adjacent scans shall not be less than 10% of the
scan length or 50 mm, with a minimum value of 20 mm.
• Coupling shall be monitored. The way to monitor the coupling shall be described in the
procedure.
• For ground flushed welds and dissimilar thickness butt welds, the weld centreline shall be
identified by permanent marking such as hard stamps or scribeline.
• In order to ensure repeatability of the scanning, a permanent reference system shall be
applied by permanent marking using hard stamps to indicate the origin and direction of
each scanning. This reference system shall also be indicated on the associated material
drawing in final report.

19. Interpretation of Phased Array scans

The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 vessels:
ASME components PD 5500 components
Appendix P of ASME BPVC Section V article 4 Appendix P of ASME BPVC Section V article 4
Other sizing techniques (length, height) such as those proposed in ASTM E2700 / ASME BPVC Section V
SE 2700 and ASTM E2192 shall be documented and demonstrated to Company for approval.

In addition:
• The procedure shall specify which technique is used for length sizing, height sizing and/or
defect indication nature evaluation. In case of supplemental Manual PAUT is performed
for nature or height evaluation, it shall also be explained in the Phased Array scan
interpretation Section of the procedure.
• Any use of data post processing shall be mentioned.
• In case of sizing method differing from those described in standards, the procedure shall
exhibit typical PAUT images corresponding to the methods used.

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20. Settings checking

The below table provides a summary of standards requirements to be fulfilled for ASME and
PD 5500 vessels:
ASME components PD 5500 components
ASME BPVC Section V article 4 T467 ISO 13588

21. Evaluation and acceptance criteria

21.1 Evaluation based on amplitude and defect indication nature

21.1.1 Case of ASME built components, (workmanship acceptance criteria)

Pressure vessels: the evaluation level and acceptance criteria to be applied are those
applicable to UT examination, and are defined in ASME BPVC Section VIII Div 1 mandatory
appendix 12 or in section 7.5.4.2 of ASME BPVC Section VIII Div 2.
Process piping: the acceptance criteria to be applied are those applicable to UT examination, and
are defined in ASME B31.3 paragraph 344.6.2 or table K341.3.2 for chap IX-high pressure piping.
In addition:
• Imperfections that are interpreted to be cracks, lack of fusion, or incomplete penetration
are unacceptable regardless of length.
• Weld configurations where planar defects cannot be interrogated by beams being
perpendicular to their main surface, shall be examined as per Appendix 3. The sensitivity
correction Xn dB shall be applied.
• For nozzle welds configuration without straight beam examination from inside of the
nozzle, any indication located along the fusion line shall be investigated by 70° (or higher
angles) beam angles and X2 correction (see Appendix 3).

21.1.2 Case of PD 5500 pressure vessels

The evaluation level and acceptance criteria provided in table 5.7.2 of BSI PD 5500 are applicable.
In addition:
• Weld configurations where planar defects cannot be interrogated by beams being
perpendicular to their main surface, shall be examined as per Appendix 3. The sensitivity
correction Xn dB shall be applied.
• For nozzle welds configuration without straight beam examination from inside of the
nozzle, any indication located along the fusion line shall be investigated by 70° (or higher
angles) beam angles and X2 correction (see Appendix 3).
• In case of only sectorial scans at fixed distance are implemented, the final evaluation of
acceptable planar indications maximum amplitude shall be performed using one of the
following methods:
- Performance of manual or encoded S-scan raster scanning, targeting the acceptable
indication from the best access. Same search unit and settings to be used. Evaluation
using 45°, 60° and 70° beam angle.

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- Performance of encoded linear scanning at fixed distance, targeting the acceptable

indication from the best access, using 2 beams angle among 45°, 60° and 70°
(depending on flaw probable orientation).

21.2 Evaluation based on height sizing

21.2.1 Case of ASME built components, (fracture mechanics based acceptance criteria,
not including ECA)
The evaluation level acceptance criteria are those provided by the construction code or the
applicable code case:
• ASME B31.3 Code case 181-2 for process piping, except high pressure
• Table 7.9 and 7.10 of ASME BPVC Section VIII Div 1, ASME BPVC Section VIII Div 2
• Table KE-301-1 of ASME BPVC Section VIII Div 3 for high pressure piping of
ASME B31.3.
In addition:
• In case of height sizing is based on diffraction/surface wave signal, the evaluation level
shall be based on any relevant signal above the noise level.
• In case of height sizing is based on 6 dB drop, any PAUT indication collected during the
scan at fixed distance, judged as rejectable due to possible oversizing, is allowed to be re-
assessed in terms of height using:
− TOFD if performed according to GS RC WAM 630
− Manual PAUT with optimized settings (focused beam, use of a different search unit,
weld cap flushing…). The manual raster scanning sequence shall be recorded, using a
clock encoding.
A detailed report shall describe the method statement and settings implemented for the re-
assessment. The technique shall be demonstrated on a validation block.

21.2.2 Case of PD 5500 pressure vessels

The acceptance criteria are those provided by ISO 15626 - level 1 (TOFD acceptance criteria)
or GS RC WAM 630. Selection of the acceptance criteria shall be approved by AIA.
In addition:
• In case of height sizing is based on diffraction/surface wave signal, the evaluation level
shall be based on any relevant signal above the noise level.
• When height sizing is based on 6 dB drop, any PAUT indication collected during the scan
at fixed distance, judged as rejectable due to possible oversizing, is allowed to be re-
assessed in terms of height, using:
− TOFD if performed according to GS RC WAM 630.
− Manual PAUT with optimized settings (focused beam, use of a different search unit,
weld cap flushing…). The manual raster scanning sequence shall be recorded, using a
clock encoding.

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A detailed report shall describe the method statement and settings implemented for the re-
assessment. The technique shall be demonstrated on a validation block.

22. Test Report

The test report shall include, as a minimum, the following information:
a) The reference to the applied Standard
b) Information relating to the object under test:
- Identification of the object under test
- Dimensions including wall thickness
- Material type and product form
- Geometrical configuration
- Location of welded joint(s) examined
- Reference to welding process and heat treatment
- Surface condition and temperature
- Stage of manufacture.
c) Information relating to equipment:
- Manufacturer and type of phased array instrument including scanning mechanisms with
identification numbers
- Manufacturer, type, frequency of phased array probes including number and size of
elements, material
- And angle(s) of wedges with identification numbers
- Details of reference block(s) with identification numbers
- Type of coupling used.
d) Information relating to test technology:
- Testing level and reference to a written test procedure
- Purpose and extent of test
- Details of datum and coordinate systems
- Method and values used for range and sensitivity settings
- Details of signal processing and scan increment setting
- Scan plan
- Access limitations.
e) Information relating to phased array setting:
- Increment (E-scans) or angular increment (S-scans)
- Element pitch and gap dimensions
- Focus

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- Virtual aperture size

- Element numbers used for focal laws
- Documentation on permitted wedge angular range from manufacturer
- Documented calibration, TCG and angle gain compensation.
f) Information relating to test results:
- Reference to the phased array raw data file(s)
- Phased array images of at least those locations where relevant indications have been
detected on Hard copy, all images or data available in soft format, (data viewer to be
provided to Company)
- Acceptance criteria applied
- Tabulated data recording the classification, location, length, through wall extent and/or
nature of relevant indications and results of evaluation
- Date of test
- Names, signatures and certification of personnel.
The acceptable Indication reporting level shall be as follow:
• Any acceptable indication exceeding 20% of the reference level and having a measurable
length shall be reported.
• Any acceptable indication exceeding 50% of the reference level, regardless of length.
• Any acceptable indication having a measurable height.
• Any questionable or doubtful indication which has been finally judged as not being
associated to a flaw or defect.
The final report package shall be endorsed by the UT or PAUT level 3 recognized specialist in
charge of these activities.
In addition, all the PAUT raw data shall be daily stored on a media accepted by Company and
transmitted to Company with the final report. A clear directory structure shall explain the
correspondence between the electronic files and the inspected welds. Those files shall be
readable by anybody using the appropriate software provided by the Contractor and shall not be
protected.

Bibliography
EN 16018 Non-destructive testing - Terminology - Terms used in
ultrasonic testing with phased arrays
ISO DIS 19675 Non-destructive testing - Ultrasonic testing - Specification for
a calibration block for phased array testing (PAUT)
ISO NP 19285 Non-destructive testing of welds - Phased array technique
(PA) - Acceptance levels

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Appendix 1

Appendix 1 Demonstration/validation blocks

Demonstration/validation block, case of ASME built components:

The below table describes the number and the type of reflectors located in validation blocks:
Case of ASME built component
EDM Notches
Bevel
N2 N4 N5 N6 N7 N8 N9 N10 N11 N12 N13

V D D D D / / / / / / /
Compound
D D D D D / / / / / /
V
X D D D D D / / / / / /
X dissimilar
D D D D D D D D D D D
thickness
K D D D D D D D D / / /

Legend: D: see table D

Table D (ASME)
Notches height /
Thickness Category Notches length
weld thickness
Surface 0.087 6.4 mm
13 < t ≤ 25 mm
Subsurface 0.286 6.4 mm
Notches height / Aspect ratio height /
Thickness Category
weld thickness (a/t) length (a/l)
Surface 0.055 0.25
25 < t ≤ 64 mm
Subsurface 0.156 0.25
Surface 0.033 0.25
100 < t ≤ 300 mm
Subsurface 0.08 0.25

For intermediate thickness from 64 mm to 100 mm linear interpolation is allowed.

“As built” dimensional report for each validation block shall be provided.
Width of notches shall be 0.2 mm.
Demonstration/reference block, case of PD 5500 built components:
Dimensional report (as built report) for each demonstration block shall be issued.
The below table describes the number, the type and the dimensions of reflectors located in
demonstration blocks, case of PD 5500 built component.
This table does not include transverse surface notches (6&7 as per ISO 13588
referencing). These notches shall be included as well in the reference/demonstration
block if the transverse defect detection is specified.
Considering the ISO 13588 specifications regarding embedded artificial reflectors, additional
embedded notches are required, their size being extracted from ASME provisions.

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Appendix 1

Case of PD 5500 built components

SDH
EDM Notches
Bevel (Side Drilled Holes)
SDH1 SDH2 SDH3 SDH4 N2 N4 N5 N6 N7 N8 N9 N10 N11 N12 N13

V A A A A C C C D / / / / / / /
Compound
A A A A C C C D D / / / / / /
V
X A A A A C C C D D / / / / / /
X
dissimilar A A A A C C C C C D D D D D D
thickness
K A A A A C C C C C D D D / / /

Legend: A: see table A C: see table C D: see table D

Table A (ISO 13588)

Thickness SDH diameter SDH depth
6 < t ≤ 25 mm 2.5 mm ¼.t, ½.t, ¾.t
25 < t ≤ 50 mm 3.0 mm ¼.t, ½.t, ¾.t
50 < t ≤ 100 mm 4.5 mm ¼.t, ½.t, ¾.t
t > 100 mm 6 mm ¼.t, ½.t, ¾.t

2 mm diameter SDH located at a depth of 4 mm from the scanning surface shall also be
machined in the block.

Table C (ISO 13588 requirements)

Thickness Notches height Notches length
6 < t ≤ 40 mm 1 mm T
40 < t ≤ 60 mm 2 mm 40 mm
60 < t ≤ 100 mm 2 mm 50 mm
t > 100 mm 3 mm 60 mm

Table D (supplemental requirements extracted from ASME)

Notches height /
Thickness Category Notches length
weld thickness
13 < t ≤ 25 mm Subsurface 0.286 6.4 mm
Notches height / Aspect ratio height /
Thickness Category
weld thickness (a/t) length (a/l)
25 < t ≤ 64 mm Subsurface 0.156 0.25
100 < t ≤ 300 mm Subsurface 0.08 0.25

For intermediate thicknesses from 64 mm to 100 mm linear interpolation is allowed.

“As built” dimensional report for each validation block shall be provided.
Width of notches shall be 0.2 mm.

This document is the property of DGRC. It must not be stored, reproduced or disclosed to others without written authorisation from DGRC.

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Appendix 2

Appendix 2 Setup checking and procedure performance

demonstration

The setup checking shall be carried out as follows:

Scanning of scanner block/reference block (reference standard reflectors) with
three offset scans
Each offset scan shall involve the complete set -up of probes and/or acquisition sequences
(groups) for a specific scan plan:
1. One corresponding to the location of reference standards (SDH and/or calibration notches)
located along the virtual weld centreline.
2. One corresponding to the location of reference standards (SDH and/or calibration notches)
at ½ width of the internal weld cap (or root) + HAZ.
3. One corresponding to the location of reference standards (SDH and/or calibration notches)
at ½ width of the external weld cap + HAZ, on probe side.
4. In case of scanning from one side only, one corresponding to the location of reference
standards (SDH and/or notches) at ½ width of the internal weld cap (or root) + HAZ, on the
opposite side of the probe.
Furthermore, Additional scan(s) shall be performed so as to simulate the far side probe volume
coverage of the upper zone of the weld.
Results are considered as acceptable when no amplitude variations greater than 2 dB,
compared to those obtained during scanning No 1, are observed.
Scanning of demonstration/reference block (validation reflectors)
The scanning for procedure performance demonstration shall be carried out as follows:
1. Scan plan dedicated to the block thickness (basic scan plan).
2. Scanning with a probe index variation corresponding to the greatest value provided by:
• Guiding accuracy (e.g. greater of 2 mm or 5% of probe index)
• Or, 3° shift for S-scan or 3 focal laws for E-scan
• Or, the maximum weld width by taken into account maximum root gap and repair.
3. In case of scanning from one side only, a validation scan with all validation reflectors located
on the opposite side of the probe shall be performed.
All validation reflectors shall be detected by implementing the above mentioned scans, their
amplitude exceeding 20% of the reference level.
For fracture mechanics based acceptance criteria (based on height and length), the flaws shall
be sized as being equal to or greater than their actual size (i.e., both length and height).
For workmanship acceptance/amplitude-nature based acceptance criteria, the flaws length shall
be sized as being equal to or greater than their actual length, and their nature (Planar,
threadlike, volumetric, slag) correctly assessed.

This document is the property of DGRC. It must not be stored, reproduced or disclosed to others without written authorisation from DGRC.

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Appendix 3

Appendix 3 Sensitivity correction for planar defects parallel to fusion

lines and not interrogated by perpendicular beams

This appendix is applicable for configurations where planar defects cannot be interrogated by
beams being perpendicular to their main surface, such as:
• Nozzle neck fusion line which cannot be examined with straight beam from nozzle ID
• 0° Root face fusion line of double Vee bevel
• Full skip interrogation on internal tapering
• Restricted access not allowing full scanning distance
• Any other limitation as described in section 4.
Evaluation Level: Foreword on Sensitivity Correction
For any location of theoretical fusion lines which is interrogated with a beam being disoriented to
the normal of the bevel, the following adjustments of the evaluation level shall be as follows:
• From 0° to 6°: no correction (0 dB). The evaluation shall done at 20% reference level
(-14 dB).
• From 7° to 12°: Correction of X1 dB. The evaluation shall be done at 20% reference level
with sensitivity increased by X1 dB.
• From 13° to 20°: Correction of X2 dB. The evaluation shall be done at 20% reference level
with sensitivity increased by X2 dB.
• Above 20°: Correction of X3 dB, with, X3 ≥ X2 + 6 dB (X3 value is subjected to specific
Company approval).
Evaluation shall be based on any signal above noise level which is associated to surface wave,
tip diffraction, or mode conversion.
Acceptance of indications based on amplitude is not allowed.
Xn values shall be obtained from validation/reference blocks, the method being explained in this
appendix.
Xn is the correction to be applied to a planar defect indication.
Other evaluation levels or evaluation strategy (diffraction signals, mode conversion…) is
permitted provided they are documented and demonstrated to Company for approval.
Sensitivity correction assessment
Evaluation of Xn parameter, described in above foreword, shall be performed as follows:
In case of sectorial scans:
• Use of one of the embedded notch (0.2 mm width) of the validation block
• Performance of a parallel scan involving the sectorial acquisition sequence used for the
examination
• Evaluation of the maximum amplitude with the best angle (without any saturation), called
here α1

This document is the property of DGRC. It must not be stored, reproduced or disclosed to others without written authorisation from DGRC.

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Appendix 3

• Measurement of the amplitude A% for α1-12°and evaluation of X1 = -20 log (A% α1/A%
α1-12°)
• Measurement of the amplitude A% for α1-20°and evaluation of X2 = -20 log (A% α1/A%
α1-20°).
Alternatively, for nozzle weld examination, X2 is permitted to be assessed by comparing the dB
above reference level with a straight beam search unit to those of the 70° beam angle (or
higher) of the sectorial scan, when targeting one of the vertical EDM notch of the nozzle
validation block.
In case of electronic linear scan:
• Use of one of the embedded notch (0.2 mm width) of the validation block, comparison of
the notch response between the linear scans of different angles.

This document is the property of DGRC. It must not be stored, reproduced or disclosed to others without written authorisation from DGRC.

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