Designation: A 578/A 578M – 07

Standard Specification for

Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Rolled Steel Plates
for Special Applications1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 578/A 578M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* A 263 Specification for Stainless Chromium Steel-Clad

1.1 This specification2 covers the procedure and acceptance Plate
standards for straight-beam, pulse-echo, ultrasonic examina- A 264 Specification for Stainless Chromium-Nickel Steel-
tion of rolled carbon and alloy steel plates, 3⁄8 in. [10 mm] in Clad Plate
thickness and over, for special applications. The method will A 265 Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Base Alloy-Clad
detect internal discontinuities parallel to the rolled surfaces. Steel Plate
Three levels of acceptance standards are provided. Supplemen- 2.2 ANSI Standard:4
tary requirements are provided for alternative procedures. B 46.1 Surface Texture
1.2 Individuals performing examinations in accordance with 2.3 ASNT Standard:5
this specification shall be qualified and certified in accordance SNT-TC-1A
with the requirements of the latest edition of ASNT SNT-
3. Ordering Information
TC-1A or an equivalent accepted standard. An equivalent
standard is one which covers the qualification and certification 3.1 The inquiry and order shall indicate the following:
of ultrasonic nondestructive examination candidates and which 3.1.1 Acceptance level requirements (Sections 7, 8, and 9).
is acceptable to the purchaser. Acceptance Level B shall apply unless otherwise agreed to by
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units purchaser and manufacturer.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in 3.1.2 Any additions to the provisions of this specification as
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each prescribed in 5.2, 13.1, and Section 10.
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining 3.1.3 Supplementary requirements, if any.
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance 4. Apparatus
with the standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 4.1 The amplitude linearity shall be checked by positioning
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the the transducer over the depth resolution notch in the IIW or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- similar block so that the signal from the notch is approximately
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 30 % of the screen height, and the signal from one of the back
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. surfaces is approximately 60 % of the screen height (two times
the height of the signal from the notch). A curve is then plotted
2. Referenced Documents showing the deviations from the above established 2:1 ratio
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3 that occurs as the amplitude of the signal from the notch is
raised in increments of one scale division until the back
reflection signal reaches full scale, and then is lowered in
1
increments of one scale division until the notch signal reaches
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee one scale division. At each increment the ratio of the two
A01.11 on Steel Plates for Boilers and Pressure Vessels. signals is determined. The ratios are plotted on the graph at the
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2007. Published December 2007. Originally position corresponding to the larger signal. Between the limits
approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as A 578/
A 578M–96(2001).
of 20 and 80 % of the screen height, the ratio shall be within
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi-
cation SA-578/SA-578M in Section II of that Code.
3 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
5
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box
the ASTM website. 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 A 578/A 578M – 07
10 % of 2:1. Instrument settings used during inspection shall NOTE 1—Indications occurring midway between the initial pulse and
not cause variation outside the 10 % limits established above. the first back reflection may cause a second reflection at the location of the
first back reflection. When this condition is observed it shall be investi-
4.2 The transducer shall be 1 or 1 1⁄8 in. [25 or 30 mm] in
gated additionally by use of multiple back reflections.
diameter or 1 in. [25 mm] square.
4.3 Other search units may be used for evaluating and 6.3 Where grid scanning is performed and recordable con-
pinpointing indications. ditions as in 6.1 and 6.2 are detected along a given grid line, the
entire surface area of the squares adjacent to this indication
5. Procedure shall be scanned. Where parallel path scanning is performed
5.1 Perform the inspection in an area free of operations that and recordable conditions as in 6.1 and 6.2 are detected, the
interfere with proper performance of the test. entire surface area of a 9 by 9-in. [225 by 225-mm] square
5.2 Unless otherwise specified, make the ultrasonic exami- centered on this indication shall be scanned. The true bound-
nation on either major surface of the plate. aries where these conditions exist shall be established in either
5.3 The plate surface shall be sufficiently clean and smooth method by the following technique: Move the transducer away
to maintain a first reflection from the opposite side of the plate from the center of the discontinuity until the height of the back
at least 50 % of full scale during scanning. This may involve reflection and discontinuity indications are equal. Mark the
suitable means of scale removal at the manufacturer’s option. plate at a point equivalent to the center of the transducer.
Condition local rough surfaces by grinding. Restore any Repeat the operation to establish the boundary.
specified identification which is removed when grinding to
7. Acceptance Standard—Level A
achieve proper surface smoothness.
5.4 Perform the test by one of the following methods: direct 7.1 Any area where one or more discontinuities produce a
contact, immersion, or liquid column coupling. Use a suitable continuous total loss of back reflection accompanied by con-
couplant such as water, soluble oil, or glycerin. As a result of tinuous indications on the same plane (within 5 % of plate
the test by this method, the surface of plates may be expected thickness) that cannot be encompassed within a circle whose
to have a residue of oil or rust or both. diameter is 3 in. [75 mm] or 1⁄2 of the plate thickness,
5.5 A nominal test frequency of 2 1⁄4 MHz is recommended. whichever is greater, is unacceptable.
When testing plates less than 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] thick a frequency 8. Acceptance Standards—Level B
of 5 MHz may be necessary. Thickness, grain size or micro-
8.1 Any area where one or more discontinuities produce a
structure of the material and nature of the equipment or method
continuous total loss of back reflection accompanied by con-
may require a higher or lower test frequency. Use the trans-
tinuous indications on the same plane (within 5 % of plate
ducers at their rated frequency. A clean, easily interpreted trace
thickness) that cannot be encompassed within a circle whose
pattern should be produced during the examination.
diameter is 3 in. [75 mm] or 1⁄2 of the plate thickness,
5.6 Scanning:
whichever is greater, is unacceptable.
5.6.1 Scanning shall be along continuous perpendicular grid
8.2 In addition, two or more discontinuities smaller than
lines on nominal 9-in. [225-mm] centers, or at the option of the
described in 8.1 shall be unacceptable unless separated by a
manufacturer, shall be along continuous parallel paths, trans-
minimum distance equal to the greatest diameter of the larger
verse to the major plate axis, on nominal 4-in. [100-mm]
discontinuity or unless they may be collectively encompassed
centers, or shall be along continuous parallel paths parallel to
by the circle described in 8.1.
the major plate axis, on 3-in. [75-mm] or smaller centers.
Measure the lines from the center or one corner of the plate 9. Acceptance Standard—Level C
with an additional path within 2 in. [50 mm] of all edges of the 9.1 Any area where one or more discontinuities produce a
plate on the searching surface. continuous total loss of back reflection accompanied by con-
5.6.2 Conduct the general scanning with an instrument tinuous indications on the same plane (within 5 % of plate
adjustment that will produce a first reflection from the opposite thickness) that cannot be encompassed within a 1-in. [25-mm]
side of a sound area of the plate from 50 to 90 % of full scale. diameter circle is unacceptable.
Minor sensitivity adjustments may be made to accommodate
for surface roughness. 10. Report
5.6.3 When a discontinuity condition is observed during 10.1 Unless otherwise agreed to by the purchaser and the
general scanning adjust the instrument to produce a first manufacturer, the manufacturer shall report the following data:
reflection from the opposite side of a sound area of the plate of 10.1.1 All recordable indications listed in Section 6 on a
75 6 5 % of full scale. Maintain this instrument setting during sketch of the plate with sufficient data to relate the geometry
evaluation of the discontinuity condition. and identity of the sketch to those of the plate.
10.1.2 Test parameters including: Make and model of in-
6. Recording
strument, test frequency, surface condition, transducer (type
6.1 Record all discontinuities causing complete loss of back and frequency), and couplant.
reflection. 10.1.3 Date of test.
6.2 For plates 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] thick and over, record all
indications with amplitudes equal to or greater than 50 % of the 11. Inspection
initial back reflection and accompanied by a 50 % loss of back 11.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have
reflection. access at all times, while work on the contract of the purchaser

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 A 578/A 578M – 07
is being performed, to all parts of the manufacturer’s works 13. Marking
that concern the ultrasonic testing of the material ordered. The
13.1 Plates accepted according to this specification shall be
manufacturer shall afford the inspector all reasonable facilities
identified by stenciling (stamping) “UT A 578—A” on one
to satisfy him that the material is being furnished in accordance
corner for Level A, “UT A 578—B” for Level B, and “UT A
with this specification. All tests and inspections shall be made
at the place of manufacture prior to shipment, unless otherwise 578—C” for Level C. The supplement number shall be added
specified, and shall be conducted without interfering unneces- for each supplementary requirement ordered.
sarily with the manufacturer’s operations.
14. Keywords
12. Rehearing
14.1 nondestructive testing; pressure containing parts; pres-
12.1 The manufacturer reserves the right to discuss reject-
sure vessel steels; steel plate for pressure vessel applications;
able ultrasonically tested plate with the purchaser with the
steel plates; ultrasonic examinations
object of possible repair of the ultrasonically indicated defect
before rejection of the plate.

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

These supplementary requirements shall apply only when individually specified by the purchaser.
When details of these requirements are not covered herein, they are subject to agreement between the
manufacturer and the purchaser.

S1. Scanning S7. Withdrawn

S1.1 Scanning shall be continuous over 100 % of the plate See Specifications A 263, A 264, and A 265 for equivalent
surface along parallel paths, transverse or parallel to the major descriptions for clad quality level.
plate axis, with not less than 10 % overlap between each path.
S8. Ultrasonic Examination Using Flat Bottom Hole
S2. Acceptance Standard Calibration (for Plates 4 in. [100 mm] Thick and
S2.1 Any recordable condition listed in Section 6 that (1) is Greater)
continuous, (2) is on the same plane (within 5 % of the plate S8.1 Use the following calibration and recording procedures
thickness), and (3) cannot be encompassed by a 3-in. [75-mm] in place of 5.6.2, 5.6.3, and Section 6.
diameter circle, is unacceptable. Two or more recordable S8.2 The transducer shall be in accordance with 4.2.
conditions (see Section 5), that (1) are on the same plane S8.3 Reference Reflectors—The T /4, T /2, and 3 T/4 deep flat
(within 5 % of plate thickness), ( 2) individually can be bottom holes shall be used to calibrate the equipment. The flat
encompassed by a 3-in. [75-mm] diameter circle, ( 3) are bottom hole diameter shall be in accordance with Table S8.1.
separated from each other by a distance less than the greatest The holes may be drilled in the plate to be examined if they can
dimension of the smaller indication, and ( 4) collectively cannot be located without interfering with the use of the plate, in a
be encompassed by a 3-in. [75-mm] diameter circle, are prolongation of the plate to be examined, or in a reference
unacceptable. block of the same nominal composition, and thermal treatment
S2.2 An acceptance level more restrictive than Section 7 or as the plate to be examined. The surface of the reference block
8 shall be used by agreement between the manufacturer and shall be no better to the unaided eye than the plate surface to
purchaser. be examined. The reference block shall be of the same nominal
thickness (within 75 to 125 % or 1 in. [25 mm] of the examined
S3. Procedure plate, whichever is less) and shall have acoustical properties
S3.1 The manufacturer shall provide a written procedure in similar to the examined plate. Acoustical similarity is pre-
accordance with this specification. sumed when, without a change in instrument setting, compari-
son of the back reflection signals between the reference block
S4. Certification and the examined plate shows a variation of 25 % or less.
S4.1 The manufacturer shall provide a written certification S8.4 Calibration Procedure:
of the ultrasonic test operator’s qualifications. S8.4.1 Couple and position the search unit for maximum
amplitudes from the reflectors at T/4, T/2, and 3T/4. Set the
S5. Surface Finish
S5.1 The surface finish of the plate shall be conditioned to TABLE S8.1 Calibration Hole Diameter as a Function of Plate
a maximum 125 µin. [3 µm] AA (see ANSI B 46.1) prior to test. Thickness (S8)
4–6 >6–9 >9–12 >12–20
Plate Thickness, in. [mm]
S6. Withdrawn [100–150] [>150–225] [>225–300] [>300–500]

See Specifications A 263, A 264, and A 265 for equivalent Hole Diameter, in. [mm] 5
⁄8 [16] 3
⁄4 [19] 7
⁄8 [22] 11⁄8 [29]
descriptions for clad quality level.

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 A 578/A 578M – 07
instrument to produce a 75 6 5 % of full scale indication from TABLE S9.1 Calibration Hole Diameter as a Function of Plate
the reflector giving the highest amplitude. Thickness (S9)
S8.4.2 Without changing the instrument setting, couple and 1–4 >4–8 >8–12 >12–16
Plate Thickness, in. [mm]
[25–100] [>100–200] [>200–300] [>300–400]
position the search unit over each of the holes and mark on the
screen the maximum amplitude from each hole and each Hole Diameter, in. [mm] 1
⁄8 [3] 1
⁄4 [6] 3
⁄8 [10] 1
⁄2 [13]
minimum remaining back reflection.
S8.4.3 Mark on the screen half the vertical distance from the
sweep line to each maximum amplitude hole mark. Connect the reference block shall be no better to the unaided eye than
the maximum amplitude hole marks and extend the line the plate surface to be examined. The reference block shall be
through the thickness for the 100 % DAC (distance amplitude of the same nominal thickness (within 75 to 125 % or 1 in. [25
correction curve). Similarly connect and extend the half mm] of the examined plate, whichever is less) and shall have
maximum amplitude marks for the 50 % DAC. acoustical properties similar to the examined plate. Acoustical
S8.5 Recording: similarity is presumed when, without a change in instrument
S8.5.1 Record all areas where the remaining back reflection setting, comparison of the back reflection signals between the
is smaller than the highest of the minimum remaining back reference block and the examined plate shows a variation
reflections found in S8.4.2. of 25 % or less.
S8.5.2 Record all areas where indications exceed 50 % S9.5 Calibration Procedure:
DAC. S9.5.1 Couple and position the search unit for maximum
S8.5.3 Where recordable conditions listed in S8.5.1 and amplitudes from the reflectors at T/4, T/2, and 3T/4. Set the
S8.5.2 are detected along a given grid line, continuously scan instrument to produce a 75 6 5 % of full-scale indication from
the entire surface area of the squares adjacent to the condition the reflector giving the highest amplitude.
and record the boundaries or extent of each recordable condi- S9.5.2 Without changing the instrument setting, couple and
tion. position the search unit over each of the holes and mark on the
S8.6 Scanning shall be in accordance with 5.6. screen the maximum amplitude from each of the holes.
S8.7 The acceptance levels of Section 7 or 8 shall apply as S9.5.3 Mark on the screen half the vertical distances from
specified by the purchaser except that the recordable condition the sweep line to each maximum amplitude hole mark.
shall be as given in S8.5. Connect the maximum amplitude hole marks and extend the
line through the thickness for the 100 % DAC (distance
S9. Ultrasonic Examination of Electroslag Remelted amplitude correction curve). Similarly connect and extend the
(ESR) and Vacuum-Arc Remelted (VAR) Plates, from half maximim amplitude marks for the 50 % DAC.
1 to 16 in. [25 to 400 mm] in Thickness, Using Flat- S9.6 Scanning—Scanning shall cover 100 % of one major
Bottom Hole Calibration and Distance-Amplitude plate surface, with the search unit being indexed between each
Corrections pass such that there is at least 15 % overlap of adjoining passes
S9.1 The material to be examined must have a surface finish in order to assure adequate coverage for locating discontinui-
of 200 µin. [5 µm] as maximum for plates up to 8 in. [200 mm] ties.
thick, inclusive, and 250 µin. [6 µm] as maximum for plates S9.7 Recording—Record all areas where the back reflection
over 8 to 16 in. [200 to 400 mm] thick. drops below the 50 % DAC. If the drop in back reflection is not
S9.2 Use the following procedures in place of 5.6.1, 5.6.2, accompanied by other indications on the screen, recondition
5.6.3, and Section 6. the surface in the area and reexamine ultrasonically. If the back
S9.3 The transducer shall be in accordance with 4.2. reflection is still below 50 % DAC, the loss may be due to the
S9.4 Reference Reflectors—The T /4, T /2, and 3T/4 deep flat metallurgical structure of the material being examined. The
bottom holes shall be used to calibrate the equipment. The flat material shall be held for metallurgical review by the purchaser
bottom hole diameter shall be in accordance with Table S9.1. and manufacturer.
The flat bottoms of the holes shall be within 1° of parallel to the S9.8 Acceptance Standards—Any indication that exceeds
examination surface. The holes may be drilled in the plate to be the 100 % DAC shall be considered unacceptable. The manu-
examined if they can be located without interfering with the facturer may reserve the right to discuss rejectable ultrasoni-
use of the plate, in a prolongation of the plate to be examined, cally examined material with the purchaser, the object being
or in a reference block of the same nominal composition and the possible repair of the ultrasonically indicated defect before
thermal treatment as the plate to be examined. The surface of rejection of the plate.

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 A 578/A 578M – 07
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A 578/A 578M–96(2001)) that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Changed title to reflect deletion of clad reference. include overlap provision.
(2) Deleted Supplementary Requirements S6 and S7. (4) Revised acceptance levels revised to clarify “same plane.”
(3) Expanded Supplementary Requirement S1 coverage to

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