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2013 SECTION V ARTICLE 1

SUBSECTION A
NONDESTRUCTIVE METHODS OF
EXAMINATION

ARTICLE 1
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

T-110 SCOPE (e) For those documents that directly reference this Ar-
ticle for the qualification of NDE personnel, the qualifica-
(a) This Section of the Code contains requirements and tion shall be in accordance with their employer’s written
methods for nondestructive examination (NDE), which are practice which must be in accordance with one of the fol-
Code requirements to the extent they are specifically re- lowing documents:
ferenced and required by other Code Sections or referen-
(1) SNT-TC-1A,3 Personnel Qualification and Certifi-
cing document. These NDE methods are intended to detect
cation in Nondestructive Testing; or
surface and internal imperfections in materials, welds,
fabricated parts, and components. They include radio- (2) ANSI/ASNT CP-189,3 ASNT Standard for Qualifi-
graphic examination, ultrasonic examination, liquid pene- cation and Certification of Nondestructive Testing
trant examination, magnetic particle examination, Personnel
eddy current examination, visual examination, leak (f) National or international central certification pro-
testing, and acoustic emission examinatio n. See grams, such as the ASNT Central Certification Program
Nonmandatory Appendix A of this Article for a listing of (ACCP) or ISO 9712:2012-based programs, may be alter-
common imperfections and damage mechanisms, and natively used to fulfill the training, experience, and exam-
the NDE methods that are generally capable of detecting ination requirements of the documents listed in (e) as
them. specified in the employer’s written practice.
(b) For general terms such as Inspection, Flaw, Disconti- (g) When the referencing Code Section does not specify
nuity, Evaluation, etc., refer to Mandatory Appendix I. qualifications or does not reference directly Article 1 of
this Section, qualification may simply involve a personnel
demonstration to show that the personnel performing the
ð13Þ T-120 GENERAL nondestructive examinations are competent to do so in ac-
(a) Subsection A describes the methods of nondestruc- cordance with the Manufacturer’s established procedures.
tive examination to be used if referenced by other Code (h) The user of this Article is responsible for the qualifi-
Sections or referencing documents. cation and certification of NDE Personnel in accordance
(b) Subsection B lists Standards covering nondestruc- with the requirements of this Article. The Code User’s 4
tive examination methods which have been accepted as Quality Program shall stipulate how this is to be accom-
standards. These standards are nonmandatory unless spe- plished. Qualifications in accordance with a prior edition
cifically referenced in whole or in part in Subsection A or of SNT-TC-1A, or CP-189 are valid until recertification. Re-
as indicated in other Code Sections or referencing certification or new certification shall be in accordance
document. with the edition of SNT-TC-1A or CP-189 specified in Foot-
(c) Any reference to a paragraph of any Article in note. 3
Subsection A of this Section includes all of the applicable (i) Limited certification of nondestructive examination
rules in the paragraph.1 In every case, reference to a para- personnel who do not perform all of the operations of a
graph includes all the subparagraphs and subdivisions un- nondestructive method that consists of more than one op-
der that paragraph. eration, or who perform nondestructive examinations of
(d) Reference to a standard contained in Subsection B is limited scope, may be based on fewer hours of training
mandatory only to the extent specified.2 and experience than recommended in SNT-TC-1A or

1
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ARTICLE 1 2013 SECTION V

CP-189. Any limitations or restrictions placed upon a per- is capable of detecting discontinuities under the special
son’s certification shall be described in the written prac- conditions equal to the capabilities of the method when
tice and on the certification. used under more general conditions. These special proce-
(j) Either U.S. Customary Units or SI Units may be used dures shall be submitted to the Inspector for acceptance
for compliance with all requirements of this edition, but when required by the referencing Code Section, and shall
one system shall be used consistently throughout for all be adopted as part of the Manufacturer’s quality control
phases of construction. program.
(1) Either the U.S. Customary Units or SI Units that (c) When a referencing Code Section requires an exam-
are listed in Mandatory Appendix II are identified in the ination to be performed in accordance with the require-
text, or are identified in the nomenclature for equations ments of this Section, it shall be the responsibility of the
shall be used consistently for all phases of construction Manufacturer, fabricator, or installer to establish nondes-
(e.g., materials, design, fabrication, and reports). Since va- tructive examination procedures and personnel qualifica-
lues in the two systems are not exact equivalents, each tion and certification procedures conforming to the
system shall be used independently of the other without referenced requirements.
mixing U.S. Customary Units and SI Units. (d) When qualification of the written examination pro-
(2) When SI Units are selected, U.S. Customary values cedure is required by the referencing Code Section, it shall
in referenced specifications that do not contain SI Units be qualified by performing a demonstration examination
shall be converted to SI values to at least three significant which shall be performed
figures for use in calculations and other aspects of (1) under the control and supervision of a Level III
construction. Examiner who is qualified and certified for performing
the examination method and technique specified by the
procedure, and shall be witnessed by the Inspector. The
T-130 EQUIPMENT supervising Level III may be an employee of the qualifying
organization or a subcontractor organization.
It is the responsibility of the Code User to ensure that (2) on a minimum of one test specimen having flaws
the examination equipment being used conforms to the re- whose size, location, orientation, quantity, and characteri-
quirements of this Code Section. zation have been determined prior to the demonstration
and are known only by the supervising Level III Examiner.
(-a) The maximum acceptable flaw size, required
ð13Þ T-150 PROCEDURE flaw orientation, and minimum number of flaws shall be
(a) When required by the referencing Code Section, all as specified by the referencing Code Section.
nondestructive examinations performed under this Code (-b) Natural flaws are preferred over artificial
Section shall be performed following a written procedure. flaws whenever possible.
A procedure demonstration shall be performed to the sa- (3) by a Level II or Level III Examiner (other than the
tisfaction of the Inspector. When required by the referen- supervising Level III) who is qualified and certified to per-
cing Code Section, a personnel demonstration may be used form the examination method and technique specified by
to verify the ability of the examiner to apply the examina- the written procedure.
tion procedure. The examination procedure shall comply The procedure shall be considered qualified when the
with the applicable requirements of this Section for the supervising Level III and the Inspector are satisfied that
particular examination method. Written procedures shall indications produced by the demonstrated procedure ef-
be made available to the Inspector on request. At least fectively reveal the size, location, orientation, quantity,
one copy of each procedure shall be readily available to and characterization of the flaws known to be present in
the Nondestructive Examination Personnel for their refer- the examined test specimen.
ence and use. The qualification demonstration shall be documented
(b) The nondestructive examination methods and tech- as required by the referencing Code Section and by this
niques included in this Section are applicable to most geo- Section, as set forth in the applicable Article for the exam-
metric configurations and materials encountered in ination method and the applicable Appendix for the speci-
fabrication under normal conditions. Whenever special fied examination technique. The qualification document
configurations or materials require modified methods shall be annotated to indicate qualification of the written
and techniques, the Manufacturer shall develop special procedure, and identify the examined test specimen. The
procedures which are equivalent or superior to the meth- name and/or identity and signature of the supervising Le-
ods and techniques described in this Code Section, and vel III and the witnessing Inspector shall be added to indi-
which are capable of producing interpretable examination cate their acceptance of the procedure qualification.
results under the special conditions. Such special proce-
dures may be modifications or combinations of methods
described or referenced in this Code Section. A procedure
demonstration shall be performed to verify the technique

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2013 SECTION V ARTICLE 1

T-160 CALIBRATION T-180 EVALUATION

(a) The Manufacturer, fabricator, or installer shall as- The acceptance criteria for the NDE methods in this Sec-
sure that all equipment calibrations required by tion shall be as stated in the referencing Code Section, and
Subsection A and/or Subsection B are performed. where provided in the Articles of this Section. Acceptance
criteria in the referencing Code Section shall take
(b) When special procedures are developed [see
precedence.
T-150(a)], the Code User shall specify what calibration is
necessary, when calibration is required.
T-190 RECORDS/DOCUMENTATION ð13Þ

(a) Documentation and records shall be prepared as

T-170 EXAMINATIONS AND INSPECTIONS specified by the referencing Code Section and the applic-
able requirements of this Section. Examination records
(a) The Inspector concerned with the fabrication of the shall include the following information as a minimum:
vessel or pressure part shall have the duty of verifying to (1) date of the examination
his satisfaction that all examinations required by the refer- (2) name and/or identity and certification level (if ap-
encing Code Section have been made to the requirements plicable) for personnel performing the examination
of this Section and the referencing document(s). He shall
(3) identification of the weld, part, or component ex-
have the right to witness any of these examinations to
amined including weld number, serial number, or other
the extent stated in the referencing document(s).
identifier
Throughout this Section of the Code, the word Inspector
(4) examination method, technique, procedure Identi-
means the Authorized Inspector who has been qualified
fication, and revision
as required in the various referencing Code Sections.
(5) results of the examination
(b) The special distinction established in the various (b) Personnel qualifications and procedure perfor-
Code Sections between inspection and examination and mance demonstrations performed in compliance with
the personnel performing them is also adopted in this the requirements of T-150(a) or T-150(b) shall be docu-
Code Section. In other words, the term inspection applies mented as specified by the referencing Code Section.
to the functions performed by the Authorized Inspector,
(c) When documentation requirements for personnel
but the term examination applies to those quality control
qualification and procedure performance demonstrations
functions performed by personnel employed by the Man-
performed in compliance with the requirements of
ufacturer. One area of occasional deviation from these dis-
T-150(a) or T-150(b) are not specified by the referencing
tinctions exists. In the ASTM Standard Methods and
Code Section, the following information shall be recorded
Recommended Practices incorporated in this Section of
as a minimum:
the Code by reference or by reproduction in
(1) name of organization responsible for preparation
Subsection B, the words inspection or Inspector, which fre-
and approval of the examination procedure
quently occur in the text or titles of the referenced ASTM
(2) examination method applied
documents, may actually describe what the Code calls ex-
amination or examiner. This situation exists because ASTM (3) procedure number or designation
has no occasion to be concerned with the distinctions (4) number and date of most recent revision
which the Code makes between inspection and examina- (5) date of the demonstration
tion, since ASTM activities and documents do not involve (6) name and/or identity and certification level (if ap-
the Authorized Inspector described in the Code Sections. plicable) of personnel performing demonstration
However, no attempt has been made to edit the ASTM (d) Retention of examination records and related docu-
documents to conform with Code usage; this should cause mentation (e.g., radiographs and review forms, ultrasonic
no difficulty if the users of this Section recognize that the scan files, etc.) shall be as specified by the referencing
terms inspection, testing, and examination in the ASTM Code Section.
documents referenced in Subsection B do not describe du- (e) Digital images and reviewing software shall be re-
ties of the Authorized Code Inspector but rather describe tained under an appropriate record retention system that
the things to be done by the Manufacturer’s examination is capable of securely storing and retrieving data for the
personnel. time period specified by the referencing Code Section.

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No further reproduction or distribution is permitted.
ARTICLE 1 2013 SECTION V

MANDATORY APPENDIX I
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION

I-110 SCOPE method: the following is a list of nondestructive examina-

tion methods and respective abbreviations used within
This Mandatory Appendix is used for the purpose of es- the scope of Section V:
tablishing standard terms and definition of terms common
to all methods used in Nondestructive Examination. RT — Radiography
UT — Ultrasonics
MT — Magnetic Particle
PT — Liquid Penetrants
I-120 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS VT — Visual
(a) The Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Ex- LT — Leak Testing
aminations (ASTM E1316) has been adopted by the Com- ET — Electromagnetic (Eddy Current)
mittee as SE-1316. AE — Acoustic Emission
(b) SE-1316 Section A provides the definition of terms nondestructive examination (NDE): the development and
listed in I-130(a). application of technical methods to examine materials
(c) Paragraph I-130(b) provides a list of terms and de- and/or components in ways that do not impair future use-
finitions, which are in addition to SE-1316 and are Code fulness and serviceability in order to detect, locate, mea-
specific. sure, interpret, and evaluate flaws.
operation: a specific phase of a method or technique.
personnel demonstration: when an individual displays an
I-130 REQUIREMENTS
understanding of the examination method and proficiency
(a) The following SE-1316 terms are used in conjunc- in conducting the examination, by performing a demon-
tion with this Article: defect, discontinuity, evaluation, false stration examination using the employer’s written non-
indication, flaw, flaw characterization, imperfection, inter- destructive examination procedure.
pretation, nonrelevant indication, relevant indication.
procedure: an orderly sequence of actions describing how
(b) The following Code terms are used in conjunction a specific technique shall be applied.
with this Article:
procedure demonstration: when a written procedure is de-
area of interest: the specific portion of the object that is to monstrated, to the satisfaction of the Inspector, by apply-
be evaluated as defined by the referencing Code Section. ing the examination method using the employer’s written
indication: the response or evidence from a nondestruc- nondestructive examination procedure to display compli-
tive examination that requires interpretation to determine ance with the requirements of this Section, under
relevance. (a) normal examination conditions per T-150(a), or
inspection: the observation of any operation performed on (b) special conditions as described in T-150(b).
materials and/or components to determine its acceptabil- procedure qualification: when a written nondestructive ex-
ity in accordance with given criteria. amination procedure is qualified in accordance with the
limited certification: an accreditation of an individual’s detailed requirements of the referencing Code Section.
qualification to perform some but not all of the operations
sensitivity: a measure of the level of response from a dis-
within a given nondestructive examination method or
continuity by a nondestructive examination.
technique that consists of one or more than one operation,
or to perform nondestructive examinations within a lim- technique: a technique is a specific way of utilizing a par-
ited scope of responsibility. ticular nondestructive examination (NDE) method.

4
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2013 SECTION V ARTICLE 1

NONMANDATORY APPENDIX A
IMPERFECTION VS TYPE OF NDE METHOD

A-110 SCOPE differences from the degree of effectiveness implied in the table.
For service-induced imperfections, accessibility and other condi-
Table A-110 lists common imperfections and the NDE tions at the examination location are also significant factors that
methods that are generally capable of detecting them. must be considered in selecting a particular NDE method. In ad-
dition, Table A-110 must not be considered to be all inclusive;
CAUTION: Table A-110 should be regarded for general guidance there are several NDE methods/techniques and imperfections
only and not as a basis for requiring or prohibiting a particular not listed in the table. The user must consider all applicable con-
type of NDE method for a specific application. For example, ma- ditions when selecting NDE methods for a specific application.
terial and product form are factors that could result in

Table A-110
Imperfection vs Type of NDE Method
Sub-surf. [Note
Surface [Note (1)] (2)] Volumetric [Note (3)]
VT PT MT ET RT UTA UTS AE UTT
Service-Induced Imperfections
Abrasive Wear (Localized) ⦿ ⊛ ⊛ ... ⦿ ⊛ ⊛ ... ⊛
Baffle Wear (Heat Exchangers) ⦿ ... ... ⊛ ... ... ... ... ...
Corrosion-Assisted Fatigue Cracks ⦾ ⊛ ⦿ ... ⦾ ⦿ ... ⦿ ...
Corrosion
-Crevice ⦿ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ⦾
-General / Uniform ... ... ... ⦾ ⊛ ... ⊛ ... ⦿
-Pitting ⦿ ⦿ ⦾ ... ⦿ ⦾ ⦾ ⊛ ⦾
-Selective ⦿ ⦿ ⦾ ... ... ... ... ... ⦾
Creep (Primary)[Note (4)] ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Erosion ⦿ ... ... ... ⦿ ⦾ ⊛ ... ⊛
Fatigue Cracks ⦾ ⦿ ⦿ ⊛ ⊛ ⦿ ... ⦿ ...
Fretting (Heat Exchanger Tubing) ⊛ ... ... ⊛ ... ... ... ... ⊛
Hot Cracking ... ⊛ ⊛ ... ⊛ ⦾ ... ⊛
Hydrogen-Induced Cracking ... ⊛ ⊛ ... ⦾ ⊛ ... ⊛ ...
Intergranular Stress-Corrosion Cracks ... ... ... ... ... ⦾ ... ... ...
Stress-Corrosion Cracks (Transgranular) ⦾ ⊛ ⦿ ⦾ ⊛ ⊛ ... ⊛ ...
Welding Imperfections
Burn Through ⦿ ... ... ... ⦿ ⊛ ... ... ⦾
Cracks ⦾ ⦿ ⦿ ⊛ ⊛ ⦿ ⦾ ⦿ ...
Excessive/Inadequate Reinforcement ⦿ ... ... ... ⦿ ⊛ ⦾ ... ⦾
Inclusions (Slag/Tungsten) ... ... ⊛ ⊛ ⦿ ⊛ ⦾ ⦾ ...
Incomplete Fusion ⊛ ... ⊛ ⊛ ⊛ ⦿ ⊛ ⊛ ...
Incomplete Penetration ⊛ ⦿ ⦿ ⊛ ⦿ ⦿ ⊛ ⊛ ...
Misalignment ⦿ ... ... ... ⦿ ⊛ ... ... ...
Overlap ⊛ ⦿ ⦿ ⦾ ... ⦾ ... ... ...
Porosity ⦿ ⦿ ⦾ ... ⦿ ⊛ ⦾ ⦾ ...
Root Concavity ⦿ ... ... ... ⦿ ⊛ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾
Undercut ⦿ ⊛ ⊛ ⦾ ⦿ ⊛ ⦾ ⦾ ...
Product Form Imperfections
Bursts (Forgings) ⦾ ⦿ ⦿ ⊛ ⊛ ⊛ ⊛ ⦿ ...
Cold Shuts (Castings) ⦾ ⦿ ⦿ ⦾ ⦿ ⊛ ⊛ ⦾ ...
Cracks (All Product Forms) ⦾ ⦿ ⦿ ⊛ ⊛ ⊛ ⦾ ⦿
Hot Tear (Castings) ⦾ ⦿ ⦿ ⊛ ⊛ ⊛ ⦾ ⦾ ...
Inclusions (All Product Forms) ... ... ⊛ ⊛ ⦿ ⊛ ⦾ ⦾ ...

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ARTICLE 1 2013 SECTION V

Table A-110
Imperfection vs Type of NDE Method (Cont'd)
Sub-surf. [Note
Surface [Note (1)] (2)] Volumetric [Note (3)]
VT PT MT ET RT UTA UTS AE UTT
Lamination (Plate, Pipe) ⦾ ⊛ ⊛ ... ... ⦾ ⦿ ⦾ ⦿
Laps (Forgings) ⦾ ⦿ ⦿ ⦾ ⊛ ... ⦾ ⦾
Porosity (Castings) ⦿ ⦿ ⦾ ... ⦿ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ...
Seams (Bar, Pipe) ⦾ ⦿ ⦿ ⊛ ⦾ ⊛ ⊛ ⦾ ...

Legend:
AE — Acoustic Emission UTA — Ultrasonic Angle
⦿ — All or most standard techniques will detect this
Beam
imperfection under all or most conditions.
ET — Electromagnetic UTS — Ultrasonic Straight
⊛ — One or more standard technique(s) will detect this
(Eddy Current) Beam
imperfection under certain conditions.
MT — Magnetic Particle UTT — Ultrasonic
⦾ — Special techniques, conditions, and/or personnel
Thickness Measurements
qualifications are required to detect this imperfection.
PT — Liquid Penetrant VT — Visual
RT — Radiography

GENERAL NOTE: Table A-110 lists imperfections and NDE methods that are capable of detecting them. It must be kept in mind that this
table is very general in nature. Many factors influence the detectability of imperfections. This table assumes that only qualified personnel
are performing nondestructive examinations and good conditions exist to permit examination (good access, surface conditions, cleanli-
ness, etc.).
NOTES:
(1) Methods capable of detecting imperfections that are open to the surface only.
(2) Methods capable of detecting imperfections that are either open to the surface or slightly subsurface.
(3) Methods capable of detecting imperfections that may be located anywhere within the examined volume.
(4) Various NDE methods are capable of detecting tertiary (3rd stage) creep and some, particularly using special techniques, are capable
of detecting secondary (2nd stage) creep. There are various descriptions/definitions for the stages of creep and a particular descrip-
tion/definition will not be applicable to all materials and product forms.