ARTICLE 5 ASME BPC.

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2017

ARTICLE 5
ULTRASONIC TESTING METHODS FOR MATERIALS

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SCOPE T-510

This article provides or refers to requirements that will be used to select and develop.
ultrasound examination procedures for parts, components, materials, and all determinations of
thickness. When SA, SB and reference is made to the documents SE, they are found in article 23. The Section
the reference code will be consulted for

specific requirements for the following:

qualification / certification requirements for personnel;

(b) procedure requirements / demonstration, qualification, acceptance;

(c) characteristics of the examination system;

retention and control of calibration blocks;

e) extension of the exam and/or scanned publication volume

(f) acceptance standards;

(g) record retention, and

(h) reporting requirements.

The definitions of the terms used in this article can be found in

Article 1, Mandatory Appendix. I,I - 121. 2, UT - Ultrasounds.

T-520 GENERAL

T-521 BASIC REQUIREMENTS

The requirements of this article will be used together with Article 1, General Requirements.

T-522 WRITTEN PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS

T-522.1 Requirements. Ultrasonic examination to be carried out according to a written procedure, which must, as
minimum, contain the requirements listed in Table T-522. The written procedure will establish a single
value, or range of values, for each requirement.

T-522.2 Qualification of the procedure. When the procedure qualification is specified in the Section of
Reference code, A change of a requirement in Table T-522 identified as an essential variable of value
specified, the range of values, will require the requalification of the written procedure.

A change of a requirement identified as non-essential variable of the specified value, or range of values, does not
It requires requalification of the written procedure. Any change in essential or non-essential variables of
a value or range of values, specified by the written procedure will require review, or an addendum to it
written procedure

TEAM T-530

INSTRUMENT T-531

An ultrasonic pulse-echo type instrument should be used. The instrument must be able to operate at
frequencies in the range of at least 1 to 5 MHz, and must be equipped with a stepped gain control
in units of 2.0 dB or less. If the instrument has an attenuation control, it can be used if it does not reduce

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the sensitivity of the test. The rejection control must be in the "off" position for all tests
unless it can be demonstrated that it does not affect the linearity of the exam.

T-532 Sensors or Transducers

The nominal frequency will be from 1 MHz to 5 MHz, unless variables such as grain structure of the
materials to be tested require the use of other frequencies, to ensure adequate penetration or better
Resolution. Palpators with contoured contact wedges can be used to assist with coupling to the
surface.

COUPLING T-533

T-533.1 General. The couplers including additives shall not be harmful to the material being examined.

T-533.2 Control of pollutants.

The couplers used in nickel-based alloys must not contain more than 250 ppm of sulfur.

(b) Couplings used in austenitic stainless steel or titanium must not contain more than 250 ppm of halides

(chlorides more fluorides).

T-534 CALIBRATION BLOCK REQUIREMENTS

The material with which the blocks are made will be:

the same form of product,

(b) the same material specification or equivalent Group number P and

(c) of the same heat treatment as the material being examined.

For the purposes of this paragraph, the shape of the product is defined.

as forged or cast, and P-Nos. 1, 3, 4, 5A to 5C, and 15 A, from 15 A to 15F are considered equivalent materials.

The finish on the scanning surface of the block will be representative of the finish on the scanning surface.
in the material to be examined.

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T-534.1 Calibration blocks for tubular products.

Calibration reflectors must be longitudinal grooves (axial) and must have a length that does not
exceed 1 inch (25 mm), a width that does not exceed 1/16 inch (1.5 mm), and a depth that does not exceed
0.004 inch (0.10 mm) or 5% of the nominal wall thickness, whichever is greater.

The calibration block must be long enough to simulate the handling of the product that is
examine through the examination team.

T-534.2 Casting calibration blocks, the blocks must have the same thickness ± 25% as the frame
to be examined.

T-534.3 Calibration blocks made of material for pins, Calibration blocks according to figure T-534.3
will be used for straight beam examination.

T-560 CALIBRATION

T-561 LINEARITY CONTROLS OF THE INSTRUMENT

The requirements of T-561.1 and T-561.2 will be fulfilled at intervals not exceeding three months for instruments.
an analog type and one year for digital type instruments, or before the first use.

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T-561.1 The screen height linearity of the ultrasonic instrument (excludes instruments used for
measuring the thickness), the linearity of the screen height will be evaluated in accordance with the mandatory Appendix.
I of Article 4.

T-561.2 The amplitude control linearity of the ultrasonic instrument (excludes the instruments used for
the thickness measurement) will evaluate the linearity of the amplitude control in accordance with the mandatory Appendix
II of article 4)

T-562 GENERAL CALIBRATION REQUIREMENTS

T-562.1. Ultrasonic system, calibrations must include the complete ultrasonic system and will be carried out beforehand.
of the system's use in the thickness range under examination.

T-562.2 Calibration surface. The calibrations will be carried out from the surface (coated or not
coated; convex or concave) corresponding to the surface of the material from which the examination will be conducted.

T-562.3 Coupler. The same type of coupler that will be used during the exam will be used for the calibration.

T-562.4 Contact wedges. The same contact wedges to be used during the exam will be used for the
calibration.

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T-562.5 Instrument controls. Any control that affects the linearity of the instrument (e.g., filters, rejection
the cut), will be in the same position for calibration, calibration controls, linearity controls of
instruments and examination.

T-562.6 Temperature. For the contact test, the temperature differential between the calibration block and
the examination surfaces must be within 25 °F (14 °C). For the immersion examination, the
The coupling temperature for calibration must be within 25 °F (14 °C) of the coupler.
temperature for the exam.

T-563 CALIBRATION CONFIRMATION

T-563.1 Changes in the system. When any part of the exam changes the system, it must be performed a
Calibration verification should be done on the calibration block to verify that distance, the range points and
The sensitivity adjustments meet the requirements of T-563.3.

T-563.2 Calibration verifications. A calibration verification on at least one of the reflectors in the
calibration block or verification will be carried out using a simulator at the end of each exam or series
of similar exams, and when they make changes to the exam staff (except for automated equipment) the
Distance range and the registered sensitivity values must meet the requirements of T-563.3.

NOTE: Provisional calibration checks between the required initial calibration can be carried out.
final calibration verification. The decision to carry out provisional calibration checks must
based on the stability of the ultrasonic instrument (analog vs digital), the risk of having to carry out
reexaminations and the benefit of not carrying out interim calibration checks.

T-563. 2. 1 Simulator verifications. Any simulator the controls that are used will correlate with
the original calibration in the calibration block during the original calibration. The checks of the
Simulator can use different types of calibration reflectors or blocks (such as IIW) and/or electronic ones.
simulation. However, the simulation used will be identifiable in the calibration sheet(s). The simulator
Control will be carried out throughout the examination system. It is not necessary to verify the entire system in one go.
operation; however, for its verification, the search unit will be connected to the ultrasonic instrument and
verified against a calibration reflector. Simulator accuracy The checks will be confirmed.
using the calibration block. every three months or before the first use thereafter.

T-563.3 Acceptance values for confirmation.

T-563.3.1 Distance range points. If any distance the reach point has moved along the line of
sweep more than 10% of the remote reading or 5% of the complete sweep (whichever is greater), correct it
calibration of the distance range and take into account the correction in the exam record. Everything recorded
Indications from the last calibration or valid calibration the check will be reexamined and its values must
to be changed in the data sheets or re-recorded.

T-563.3.2 Sensitivity settings. If any sensitivity configuration has changed by more than 20%
At 2 dB of its amplitude, adjust the sensitivity calibration and observe the correction in the exam record. If
the sensitivity adjustment has decreased, all data sheets since the last valid calibration or the
Calibration verification will be marked as null and the area covered by the nullified data will be reexamined.
If the sensitivity setting has increased, all the indications recorded since the last calibration
validity or calibration verification will be reexamined and their values will be changed in the data sheets or
re-recorded.

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T-564 ADDITIONAL CALIBRATIONS WITH ANGULAR BEAM EXAMINATION IN CASTINGS

For complementary examinations of angular beam, the instrument gain will be adjusted during calibration as
that the indication of the laterally drilled hole produces a higher amplitude at 80% ± 5% of the height of
full screen. This will be the main reference level.

EXAM T-570

T-571 EXAMINATION OF MOULDED PRODUCTS

T-571.1 The plates will be examined in accordance with SA-435 / SA-435M, SA-577 / SA-577M, SA-578
/SA-578M or SB-548, as applicable, except in the version modified by the requirements of another part of
this article.

T-571.2 Forgings and Bars.

(a) The forgings and bars will be examined according to SA-388 / SA-388M or SA-745 / SA-745M, as applicable.
correspond, except as modified by the requirements elsewhere in this article.

All forgings and bars will be examined by the straight beam testing technique.

(c) In addition to (b), ring forgings and hollow forgings will also be examined by angular beam testing.
in two directions of the circumference, unless the wall thickness or geometric configuration makes that
the angular exam is somewhat impractical.

In addition to (b) and (c), the ring forgings made of fine grains for many practices and used for
Sections of containers will also be examined with an angle beam test in two axial directions.

Immersion techniques can be used.

T-571.3 Tubular products. Tubular products will be examined according to SE-213 or SE-273.
as appropriate, except as modified by the requirements elsewhere in this article.

T-571.4 Castings. The castings will be examined according to SA-609 / SA-609M, except for
modified by the requirements in other parts of this article.

(a) For straight beam examinations, the sensitivity compensation indicated in paragraph 8.3 of SA-609 / SA-
609M should not be used.

A complementary examination will be carried out with angular beam on cast pieces or areas of pieces
foundry where the later reflection cannot be maintained during the straight beam examination, or where the angle
between the surfaces of the front and back exceeds 15 degrees.

T-571.5 Material for Bolts. The material for bolts must be examined according to SA-388 / SA-388M.
except for any amendment to the requirements elsewhere in this article.

(a) The material for bolts will be examined radially before the threads are produced. The sensitivity is
It will be established using the indication coming from the lateral hole of calibration block A, on paths
radials of D/4 and 3D/4. The instrument gain will be adjusted so that the reading of the hole D/4,
3D/4 (the one with the greatest indication amplitude) is 80% ± 5% of the full screen height (FSH). This
It must be the main reference level of the distance-amplitude curve.

The curve (DAC) will be established using the indications coming from the D/4 and 3D/4 holes and will
will extend to cover the entire diameter of the material being examined

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(b) The material for bolts will be examined axially from both sides of the surfaces, before or after
the threads are produced. the gain of the instrument will be adjusted so that the indication of the bottom hole
plan that produces the largest amplitude of the indication is 80% ± 5% FSH. This will be the reference level
The principal. A DAC curve will be created using the indications of the three flat-bottomed holes and must
extend to cover all the material examined. If there is any amplitude of flat bottom hole indication
it is less than 20% of FSH, build two DAC lines using calibration blocks A and B, and calibration blocks
B and C and record the gain configuration necessary to adjust the highest amplitude indication for each
DAC at 80% ± 5% FSH.

Immersion techniques can be used.

T-572 EXAMINATION OF PUMPS AND VALVES

The ultrasonic examination of the pumps and valves will be carried out in accordance with Mandatory Appendix I

T-573 SERVICE EXAMINATION

T-573.1 Interior radio of the nozzle and inner corner region Service inspection of the radios
interiors of the nozzle and the regions of the interior corners must comply with the appendix
mandatory II.

T-573.2 Examination in service of Bolts.

The service bolt examination will be carried out according to Mandatory Appendix IV.

T-573.3 In-service examination of cladding, In-service examination of cladding, excluding

The overlap coated with welding metal must comply with SA-578 / SA-578M.
T-574 THICKNESS MEASUREMENT

The thickness measurement will be carried out in accordance with SE-797, except for modifications due to requirements in another.
part of this article.

T-577 CLEANING AFTER THE EXAM

When the cleaning after the exam is required by procedure, it must be done as soon as possible.
practical after the evaluation and documentation, using a process that does not negatively affect the part.

EVALUATION T-580

For examinations with DAC calibrations, any imperfection with an indication amplitude greater than 20%
the DAC will be investigated to the extent that it can be evaluated in terms of the acceptance criteria of the
Reference code Section.

T-590 DOCUMENTATION

T-591 RECORD OF INDICATIONS

T-591.1 Non-rejectable indications. Non-rejectable indications will be recorded as specified by the

Reference code section

T-591.2 Rejected indications. Rejected indications will be recorded at a minimum, the type of
indication (i.e., cracks, lamination, inclusion, etc.), location, and the extent will be recorded (i.e., the
length).

T-592 EXAM RECORDS

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For each ultrasonic test, the requirements of Article 1, T-190 (a) and the following information must be
registered:

(a) Identification of the instrument (including manufacturer's serial number)

Identification of the sensors (including the manufacturer, serial number, frequency, and size)

(c) Angle(s) of the beam used

(d) Coupling used, brand or type

(e) Cables used, type and length

(f) Special equipment, when used (probes, wedges, shoes, automatic scanning equipment, equipment with
registration, etc.

(g) Identification and computerized review of programs, when used

(h) Identification of the calibration block

(i) Simulation block(s) and electronic simulator(s) identification, when used

j) Reference level gain of the instrument and, if used, damping and rejection setup(s)

(k) Calibration data [including reference reflectors, indication amplitude(s), and reading(s) of
distance

(l) Data correlation simulation block(s) and simulator(s) of electronics, when used, with calibration
initial

(m) Identification of the material or scanned volume

Surface

Map or record of rejected indications detected or cleared areas

(p) Restricted access areas or inaccessible areas The elements (a) to (l) may be included or attached in a

separate calibration record as long as the calibration record is included in the examination record

REPORT T-593

A report on the exams will be made. The report will include those records indicated in T-591 and T-592.

The report will be archived and maintained in accordance with the reference code section.

T-594 STORAGE MEDIA

Storage media for computerized data scanning and the visualization software must be capable
to securely store and retrieve data for the time period specified by the reference
Code section.

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MANDATORY APPENDIX I
ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF PUMPS AND VALVES

SCOPE I-510

This appendix describes the supplementary requirements to Article 5 for the ultrasonic examination of welds or
material repairs base, or both, in pumps and valves.
EQUIPMENT I-530

I-531 CALIBRATION BLOCKS

The calibration blocks for pumps and valves must be in accordance with Article 4, Appendix J.
mandatory

I-560 CALIBRATION

I-561 SYSTEM CALIBRATION

The system calibration must comply with article 4, T-463 exclusive of T-463.1.1.

EXAM I-570

The exam will be conducted in accordance with article 4. T-470.

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MANDATORY APPENDIX II
EXAMINATION OF NOZZLES IN CORNER RADIO SERVICE, INTERNAL PARTS
II-510 SCOPE

This appendix describes the supplemental requirements of Article 5 for the examination of nozzles in service.

II-530 EQUIPMENT

II-531 CALIBRATION BLOCKS

The calibration blocks must be full-scale or partial section nozzle blocks (models), which are
sufficient to contain the maximum trajectory of the sound beam, volume of examination and calibration reflectors

I I -531.1 General. The general requirements of the calibration block of Article 4 will apply to T-434.1.

II-531.2 Models. If the sound rays only pass through forge nozzles during exams, nozzles of
Models can be forged from nozzles, or segments of forgings, fixed in structures as needed.
to simulate surfaces of adjacent vessels. If the sound ones pass through the welds of the
nozzle to the casing during the exams, the nozzle models must contain nozzle welds and
Housing components of sufficient size to allow calibration.

II-531.3 Thickness. The calibration block must be equal to or exceed the maximum thickness of the component.
examined.

II-531.4 Reflectors. The calibration block must contain a minimum of three notches within the examination.
volume. Alternatively, induced or embedded cracks can be used instead of notches, which
they can also be used to demonstrate scaling capabilities when necessary by the
Section of the reference Code. The notches or cracks must meet the following requirements.

The notches or cracks will be distributed radially in two zones with at least one notch or crack in each.
zone. Zone 1 ranges from 0 degrees to 180 degrees (± 45 degrees) and Zone 2 includes the remaining two quadrants.
centered on the nozzle axis.

The notches or cracks will be placed within the nozzle volume for examining internal radii and oriented.
parallel to the axial plane of the nozzle; the orientation tolerance is ± 2 degrees

(c) The notches or cracks must be a maximum of 1 inch (25 mm). The nominal notch widths
they must be 1/16 inch. (1.5 mm).

Notch depths or cracks, measured from the nozzle The interior surface will be:

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(1) Reflector No. 1 - 0.20 inch to 0.35 inch. (5 mm to 9 mm)

(2) Reflector No. 2 - 0.35 inch to 0.55 inch. (9 mm to 14 mm)

Reflector No. 3 - 0.55 inch to 0.75 inch (14 mm to 19 mm)

II-560 CALIBRATION

II-561 SYSTEM CALIBRATION

The system calibration must comply with article 4, T-463 exclusive of T-463.1.1.
II-570 EXAMINATION

The general examination requirements of article 4 will apply T-471

MANDATORY APPENDIX IV
EXAMINATION OF BOLTS IN SERVICE
SCOPE IV-510

This appendix describes the supplemental requirements to Article 5 for the in-service inspection of bolts.

TEAM IV-530

IV-531 CALIBRATION BLOCKS

The calibration blocks must be full-scale or partial-section pins, which are sufficient for
contain the maximum sound, beam route and area of interest, and to demonstrate the scanning technique.

IV-531.1 Material. The calibration block must be of the same material specification, product shape and
surface finish like the bolts to be examined.

IV-531.2 Reflectors. The calibration reflectors will have straight cut notches. A minimum must be held.
two notches machined in the calibration standard, located at the minimum and maximum metal paths,
except that the notches do not need to be located within less than a bolt diameter from either end
The depths of the notch will be as follows:

As an alternative to straight cut notches, other notches (e.g., circular cut) can be used as long as
the area of the notch does not exceed the area of the straight cut applicable notches required by this paragraph.

IV-560 CALIBRATION

IV-561 DAC CALIBRATION

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A DAC curve will be established using reflector calibration in IV-531.2. The sound beam must be directed.

towards the calibration reflector that produces the maximum response, and the instrument will be configured to obtain
80% of the full screen height indication. This will be the main reference level. The unit of
search will be manipulated, without changing the instrument's configuration, to obtain the maximum responses from the
another reflector calibration (is) to generate a DAC curve. The calibration must establish both the range of
sweeping like the distance-amplitude calibration correction.

IV-570 EXAM

IV-571 GENERAL EXAM REQUIREMENTS

The general examination requirements of Article 4. T-471 will apply.

Table T-522
Variables of an ultrasonic examination procedure

Requirement Variable Variable

essential Non-essential
Types of materials and configurations to be examined, including the dimensions of X -
thickness and the shape of the product (casting, forging, plate, etc.)
Surface from which the exam will be conducted X -
Technique(s) (straight beam, angular beam, contact and/or immersion) X -
Angle(s) and mode(s) of wave propagation in the material X -
Type of probe, frequency, size and shape X -
Special search units, wedges, shoes or saddles, when X -
they are used

Ultrasound Instrument X -
Calibration [calibration block(s) and technique(s)] X -
Addresses and scan extension X -
Scanning (manual versus automatic) X -
| X
Computer-enhanced data acquisition, when used X -
Overlap of exploration passes when there is a decrease X -
Performance requirements for staff, when needed X -
Staff qualification requirements - X
Surface status (examination surface, calibration block) X
Couplant: marks the type X
Post-examination cleaning technique X
Automatic alarm and/or recording equipment, as appropriate. X
Records, including the minimum calibration data that will be recorded (by X
example, adjustments of the instrument)

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