What is this standard about?
This is the international standard for manual ultrasonic testing of fusion-welded joints in metallic materials thicker than or equal to 8mm which exhibit low ultrasonic attenuation.
The standard’s guidelines detail specific testing techniques for metals that show weakened ultrasonic levels at temperatures of up to 60⁰C. It’s primarily designed for full penetration weld joints where both the welded and parent material are ferritic. It specifies ultrasonic values based on steels with an ultrasonic sound velocity of (5 920±50) m/s for longitudinal waves and (3 255±30) m/s for transverse waves.
Who is this standard for?
It will be used in the following industries:
- Oil and gas
- Power
- Aerospace
- Engineering and fabrication
- Automotive
- Rail
- Shipbuilding
- Defence
- Off highway
- Equipment, consumables and materials
- Quality assurance
Why should you use this standard?
Because it specifies four testing levels, each corresponding to a different probability of detection of imperfections. Guidance on the selection of testing levels A, B and C is given in Annex A.
The requirements of testing level D, which is intended for special applications, are in accordance with general requirements, although test level D can only be used when defined by specification. This includes tests of metals other than ferritic steel, tests on partial penetration welds, tests with automated equipment and tests at object temperatures outside the 0⁰C to 60⁰C range.
This document can be used for the assessment of discontinuities, for acceptance purposes, by either of the following techniques:
a) Evaluation based primarily on length and echo amplitude of the discontinuity
b) Evaluation based on characterization and sizing of the discontinuity by probe movement techniques
What’s changed since the last update?
The standard has undergone a systematic review. This edition makes corrections to the 2010 version and ensures the standard is state of the art in relation to the ultrasonic testing of welds. It also aligns with other referenced and necessary standards.
