ASTM E1419-00

Standard Test Method for Examination of Seamless, Gas- Filled, Pressure Vessels Using Acoustic Emission

SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides guidelines for acoustic emission (AE) examinations of seamless pressure vessels (tubes) of the type used for distribution or storage of industrial gases.
1.2 This test method requires pressurization to a level greater than normal use. Pressurization medium may be gas or liquid.
1.3 This test method does not apply to vessels in cryogenic service.
1.4 The AE measurements are used to detect and locate emission sources. Other nondestructive test (NDT) methods must be used to evaluate the significance of AE sources. Procedures for other NDT techniques are beyond the scope of this test method. See Note 1.
Note 1—Shear wave, angle beam ultrasonic inspection is commonly used to establish circumferential position and dimensions of flaws that produce AE.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Jan-2002
• ICS: 23.020.30 - Pressure vessels, gas cylinders
• Technical Committee: E07 - Nondestructive Testing
• Drafting Committee: E07.04 - Acoustic Emission Method

Relations

• Referred By: ASTM E543-21 - Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E2374-16(2021) - Standard Guide for Acoustic Emission System Performance Verification
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E2223-13(2022) - Standard Practice for Examination of Seamless, Gas-Filled, Steel Pressure Vessels Using Angle Beam Ultrasonics
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2002

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: E 1419 – 00 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Examination of Seamless, Gas-Filled, Pressure Vessels
Using Acoustic Emission
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1419; 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.
1. Scope E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
2.2 ASNT Standards:
1.1 This test method provides guidelines for acoustic emis-
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Nondestructive
sion (AE) examinations of seamless pressure vessels (tubes) of
Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
the type used for distribution or storage of industrial gases.
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certi-
1.2 This test method requires pressurization to a level
fication of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
greater than normal use. Pressurization medium may be gas or
2.3 Code of Federal Regulations:
liquid.
Section 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Mate-
1.3 This test method does not apply to vessels in cryogenic
rials Regulations of the Department of Transportation,
service.
Paragraphs 173.34, 173.301, 178.36, 178.37, and 178.45
1.4 The AE measurements are used to detect and locate
2.5 Compressed Gas Association Standard:
emission sources. Other nondestructive test (NDT) methods
Pamphlet C-5 Service Life, Seamless High Pressure Cylin-
must be used to evaluate the significance of AE sources.
ders
Procedures for other NDT techniques are beyond the scope of
this test method. See Note 1.
3. Terminology
NOTE 1—Shear wave, angle beam ultrasonic inspection is commonly
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology E 1316 for general ter-
used to establish circumferential position and dimensions of flaws that
minology applicable to this test method.
produce AE.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.2.1 fracture critical flaw—a flaw that is large enough to
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
exhibit unstable growth at service conditions.
information only.
3.2.2 marked service pressure—pressure for which a vessel
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
is rated. Normally this value is stamped on the vessel.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.3 normal fill pressure—level to which a vessel is pres-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
surized. This may be greater, or may be less, than marked
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
service pressure.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
4. Summary of Test Method
tionary statements are given in Section 7.
4.1 The AE sensors are mounted on a vessel, and emission
2. Referenced Documents
is monitored while the vessel is pressurized above normal fill
2.1 ASTM Standards:
pressure.
A 388/A 388M Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of
4.2 Sensors are mounted at each end of the vessel and are
Heavy Steel Forgings
connected to an acoustic emission signal processor. The signal
E 543 Practice for Evaluating Agencies that Perform Non-
processor uses measured times of arrival of emission bursts to
destructive Testing
determine linear location of emission sources. If measured
E 650 Guide for Mounting Piezoelectric Acoustic Emission
emission exceeds a prescribed level (that is, specific locations
Sensors
produce enough events), then such locations receive secondary
E 976 Guide for Determining the Reproducibility of Acous-
(for example, ultrasonic) examination.
tic Emission Sensor Response
4.3 Secondary examination establishes presence of flaws
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing, 1711 Arlingate
Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.04 on
Plaza, P.O. Box 28518, Columbus, OH 43228-0518.
Acoustic Emission Method.
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 2000. Published December 2000. Originally Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
published as E 1419 – 91. Last previous edition E 1419 – 96. Office, Washington, DC 20402.
2 6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.05. Available from Compressed Gas Association, Inc., 1235 Jefferson Davis
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03. Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 1419
and measures flaw dimensions. sources of background noise: high gas-fill rate (measurable
4.4 If flaw depth exceeds a prescribed limit (that is, a flow noise); mechanical contact with the vessel by objects;
conservative limit that is based on construction material, wall electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency inter-
thickness, fatigue crack growth estimates, and fracture critical ference (RFI) from nearby broadcasting facilities and from
flaw depth calculations), then the vessel must be removed from other sources; leaks at pipe or hose connections; and airborne
service. sand particles, insects, or rain drops. This test method should
not be used if background noise cannot be eliminated or
5. Significance and Use
controlled.
5.1 Because of safety considerations, regulatory agencies
6. Basis of Application
(for example, U.S. Department of Transportation) require
periodic tests of vessels used in transportation of industrial
6.1 Personnel Qualification—The NDT personnel shall be
gases (see Section 49, Code of Federal Regulations). The AE
qualified in accordance with a nationally recognized NDT
testing has become accepted as an alternative to the common
personnel qualification practice or standard such as ANSI/
hydrostatic proof test. In the common hydrostatic test, volu-
ASNT CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, or a similar document. The
metric expansion of vessels is measured.
practice or standard used and its applicable revision shall be
5.2 An AE test should not be used for a period of one year
specified in the contractual agreement between the using
after a common hydrostatic test. See Note 2.
parties.
6.2 Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Agencies—If
NOTE 2—The Kaiser effect relates to decreased emission that is
specified in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be
expected during a second pressurization. Common hydrostatic tests use a
relatively high test pressure (167 % of normal service pressure). (See qualified and evaluated as described in Practice E 543. The
Section 49, Code of Federal Regulations.) If an AE test is performed too
applicable edition of Practice E 543 shall be specified in the
soon after such a pressurization, the AE results will be insensitive to a
contractual agreement.
lower test pressure (that is, the lower pressure that is associated with an
6.3 Time of Examination—The time of examination shall be
AE test).
in accordance with 5.2 unless otherwise specified.
5.3 Pressurization:
6.4 Procedures and Techniques—The procedures and tech-
5.3.1 General practice in the gas industry is to use low
niques to be used shall be as described in this test method
pressurization rates. This practice promotes safety and reduces
unless otherwise specified. Specific techniques may be speci-
equipment investment. The AE tests should be performed with
fied in the contractual agreement.
pressurization rates that allow vessel deformation to be in
6.5 Extent of Examination—The extent of examination shall
equilibrium with the applied load. Typical current practice is to
be in accordance with 4.2 and 10.9 unless otherwise specified.
use rates that approximate 500 psi/h (3.45 MPa/h).
5.3.2 Gas compressers heat the pressurizing medium. After
7. Apparatus
pressurization, vessel pressure may decay as gas temperature
7.1 Essential features of the apparatus required for this test
equilibrates with ambient conditions.
method are provided in Fig. 1. Full specifications are in Annex
5.3.3 Emission from flaws is caused by flaw growth and
A1.
secondary sources (for example, crack surface contact and
7.2 Couplant must be used to acoustically connect sensors
contained mill scale). Secondary sources can produce emission
to the vessel surface. Adhesives that have acceptable acoustic
throughout vessel pressurization.
properties, and adhesives used in combination with traditional
5.3.4 When pressure within a vessel is low, and gas is the
couplants, are acceptable.
pressurizing medium, flow velocities are relatively high. Flow-
ing gas (turbulence) and impact by entrained particles can
produce measurable emission. Considering this, acquisition of
AE data may commence at some pressure greater than starting
pressure (for example, ⁄3 of maximum test pressure).
5.3.5 Maximum Test Pressure—Serious flaws usually pro-
duce more acoustic emission (that is, more events, events with
higher peak amplitude) from secondary sources than from flaw
growth. When vessels are pressurized, flaws produce emission
at pressures less than normal fill pressure. A maximum test
pressure that is 10 % greater than normal fill pressure allows
measurement of emission from secondary sources in flaws and
from flaw growth.
5.3.6 Pressurization Schedule—Pressurization should pro-
ceed at rates that do not produce noise from the pressurizing
medium and that allow vessel deformation to be in equilibrium
with applied load. Pressure holds are not necessary; however,
they may be useful for reasons other than measurement of AE.
5.4 Excess background noise may distort AE data or render
them useless. Users must be aware of the following common FIG. 1 Essential Features of the Apparatus
E 1419
7.3 Sensors may be held in place with magnets, adhesive Fig. 4 of Guide E 976).
tape, or other mechanical means.
7.4 The AE sensors are used to detect strain-induced stress 10. Procedure
waves produced by flaws. Sensors must be held in contact with
10.1 Visually examine accessible exterior surfaces of the
the vessel wall to ensure adequate acoustic coupling.
vessel. Note observations in test report.
7.5 A preamplifier may be enclosed in the sensor housing or
10.2 Isolate vessel to prevent contact with other vessels,
in a separate enclosure. If a separate preamplifier is used, cable
hardware, and so forth. When the vessel cannot be completely
length, between sensor and preamp, must not exceed 6 ft (1.83
isolated, indicate, in the test report, external sources which
m).
could have produced emission.
7.6 Power/signal cable length (that is, cable between
10.3 Connect fill hose and pressure transducer. Eliminate
preamp and signal processor) shall not exceed 500 ft (152.4 m).
any leaks at connections.
See A1.5A1.5.
10.4 Mount an AE sensor at each end of each tube. Use
7.7 Signal processors are computerized instruments with
procedures specified in Guide E 650. Sensors must be at the
independent channels that filter, measure, and convert analog
same angular position and should be located at each end of the
information into digital form for display and permanent stor-
vessel so that the AE system can determine axial locations of
age. A signal processor must have sufficient speed and capacity
sources in as much of the vessel as possible.
to independently process data from all sensors simultaneously.
10.5 Adjust signal processor settings. See Appendix X1 for
The signal processor should provide capability to filter data for
example.
replay. A printer should be used to provide hard copies of test
10.6 Perform a system performance check at each sensor
results.
(see 9.3). Verify that peak amplitude is greater than a specified
7.7.1 A video monitor should display processed test data in
value (see Table X1.2). Verify that the AE system displays a
various formats. Display format may be selected by the
correct location (see Note 3) for the mechanical device that is
equipment operator.
used to produce stress waves (see 9.4 and Table X1.2). Prior to
7.7.2 A data storage device, such as a floppy disk, may be
pressurization, verify that there is no background noise above
used to provide data for replay or for archives.
the signal processor threshold setting.
7.7.3 Hard copy capability should be available from a
NOTE 3—If desired location accuracy cannot be attained with sensors at
graphics/line printer or equivalent device.
two axial locations, then more sensors should be added to reduce sensor
spacing.
8. Safety Precautions
10.7 Begin pressurizing the vessel. The pressurization rate
8.1 As in any pressure test of metal vessels, ambient
shall be low enough that flow noise is not recorded.
temperature should not be below the ductile-brittle transition
10.8 Monitor the examination by observing displays that
temperature of the pressure vessel construction material.
show plots of AE events versus axial location. If unusual
9. Calibration and Standardization
response (in the operator’s judgment) is observed, interrupt
9.1 Annual calibration and verification of pressure trans- pressurization and conduct an investigation.
ducer, AE sensors, preamplifiers (if applicable), signal proces- 10.9 Store all data on mass storage media. Stop the exami-
sor (particularly the signal processor time reference), and AE nation when the pressure reaches 110 % of normal fill pressure
electronic waveform generator should be performed. Equip- or 110 % of marked service pressure (whichever is greater).
The pressure shall be monitored with an accuracy of 62% of
ment should be adjusted so that it conforms to equipment
manufacturer’s specifications. Instruments used for calibra- the maximum test pressure.
10.9.1 Examples:
tions must have current accuracy certification that is traceable
to the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). 10.9.1.1 A tube trailer is normally filled to a gage pressure
of 2640 psi (18.20 MPa). Pressurization shall stop at 2904 psi
9.2 Routine electronic evaluations must be performed any
time there is concern about signal processor performance. An (20.02 MPa).
10.9.1.2 A gas cylinder is normally filled to a gage pressure
AE electronic waveform generator should be used in making
evaluations. Each signal processor channel must respond with of 613 psi (4.23 MPa). The marked service pressure is 2400 psi
(16.55 MPa). Pressurization shall stop at 2640 psi (18.20 MPa).
peak amplitude reading within 62 dBV of the electronic
waveform generator output. 10.10 Perform a system performance check at each sensor
(see 9.3). Verify that peak amplitude is greater than a specified
9.3 A system performance check must be conducted imme-
diately before, and immediately
...