ASTM E2700-09
(Practice)Standard Practice for Contact Ultrasonic Testing of Welds Using Phased Arrays
Standard Practice for Contact Ultrasonic Testing of Welds Using Phased Arrays
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Industrial phased arrays differ from conventional monocrystal ultrasonic transducers since they permit the electronic control of ultrasound beams. The arrays consist of a series of individual transducer elements, each separately wired, time-delayed and electrically isolated; the arrays are typically pulsed in groups to permit “phasing,” or constructive-destructive interference.
Though primarily a method of generating and receiving ultrasound, phased arrays are also a method of scanning and imaging. While some scan patterns emulate manual technology, other scans (for example, S-scans) are unique to phased arrays. With their distinct features and capabilities, phased arrays require special set-ups and standardization, as addressed by this practice. Commercial software permits the operator to easily make set ups without detailed knowledge of the phasing requirements.
Phased arrays can be used in different ways: manual or encoded linear scanning; and different displays or combinations of displays. In manual scanning, the dominant display will be an S-scan with associated A-scans. S-scans have the advantage over E-scans that all the specified inspection angles can be covered at the same time.
The main advantages of using phased arrays for ultrasonic weld examinations are:
Faster scanning due to multiple angles on display at the same time,
Better imaging from the true depth S-scan,
Data storage, for example, selected reflectors, for auditing, and archiving.
Rapid and reproducible set-ups with electronic instruments.
All personnel responsible for carrying out examinations, analysis and reporting results using this standard should be appropriately trained and qualified in accordance with a nationally or internationally recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or standard such as ANSI/ASNT CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, or a similar document and certified by the employer or certifying agency, as applicable. Additionally, there should also be training or k...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes ultrasonic techniques for inspecting welds using phased array ultrasonic methods (see Note 1).
1.2 This practice uses angle beams, either in S-scan or E-scan modes, primarily for butt welds and Tee welds. Alternative welding techniques, such as solid state bonding (for example, friction stir welding) and fusion welding (for example, electron beam welding) can be inspected using this practice provided adequate coverage and techniques are documented and approved. Practices for specific geometries such as spot welds are not included. The practice is intended to be used on thicknesses of 9 to 200 mm (0.375 to 8 in.). Greater and lesser thicknesses may be tested using this standard practice if the technique can be demonstrated to provide adequate detection on mockups of the same wall thickness and geometry
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
Note 1—This practice is based on experience with ferrous and aluminum alloys. Other metallic materials can be examined using this practice provided reference standards can be developed that demonstrate that the particular material and weld can be successfully penetrated by an ultrasonic beam.
Note 2—For additional pertinent information, see Practices E 2491, E 317, and E 587.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E2700 − 09
StandardPractice for
Contact Ultrasonic Testing of Welds Using Phased Arrays
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2700; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems
without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
1.1 This practice describes ultrasonic techniques for in-
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
specting welds using phased array ultrasonic methods (see
Testing
Note 1).
E587 Practice for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Contact Testing
1.2 This practice uses angle beams, either in S-scan or
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E-scan modes, primarily for butt welds and Tee welds. Alter-
E2192 Guide for Planar Flaw Height Sizing by Ultrasonics
native welding techniques, such as solid state bonding (for
E2491 Guide for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of
example, friction stir welding) and fusion welding (for
Phased-Array UltrasonicTesting Instruments and Systems
example, electron beam welding) can be inspected using this 3
2.2 ASME Standard:
practice provided adequate coverage and techniques are docu-
ASME B and PV Code Section V, Article 4
mented and approved. Practices for specific geometries such as
2.3 ISO Standard:
spot welds are not included.The practice is intended to be used
ISO 2400 Reference Block for the Calibration of Equipment
on thicknesses of 9 to 200 mm (0.375 to 8 in.). Greater and
for Ultrasonic Examination
lesser thicknesses may be tested using this standard practice if
2.4 ASNT Documents:
the technique can be demonstrated to provide adequate detec-
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi-
tion on mockups of the same wall thickness and geometry
cation and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certifi-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
cation of NDT Personnel
only.
2.5 AIA Standard:
NAS-410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Testing Personnel
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3. Terminology
and are not considered standard.
NOTE 1—This practice is based on experience with ferrous and
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
aluminum alloys. Other metallic materials can be examined using this
practice, see Terminology E1316.
practice provided reference standards can be developed that demonstrate
that the particular material and weld can be successfully penetrated by an
4. Summary of Practice
ultrasonic beam.
NOTE 2—For additional pertinent information, see Practices E2491,
4.1 Phased arrays are used for weld inspections for numer-
E317, and E587.
ous applications. Industry specific requirements have been
developed to control the use of this technology for those
2. Referenced Documents
applications. A general standard practice document is required
2.1 ASTM Standards:
to define the requirements for wider use of the technology.
E164 Practice for Contact Ultrasonic Testing of Weldments
Several manufacturers have developed portable, user-friendly
E317 Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of
instruments. Codes and code cases have been developed, or are
1 3
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde- Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.06 on International Headquarters, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
Ultrasonic Method. www.asme.org.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2009. Published August 2009. DOI: 10.1520/ Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
E2700-09. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
2 5
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or AvailablefromAmericanSocietyforNondestructiveTesting(ASNT),P.O.Box
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available fromAerospace IndustriesAssociation ofAmerica, Inc. (AIA), 1000
the ASTM website. WilsonBlvd.,Suite1700,Arlington,VA22209-3928,http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2700 − 09
being developed, to cover phased array weld inspection re- shall be qualified in accordance with a nationally or interna-
quirements by organizations such as ASME. Practice E2491 tionally recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or
covers setting up of phased arrays for weld inspections. standardsuchasANSI/ASNTCP-189,SNT-TC-1A,NAS-410,
Training programs for phased arrays have been set up world- or a similar document and certified by the employer or
wide. This practice provides procedural guidance for both certifying agency, as applicable. The practice or standard used
manual and mechanized scanning of welds using phased array and its applicable revision shall be identified in the contractual
systems. agreement between the using parties.
6.3 Qualification of Nondestructive Agencies—If specified
5. Significance and Use
in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be qualified
5.1 Industrial phased arrays differ from conventional
and evaluated as described in Practice E543. The applicable
monocrystal ultrasonic transducers since they permit the elec-
edition of Practice E543 shall be specified in the contractual
tronic control of ultrasound beams. The arrays consist of a
agreement.
seriesofindividualtransducerelements,eachseparatelywired,
6.4 Procedures and Techniques—The procedures and tech-
time-delayed and electrically isolated; the arrays are typically
niques to be used shall be as specified in the contractual
pulsed in groups to permit “phasing,” or constructive-
agreement. Practice E2491 recommends methods of assessing
destructive interference.
performance characteristics of phased array probes and sys-
5.2 Though primarily a method of generating and receiving
tems.
ultrasound, phased arrays are also a method of scanning and
6.5 Surface Preparation—The pre-examination surface
imaging. While some scan patterns emulate manual
preparation criteria shall be in accordance with 9.1 unless
technology, other scans (for example, S-scans) are unique to
otherwise specified.
phased arrays. With their distinct features and capabilities,
phased arrays require special set-ups and standardization, as
6.6 Timing of Examination—The timing of examination
addressed by this practice. Commercial software permits the
shall be determined by the contracting parties and in accor-
operator to easily make set ups without detailed knowledge of
dance with the stage of manufacture or in-service conditions.
the phasing requirements.
6.7 Extent of Examination—The extent of examination shall
5.3 Phased arrays can be used in different ways: manual or
be suitable to examine the volume of the weld plus the heat
encoded linear scanning; and different displays or combina-
affected zone unless otherwise specified.
tions of displays. In manual scanning, the dominant display
6.8 Reporting Criteria/Acceptance Criteria—Reporting cri-
will be an S-scan with associated A-scans. S-scans have the
teria for the examination results shall be in accordance with
advantage over E-scans that all the specified inspection angles
13.1, unless otherwise specified. Since acceptance criteria are
can be covered at the same time.
not specified in this standard, they shall be specified in the
5.4 The main advantages of using phased arrays for ultra-
contractual agreement.
sonic weld examinations are:
6.9 Reexamination of Repaired/Reworked Items—
5.4.1 Faster scanning due to multiple angles on display at
the same time, Reexamination of repaired/reworked items is not addressed in
this standard and if required shall be specified in the contrac-
5.4.2 Better imaging from the true depth S-scan,
5.4.3 Data storage, for example, selected reflectors, for tual agreement.
auditing, and archiving.
5.4.4 Rapid and reproducible set-ups with electronic instru- 7. Equipment
ments.
7.1 Phased Array Instruments:
5.5 Allpersonnelresponsibleforcarryingoutexaminations,
7.1.1 Theultrasonicphasedarrayinstrumentshallbeapulse
analysis and reporting results using this standard should be
echo type and shall be equipped with a standardized dB gain or
appropriately trained and qualified in accordance with a
attenuation control stepped in increments of 1 dB minimum,
nationally or internationally recognized NDT personnel quali-
containing multiple independent pulser/receiver channels. The
fication practice or standard such as ANSI/ASNT CP-189,
system shall be capable of generating and displaying both
SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, or a similar document and certified by
B-scanandS-scanimages,whichcanbestoredandrecalledfor
the employer or certifying agency, as applicable. Additionally,
subsequent review.
there should also be training or knowledge and experience
7.1.2 Thephasedarraysystemshallhaveon-boardfocallaw
related to phased array equipment and techniques. Personnel
generation software that permits direct modification to ultra-
performing examinations to this standard should list the
sonic beam characteristics. Specific delay calculations may be
qualifying credentials in the examination report.
performed by the system itself or imported from external
calculations.
6. Basis of Application
7.1.3 The phased array system shall have a means of data
6.1 The following items are subject to contractual agree-
storage for archiving scan data. An external storage device,
ment between the parties using or referencing this standard.
flash card or USB memory stick can be used for data storage.
6.2 Personnel Qualification—If specified in the contractual Aremote portable PC connected to the instrument may also be
agreement, personnel performing examinations to this standard used for this purpose. If instruments do not inherently store
E2700 − 09
A-scan data, such as some manual instruments, the final image indication of sound travel in the test material. Range standard-
only may be recorded. ization shall include correction for wedge travel time so that
7.1.4 The phased array system shall be standardized for the zero-depth position in the test piece is accurately indicated
amplitude and height linearity in accordance with Practice for each focal law.
E2491 annually, as a minimum. 8.1.2 Time base linearity and accuracy shall be verified in
7.1.5 The instrument shall be capable of pulsing and receiv- accordance with the guidelines in Practice E2491, or Practice
ing at nominal frequencies of 1 MHz to 10 MHz. For special E317, or both.
applications, frequencies up to 20 MHz can be used, but may 8.1.3 Volume-corrected B-scan or S-scan displays shall
require special instrumentation with appropriate digitization, indicate the true depth to known targets to within 5 % of the
and special approval. physical depth or 3 mm, whichever is less.
7.1.6 The instrument shall be capable of digitization of 8.1.4 Range standardization shall be established using the
A-scans at a minimum of five times the nominal frequency of radius surfaces in reference blocks such as the IIW Block and
the probe used. Amplitude shall be digitized at a resolution of these blocks shall be made of the same material or acoustically
at least 8-bit (that is, 256 levels). similar material as the test piece.
7.1.7 The instrument shall be capable of equalizing the
8.2 Sensitivity:
amplitude response from a target at a fixed soundpath for each
8.2.1 Reference standards for sensitivity-amplitude stan-
angle used in the technique (angle corrected gain (ACG)
dardization should be designed so that sensitivity does not vary
thereby providing compensation for wedge attenuation varia-
with beam angle when angle beam testing is used. Sensitivity
tion and echo-transmittance).
amplitude reference standards that accomplish this are side-
7.1.8 Theinstrumentshallalsobeequippedwithfacilitiesto
drilled holes parallel to the major surfaces of the plate and
equalize amplitudes of signals across the time-base (time-
perpendicular to the sound path, flat-bottomed holes drilled at
corrected gain).
the testing angle, and equal-radius reflectors. Surface notches
7.2 Phased Array Probes: may be used under some circumstances but are not generally
recommended.
7.2.1 Theapplicationrequirementswilldictatethedesignof
the phased array probe used. Phased array probes may be used 8.2.2 Standardization shall include the complete ultrasonic
phased array system and shall be performed prior to use of the
with a removable or integral wedge, delay-line, or in an
immersion or localized bubbler system mode. In some cases a system in the thickness range under examination.
8.2.3 Standardization on reference block(s) shall be per-
phased array probe may be used without a refracting wedge or
delay-line (that is, just a hard wear-face surface). formed from the surface (clad or unclad; convex or concave)
corresponding to the surface of the component from which the
7.2.2 Phased array probes used for weld examination may
be of 1D, 1.5D or 2D design. Only 1D arrays or dual arrays examination will be performed.
8.2.4 The same couplant to be used during the examination
configured with side-by-side transmitter-receiver arrays (as in
Transmit-Receive Longitudinal wave probes) shall be used shall be used for standardization.
8.2.5 The same contact wedges or immersion/bubbler sys-
with manual scanning techniques. For 2D arrays, which use
electronic oscillation, calibration should be performed at all tems used during the examination shall be used for standard-
ization.
skewed angles.
7.2.3 The number of elements in the phased array probe and 8.2.6 The same focal law(s) used in standardization shall be
used for examination.
theelementdimensionsandpitchshallbeselectedbasedonthe
applicationrequirementsandthemanufacturer’srecommended 8.2.7 Any control which affects instrument amplitude re-
limitations. sponse (for example, pulse-duration, filters, averaging, etc.)
7.2.4 The probe selected shall not have more elements than shall be in the same position for standardization and examina-
tion.
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