ASTM E2906/E2906M-18

Standard Practice for Acoustic Pulse Reflectometry Examination of Tube Bundles

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 APR technology is used for detection, location and identification of internal diameter (ID) flaws-indications and blockages in tube bundles.  
5.2 Reliable and accurate examination of tube bundles is of great importance in different industries. On-time detection of flaws reduces a risk of catastrophic failure and minimizes unplanned shutdowns of plant equipment. Fast examination capability is of great importance due to reduction of maintenance time.  
5.3 APR examinations are performed for quality control of newly manufactured tube bundles as well as for in-service inspection.  
5.4 Performing an APR examination requires access to an open end of each tube to be examined.  
5.5 Flaws that can be readily detected and identified include but are not limited to through-wall holes, ID pitting, erosion, blockages, bulging due to creep and plastic deformation due to bending.  
5.6 APR can be applied to tube bundles made of metal, graphite, plastic or other solid materials with straight and curved sections. The APR technology has been found effective on tubes with diameters between 12.7 mm [1/2 in.] to 101.6 mm [4 in.] and lengths up to 18 metres [60 feet].  
5.7 Closed cracks on ID surface, without significant geometrical alternation on ID surface, may not be detected by APR.  
5.8 APR technology can be used for flaw sizing when special signal and data analysis methods are developed and applied.  
5.9 In addition to detection of flaws and blockages, APR technology can be applied for assessing tube ID surface cleanliness, providing valuable information for equipment maintenance and improving its performance.  
5.10 Other nondestructive test methods may be used to verify and evaluate the significance of APR indications, their exact position, depth, dimension and orientation. These include remote visual inspection, eddy current and ultrasonic testing.  
5.11 Procedures for using other NDT methods are beyond the scope of this practice.  
5.12 Acceptable flaw size...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes use of Acoustic Pulse Reflectometry (APR) technology for examination of the internal surface of typical tube bundles found in heat exchangers, boilers, tubular air heaters and reactors, during shutdown periods.  
1.2 The purpose of APR examination is to detect, locate and identify flaws such as through-wall holes, ID wall loss due to pitting and/or erosion as well as full or partial tube blockages. APR may not be effective in detecting cracks with tight boundaries.  
1.3 APR technology utilizes generation of sound waves through the air in the examined tube, then detecting reflections created by discontinuities and/or blockages. Analysis of the initial phase (positive or negative) and the shape of the reflected acoustic wave are used to identify the type of flaw causing the reflection.  
1.4 When proper methods of signal and data analysis are developed, APR technology can be applied for sizing of flaw/blockage indications.  
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standards.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-May-2018
• ICS: 27.060.30 - Boilers and heat exchangers
• Technical Committee: E07 - Nondestructive Testing
• Drafting Committee: E07.10 - Specialized NDT Methods

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:E2906/E2906M −18
Standard Practice for
1
Acoustic Pulse Reflectometry Examination of Tube Bundles
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE2906/E2906M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
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 mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This practice describes use of Acoustic Pulse Reflecto-
metry (APR) technology for examination of the internal
2. Referenced Documents
surface of typical tube bundles found in heat exchangers,
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
boilers, tubular air heaters and reactors, during shutdown
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
periods.
Testing
1.2 The purpose ofAPR examination is to detect, locate and
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
identify flaws such as through-wall holes, ID wall loss due to
2.2 Other Documents:
pitting and/or erosion as well as full or partial tube blockages.
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Nondestructive
APR may not be effective in detecting cracks with tight
3
Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
boundaries.
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 ASNT Standard for Qualification and
1.3 APR technology utilizes generation of sound waves
3
Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
through the air in the examined tube, then detecting reflections
NAS-410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
created by discontinuities and/or blockages. Analysis of the
4
Test Personnel
initial phase (positive or negative) and the shape of the
ISO 9712 Non-Destructive Testing – Qualification and Cer-
reflected acoustic wave are used to identify the type of flaw
tification of NDT Personnel.
causing the reflection.
1.4 When proper methods of signal and data analysis are 3. Terminology
developed, APR technology can be applied for sizing of
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology E1316 for general termi-
flaw/blockage indications.
nology applicable to this practice.
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.2.1 acoustic pulse reflectometry—a technology for
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
detecting, locating and analyzing sound reflections caused by
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
discontinuities and abrupt changes on the internal surface of
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
tubes and pipes as a response to an induced acoustic signal
with the standards.
within the examined structure.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.2 reference signal—a measured signal from a typical
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tube in the examined bundle without flaws or blockages.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Reflections in the reference signal indicate structural features
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
of the tube, probe or adaptor.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.3 signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)—the ratio of the signal’s
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
Root Mean Square (RMS) to RMS of the noise signal.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.4 output gain—the gain of the sound-source amplifier.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.10 on the ASTM website.
3
Specialized NDT Methods. AvailablefromAmericanSocietyforNondestructiveTesting(ASNT),P.O.Box
Current edition approved June 1, 2018. Published June 2018. Originally 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
4
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E2906/E2906M–13. Available fromAerospace IndustriesAssociation ofAmerica, Inc. (AIA), 1000
DOI: 10.1520/E2906_E2906M-18. 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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E2906/E2906M−18
4. Summary of Practice 6. Basis of A
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2906/E2906M − 13 E2906/E2906M − 18
Standard Practice for
1
Acoustic Pulse Reflectometry Examination of Tube Bundles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2906/E2906M; 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
1.1 This practice describes use of Acoustic Pulse Reflectometry (APR) technology for examination of the internal surface of
typical tube bundles found in heat exchangers, boilers, tubular air heaters and reactors, during shutdown periods.
1.2 The purpose of APR examination is to detect, locate and identify flaws such as through-wall holes, ID wall loss due to pitting
and/or erosion as well as full or partial tube blockages. APR may not be effective in detecting cracks with tight boundaries.
1.3 APR technology utilizes generation of sound waves through the air in the examined tube, then detecting reflections created
by discontinuities and/or blockages. Analysis of the initial phase (positive or negative) and the shape of the reflected acoustic wave
are used to identify the type of flaw causing the reflection.
1.4 When proper methods of signal and data analysis are developed, APR technology can be applied for sizing of flaw/blockage
indications.
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standards.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
2.2 Other Documents:
3
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
3
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
4
NAS-410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive Test Personnel
ISO 9712 Non-Destructive Testing – Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology E1316 for general terminology applicable to this practice.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.10 on Specialized
NDT Methods.
Current edition approved March 1, 2013June 1, 2018. Published March 2013June 2018. Originally approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as
E2906/E2906M–13. DOI: 10.1520/E2906_E2906M-13.10.1520/E2906_E2906M-18.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
4
Available from Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc. (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-3928, http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E2906/E2906M − 18
3.2.1 acoustic pulse reflectometry—a technology for detecting, locating and analyzing sound reflections caused by disconti-
nuities and abrupt changes on the internal surface of tubes and pipes as a response to an induced acoustic signal within the
examined structure.
3.2.2 reference signal—a m
...