ASTM E3170/E3170M-18(2023)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing of Polyethylene Electrofusion Joints
Standard Practice for Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing of Polyethylene Electrofusion Joints
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is intended for the semi-automated or automated ultrasonic examination of electrofusion joints used in the construction and maintenance of polyethylene piping systems.
5.2 Polyethylene piping has been used instead of steel alloys in the petrochemical, power, water, gas distribution, and mining industries due to its reliability and resistance to corrosion and erosion.
5.3 The joining process can be subject to a variety of flaws including, but not limited to: lack of fusion, cold fusion, particulate contamination, inclusions, short stab depth, and voids.
5.4 Polyethylene material can have a range of acoustic characteristics that make electrofusion joint examination difficult. Polyethylene materials are highly attenuative, which often limits the use of higher ultrasonic frequencies. It also exhibits a natural high frequency filtering effect. An example of the range of acoustic characteristics is provided in Table 1.6 The table notes the wide range of acoustic velocities reported in the literature. This makes it essential that the reference blocks are made from pipe grade polyethylene with the same density cell class as the electrofusion fitting examined. (A) A range of velocity and attenuation values have been noted in the literature (1-9).
5.5 Polyethylene is reported to have a shear velocity of 987 m/s. However, due to extremely high attenuation in shear mode (on the order of 5 dB/mm (127 dB/in.) at 2 MHz) no practical examinations can be carried out using shear mode (6).
5.6 Due to the wide range of applications, joint acceptance criteria for polyethylene pipe are usually project-specific.
5.7 A cross-sectional view of a typical joint between polyethylene pipe and an electrofusion coupling is illustrated in Fig. 1.
FIG. 1 Typical Cross-Sectional View of an Electrofusion Coupling Joint
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures for phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) of electrofusion joints in polyethylene pipe systems. Although high density polyethylene (HDPE) and medium density polyethylene (MDPE) materials are most commonly used, the procedures described may apply to other types of polyethylene.
Note 1: The notes in this practice are for information only and shall not be considered part of this practice.
Note 2: This standard references HDPE and MDPE for pipe applications defined by Specification D3350.
1.2 This practice does not address ultrasonic examination of butt fusions. Ultrasonic testing of polyethylene butt fusion joints is addressed in Practice E3044/E3044M.
1.3 Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) of polyethylene electrofusion joints uses longitudinal waves introduced by an array probe mounted on a zero degree wedge. This practice is intended to be used on polyethylene electrofusion couplings for use on polyethylene pipe ranging in diameters from nominal 4 in. to 28 in. (100 mm to 710 mm) and for coupling wall thicknesses from 0.3 in. to 2 in. (8 mm to 50 mm). Greater and lesser thicknesses and diameters may be tested using this standard practice if the technique can be demonstrated to provide adequate detection on mockups of the same geometry.
1.4 This practice does not specify acceptance criteria.
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 are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
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 recogniz...
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Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation: E3170/E3170M − 18 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Practice for
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing of Polyethylene
Electrofusion Joints
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3170/E3170M; 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 priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 This practice covers procedures for phased array ultra-
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
sonic testing (PAUT) of electrofusion joints in polyethylene
pipe systems. Although high density polyethylene (HDPE) and dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
medium density polyethylene (MDPE) materials are most
commonly used, the procedures described may apply to other Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
types of polyethylene. mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
NOTE 1—The notes in this practice are for information only and shall
not be considered part of this practice.
NOTE 2—This standard references HDPE and MDPE for pipe applica-
2. Referenced Documents
tions defined by Specification D3350.
2.1 The following documents form a part of this practice to
1.2 This practice does not address ultrasonic examination of
the extent specified herein.
butt fusions. Ultrasonic testing of polyethylene butt fusion
joints is addressed in Practice E3044/E3044M.
2.2 ASTM Standards:
D3350 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fit-
1.3 Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) of polyethylene
tings Materials
electrofusion joints uses longitudinal waves introduced by an
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
array probe mounted on a zero degree wedge. This practice is
Testing
intended to be used on polyethylene electrofusion couplings for
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
use on polyethylene pipe ranging in diameters from nominal
4 in. to 28 in. (100 mm to 710 mm) and for coupling wall E2700 Practice for Contact Ultrasonic Testing of Welds
thicknesses from 0.3 in. to 2 in. (8 mm to 50 mm). Greater and
Using Phased Arrays
lesser thicknesses and diameters may be tested using this E3044/E3044M Practice for Ultrasonic Testing of Polyeth-
standard practice if the technique can be demonstrated to
ylene Butt Fusion Joints
provide adequate detection on mockups of the same geometry.
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
F1055 Specification for Electrofusion Type Polyethylene
1.4 This practice does not specify acceptance criteria.
Fittings for Outside Diameter Controlled Polyethylene
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
and Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe and Tubing
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
F1290 Practice for Electrofusion Joining Polyolefin Pipe and
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
Fittings
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
2.3 ASNT Documents:
used independently of the other, and values from the two
systems shall not be combined. ASNT Practice SNT-TC-1A Personnel Qualification and
Certification in Nondestructive Testing
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certi-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
fication of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde- For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.06 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Ultrasonic Method. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2023. Published January 2024. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E3170/E3170M – 18. Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box
DOI: 10.1520/E3170_E3170M-18R23. 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3170/E3170M − 18 (2023)
4 3 3
2.4 AIA Document: having density range of >0.925 g/cm to 0.940 g/cm in
NAS410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive accordance with Specification D3350.
Testing Personnel
3.2.8 particulate contamination, n—fine particles, such as
2.5 ISO Standard: airborne dust, or coarse particles, such as sand and grit, that are
ISO 9712 Non-Destructive Testing—Qualification and Cer- present at the fusion interface.
tification of NDT Personnel
4. Summary of Practice
3. Terminology
4.1 This practice provides a general description of the
procedures to carry out phased array ultrasonic examination of
3.1 Definitions—Related terminology is defined in Termi-
polyethylene electrofusion joints in pipeline systems.
nology E1316 and Terminology F412.
4.2 This practice uses sound waves to examine electrofusion
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
joints made from polyethylene in order to identify and size
3.2.1 cell classification, n—for polyethylene pipe resin, this
internal fusion joint flaws with the intent to non-destructively
is a six digit code and letter describing the primary properties
assess overall joint quality.
that are considered important in the manufacture of PE piping,
in the heat fusion joining of this material, and in defining the
4.3 The procedure described in this practice has principles
long-term performance capabilities and color/UV stability. The
common to those found in Practice E2700, where phased array
classification categories are defined in Specification D3350.
contact testing is described.
3.2.2 cold fusion, n—a joint or a region within a joint in
4.4 Examination results using this practice may be used in
which there is little commingling of the polymer chains due to
combination with acceptance criteria based on workmanship or
reasons other than contamination.
fitness for purpose.
3.2.3 dimension ratio (DR), n—this is the average specified
5. Significance and Use
outside pipe diameter divided by the minimum specified wall
thickness. 5.1 This practice is intended for the semi-automated or
3.2.3.1 Discussion—The wall thickness increases when the
automated ultrasonic examination of electrofusion joints used
DR decreases. in the construction and maintenance of polyethylene piping
3.2.3.2 Discussion—Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR) is an
systems.
ANSI term to describe specific DRs in the series, for example,
5.2 Polyethylene piping has been used instead of steel alloys
SDR9, SDR11, SDR17, and others.
in the petrochemical, power, water, gas distribution, and
3.2.4 electrofusion joint, n—a joint made by using an
mining industries due to its reliability and resistance to
electrofusion type fitting where a heat source is an integral part
corrosion and erosion.
of the fitting. The pipe is inserted into the socket of the fitting
5.3 The joining process can be subject to a variety of flaws
or the saddle of the fitting is placed over the pipe. When an
including, but not limited to: lack of fusion, cold fusion,
electric current is applied, heat is produced that melts the
particulate contamination, inclusions, short stab depth, and
polyethylene of both the fitting and pipe resulting in a
voids.
continuous joint between the fitting and the pipe. It is recom-
5.4 Polyethylene material can have a range of acoustic
mended that the fusion procedures comply with Practice F1290
characteristics that make electrofusion joint examination diffi-
and fittings to Specification F1055.
cult. Polyethylene materials are highly attenuative, which often
3.2.5 high density polyethylene (HDPE), n—a tough,
limits the use of higher ultrasonic frequencies. It also exhibits
flexible, thermoplastic resin made by polymerizing ethylene,
3 3 a natural high frequency filtering effect. An example of the
having a density range of >0.940 g/cm to 0.955 g/cm in
range of acoustic characteristics is provided in Table 1.
accordance with Specification D3350.
3.2.6 material designations, n—a shortened code to identify
A
TABLE 1 Polyethylene Velocity and Attenuation
the pipe material’s short-term and long-term properties.
Compression Mode Attenuation at 2 MHz Attenuation at 5 MHz
3.2.6.1 Discussion—For polyethylene, the “PE-XXXX”
Velocity (m/s) (in./μs) (dB/mm) (dB/in.) (dB/mm) (dB/in.)
material designation represents the density (first digit), slow
2100 to 2670 0.6 to 1.5 1.1 to 2.3
(0.082 to 0.105) (15.2 to 38) (27.9 to 58)
crack growth resistance (second digit), and hydrostatic design
A
stress (HDS, last two digits) where Specification D3350 is the A range of velocity and attenuation values have been noted in the literature (1-9).
reference.
3.2.7 medium density polyethylene (MDPE), n—a tough,
flexible, thermoplastic resin made by polymerizing ethylene,
The table notes the wide range of acoustic velocities reported
in the literature. This makes it essential that the reference
blocks are made from pipe grade polyethylene with the same
density cell class as the electrofusion fitting examined.
Available from Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd.,
Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org. this standard.
E3170/E3170M − 18 (2023)
5.5 Polyethylene is reported to have a shear velocity of 6.7 Extent of Examination—The extent of examination in
987 m ⁄s. However, due to extremely high attenuation in shear the axial direction shall include, as a minimum, the nominal
mode (on the order of 5 dB ⁄mm (127 dB ⁄in.) at 2 MHz) no length of each fusion zone and in the circumferential direction
practical examinations can be carried out using shear mode (6). should include the full circumference. Areas not tested due to
obstructions, such as connectors and melt indicators, shall be
5.6 Due to the wide range of applications, joint acceptance
reported.
criteria for polyethylene pipe are usually project-specific.
6.8 Reporting Criteria—Reporting criteria for the examina-
5.7 A cross-sectional view of a typical joint between poly-
tion results shall be in accordance with Section 8 unless
ethylene pipe and an electrofusion coupling is illustrated in
otherwise specified. Since acceptance criteria are not specified
Fig. 1.
in this standard, they shall be specified in the contractual
agreement.
6. Basis of Application
6.1 The following items are subject to contractual agree-
6.9 Re-examination of Repaired/Reworked Items—Re-
ment between the parties using or referencing this standard.
examination of repaired/reworked items is not addressed in this
standard and if required shall be specified in the contractual
6.2 Personnel Qualification—If specified in the contractual
agreement.
agreement, personnel performing examinations to this standard
shall be qualified in accordance with a nationally or interna-
7. Apparatus and Procedures
tionally recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or
standard such as ANSI/ASNT-CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, NAS410,
7.1 Electronic Instruments and Probes:
ISO 9712, or a similar document and certified by the employer
7.1.1 The type of instrument(s) used for the examinations
or certifying agency, as applicable. The practice or standard
specified in Section 7 shall conform to the applicable require-
used and its applicable revision shall be identified in the
ments of Practice E2700.
contractual agreement between the using parties.
7.1.2 Probes used shall produce pulses with a nominal
6.3 Qualification of Nondestructive Agencies—If specified
center frequency in the range of 1 MHz to 10 MHz.
in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be qualified
7.1.3 Wedges of the hard plastic variety shall be contoured
and evaluated as described in Specification E543. The appli-
to match the surface of the fitting when the gap between the
cable edition of Specification E543 shall be specified in the
wedge and fitting exceeds 0.5 mm (0.02 in.).
contractual agreement.
7.2 Standardization Blocks and Other Equipment:
6.4 Procedures and Techniques—The procedures and tech-
7.2.1 Mechanics:
niques to be used shall be as specified in the contractual
7.2.1.1 Mechanical holders shall be used to ensure that the
agreement. If required, performance demonstrations shall be
axial and radial position of the probe is maintained at a fixed
carried out on electrofusion joints containing all of the flaw
distance from the fusion zone.
types (for example, lack of fusion, particulate contamination,
7.2.1.2 Probe motion may be achieved using motorized or
short stab depth, cold fusion, etc.) that are required to be
manual means, but in all cases, the mechanical holder for the
detected in the contractual agreement.
probes shall be equipped with a positional encoder that is
6.5 Surface Preparation—The pre-examination surface
synchronized with the sampling of A-scans. Data acquisition
preparation shall be in accordance with 7.4 unless otherwise
shall not exceed 1 mm (0.04 in.) per A-scan sample for pipe
specified.
diameters up to 500 mm (20 in.) and shall not exceed 2 mm
6.6 Timing of Examination—The timing of the examination (0.08 in.) per A-scan sample for pipe diameters greater than
shall be in accordance with 7.5 unless otherwise specified. 500 mm (20 in.).
FIG. 1 Typical Cross-Sectional View of an Electrofusion Coupling Joint
E3170/E3170M − 18 (2023)
7.2.2 Reference Blocks for Standardization—Ultrasonic areas of the fusion interface, such as molded-in markings or
reference blocks are used to standardize the ultrasonic equip- stickers. It is not permissible to modify the fitting or pipe
ment. Examples of reference block designs are provided in surface. However, stickers, terminal shrouds, and melt indica-
Annex
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