Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Metal Pipe and Tubing

1.1 This practice covers a procedure for detecting discontinuities in metal pipe and tubing during a volumetric examination using ultrasonic methods. Specific techniques of the ultrasonic method to which this practice applies include pulse-reflection techniques, both contact and non-contact (for example, as described in Guide E 1774), and angle beam immersion techniques. Artificial reflectors consisting of longitudinal, and, when specified by the using party or parties, transverse reference notches placed on the surfaces of a reference standard are employed as the primary means of standardizing the ultrasonic system.

1.2 This practice is intended for use with tubular products having outside diameters approximately 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) and larger, provided that the examination parameters comply with and satisfy the requirements of Section 12. These procedures have been successful with smaller sizes. These may be specified upon contractual agreement between the using parties. These procedures are intended to ensure that proper beam angles and beam shapes are used to provide full volume coverage of pipes and tubes, including those with low ratios of outside diameter-to-wall thickness, and to avoid spurious signal responses when examining small-diameter, thin-wall tubes.

1.3 The procedure in Annex Annex A1 is applicable to pipe and tubing used in nuclear and other special and safety applications. The procedure in Annex Annex A2 may be used to determine the helical scan pitch.

1.4 This practice does not establish acceptance criteria; they must be specified by the using party or parties.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI equivalents are in parentheses and may be approximate.

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.