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IS 3664 (1981): Code of practice for ultrasonic pulse echo

testings by contact and immersion methods [MTD 21:
Non-Destructive Testing]

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Indian Standard

IS : 36th - 1981
(Reaffirmed 2003)

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ULTRASONIC

PULSE ECHO TESTING BY CONTACT
AND IMMERSION METHODS
f

First Revision )

Second Reprint MARCH 1993

UDC 620.179.16:669:006.76

Copyright 1981
BUREAU
MANAK

OF
BHAVAN,

INDIAN
9 BAHADUR

NEW DELHI
Cr5

STANDARDS
SHAH ZAFAR

MARC

110002

August 1981

IS : 3664- 1981

Indian Standard
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ULTRASONIC
PULSE ECHO TESTING BY CONTACT
AND IMMERSION METHODS

( First Revision )
Non-destructive
Chairman
SHRIN. V. PANDIT
Members.
SHRIE. B. ARDHANARI

Testing Sectional Committee, SMDC 25

Representing
M. M. Suri & Associates ( P ) Ltd. Bombay

Walchandnagar Industries Ltd, Walchandnagar,

District Pune
SHRI D. R. KOLHATKAR
( A/ternatt+)
National Physical Laboratory ( CSIR ), New Delhi
DR V. N. BINDAL
DR ASH~KKUMAR( Alternote )
National Test House, Calcutta
SHRI S. C. BHAWAL
SHRIA. K. KALRA( Alternate )
SHRIT. K. Bose
Min~inr~~urAllied Machinery Corporation Ltd.
SHRZS. KUMAR( Al/ernute )
SHIUS. K. BURMAN
Indian Oxygen Ltd, Calcutta
SHRIS. MALLIK( Alternate )
Indian TubeCo Ltd. Jamshedpur
SHRIG. CHATIZRJEE
Ministry of Railways
CHWHIST
& METALLURGIST,
RDSO.
LUCKNOW
DEPUTYDIRECTOR( NDT ), RDSO,
LUCKNOW( Alternate )
ACC Vickers Babcock Ltd. Durgapur
SHRIR. N. DU
Central Boilers Board,_,New Delhi
Stmr S. C. DEY
SteelRyuyer$y of India Ltd. Rourkela Steel Plant.
Srim V. EASWAUN

SHRI P. K. MOHAPATRA( Alternote )

Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute
DR S. JANA
( CSIR ). Durgapur
SHRI N. Kosm
Ministry of Shipping and Transport
SHRI M. KUMARWWAMY
Hindustan Steel Works Construction Ltd, Calcutta
SHIUN. K. M.UUUMDAR
( Alternate )
( Continued on page 2 )
@I Copyright 1981
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
This pubiication is protected under the Zndiun Cepvright Act ( XIV of 1957 ) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the
publisher shah be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act

IS:3664-1981
(Contirwed from page

1)

Representing

Members
SHRI S. K. PANDALA

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, Tiruchirapalli

SHRI U. MOHAN RAO I Alternate I )
SHRI P. V. SASTRY( Ahernate II )
Heavy Engineering Corporation Ltd, Ranchi
SHRI R. C. PRASAD
SHRI P. K. BANERJEE
( Alternate )
Steel Authority of India Ltd ( R & D Centre for
DR G. RAI
Iron and Steel ), Ranchi
SHRI SU~HAKAR JHA ( Alternate )
Bharat Heavy Plates & Vessels Ltd, VishakhaSHRI D. S. P. RAO
patnam
Air India, Bombay
SHRI P. L. R. RAO
SHRI M. N. RAI ( Alternate )
Ministry of Defence ( DGI )
SHRI B. N. RAY
SHRI S. R. MAZUMDAR ( Alternate )
Tata Iron and Steel Co Ltc!, Jamshedpur
REPRESENTATIVE
The K. C. P. Ltd, Tiruvotnur, Madras
SHRI K. V. NARASIMHARAO
Cent;~an~~ing

SHRI P. R. ROY
SHKI N. L. SAO ( Alternote )
SHRr S. R. SAH~
SHar G. C. PRASAD ( Aletrnate )
DR B. K. SARKAR
SHRI C. R. SATYA ( Alternate )
SHRI T. K. SEN
SHRI P. D.4s GZPTA ( Alternate )
SHRI R. K. SINHA

Research

Station

Steel Authority of India Ltd ( Bokaro

Bokaro Steel City

( CSIR ),
Steel Ltd ),

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum

Burn &Co
Tata

Ltd. Howrah

Engineering
Jamshedpur

&

Locomotive

CO

Ltd,

SHRI M. K. BANERJEE( Alternate )

Mukand Iron & Steel Works Ltd, Bombay
SHRI R. K. SRIVASTAVA
SHRI S. G. N. SWAMY ( Alternate)
Directorate General of Civil Aviation, New Delhi
SHRI N. M. WALECHA
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay
SHRI R. R. WAMORKAR
SHRI K. BALARAMAHOORTHY( Alternate )
Director General, BIS ( Ex-officio Member )
SHRI C. R. RAMA R,zo
Director (Strut & Met )

Sefzretary
SHRI B. MUKHERJI
Deputy Director ( Metals ), BIS

IS : 3664- 1981

Indian Standard
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ULTRASONIC
PULSE ECHO TESTING BY CONTACT
AND IMMERSION METHODS
(

First Revision )
0. FOREWORD

0.1 This Indian Standard was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution
on 25 May 1981, after the draft finalized by the Non-Destructive Testing
Sectional Committee had been approved by the Structural and Metals
Division Council.
0.2 This standard was first issued in 1966. This has now been revised in
the light of experience gained since its first publication and more details
about the equipment, calibration and test procedures have been incorporated
in this revision. The scope of the standard has been enlarged to include
angle beam contact testing as well as immersion testing. The requirements
of IS : 728 l-1974* have been incorporated in this standard, and as such
IS : 7281-1974* will be withdrawn with the publication of this standard.
0.3 Industrial application of ultrasonic testing for quality control purpose
has now been well recognized, since it offers specific advantages with
regard to the test sensitivity, applicability to thicker sections and accuracy
in locating flaws. The!iecommendations made in this code are based on the
accepted current practices. It is hoped that the use of this standard will
ensure a unified practice to achieve the best result in ultrasonic testing.
0.4 This standard should
standards :

be used

in conjunction

with the

following

i) IS : 2417-1977 Glossary of terms relating to ultrasonic testing ( First

revision)
ii) IS : 4904-1972 Specification for reference blocks for calibration of ultrasonic flaw detectors (first revision)
iii) IS : 93461979 Code of practice for qualification and certification of
NDT personnel for ultrasonic examination
*Codeof practice for immersedultrasonic testing by the reflection method using pulsed
longitudinarwaves.
3

IS : 3664 - 1981
SECTION

GENERAL

REQUIREMENTS

1.1 Scope
1.1.1 This standard covers guidelines and methods for ultrasonic testing
of metallic materials for discontinuities or inhomogeneities by the pulse echo
method using A-scan presentation.
Section, 1 deals with the requirements
common to the various techniques of pulse echo ultrasonic flaw detection,
while Sections 2, 3 and 4 deal with the specific requirements concerning
straight beam, angle beam and immersion techniques respectively.
1.1.2 The guidelines specified in this standard do not cover B- and Cscan presentation.
They also do not cover ultrasonic methods used for
measurement of wall thickness, grain size, attenuation velocity, etc, nor do
they cover ultrasonic testing using Lamb waves and surface waves.
1.2 Principlc:6f Test and Applicability
1.2.1 Principle of Test - A series of electrical pulses is applied to a piezoelectric transducer, suitably mounted in a holder, which converts these
pulses into mechanical energy (vibrations) in the form of pulsed waves at a
nominal frequency. These waves are transmitted into the material through
a thin film of a liquid or semi-solid called couplant. The waves travel into
the material and get reflected by the backwall ( back surface), corners or any
inter-mediate defect. These reflections (echpes) return to the transducer
where they are converted from mechanical to electrical energy .and are amplified by a receiver. The amplified echoes are suitably displayed on acathode
ray tube (CRT ) screen as a visible trace or could even suitably be recorded.
1.2.1.1 In the A-scan presentation, the horizontal axis of the CRT
trace represents the time difference ,between the transmitted and reflected
pulses and hence is proportional to the distance travelled by the beam from
the search unit to the reflecting point. The vertical axis represents the reflected pulse amplitude.
1.2.2 Applicability - Ultrasonic testing is a versatile testing method
applicable to metallic materials and various product forms like castings,
forgings, bars, plates, pipes, etc. It has a very high sensitivity for detecting
flaws. can penetrate extremely thick sections and can give accurate informaIt needs
tion regarding flaw location, depending upon material under test.
access to only one surface of the test materials.
However, it has limitations in the following cases:
a) Unfavourable geometry of the test object ( contour, complex shape,
defect orientation with respect to scanning direction, etc ) ;
b) Undesirable internal structure of the material (for example large
grain size, porosity and inclusions) ; and
4

IS:366491981
c)

acoustically anisotropic materials

1.2.2.1
Meaningful ultrasonic testing may not be possible in the case
of castings with very large grain size and in the case of austenitic stainless
steel welds and castings.
13 Equipment .
1.3.0
The complete ultrasonic equipment consists of the basic. electronic
equipment, auxiliary equipment and the search units.
1.3.1 Basic Electronic Equipment - The basic ultrasonic equipment shall
be capable of generating, receiving, amplifying and displaying high frequency
electrical pulses at required frequencies and energy levels with a high degree
of accuracy, sharpness, resolution and stability so as to perform a meaningful test and to provide a suitable read out. The equipment shall have an
attenuator/amplifier control calibrated at least in steps of 2 dB. Since variations in the power supply voltage affect calibration, the equipment shall be
electrically stabilised internally or with the help of external apparatus
against possible fluctuations in the power supply voltage. When these fluctuations in the power supply voltage are so large that they cannot be taken
care of by the stabiliser system, the use of battery operated equipment is
recommended.
1.3.2 Auxiliary Equipment - Other accessories like a monitor (giving
visible and/or audible alarm when the defect echo amplitude exceeds a threshold), recorder, DGS scales, etc, may be used along wtth the main
equipment.
1.3.3 Search Units - The ultrasonic search units shall be capable of
reversibly transforming electrical pulses into mechanical vibrations within
themselves as well as transmitting and receiving ultrasonic vibrations in the
material to be tested at the required frequencies and. energy levels. Double
crystal probes containing separate transmitter crystal and receiver crystal.
can be utilised to obtain improved near-surface resolution.
Search units shall have uniform characteristics for a reasonable length
of time to ensure uniformity and reproducibility of test results. The probes
They shall not be, exposed to
shall be operated at their rated frequencies.
hostile environments or to temperatures beyond the range of temperature for
which they are designed.
1.4 Calibration of Equipment
-

1.4.1 Checking the Performance of the Equiipment - Prior to testing of

the actual job, the performance characteristics of the ultrasonic equipment
and the search units shall be assessed by using the calibration block as
per IS : 4904-1972*.
*Speeiticationfor referee

blocks for calibration of ultrasonic flaw detectors (fipsr

revisioil ).

._

__

.._

IS : 3664- 1981
1.42 Reference Standards - Before commencing actual testing, the equipment shall be adjusted and calibrated by using the reference standards
required by the applicable specifications.

1.4.2.1 For more quantitative information, reference standard blocks

having artificial reflectors or discontinuities may be used for calibration.
These artificial reflectors may be in the form of flat bottomed holes, side
drilled holes, notches or slots. These artificial reflectors can be made on the
production item itself if they do not impair the service of the item or if they
can be removed later.
1.4.2.2 When separate block is used as reference standard, the surface
finish of the reference standard shall bdsimilar to the surface finish of the
production item. The reference standard material and the production
material shall be acoustically similar in velocity and in attenuation.
It shall
have undergone the same heat treatment and fabrication history as the production item.
1.4.2.3 Transfer correction - If the reference block is not made of
acoustically similar material, to compensate for any variation, transfer
correction shall be applied. Transfer correction shall be made by adding or
reducing the difference in dB between the production item and the reference
standard, noticed by using a straight beam probe.
1.4.2.4 Where maximum accuracy is desired, the calibration shall be
made on a test specimen essentially identical with the material to be tested.
This procedure compensates for possible differences in calibration due to
surface condition, density and elasticity of material or unusual geometry of
the piece tobe tested.
The material selected to be used as the reference standard shall be
initially checked with a high frequency probe (at high sensitivity level )
to detect defects in the material which may interfere with the artificial reflectors (or discontinuities) which have to be subsequently introduced.
The
reference standard ( block ) geometry and artificial defects shall be
approved by the purchaser.
1.4.2.5 The artificial defects in the reference standard shall be separated from each other and from the ends so as to avoid mutual interferences.
When the thickness of reference standard is different from the product thickness, appropriate corrections for attenuation shall be considered for the
actual job.
1.5 Essential Test Requirements
1.5.1 Personnel - The personnel who carry out the ultrasonic testing
shall have adequate knowledge about the test method and the influence of
the test parameters on the test results. They shall be thoroughly familiar
6

IS : 3664- 1981
with the scope and limitations of the method. They should also be able to set
up and calibrate equipment and to interpret, evaluate, document and report
test results with respect to applicable codes, standards and specifications.
1.5.1.1The personnel shall suitably be qualified as per relevant codes
or practices for qualification andcertification of NDT personnel for ultrasonic examination
(see IS : 9346-1979* ).

1.5.2 Test Environment - Testing shall be done in an area reasonably free

from mechanical vibrations or eletrical disturbances that may interfere with
the proper functioning of the equipment. The equipment should not be unduly exposed to hostile environments like hot and dusty atmosphere.
1.5.3 Stage of Examination -Ultrasonic
testing shall be carried out after
heat treatment (excluding stress relief heat treatment ) but before cutting
keyways, drilling holes, making tapers, grooves, etc. However, if the configuration required for the heat treatment prohibits a subsequent complefe
examination, testing shall then be permissible prior to heat treatment.
In
such cases re-examination of the material shall be done as completely as
possible after heat-treatment.
1.5.4 Surface Condition - The surface of the test object shall be adequately even and smooth enough for easy probe movement and to permit
ultrasonic inspection to achieve the sensitivity specified. Surface shall be
uniform, smooth, even and free of loose scale and paint, discontinuities such as
pits, weld spatter, dirt, rust or other foreign matter which affect test results.
Tightly adhering paint, scale or uniform coatings need not necessarily be
removed for testing if they do not interfere with the examination requirement or achieving the test sensitivity. Prepared surface should be as flat as
possible. If needed, surfaces may be ground, wire-brushed, sand-blasted or
otherwise prepared for testing purposes. Any specified identification marks
which may be removed when grinding to achieve proper surface shall be
restored after testing. Surface cleaning methods should not be injurious to
material.
When machined, a surface finish of approximately
inch ) is satisfactory.

6.3 pm ( 250 micro-

1.5.5 Surface Curvature- Where the surface is curved and the ctuvature
is of a regular nature, as in a round pipe, the part may be tested with a flat
crystal provided the curved surface has a minimum radius of 225 mm. If
the surface is extremely smooth, standard flat crystals may be used on
convex surfaces with a minimum radius of 50 mm; where the surface is concave with a radius of at least 300 mm, flat crystals may normally be used.
*Code of Pm&e for qualification and certification of NDT personnel for ultrasonic

examination.

IS:3664-1981
1.5.6 Couplant

1.5.6.1 A couplant, usually a liquid or semi-solid, is required betwe&

the face of the search unit and the test surface to perrhit or improve the
transmission of ultrasound from the search unit into the material under test.
The couplant shall wet both the test surface and search unit. More viscous
coupling medium is required for more rough surfaces and higher temperatures of test surfaces.
1.5.6.2 The couplant shall not run 05 too. fast and should not be
corrosive or toxic. It should be homogeneous, free from air bubbles and
solid particles. The couplant should not be detrimental to the surface finish
or to the material itself. Special applications as in nuclear industry may
require halogen and sulphur free couplants.
In performing the test, the
same couplant at a similar temperature should be used for comparing the
responses between the calibration or reference standards and the production
material.
1.5.6.3 Some of the suitable couplants are oil, water, glycerine, greases,
silicones, white lead paste, etc.
1.5.7 Search Unit Frequency
1.5.7.1 A suitable search unit ( size and frequency ) should be selected
after consideration of the acoustic characteristics of material to be tested,
the geometry of the production item and the minimum size and type of discontinuity to be detected.
1.5.7.2 For normal range of materials ( such as wrought steel products )
a frequency of 2 MHz will suffice; higher frequencies may be chosen if better
resolution is needed or very small defects are to detected. However, at
higher frequencies absorption and scattering may become prominent.
Material with large grain structure ( for example, castings, austenitic welds,
etc ) and acoustically anisotropic inaterials give large scattering and may
need lower frequencies. The test frequency shall be so chosen as to get a clear
and easily interpretable pattern on the CRT or on recorder.
Because of variations in the structure of materials, it js generally not
possible to select the optimum frequency without experience or trials.
To cover the wide range of test situations for which pulsed contact
testing is applicable test frequencies range from 0.5 MHz to 15 MHz.
1.6 Test Procedure
1.6.1 Scanning and Coverake
1.6.1.1 Scanning may be either continuous or intermittent depending
upon the design, application and requirement of the part being tested. For

IS:3664-1981
manual scanning the transducer
surface of the piece under test.

is held in the hand and moved over the

For continuous scanning the search unit indexing must be adequate to

provide 100 percent coverage, at uniform test sensitivity, of the area being
tested. Each pass across a surface shall slightly overlap the previous pass
so as to ensure complete coverage. A minimum of 15 percent overlap
shall be given. For intermittent scanning (manual method ) scanning may
be performed either along special paths or areas selected at critical locations.
1.6.1.2 Wherever possible scanning shall be done by sending beam in
two perpendicular directions.
1.6.2 Speed of Scanning - Scanning should be done at such a rate that
the operator can clearly see and identify the signals.
The speed of scanning shall be such as to permit detection of any,
rejectable inhomogeneity or discontinuity.
The scanning speed shall be
selected so as to permit detection of defects in the pertinent reference
standard and slow enough to allow any recording or signalling device to
function with reproducible test results. Speed at which standardization is
carried out must be same as the proposed speed of scanning on the actual
job.
1.6.3 Checking of Calibration - Proper functioning of the equipment and
accessories shall be checked using the reference standard : ( a ) at the beginning
of test ; ( b ) every half an hour during testing ; ( c ) whenever there is any
change in the search unit, couplant, instrument setting or scanning speed ;
( d ) after finishing the test ; and (e ) whenever malfunctioning is suspected.
If there is any significant variation in the equipment calibration, recalibration shall be carried out and the entire material tested subsequent to the
previous satisfactory calibration check, shall be retested.
1.6.4 Post-examination Cleaning - The couplant used, which may be
deleterious to the materials tested or may interfere with its subsequent processing, shall be completely removed after the testing is over.
Any specified identification mark which might have been removed when
grinding to achieve proper surface smoothness, shah be restored after
testing.
1.7 Interpretation of RerMs
1.7.1 Prior agreement should be made between the supplier, the testing
agency and the purchaser, as applicable, regarding the interpretation of the
results of the tests and how they shall be recorded. All discontinuities. havmg
signals that exceed the rejection level as defined by the material specification,
shall be rejected or reworked as per approved procedure unless it is
9

IS:3664-1981
determined from the machine part drawing that the discontinuities will not
remain in the finished part. If any defective area is repaired, that area shall
be retested.
1.7.2 Distance amplitude correction curves, DGS scales and transfer
correction may be made use of, wherever accurate estimation of defect size
is required.
1.73 The following factors should be considered while interpreting the
indications:
a) Metallurgical and mechanical history of the object under test
( whether it is cast or wrought, coarse or fine grained, austenitic or
ferritic, etc) ;
b) Size, type and frequency of the search unit ;
c) Manufacturing stage at which test is done ;
d) Size, location and distribution of indications ;

e) Where loss of back-echo is used as the reject level, it should be

ensured that the loss of back-echo is not due to poor coupling or
non-parallel surfaces or local attenuation variations ; and
f) During interpretation of test results, spurious indications shall be
identified and eliminated. Spurious indications may occur due to
poor couplant, improper probe mounting, material structure or
geometry, mode conversion, etc. In some cases like austenitic stainless steel, the material itself can give spurious indications.
1.7.4 In case of doubts, cross checking
alternative tests may be necessary.

of ultrasonic

indications

by

1.8 Test Records

1.8.1 The following data shall be recorded as a minimum for future
reference at the time of each test:
a) Name of component, drawing or reference number of drawing ;
b) Material specification and size ;
c) Condition of the material such as cast, forged, rolled, heat treated,
etc ;
d) Surface condition ;
e) Applicable specifications ;
f) Date of test ;
g) Name of the operator ;
h) Instrument description : make, model, serial number, etc ;
10

IS:3664-1981
J) Search unit description : type, size, frequency, special shoes, if any
along with cable type and length ;
k) Description of other accessories like recorder, monitor, etc ;
m) Details regarding DGS scales, DAC curves (electronic or otherwise ), if used ;

n) Couplant used

P) Reference standards and degree of attenuation

correction ;

correction/transfer

s) Information regarding defect indications as required by the applicable specification or results of the test ( number, classification and
location of discontinuities ). Defect level in dB shall be so quoted
that smaller defect compared to the reference standard has a minus
sign. For bond/unbend ( fusi @ack of fusion ) testing, the extent
of unbond ( lack of fusion) or bond ( fusion ) should be reported ;
r) Pertinent instrument settings necessary to duplicate the test ; and
s) Any other relevant data.
1.9 Test Reports
1.9.1 All the essential details of the test data recorded including test
results and the test set up required for duplicating the test shall be included
in the report.
The information to be contained in the report shall be agreed upon by
the purchaser, the manufacturer and the testing agency.
SECTION

NORMAL

BEAM

SCANNING

2.1 scope
2.1.1 This section supplements Section 1 regarding general requirements
and covers information and requirements which are specific for normal
beam contact scanning. In addition to these requirements, all the relevant
general requirements shall also apply.
2.2 Principle of Test and Applicability

2.2.1 In the case of normal beam testing longitudinal waves generated by

the search unit are introduced into the material under test in such a way that
the ultrasonic beam travels into the material in a direction perpendicular to
the surface.
11

IS : 3664 - 1981
2.3 Equipment
2.3.1 In the case of contact straight beam scanning protective covers may
be used along with search units to avoid wear and tear and search units may
be fitted with special curved shoes for scanning on curved surfaces.
2.4 Calibration of Equipment
2.4.1 The production item itself may be adopted
back wall echo is used as the reference echo.

as a standard when the

2.5 Essential Test Requirements

2.5.1 Where the surface of the test object is curved, and the radius of
curvature is small, flat or curved crystals with appropriate shoes, suitable
shaped and made of suitable material like perspex, may be used.
2.5.2 If shoe is to be attached to probe during testing, calibration
also be done with the shoe attached to the probe.

shall

2.6 Test Procedure

2.6.1 It must be recognised that the geometry of the component under
test may prevent examination of 100 percent volume ( shadow zone .effect ).
2.6.2 In case of critical use, when specified, normal beam scanning may
be done from both sides of the test piece ( if accessible ) to overcome the
dead zone problem. Alteratively, double crystal normal probes may be used
to overcome the dead zone problem.
2.6.3 A scanning speed of 150 mm/s is usually adequate unless otherwise
specified.
2.7 Interpretation of Results
2.7.1 For further exploration and evaluation it may be necessary to cross
check the ultrasonic indications obtained by normal beam scanning by other
ultrasonic techniques or by other alternate tests.

SECTION 3 ANGLE BEAM CONTACT

SCANNING

3.1 scope
3.1.1 This section supplements Section 1 regarding general requirements
and covers information and requirements which are specific for angle beam
contact scanning. In addition, to these requirements, all relevant general
requirements shall also apply.
\

12

IS : 3644 - 1981
3.2 Priuciples of Test and Applicability
3.2.1 In the case of angle beam scanning ultrasonic waves are introduced
at an angle into the material under test by fixing the transducer on to a
wedge of suitable material such as perspex ( Fig. 1 ). Usually this wedge
material is different from the material under test and hence the incident
longitudinal wave beam gets refracted and mode converted into a longitudinal
and a transverse wave beam. To avoid &fusing echoes received due to the
two different beams propagating into the material with different angles and
with different velocities, the incident angle is so chosen that the longitudinal
wave component is totally internally reflected and only transverse wave
component exists in the material under test.
NOTE- For some specific applications such as testing of austenilic Stainless steel
welds, it may be advantageous to make use of the refracted longitudinal wa.ves. In
stih cases the indications arising due to theunavoidable transverse wave component
should be carefully identified and ignored.

$R = REFRACTED
SHEAR WAVE
L,#= REFRACTED
~AO~TUDINAL

FIG. 1 ANGLE

BEAM

3.3 Equipment
3.3.1 In the case of contact angle beam scanning, search units may be
fitted with special curved shoes for scanning on curved surfaces. The point
at which the beam leaves the search unit ( beam-index point ) shall be clearly
marked on the side of the probe. A linear scale may be provided on the
probe housing so that actual- beam index can be determined and noted in
case the beam index has changed due to wear and tear. The design of the
perspex wedge shall be such that no spurious signals result from the wedge
itself. Double crystal search units may be used for improved near surface
resolution.
.13

IS:3664-

1981

3.4 Calibration of Equipment -

see 1.4.

3.5Essential Test Requirements

3.5.1 Beam Angle - The anticipated location and orientation of defects
as well as the geometry of the material under test shall be taken-into consideration while selecting the beam angle. Steeper ( smaller ) angles give better
sensitivity. IIigher angles may be used for thinner sections. Confusing
echoes due to longitudinal wave component may result in the case of very
low angles and surface waves may be generated at higher angles. In the case
of circumferential scanning of tubular products, the angle chosen should be
less than the limiting angle ( Fig. 2 ) to ensure that the entire volume of
material is covered by the ultrasonic beam. Angles between 30 and 80 may
be employed, subject to the above considerations.
If shoe is to be attached
to probe during testing, calibration shall also be done with the shoe attached
to the probe.

.
0
P

oc

_-k
-!

FIG. 2

P = Probe
r = Inner radius
R = outer radius

THE LIMITINGANGLE Sin a = i

3.6 Test Procedure

3.6.1
,Swivelling movement should be given to the angle beam probe
while scanning to avoid possibility of missing defects oriented unfavourably
with respect to the scanning direction.
3.6.2 A scanning speed of 150 mm/s is usually adequate unless otherwise
specified.
14

IS:3664
SECTION

IMMERSION

1981

TESTING

4.1 scope
4.1.1 This section supplements Section 1, 2 and 3 and covers information
and requirements which are specific for immersion testing and liquid column
coupling method. In addition to these requirements, all the relevant requirements of Sections 1, 2 and 3 shall also apply.

4.2 Principles of Test and Applicability

4.2.1 In the case of immersion and liquid column coupling method a
column of suitable liquid is used as couplant instead of a thin layer of a liquid
or semi-solid. In the case of liquid column coupling method ( Fig. 3 ) the
column of couplant is retained between the probe and the test object by
means of a suitable guide attached to the probe; loss of couplant material due
to leakage can be replenished continuously by a feeder system. .In the case
of immersion scanning, the part under examination is completely immersed
iri the liquid acting as couplant ( Fig. 4 ). Immersion technique is highly
amenable for automation or semi-automation. Immersion and liquid column
coupling methods can be used for both straight beam and angle beam test
methods ( Fig. 3 and 4 ). These techniques are usually restricted to regular
shaped products like tubes, bars, plates, etc.

4.2.2 Immersion technique is not recommended for very large components

such as heavy plates and rotor forgings, for which liquid column technique
is recommended, when service conditions hinder the contact scanning
methods.
4.3 Equipment
4.3.1 Auxiliary Equipment - The essential auxiliary equipment for immersion testivg consists of the immersion tank and the search unit manipulator.
The mampulator shall provide sufficient distance and angular manipulation
of the search unit to obtain optimum response from defects. Tolerance
and play in manipulator shall be minimum to ensure uniform sensitivity
during inspection. The motion of the search unit and/or material under test
can be manual or automated. The tank assembly shall be free from vibrations
that will interfere with proper testing. The speed of rotation and translation shall be maintained within f 10 percent of their nominal values. Other
auxiliary equipments like monitor, recorder, defect marker, and automatic
sorter ( which sorts good and defective pieces on the basis of defect indications obtained ) can be used.
4.3.2 Search Units - The search units used for immersion test shall be
watertight. They can be line or point focussed probes, in which case the
distance between probe and object shall be so adjusted that the area of
interest within the material lies near the focal point or focal line.
15

IS : 3664 - 1981
4.4 Calibration of Equipment - see 1.4.
4.5 Essential Test Requirements
4.5.1 Couplant - Couplant used for immersion or water column methods
should be a liquid such as water, oil, glycerine, etc. capable of conducting
ultrasonic vibrations from the probe into the material under test. Rust inhiIt may
bitors, softeners and wetting agents may be added to the couplant.
If needed it may be heated to a convenient working
be suitably deaerated.
temperature.
4.5.2 Search Unit and Frequency - Search units used in immersion
testing shall be sealed water tight, so that water or the liquid couplant does
not seep into the housing which will interfere with electrical circuitry.
4.6 Test Procedure
4.6.1 The swivelling motion mentioned in 3.6.1 for contact angle beam
scanning will not be possible for immersion angle beam scanning.
4.6.2 In case of hollow components, it is advisable to plug both ends of
the component to prevent the presence- of water on the inner wall.

16

IS : 3664- 1981

-COUPLANT
LIQUID INLET

JOB UNRER

3A

36
FIG. 3

Normal

Beam

Angle Beam

LIQUID COLUMN COUPLING METHOD

17

TEST

18:3664-1981

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4B
FKS. 4

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IMMERSION

18

TESTING

--

--

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