PHATECO TECHNICAL SERVICES JOINT STOCK COMPANY

Head Office:
Address: No. 5A/613 Thien Loi Street, Hai Phong city, Viet Nam
Tel: +84 (0) 2253 870870 Fax: +84 (0) 2253 559448
Email: [email protected] Website: www.phateco.com

ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION
PROCEDURE

No.: PTC.AR.UT.01

0 Feb.02.2023 First issued

Revision Date Description
Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

TRAN DUY HUNG NGUYEN QUANG SANG NGUYEN DUC DUNG

ASNT NDT LEVEL III ASNT NDT LEVEL III QUALITY DIRECTOR
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CONTENTS

1.  INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 3 

2.  SCOPE ...................................................................................................................................... 3 
3.  REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 3 
4.  PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS ............................................................................................ 3 
5.  EQUIPMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 3 
6.  SYSTEM CALIBRATION........................................................................................................ 10 
7.  Working Sensitivity.................................................................................................................. 13 
8.  Flaw Detection Surface........................................................................................................... 14 
9.  EXAMINATION ....................................................................................................................... 14 
10.  EVALUATION ......................................................................................................................... 18 
10.1.  Flaws Subject to Pass/Fail Judgment .................................................................................... 18 
11.  Pass or Fail Judgment ............................................................................................................ 19 
11.1.  Unit Weld Line ......................................................................................................................... 19 
11.2.  Pass or Fail of Unit Weld Lines .............................................................................................. 19 
11.3.  Welds without considering fatigue .......................................................................................... 19 
11.4.  Weld finished with fatigue in mind .......................................................................................... 20 
12.  RE-EXAMINATION OF REPAIRED WELD........................................................................... 21 
13.  REPORTS AND RECORDS .................................................................................................. 21 

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1. INTRODUCTION
This procedure is given to cover the ultrasonic examination requirements for
PHATECO inspectors to perform their works matching quality level of services as
well as the requirements of Code, Standards, Rules or Client’s Specification.
2. SCOPE
This standard applies to fully penetrated welded joints (Hereafter referred to as
welds) of steel structural members made of carbon steel, which are inspected by
ultrasonic testing, except that it does not apply in principle to joints less than 6 mm
in thickness, circumferential joints less than 100 mm in diameter (excluding square
steel pipe weld corners), steel pipe longitudinal joints, and branch joints.
The ultrasonic testing method is a manual pulse reflection method and a direct
contact method. However, in the case of ultrasonic testing, whose reliability has
been confirmed by special research studies, it is not necessary to follow this
standard.
3. REFERENCES
- Project’s Specification
- JIS Z 2300 Terms and definitions of nondestructive testing
- JIS Z 3060:2015 – Method for ultrasonic examination for weld of ferritic steel.
- SNT-TC-1A – ASNT Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualification and
Certification in Non-Destructive Testing.
4. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Personnel performing the examination shall be qualified and certified in accordance
with PHATECO Written Practice number PTC.TDD.NDT.P01 which based on ASNT
Recommended Practice Number SNT-TC-1A as UT Level II or Level III.
Personnel qualified as UT level I shall be worked under supervision of level II or
level III.
5. EQUIPMENTS
5.1 The ultrasonic flaw detector:
The ultrasonic flaw detector is to:
 Be applicable for the pulse-echo technique and for the double-probe
 Cover a minimum frequency range from 1 to 6 MHz.
 have a calibrated gain regulator with minimum 2 dB per step over a range of
minimum 60 dB.
 be equipped with a flat screen accessible from the front for direct plotting of
Distance Amplitude Curves (DAC) or be equipped with digital DAC-display
presentation.
 be able to clearly distinguish echoes with amplitudes of 5% of full screen height.
Equipment should be calibrated periodically in accordance with the manufacturers
recommendations to demonstrate that time-base linearity, amplifier linearity and
calibrated gain controls are within tolerance. Equipment should bear a valid
calibration sticker.

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The ultrasonic flaw detectors recommended to be used are as follows:

 KRAUTKAMER USM35 or USM36
5.2 Probe
 The probe is conformed to the instrument to be used.
 Test frequency is within 90% to 110% of the nominal frequency.
 In order to facilitate the measurement of the probe index, the guide scales with
1 mm intervals are caved to the both sides of angle probe housing. Both
manufacture’s name and manufacturing number are also marked on the
housing of the probe.
 The nominal transducer size of the angle probe is given in the Table 1, as a
rule. However, the nominal transducer size of the angle probe to be used for
tandem examination is accepted.
 The transducer shape of the normal probe is circular and its nominal diameter is
given in Table 2.
Table 1: Relation between nominal frequency and nominal transducer size of angle probe
Nominal frequency (MHz) Nominal transducer size (mm)
2 to 5 10 x 10, 14 x 14

Table 2: Relation between nominal frequency and nominal transducer size of normal
probe
Nominal frequency (MHz) Nominal transducer diameter
(mm)
2 20, 28
5 10
 Probes used for testing of rolled steel plates shall be straight beam transducers,
single or twin crystal.
 The probes will be examined visually prior to use to confirm freedom from
mechanical damage and excessive shoe wear.
The performance characteristics of angle probe are required as follows:
 Approachable limit length (Length from probe index to front end of the probe) is
the within the value given in Table 3.
Table 3: Approachable limit length
Nominal transducer size Nominal refraction angle Approachable limit
(mm) (degree) length (mm)
45 15
14 x 14 60 20
70 20
45 15
10 x 10 60 18
70 18

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 The difference between the nominal refraction angle and STB refraction angle is
in the range of  20 under normal temperature (10oC to 30oC).
 A1 sensitivity and A2 sensitivity are measured by the method of JIS Z 2352
under the condition where the probe is combined to the instrument to be
actually used and is the value given in Table 4 or more.
Table 4: A1 and A2 sensitivity of angle probe
Nominal refraction angle A1 sensitivity (dB) A2 sensitivity (dB)
(degree)
45 40 40
60 40 20
70 40 20
 A beam angle probe shall be selected as appropriate for the configuration being
examined
 The gap between the test surface and the bottom of the probe shoe shall not be
greater than 0.5 mm. For cylindrical or spherical surfaces the requirement will
normally be met when the following equation is fulfilled: D ≥ 15A
where: D = the diameter in millimeters of the component
A = the dimension in millimeters of the probe shoe in the direction of
scanning.
5.3 Coupling medium
 In principle, glycerin paste or an aqueous solution of glycerin with a
concentration of 75% or more should be used, unless appropriate sensitivity
correction is done.
 Satisfactory coupling medium, in either fluid or paste form, is to be used to
transfer the ultrasound from the probe to the surface of examination object.
 A couplant to be capable of conducting ultrasonic waves between the probe
welds examined shall be used.
 The couplant with all additives shall not be detrimental to the surface of the
welds and shall wet the surface of the material to provide adequate coupling
efficiency.
 Oil, grease, glycerin or cellulose paste is well suited for this purpose. The
coupling medium used for calibration shall also be used during testing.
 Recommended couplant is as glycerol paste..

5.4 Calibration Block
 I.I.W. V1 (STB A1), A2-type STB, V2 (STB A7963) blocks shall be used for UT
equipment calibration:
- Checking probe index
- Checking actual beam angle
- Sweep range calibration
- Checking system solution

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FIG. 1. I.I.W. V1 (STB A1) Calibration Block

FIG. 2. I.I.W. V2 (STB A7963) Calibration Block

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A2-type STB

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A3-type STB

5.5 Reference Block

Reference block configuration requirements are as follows:
Selection of test blocks for "preparation of DAC (distance-amplitude curve) for
evaluating flaw echo" and "adjustment of working sensitivity" Test blocks used to
"create DAC for evaluating flaw echo" and "adjust working sensitivity" are shown in
Table 9.

Table 9 Test blocks used to "create DAC for evaluating flaw echo" and "adjust
working sensitivity."
Subject to Flat joints of steel plates and
inspection circumferential joints of steel Circumferential joints of steel
pipes with outer diameters pipe with outer diameter of 100
Thickness exceeding 500 mm mm or more and 500 mm or less
(mm)

A2-type STB, A3-type STB RB-A6 or A2-type STB*

75 or less

Over 75 ARB, RB-41A, or RB-41B RB-42

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5.5.1 Creation of DAC for evaluating flaw echo by distance-amplitude characteristic curve

(1) To evaluate flaws, an DAC is created, using a distance-amplitude characteristic

curve, and using the test block specified in 4.1.5.

(2) As a rule, DAC are created by using the function of creating DAC with the
combination of a flaw detector and a probe actually used.

(3) When using an A2-type STB or RB-A6, make an DAC using a standard hole of
Φ4x4 mm. When using an ARB, RB-41A, RB-41B or RB-42, make DAC using each
standard hole.

(4) To create DAC for evaluating flaw echo, place probes sequentially in the locations
illustrated in Figure 3, and store each echo height peak in the probe, using the
function of creating DAC for evaluating flaw echo.

Probe
Probe
Outer surface

Inner surface
Probe

The shape and dimensions of the ARB are shown in Fig. 2 and shall be made of the
same material as the test material or a material with similar ultrasonic characteristics
to the test material. In addition, the degree of parallelism between the standard hole
and the finished surface shall be 0.3 mm or less, and the degree of parallelism
between the finished surface and the standard hole shall be 0. lmm or less,
respectively.

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( Unit: mm )

more
more

60
40

or
or

T : Thickness of the contrast specimen

L : Length of reference specimen
l1, l2 : Position of standard hole
[Note]
(1) T is the thickness of the specimen or 75 mm.
(2) If T is equal to the thickness of the specimen, the surface roughness remains
the specimen.
(3) L and l1, l2 are determined by considering the thickness of the specimen or the
beam path
length to be used.
l1 is the maximum beam path length when used for normal beam examination.

(5) The plot points at constant sensitivity are connected by a straight line to form one
DAC for evaluating flaw echo (see Figure 4).
At this time, the line to the left of the plot point of the shortest beam path is
extended at that height. However, if an A2-type STB or RB-A6 is used and a probe
with a nominal refraction angle of 45 degrees is used, the plot point of the shortest
beam path should be 1 skip.
(6) Four or more DAC are displayed on the display screen. The sensitivity difference
between adjacent dividing lines shall be 6 dB.

6. SYSTEM CALIBRATION
Calibration shall include the complete examination system (flaw detector,
connection cable, probes, couplant)
6.1 Straight Beam Calibration
The sweep range for straight beam examination of base metal shall be adjusted for
distance calibration to present the equivalent of at least twice of base metal
thickness on the display. (Fig. 4, Position G)

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6.2 Angle Beam Calibration

The sweep range, probe index, actual beam angle of the probe shall be done by
use of I.I.W V1 or V2 block. (Positions of calibration as shown on Fig. 4)
 Position A: Sensitive calibration.
 Position B & C: Angle beam calibration.
 Position D: Probe index and sweep range calibration.

FIG. 4: Position of Probe for Angle Beam Calibration

6.3 Distance-Amplitude Correction (DAC) establishment:
 The reference level for evaluation shall be based on DAC curves constructed
from the reference blocks in 5.4.2
2 4

1 3

FIG. 5. Position of Probe for drawing DAC curve

1 DAC curve

3
4

FIG. 6. DAC curve

 One DAC curve shall be obtained by the positions of the probe as shown in
above Figure. The curve shall be minimum three points related to the each
position of probe.

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 Not less than three curves for dividing echo height difference by 6 dB in height
from the curve drawn by one out of the methods mentioned above are
prepared.
6.4 Calibration and Reference Check
When any part of the examination system is changed, a calibration and reference
check shall be done before any examination of the object.
A calibration and reference check shall be made at the finish of each examination or
series of similar examinations, every 04 hours during the examination.
6.5 Calibration and reference confirmation
A calibration and reference shall be performed prior to usage of the system in the
thickness range under examination.
6.6 Sweep range correction
If a point on the DAC curve has moved on the sweep line more than 10% of the
sweep reading or 5% of full sweep, whichever is greater, the correction of the
sweep range calibration and notation of the correction in the examination record
shall be made. If reflectors are recorded on the data sheets, those data sheets shall
be voided and a new calibration shall be recorded. All recorded indications since
the last valid calibration or calibration check shall be reexamined with the corrected
calibration and their values shall be changed on the data sheets.
6.7 DAC Correction
If a point on the DAC curve has decrease 20% or 2dB of its amplitude, all data
sheets since the last reference or reference check shall be marked void. A new
reference shall be made and recorded and the area covered by the voided data
shall be reexamined.
If a point on the DAC curve has increase 20% or 2dB of its amplitude, all recorded
indications since the last valid reference or reference check shall be reexamined
with the corrected reference and their values shall be changed on the data sheets.
6.8 U, H, M and L Lines
From the DAC for evaluating flaw echos created in 4.1.6, at least the third or higher
line from the bottom is selected according to the purpose, and this line is
designated as the H-line, and this line is designated as the sensitivity adjustment
reference line. The H-line is, in principle, the line whose height does not fall below
40% within the range of beam path length used for evaluating defect echoes.

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(a) 5M10 x 10A70, measuring range 125 mm, (b) 5M10 x 10A45, measuring range 250 mm,
by STB-A2 by ARB (T = 80 mm)

Figure 4 Example of creating DAC for evaluating flaw echo

Let the DAC 6 dB higher from the H-line be the U-line, the DAC 6 dB lower from the
H-line be the M-line, and the DAC 12 dB lower be the L-line.

6.9 Area of echo height

The areas of echo height separated by U, H, M and L lines are named as shown in
Table 10.

Table 10 Area Segments of Echo Height

Area of echo
Echo height range
height
Below L-line I
Beyond L-line and below M-line II
Beyond M-line and below H-line III
Beyond H-line and below U-line IV
Those that exceed the U-line V
7. WORKING SENSITIVITY
The working sensitivity is adjusted according to the nominal refraction angle of the
standard test block or reference block and the probe used, as follows:
If the surface of the specimen is rough compared to the specimen used or if the
attenuation is significant, the working sensitivity should be corrected.
(1) For A2-type STB, A3-type STB or RB-A6
A standard hole of Φ4x4 mm is inspected and its echo height is adjusted to fit the H-
line for a probe with a nominal refraction angle of 70 degrees, to fit the M-line for a
probe with a nominal refraction angle of 65 degrees, and to fit the U-line for a probe
with a nominal refraction angle of 45 degrees.
(2) For ARB, RB-41A, RB-41B or RB-42

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The standard hole is tested, and its echo height is adjusted to fit the U-line by gain,
and the working sensitivity is determined.
8. FLAW DETECTION SURFACE
(1) Inspection of butt joints As a general rule, a flaw should be detected from both sides
of one surface as shown in Figure 5.
Probe

Figure 5 Butt joint inspection

(2) Flaw testing of T-joints and square joints

As shown in Figure 6, the flaw is examined from one side on both surfaces or from one
side on one surface.

Probe Probe

(a) T Joint (b) Corner Welded Joint (Closed section)

Figure 6 T- and corner-joint flaw detection
9. EXAMINATION

9.1. Surface Preparation

The surfaces of welds and base metal shall be prepared as follows:
 On both sides of the welded seam the testing surfaces must be smooth and free
from impurities liable to interfere with coupling. Rust, scale and weld spatter
are to be removed so that the probes lie snugly against the surfaces, which
should if necessary be ground. Firmly adhering paint need not be removed
provided that it does not interfere with the inspection and quantitative
allowance can be made for the resulting loss of sensitivity when
evaluating the echo heights.
 Where angle beam probes have to be applied to the surface of the weld for
the inspection of transverse defects, this shall also be prepared as a testing
surface in the manner described above. Notches, grooves and the like
lying across the beam axis which produce false indications and may
impair the test are to be removed.
 Coupling to the testing surfaces prepared mentioned above should be as
uniform as possible and should not vary by more than 4 dB. If greater

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variations are found, the condition of the surface shall be improved. Where
greater variations cannot be avoided, this fact must be stated in the
inspection report.
9.2. Testing Volume
The testing volume is defined as the zone which includes weld and parent material
for at least 10 mm on each side of the weld, or the width of the heat affected zone
(HAZ), whichever is greater.
The parent metal, in the scanning zone for angle probes, shall be examined with
straight beam (normal) probes. Scanning of parent material is performed in order to
reveal laminations, imperfections, large variations in attenuation or thickness
variation, which might influence the angle beam examination. The scanning zone is
defined as 1,25 x full skip distance (S).
To examining of parent material, the whole of the area (1.25*2T*tg(α)) which will
transfer ultrasound when using angle probes shall be tested. Used straight beam
probe, the gain setting shall be calibrated on a defect free place on the parent
material. The second back wall echo shall be set to 75% or 80% of FSH
imperfections with a cross section larger than sound beam (loss of back wall echo)
shall be reported. The extent of the imperfections is measured with the aid of the 6
dB-drop method when complete loss of back wall echo occurs.
If found the defects, operator shall be performed extent of check to determine full
length of defects and evaluate them according to below acceptance criteria.
9.3. Scanning
9.3.1. Straight Beam
 The scanning of the interested adjacent base metal (HAZ) shall be performed to
detect reflectors that might affect interpretation of angle beam results. Locations
and areas of such reflectors shall be recorded and reported for final disposition.
 The weld and base metal shall be scanned, where required by specification to
the extent possible with the straight beam probe. The scanning shall be
performed at a gain setting of five times the reference level. Evaluation shall be
performed with respect to the primary reference level.
9.3.2. Angle Beam Scanning for Reflectors oriented parallel to the Weld Joint
 The angle beam shall be directed at approximate right angles to the weld axis
from two directions where possible. The probe shall be manipulated so that the
ultrasonic energy passes through the required volumes of weld and interested
adjacent base metal (HAZ). The scanning shall be performed at a gain setting
five times the primary reference level. Evaluation shall be performed with
respect to the primary reference level.
9.3.3. Angle Beam Scanning for Reflectors oriented transverse to the Weld Joint
The angle beam shall be directed at approximate right angles to the weld axis
from two directions where possible. The probe shall be manipulated so that the
ultrasonic energy passes through the required volumes of weld and interested
adjacent base metal (HAZ). The scanning shall be performed at a gain setting
five times the primary reference level. Evaluation shall be performed with
respect to the primary reference level.

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9.3.4. Overlap
The volume shall be examined by moving the probe over the examination
surface so as to scan the entire examination volume. Each pass of the probe
shall overlap a minimum of 10% of the transducer (piezoelectric element)
dimension and perpendicular to the direction of the scan.
9.3.5. Rate of Probe Movements
The rate of probe movement for examination shall not exceed 152 mm/s unless
calibration and reference are verified at scanning speed.
9.3.6. Recommended scanning techniques for some common weld configurations
1/2 Skip
Probe

One Skip+HAZ Width One Skip+HAZ Width

Scanning
Direction HAZ

FIG. 8. Technique for Inspecting V-Butt Welds with Angle Probes

30o Angle of
Rotation

FIG. 9. Supplementary Technique 2,

for Inspecting Butt Welds for Transverse Defects when the Weld Bead is Ground Flush

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HAZ
10o

FIG. 10. Supplementary Technique 3,

for Inspecting Butt Welds for Transverse Defects when the Weld Bead is not Ground

Face A

Face C

Face B

FIG. 11. Technique 4, for Inspecting the weld volume of T- Welds

Face C

Flange

Web

FIG. 12: Technique 5, for Inspecting the Fusions Zone of T- Welds

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Web Web

Flange Flange

FIG. 13a. Technique 6, for Searching T- FIG. 13b. Alternative Technique 6, for
Welds for Discontinuities Searching T-Welds for Discontinuities

FIG. 14a. Technique 8, for Inspecting FIG. 14b: Technique 8, for inspecting
the Weld Volume of K groove Corner the Fusion Zone K groove Corner
Welds Welds

10. EVALUATION
The flaw evaluation of the normal beam method is performed separately in (1) or (2)
below.
(1) Internal flaws in welds
(2) Penetration width of electroslag weld of diaphragm provided in box section
10.1. Flaws Subject to Pass/Fail Judgment
Flaws subject to pass/fail judgment shall be those whose apparent flaw length is
equal to or greater than the value shown in Table 12, depending on the plate
thickness t of the specimen, provided that in the case of butted joints with different
plate thicknesses, the plate thickness of the specimen shall be the thinner one.
Table 12 Minimum apparent flaw length (Unit : mm)
Apparent flaw
Thickness
length
6 or over to and incl. 20 5
Over 20 to and incl. 48 t/4
Over 48 12

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10.2. Evaluated Flaw Length

If the position in the depth direction of a group of flaws in the same section is
regarded as the same and the distance between the flaws is less than the apparent
flaw length of the longer one, the group of flaws is regarded as the same and the
evaluated flaw length is the sum of the apparent flaw length and the distance
between the flaws.
If the gap between flaws exceeds the longer apparent flaw length, each flaw is
considered to be an independent flaw, and the evaluated flaw length is the apparent
flaw length for each flaw.
Whether the flaw groups are in the same cross section for stress and the same
position in the depth direction is determined by the relative relationship with the
position where the defect echo of each flaw shows the maximum echo height
according to the values shown in Table 12.
10.3. Evaluated flaw length boundary value
The boundary values S, M, ML, L and LL of the evaluated flaw length are the values
shown in Table 13 according to the thickness t of the specimen to be butted.

Table 13 Boundary values of evaluated flaw length (Unit : mm)

Thickness S M ML L LL
6 or over to and incl. 20 10 15 20 30 40
Over 20 to and incl. 48 t/2 3・t / 4 t 3・t / 2 2・t
Over 48 24 36 48 72 96

11. PASS OR FAIL JUDGMENT

11.1. Unit Weld Line
If the length of the weld line is 300 mm or more, the unit weld line shall be the
continuous length of 300 mm in which flaws are most dense, and if the length of the
weld line is less than 300 mm, the unit weld line shall be the total length.
11.2. Pass or Fail of Unit Weld Lines
The pass or fail of a unit weld line is judged using the area of evaluated flaw length and
echo height according to the type of stress acting on the weld. However, when multiple
flaws exist in a unit weld line, the total of the evaluated flaw lengths is also taken into
consideration to determine the pass/fail. If the area of echo height differs for each flaw,
the area with the highest echo height is used.
11.3. Welds without considering fatigue
The pass/fail of the unit weld line is judged by (1) or (2) below.
(1) When tensile stress acts on the weld

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Depending on the area of the echo height of the flaw, a unit weld line with an
evaluated flaw length or its sum equal to or greater than the boundary value shown in
Table 14 is rejected.

Table 14 Weld without considering fatigue (When tensile stress acts on the weld)
Area of echo height
Angle beam Sum of
method Evaluated flaw
Tandem flaw length evaluated flaw
with single probe lengths
detection
or Normal beam
method
II II L LL
III, IV III ML L
V IV M ML

(2) When no tensile stress acts on the weld

Depending on the area of the echo height of the flaw, a unit weld line with an
evaluated flaw length or its sum equal to or greater than the boundary value shown in
Table 15 is rejected.

Table 15 Welds Not Considering Fatigue (When tensile stress does not act on the weld)
Area of echo height
Angle beam Sum of
method Evaluated flaw
Tandem flaw length evaluated flaw
with single probe lengths
detection
or Normal beam
method
II II LL No provision
III, IV III L LL
V IV ML L

11.4. Weld finished with fatigue in mind

Flaws are classified into near surface flaws and internal flaws, and the pass or fail of the
unit weld line is judged according to (1) or (2) below, respectively.
Here, a flaw near the surface refers to a flaw where the distance between the position of
the flaw in the depth direction and the surface of the plate thickness is less than 1/4 of
the plate thickness, and an internal flaw refers to a flaw where the distance between the
position of the flaw in the depth direction and the surface of the plate thickness is 1/4 or
more of the plate thickness.
(1) Flaws near the surface

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Unit weld lines containing an apparent flaw length greater than or equal to the
minimum value shown in Table 12 shall be rejected.
(2) An internal flaw
Depending on the area of the defect echo height, a unit weld line with an evaluated
flaw length equal to or greater than the boundary value shown in Table 16 is rejected.

Table 16 Welds Surfaced with Fatigue Consideration

Area of echo height
Angle beam
method Evaluated flaw
Tandem flaw length
with single probe
detection
or Normal beam
method
II II ML
III, IV III M
V IV S

12. RE-EXAMINATION OF REPAIRED WELD

Repaired weld shall be re-examined after repairing works and visual inspection
completed. A report of re-examination shall be done.
13. REPORTS AND RECORDS
Whenever other require for reporting, following report as show in exhibit 1 and 2 will
be used.

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Exhibit 1: ULTRASONIC TESTING REPORT – First page

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Exhibit 2: ULTRASONIC TESTING REPORT – Next page

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Appendix I .Normal Beam Examination

1. Scope
The normal beam method is applied to the detection of flaws in welds where the
angle beam method is difficult to apply and to the measurement of penetration width
of diaphragm welds in box-shaped sections constructed by electroslag welding.
2. Detecting internal flaws in welds

2.1. Planned welding line

On the flaw detection surface of the weld to be inspected, the planned welding line
is marked prior to welding.

2.2. Selection of measurement range

The measurement range depends on the maximum beam path length used.
2.3. Selection of probes

The nominal frequency is 5 MHz and the nominal diameter of the transducer is 20
mm in principle. If the plate thickness exceeds 60 mm, a 2 MHz frequency and a 28
mm or 30 mm diameter transducer can be used.
2.4. Adjusting the time base and modifying the origin
Adjust the measurement range with an accuracy of +/- 1% using an A1-type STB,
A3-type STB or ARB with the probe to be used, and correct the origin.
2.5. Creation of DAC for evaluating flaw echo by distance amplitude characteristic curve

(1) To evaluate flaws, an DAC is created, which is generated by the distance-

amplitude
characteristic curve using the ARB.

(2) As a general rule, DAC are created using a probe that is actually used.

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Standard hole φ3.2

Figure 7 Probe position for creating DAC for evaluating flaw echo

Figure 8 Example of creating DAC for evaluating flaw echo

(1) To create the DAC for evaluating flaw echos, the probes are placed sequentially at
the
locations shown in Figure 7, and the peaks of each echo height are plotted.
(2) The plot points at constant sensitivity are connected by a straight line to form one
DAC for
evaluating flaw echo (see Figure 8).
(3) A minimum of four distance-amplitude characteristic curves are required to create
DAC. The
sensitivity difference between adjacent dividing lines shall be 6 dB.
2.6. U, H, M and L Lines

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From the DAC for evaluating flaw echos, at least the third or higher line from the bottom
shall be selected as the H-line, which shall be used as the sensitivity adjustment
reference line, and the H-line shall be, in principle, the line whose height does not fall
below 40% within the range of the beam path length used for evaluating defect echoes.
The DAC 6 dB higher than the H-line is called the U-line, the DAC 6 dB lower than the
H-line is called the M-line, and the DAC 12 dB lower is called the L-line.
2.7. Area of echo height
The areas of echo height separated by U, H, M and L lines are named as shown in
Table 11.

Table 11 Area Segments of Echo Height

Area of echo
Echo height range
height

Below L-line I

Beyond L-line and below M-line II

Beyond M-line and below H-line III

Beyond H-line and below U-line IV

Those that exceed the U-line V

2.8. Working sensitivity

The gain is adjusted so that the echo height of the standard hole of the ARB matches
the H-line, and this is used as the working sensitivity.

2.9. preliminary examination

(1) Adjust sensitivity
Adjust the gain to the working sensitivity specified in 5.28 or higher.

(2) Test direction and test range

The T-joint should be tested from the direction shown in Figure 9 so that the entire
weld can be tested.

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Probe

Figure 9 Test direction of T-joint

(3) Detection of abnormal parts
Detect echoes beyond the L line.

(4) Judgment of abnormal parts

The probe is placed at the position where the maximum echo of the abnormal part is
shown, and it is judged whether the abnormal part is defective or not by the position of
the probe, the beam path length, the condition of the weld, etc.
2.10. Prescribed testing
(1) Target location

The target area is determined to be defective in preliminary inspection.

(2) Adjust sensitivity
Gain adjustment to the working sensitivity specified in 5.2.8.

(3) Measurement of echo height

A probe is placed at the position indicating the maximum echo height, and the area of
the maximum echo height is defined by the DAC for evaluating flaw echo.
(4) Defects to be evaluated
Defects whose maximum echo height exceeds L lines are evaluated.
(5) Measurement of apparent flaw length

Scan the area around the position indicating the maximum echo height, determine the
range of motion of the probe with the echo height exceeding the L line, and measure
its length in 1 mm units to determine the apparent flaw length.

(6) Show Defect Locations

The defect location is indicated by the probe position, which indicates the maximum
echo height, and the beam path length.

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3. Measuring penetration width of electroslag welds of diaphragm provided in box-

shaped section

3.1. Selection of measurement range

The measurement range depends on the maximum beam path length used.
3.2. Selection of probes
The probe to be used shall have a frequency of 5 MHz and a nominal diameter of
10 mm.
3.3. Adjusting the time base and modifying the origin

3.4. Working Sensitivity

The first bottom echo height of the sound area of the specimen is set at 80%, which
is used as the working sensitivity.
3.5. Test position
Aim for the penetration width as shown in Figure 10, and test from the skin plate
side.
Probe Skin plate

Test direction Electroslag welding

Diaphragm

Figure 10 Scratch Location

3.6. Scanning method

The probe shall be moved on the welding line on the surface of the specimen, and when
determining the boundary point of the penetration width, the probe shall be scanned
perpendicular to the welding line at a position divided 100 mm from the start and end of
the welding line including the start and end of the welding. Fractions are processed at
the center of the welding line. The beginning and end of measurements used here are
shown in Figure. 11.

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Diaphragm

Start and end of measurement

Diaphragm If there is more than 100 mm but less

Start and end of measurement than 200 mm left in the center,
adjust at that center.

Figure 11 Scanning method

3.7. Measurement of the boundary point of penetration width

In the scan of 5.3.6, the center position of the probe where the bottom echo height
becomes 40% is taken as the boundary point of the penetration width of the weld.
3.8. Indicated penertration width
The distance between the boundary points of the penetration width measured at is
taken as the total indicated penertration width. In addition, the distance between the
planned welding line and the boundary point of the measured penetration width is
the one-sided indicated penertration width. The unit of measurement for the
indicated penertration width is 1 mm.
3.9. Measurement of apparent flaw length
The apparent flaw length is measured separately when the total indicated
penertration width is insufficient and when the boundary point of the one-sided
indicated penertration width deviates from the planned welding line. The unit of
measurement for the apparent flaw length is 1 mm.

(1) When total indicated penertration width is insufficient

In the scanning of 5.3.6, determine the area in the direction of the weld line where
the total indicated penertration width is smaller than the diaphragm thickness, and
use this as the apparent flaw length.
(2) When the boundary point of penetration width deviates

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Find the range in the direction of the weld line where the boundary point of
penetration width in 5.3.7 deviates more than 3 mm to the inside of the planned
welding line, and use this as the apparent flaw length.
3.10. Area of echo height
Let IV be the area of echo height for defect evaluation.

3.11. Show Defect Locations

The longitudinal position of the defect is indicated by the origin of the apparent flaw length

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