PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

PROCEDURAL SPECIFICATION

ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

PTS 71.00.08.31
JULY 2012

2010 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the permission of the copyright owner.

PREFACE
PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of
PETRONAS OPUs/Divisions.
They are based on the experience acquired during the involvement with the design, construction,
operation and maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where appropriate they are based on,
or reference is made to, national and international standards and codes of practice.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good technical practice to be applied by
PETRONAS' OPUs in oil and gas production facilities, refineries, gas processing plants, chemical
plants, marketing facilities or any other such facility, and thereby to achieve maximum technical and
economic benefit from standardisation.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to users for their consideration and
decision to implement. This is of particular importance where PTS may not cover every requirement
or diversity of condition at each locality. The system of PTS is expected to be sufficiently flexible to
allow individual operating units to adapt the information set forth in PTS to their own environment
and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use PTS they shall be solely responsible for the
quality of work and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular,
for those requirements not specifically covered, it is expected of them to follow those design and
engineering practices which will achieve the same level of integrity as reflected in the PTS. If in
doubt, the Contractor or Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting from his own responsibility,
consult the owner.
The right to use PTS rests with three categories of users:
1)
2)
3)

PETRONAS and its affiliates.

Other parties who are authorised to use PTS subject to appropriate contractual
arrangements.
Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users
referred to under 1) and 2) which requires that tenders for projects, materials
supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said users comply with the
relevant standards.

Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users,
PETRONAS disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death)
suffered by any company or person whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use,
application or implementation of any PTS, combination of PTS or any part thereof. The benefit of
this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to PETRONAS and/or any company affiliated to
PETRONAS that may issue PTS or require the use of PTS.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual
arrangements, PTS shall not, without the prior written consent of PETRONAS, be disclosed by users
to any company or person whomsoever and the PTS shall be used exclusively for the purpose they
have been provided to the user. They shall be returned after use, including any copies which shall
only be made by users with the express prior written consent of PETRONAS.
The copyright of PTS vests in PETRONAS. Users shall arrange for PTS to be held in safe custody
and PETRONAS may at any time require information satisfactory to PETRONAS in order to
ascertain how users implement this requirement.

PTS 71.00.08.30
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents
1.

SCOPE...................................................................................................................................5

2.

REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................................5

3.

EQUIPMENT.......................................................................................................................12

4.

STANDARDULTRASONICTESTINGPROCEDURE................................................................14

5.

WELDS................................................................................................................................16

6.

PERSONNEL........................................................................................................................18

7.REPORTING............................................................................................................................18
APPENDIXICONTRACTORSEQUIPMENT.................................................................................19
APPENDIXIIROUTINEOPERATORCHECKSONTHEPERFORMANCEOFULTRASONICFLAW
DETECTORSONLY......................................................................................................................20

The specification contained herein sets out the standard requirements and procedures to be
complied with by CONTRACTORS carrying out work directly or indirectly for PETRONAS.

For a given project, the Contract Documents related thereto may specify requirements
and procedures which deviate from or qualify those set out in this standard specification.
The CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for identifying any and all such deviations and
qualifications and ensuring that the work is completed in strict accordance therewith.

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GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

1. SCOPE
This is a general specification describing the techniques and methods which are to be used
for manual ultrasonic examinations of all types of welding work parts, components, materials
and thickness determination.

2. REQUIREMENTS
2.1 All work shall be in accordance with approved standards as required by the Company.
2.2 The Contractor shall supply all ultrasonic equipment & accessories (see Appendix I).
2.3 Maintenance of the equipment will be the Contractor's responsibility. Suitable storage will
be provided by the Company.
2.4 Sufficient spare equipment will be made available by the Contractor in order to be able to
replace any item immediately and thus avoid any disruption of the work program.
2.5 The Contractor shall carry out all work required in order to obtain a definite accept/reject
result. However, the Company reserves the right to be able to evaluate these results at any time
with their own qualified personnel.
2.6 Contractors personnel may be required periodically to demonstrate to the Company's satisfaction
that a high standard of quality and integrity is being maintained in the field. They may also be required to
demonstrate that they are proficient in their task regardless of personal qualification.

2.7 The Company reserves the right to reject the component under examination at any time
regardless of the Contractor's conclusion if in the Company's, opinion, irregularities exist that may
be detrimental to that component's performance.

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2.8 SUMMARY OF CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS EDITION

The previous edition of this PTS was dated January 2009; changes made since the last
edition are as per below:-

Discipline
Item
2.0
REQUIREMENTS
2.4

PTS71.00.08.30

RevisedVersion

Sufficientspareequipmentwill
bemadeavailablebythe
Contractorinordertobeableto
replaceanyitemimmediately
andthusavoidanydisruptionof
theworkprogramme.

ThepreviouseditionofthisPTS
wasdatedDecember1983;no
changesaremadesincethelast
edition.

Sufficientspareequipmentwill
bemadeavailablebythe
Contractorinordertobeable
toreplaceanyitem
immediatelyandthusavoid
anydisruptionofthework
program.

Thepreviouseditionofthis
PTSwasdatedJanuary2009;
changesmadesincethelast
editionareasperTableXXX.

Acalibratedattenuatorwith
stepsnotgreaterthan2DB.

Acalibratedattenuatorwith
stepsnotgreaterthan2dB.

ThematerialofPiezoelectric
transducershallbesynthetic
ceramicpreferablyofthe
followingkindunlessotherwise
permittedbytheCompany

a)Leadzirconatetitanate

2.8

3.0
ULTRASONIC
SETS

3.1.3

c)

3.2
ULTRASONIC
PROBES

3.2.1

Tobedeleted

PTS 71.00.08.30
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b)Leadmetaniobate(also
suitableforhightemperature)

c)Lithiumsulphate

d)Bariumtitanate
3.2.2

Renumberingto3.2.1

3.2.1Allultrasonicprobesshall
becheckedandmonitoredfor
performanceandintegrity
accordingtoBritishStandard
4331Part3.

Renumberingto3.2.2
3.2.2Allultrasonicprobesshall
becheckedandmonitoredfor
performanceandintegrity
accordingtoASMEVArticle4
PartIII432.1orBritish
Standard4331Part3.

Renumberingto3.2.3

Renumberingto3.2.4

3.2.6Allprobesshallbechecked
beforeeachindividualinspection
andpriortotheplottingof
reflectorsforindexptandbeam
angle.

Renumberingto3.2.5
3.2.5Allprobesshallbe
checkedbeforeeachindividual
inspectionandpriortothe
plottingofreflectorsforindex
pointandbeamangle.

3.4.1Asuitablenoncorrosive
couplantofgood(high)
acousticimpedanceshallbe
used,suchaswater,solubleoil
orglycerin.

3.2.3

3.2.4

3.2.5

3.2.6

3.4COUPLANT

3.4.1

3.4.1Asuitablenoncorrosive
couplantofgood(high)acoustic
impedanceshallbeused.(to
includeexamplefromASMEV)

PTS 71.00.08.30
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Item

4.0

PTS71.00.08.30

RevisedVersion

STANDARDULTRASONIC
EXAMINATIONPROCEDURE

STANDARDULTRASONIC
TESTINGPROCEDURE

4.2

Forultrasonicexaminations
notrelatedtoasiteprocedure,
Forultrasonicexaminationsnot
theCompanyreservesthe
relatedtoasiteprocedure,the
right,attheContractor'scost,
Companyreservestheright,at
theContractor'scost,todemand todemandreinspectionofthe
reinspectionofthecomponentIf componentiftheexamination
techniqueassesseddeemedto
theexaminationtechniqueto
beinadequate.
assessedtobeinadequate.

4.5.2

e)Changeinsurfaceroughness
orcomplaintmayalterintensity
oftransmittedsound.

Forlengthandheightflaws
sizinga6dBdroptechnique
shouldbeapplied(half
intensitydrop).
e)Changeinsurfaceroughness
orcouplantmayalterintensity
oftransmittedsound.If
measuredsurfaceroughness
significantlydeferfrom
calibrationsurfaceroughness,
theresultanttransferlossshall
becompensatedtomaintain
themeasurementaccuracy.
Thesametypeofcouplant
(propertyandviscosity)shall
beusedduringcalibrationand
actualtesting.

Forlengtha60dBdrop
techniquei.e.halfintensitydrop
shallbeused

4.8

Thesurfacefinishofthescanning Thesurfacefinishofthe
scanningareashallbe
areashallbeconditionedina
propermanner,i.e.shallbefree conditionedinaproper

PTS 71.00.08.30
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Page 9
fromsurfaceirregularities,grit,
scale,etc.thatwouldinterfere
withfreemovementofthe
searchunitorimpairthe
transmissionofultrasonic
vibration.Goodtransducer
contactisessentialforcritical
ultrasonicexamination.

manner,i.e.shallbefreefrom
surfaceirregularities,grit,
corrosionproduct(scale),etc.
thatwouldinterferewithfree
movementoftheprobeor
impairthetransmissionof
ultrasonicbeam.Maintaining
goodtransducercontact
throughoutthetestingis
essentialforultrasonic
examination.

4.12

Ultrasonictestingcanbe
Finalultrasonicexaminationshall performedonthematerial
bedoneasfaraspossibleafter
havingyieldstrengthoflower
finalheattreatment.No
than70ksiimmediatelyafter
thematerialcooltoambient
ultrasonictestingonmildsteel
(Y.S.lessthan40ksi)shouldbe
temperature.Formaterial
carriedoutlessthan24hours
havingyieldstrengthof70ksi
orhigher,ultrasonictesting
afterweldinghasbeen
completed.Forhigherstrength
onlycanbeperformedaftera
steelthetimedelayshouldbe
minimumof48hoursupon
minimum48hours.
completionofweld.

Item

PTS71.00.08.30

RevisedVersion

Ifmaterialflawsare
discovered,theirinfluenceon
theinspectionshallbe
consideredanddefectivearea
shallbemeasuredandsized
accordingly.Scanningpattern
shallbeadjustedtocover
100%inspectionofentire
volumeofweld.Other
advancemethodsuchas
phasedarrayultrasonicmay
beappliedtosupplementthe
inspection.

5.1.2

Ifmaterialflawsarediscovered,
theirinfluenceontheinspection
shallbeconsideredandthe
techniqueofscanningadjusted
accordingly,ifpossible.

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5.3.2

5.7

5.9

Probeanglesemployedfor
criticalrootscansshouldbeas
follows:
Cautionshouldbeexercisedon
thepresentoflackoffusionon
thefarside(oftheweld)
shouldonlyonesideaccessible
forscanninge.g.inspecting
weldofweldneckflange.
Smallsignaldetectedatthefar
Ifitisonlypossibletoscanaone sidewallshallbeinvestigated
usingothertechniquee.g.
surfaceofamember,thenafull
skiptechniqueshallbeused,i.e. phasedarray,andapplicable
scantofullskipdistancenearcap acceptanceorrejectioncriteria
shallbeapplied.
toe.
Nominalanglesof0,45,60&
Nominalanglesof0,45,60
70willbeusedforultrasonic
&70willbeusedfor
examinationofweldsunlessin
ultrasonicexaminationof
theCompanies'opinion,a
weldsunlessintheCompany's
situationariseswhereanomalies opinion,asituationarises
mayexistmorereadily
whereanomaliesmayexist
detectablebyotheranglesi.e.
morereadilydetectableby
nominalanglesof35,80&90, otherangles,phasedarray
wherebytheappropriate
ultrasonicoranyother
techniqueshallbeimplemented appropriatetechniqueshould
beused.
asadvisedbytheCompany.
Probeanglesemployedfor
criticalrootscansshallbeas
follows:

Item

PTS71.00.08.30

RevisedVersion

Contractorspersonnelmust
possessvalidC.S.W.I.P.3.6,
C.S.W.I.P.GradeII3.9orDNV
NortestLevel2approval
certificatesorequivalentLloyds
testfornodesections.In
addition,ASNTLevelII
qualificationisacceptablesubject
toasiteapprovaltestcarriedout

Contractorspersonnelmust
possessvalidlevelIIinJPKor
CSWIP/PCNorACCPor
Nationalorinternational
centralcertificationprograms
accreditedbyISO17024.In
addition,ASNTLevelII
qualificationisacceptable
subjecttoasiteapprovaltest

6.0

PTS 71.00.08.30
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bytheClientorCertifying
Authority.Inspectioncarriedout
bythesepersonnelwillonlybe
withinthescopeoftheir
certification.Siteultrasonic
personnelinasupervisory,
consultancyortrainingcapacity
shallpossessminimum
certificationasdesignatedbythe
Company.

carriedoutbytheCompanyor
anycompanyappointed
CertificationAuthorities.For
personnelcertifiedunder
ASNTprogram,all
supplementaryrecordsuchas
traininghours,provedof
experienceandexamination
papersshallbemadeavailable
forCompanysreviewand
acceptance.Inspectioncarried
outbythesepersonnelwill
onlybewithinthescopeof
theircertification.Site
ultrasonicpersonnelina
supervisory,consultancyor
trainingcapacityshallpossess
minimumcertificationas
designatedbytheCompany.

PTS 71.00.08.30
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3. EQUIPMENT
3.1 Ultrasonic sets
3.1.1 Flaw detection shall be conducted using an ultrasonic pulsed reflection system
generating frequencies in the ranges -10 MHz.
3.1.2 Flaw detection shall be carried out with a rectified 'A' scan display. The trace shall be well
defined, easy to read and associated with permanent graticule scale markings covering both
range and amplitude.
3.1.3 The ultrasonic apparatus must possess the following properties:
a) To be able to transmit high amplitude sound
b) To produce a short duration pulse for high resolution
c) A calibrated attenuator with steps not greater than 2 dB.
3.1.4 The overall performance of ultrasonic flaw detectors shall satisfy minimum Company
requirements prior to field use and at specified intervals thereafter. (See Appendix II).
3.1.5 Documentation of the aforementioned equipment performance will be required prior to
commencement of a project and submitted at specified intervals thereafter. (See Appendix III).

3.1.6 The ultrasonic set shall have both single & double transducer functions.
3.1.7 The flaw detector model shall have a flat screen which may be viewed at varying angles
& distances without distortion of the time base.
3.2 Ultrasonic Probes

3.2.1 Probes will be examined visually prior to use to confirm freedom from mechanical damage &
excess shoe wear. Probe's shoe flatness shall be checked by setting a straight edge across the
centre of the probe successively in two mutually perpendicular directions. Slightly concavity or
convexity may be removed by lightly rubbing with fine sandpaper (This obviously does not apply
for special purpose probes especially contoured to compliment the component test surface).
3.2.2 All ultrasonic probes shall be checked and monitored for performance and integrity according
to ASME V Article 4 Part III-432.1 British Standard 4331 Part 3.
3.2.3 Any internal noise from probes shall not be so great as to interfere with interpretation of
results at the working sensitivity used for the examination.

PTS 71.00.08.30
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3.2.4 Accurate beam profiles shall be plotted out using the institute of Welding (IOW) Beam Profile
Block or suitable equivalent as follows:
a)
b)

In a vertical plane only, for shear wave angle probes

For twin crystal 0 compression wave probes the index point of emission of the
beam profile axis shall be at 90 to the transmit/receive crystal interface.

3.2.5 All probes shall be checked before each individual inspection and prior to the plotting of
reflectors for index point and beam angle. Should there be a deviation of 1 or greater from the
original angle of refraction then the beam profile shall be suitably re-adjusted by replotting off the
relevant calibration block.
3.3 Calibration and Reference Blocks
3.3.1 The following calibration blocks shall be available:
a) I.I.W. V1 calibration block (A2 block/BS 2704)
b) I.I.W. V2 calibration block (Din 54 122)
c) The Welding Institute, U.K. (I.O.W.) Beam profile with BS 4331, Part 3
d) Reference blocks according to the specified code.
3.3.2 Reference blocks shall be fabricated from either:
a) An off cut of the material after identical treatment of which the component to be inspected
is constructed.
or
b) Material which is of similar metallurgical structure and the same or the equivalent of the Pnumber (ASME) grouping of the finished component.
The material to be used for reference blocks should be similar in its acoustic attenuation to the
material which is to be inspected. The grain size, heat treat condition, physical and chemical
composition, surface finish and manufacturing procedure (rolling forging, etc.) are variables to
be considered in matching acoustic responses.
3.3.3 Reference blocks shall be manufactured as required by the reference code section or as stated lay
the Company in order to be representative of the geometry of the component under examination.

3.3.4 Block quality: All blocks shall be free of significant unwanted surface irregularities and
the scanning surfaces shall be machined to a smooth finish.
The calibration block material shall be completely examined in all possible directions with a
straight beam search unit. Blocks that contain reflectors which exceed the remaining backwall
reflection will not be acceptable.
3.4 Couplant
3.4.1 A suitable non corrosive couplant of good (high) acoustic impedance shall be used such as
water, soluble oil or glycerin.
3.4.2 Components shall be examined using the same couplant as that used for sensitivity calibration.

PTS 71.00.08.30
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4. STANDARD ULTRASONIC TESTING PROCEDURE

4.1 For all major projects, the Company shall require a written site ultrasonic testing procedure
enveloping all possible configurations to be submitted for approval prior to commencement of
the project.
4.2 For ultrasonic examinations not related to a site procedure, the Company reserves the right,
at the Contractor's cost, to demand re-inspection of the component if the examination technique
assessed deemed to be inadequate.
4.3 Scanning sensitivities and technical information not contained herein shall be as specified in
the applicable reference code as required by the Company. Reference codes will be used as a
supplementary to this specification and not vice versa.
4.4 Accept/reject parameters will be according to the reference code as required by the Company.
4.5 Sizing of Defects
4.5.1 For cross-sectional face width either the 20 dB drop technique, the maximum
amplitude technique or a combination of both shall be used.
4.5.2 For length and height flaws sizing a 6 dB drop technique should be applied (half intensity
drop).
Personnel will be alert to the factors which influence amplitude when using the 6 dB drop method.
It is not safe assumption that amplitude is dropping because the beam is scanning past the end of
the defect. Factors to be taken into consideration are:a) Area of defect surface: The defect may taper in section giving a reduction in cross-sectional
area within the beam, if this is enough to drop the signal by 6 dB, the defect cut-off point
could be plotted well before the true end of the defect.
b) Orientation: The defect may vary considerably in orientation from point where
maximised response is received. (See para. 4.7).
c) Range: There may be dog-leg in the run of the defect, putting part of its length in
an unfavourable position (See para 4.6).
d) Probe Rotation: Inadvertently twisting the probe during scanning may lead to a false result.
e) Change in surface roughness or couplant may alter intensity of transmitted sound. If
measured surface roughness significantly defer from calibration surface roughness, the
resultant transfer loss shall be compensated to maintain the measurement accuracy. The
same type of couplant (property and viscosity) shall be used during calibration and actual
testing.
4.6 Evaluation and assessment of indications will be carried out where possible as follows:
a) Lateral Scan: Scanning motion parallel to the indication at 90 to it, for evaluation and length
(6 dB drop)
b) Transverse Scan: Probe movement forward and back at 90 to the reflector axis i.e. zig-zag
pattern for evaluation and cross-sectional dimensions (20 dB drop and maximum amplitude).

PTS 71.00.08.30
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c) Rotational Scan: The probe is rotated about its axis by about 60 in each direction for
defect echo evaluation.
d) Orbital Scan: The probe is orbited at a constant radius from the indication for evaluation.
4.7 Reflectors shall be sized using those probes which receive the optimum response. If
necessary, the defect will be plotted with more than one probe to accurately position and size
cross-sectional width and length of reflector.
4.8 The surface finish of the scanning area shall be conditioned in a proper manner, i.e. shall be
free from surface irregularities, grit, corrosion product (scale), etc. that would interfere with free
movement of the probe or impair the transmission of ultrasonic beam. Maintaining good transducer
contact throughout the testing is essential for ultrasonic examination.
4.9 Transfer Method
4.9.1 Transfer methods are used to correlate the responses from the basic reference block and
from the component. Transfer is accomplished by noting the difference between responses
received from a standard reflector in the basic reference block and an equivalent reflector in the
component and correcting for the difference. (See Appendix IV).
4.9.2 Transfer values will not be necessary in instances where an off-cut of the material, as
specified in Para. 3.3.2a, is used as a reference block. However the reference block may only be
representative at one stage of manufacture. If the component is further treated and then submitted
for further ultrasonic examination a transfer value must be obtained.

4.10 For the examination transducers of the following frequency range shall be employed:
a) For generating compression waves (0) in the material probes in the frequency range 1 5 MHz shall be used.
b) For generating shear waves in the material probes in the frequency range 2-6 MHz shall be
used.
Choice of frequency in conjunction with transducer diameter and probe type i.e. single or twin
crystal shall be governed by the characteristics of the component in order to obtain optimum
test results. (See Appendix V).
4.11 Angles of ultrasonic beam transmission employed shall be dependent on the geometry of the
component to be examined in order to carry out thorough examination.
4.12 Ultrasonic testing can be performed on the material having yield strength of lower than 70ksi
immediately after the material cool to ambient temperature. For material having yield strength of
70ksi or higher, ultrasonic testing only can be performed after a minimum of 48 hours upon
completion of weld.

4.13 Recalibration shall be made after a change of operators, each 30 minute maximum
time interval, or when the electrical circuitry is disturbed in any way includes the following:
1) Transducer change
2) Battery change

PTS 71.00.08.30
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3) Electrical outlet change
4) Coaxial cable change
5) Power failure

5. WELDS
5.1 Lamination Scanning
5.1.1 All scanning surfaces shall be 100% examined with 0 compressional wave to ensure
freedom from parent material defects e.g. segregates or laminar indications which would impair
critical examination of the weld.
5.1.2 If material flaws are discovered, their influence on the inspection shall be considered and
defective area shall be measured and sized accordingly. Scanning pattern shall be adjusted to
cover 100% inspection of entire volume of weld. Other advance method such as phased array
ultrasonic may be applied to supplement the inspection.
5.2 The extent of the ultrasonic examination shall guarantee the inspection of the entire volume
of weld and heat affected zone.

5.3 Root Scanning

5.3.1 A critical root scan at stand-off distance of 1/2 skip from near root preparation face shall
be carried out on all full penetration constant configuration joints.
5.3.2 Probe angles employed for critical root scans should be as follows:
a) 12.5 mm and under: 70 nominal angle
b) Thickness between 12.5mm and 25mm: 70 & 60 nominal angles.
c) 25 mm and above: 60 & 45 nominal angles.

5.4 Choice of angle(s) of refraction for scanning weld body sidewall and reinforcement shall
depend on the following factors:
a) Characteristics and orientation of defects likely to occur i.e. welding process
b) Weld preparation geometry
c) Height of reinforcement
d) Width of reinforcement in relation to wall thickness
e) Wall thickness - Poor resolution of shallow angle probes at extensive beam path lengths

5.5 Overall examination techniques shall be consistent with providing optimum test results.

PTS 71.00.08.30
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5.6 Flaw detection slides are only suitable for constant configuration joints if misalignment is not
present. Accurate profiles shall be taken with wire type profile gauges, or if joint angle is acute,
a suitable pliable material able to maintain its shape under normal conditions i.e. excessively
soft material such as plasticine is unsuitable.
5.7 Welds shall be scanned from all accessible surfaces. Caution should be exercised on the
present of lack of fusion on the far side (of the weld) should only one side accessible for scanning
e.g. inspecting weld of weld neck flange. Small signal detected at the far side wall shall be
investigated using other technique e.g. phased array, and applicable acceptance or rejection
criteria shall be applied.
5.8 Shear wave probes for weld inspection shall be 10 mm diameter, single crystal in the
frequency range 4 - 6 MHz unless the need for special application arises whereby the Company
reserves the right to demand examination outside of this scope.
5.9 Nominal angles of 0, 45, 60 & 70 will be used for ultrasonic examination of welds unless in
the Companys opinion, a situation arises where anomalies may exist more readily detectable by
other angles, phased array ultrasonic or any other appropriate technique should be used.
5.10 If necessary the cap of the weld shall be dressed or ground flush with the parent material
in order to obtain a satisfactory test result. Circumstances in which this condition may occur
are as follows:
a) The dimensioning and evaluation of subsurface reflectors using twin crystal shear wave probes.
b) To enlarge the scope of an examination presently unattainable because of weld reinforcement
e.g. to enable the root to be scanned with steeper angles of refraction or to enable scanning
along the weld axis to detect and evaluate transverse indications.
c) Scanning of the weld with 0 compression wave if it is suspected that defects orientated
approximately parallel to the surface may be present e.g. lack of inter-run fusion.

d)

0 scanning of welds with backing fittings i.e. rings, plates or sleeves to assess fusion of the
root to the backing, if it is not possible to satisfactorily obtain result by shear wave angle probe
alone. This situation could occur with misaligned backing fittings or if the characteristic echo
from the fitting is lost.

5.11 Submerged arc welds shall be scanned over the cap surface with 0 compression wave
to detect reflectors orientated approximately parallel to the surface e.g. interdendritic
cracking.
5.12 A transverse scan shall be carried out on all welds. The scanning technique shall be
acceptable to the Company and be directly dependent on the weld characteristic. (See 5.10b).
5.13 All significant indications shall be further investigated with different probes other than the
probe of discovery in order to obtain a maximum response. Assessment of acceptability according
to the required reference code will be based on this maximum response.
5.14 Repairs
5.14.1 The extent of the examination shall guarantee the satisfactory inspection of the
entire cross sectional volume of weld and heat affected zone regardless of extent of

PTS 71.00.08.30
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repair.
5.14.2 The whole length of repair shall be examined plus 100 mm from the repair weld deposit
at both ends.
5.14.3 Repairs shall be examined taking into consideration the position and extent of the original
defect.
5.14.4 Scanning techniques shall take into consideration the position of new fusion faces created
by repair.

6. PERSONNEL
Contractors personnel must possess valid level II in JPK or CSWIP/PCN or ACCP or National or
international central certification programs accredited by ISO 17024. In addition, ASNT Level II
qualification is acceptable subject to a site approval test carried out by the Company or any
company appointed Certification Authorities. For personnel certified under ASNT program, all
supplementary record such as training hours, proved of experience and examination papers shall
be made available for Companys review and acceptance. Inspection carried out by these
personnel will only be within the scope of their certification. Site ultrasonic personnel in a
supervisory, consultancy or training capacity shall possess minimum certification as designated by
the Company.

7. REPORTING
7.1 Reporting shall be in accordance with the reporting format as laid out in Appendix VI.
All components tested must be given clear identification corresponding with present or
intended location.
7.2 Reports shall be submitted daily and all records to be properly catalogued and filed.

PTS 71.00.08.30
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APPENDIX I CONTRACTORS EQUIPMENT

The Contractor shall supply the following equipment in sufficient quantity:
i. Ultrasonic flaw detectors
ii. Batteries
iii. Battery Chargers and Leads
iv. Ultrasonic leads
v. Ultrasonic probes
vi. Flaw location slides
vii. Profile gauges/suitably pliable material for acutely angled joints
viii. Calibration blocks
ix. Necessary test blocks for equipment performance assessment
x. Specified reference blocks
xi. Couplant
Accessories (ii) to (v) will naturally be relative to the ultrasonic units supplied.

PTS 71.00.08.30
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APPENDIX IIROUTINE OPERATOR CHECKS ON THE

PERFORMANCE OF ULTRASONIC FLAW DETECTORS ONLY
1. SCOPE
1.1 This procedure describes methods which can be used on site by operators for checking some
of the performance features of ultrasonic flaw detectors only.
1.2 The methods apply only to the pulse-echo flaw detection equipment using A-scope rectified
presentation with gain controls or attenuators, calibrated in steps of not greater than 2db.

1.3 Frequency of checks shall be weekly (with the exception time base linearity which shall be
twice weekly).
1.4 All assessment checks shall be carried out with instrument suppression control off, or zero.

2. RANGE OF CHECKS
2.1 Time base linearity.
Attenuator control accuracy.
Amplifier linearity.
Equipment resolution.
Maximum penetrative power.

3. SURFACE CONDITION
3.1 The surface of the test block shall be free of dirt.

4. EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION
4.1 Prior to commencement of these assessment checks, the flaw detector shall be examined to
establish that it is clearly marked to define the manufacture, type and series. It should also carry
a unique serial number.

PTS 71.00.08.30
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5. ASSESSMENT TEST - TIME BASE LINEARITY
5.1 Place a compressional wave probe on a 12.5 mm - 25 mm calibration block to obtain a
minimum of 5 back wall echoes. Adjust the time base so that the first and last backwall echo
indication coincide with the appropriate scale marks.
Bring successive backwall echoes, in turn, to approximately the same heights (e.g.: 80% f.s.h.). The
leading edge of each echo should line up/break the time base line at the appropriate graticule line.
Record any deviations from ideal positions with relevant echo at approximately half full screen height.

Express the deviations from linearity as a percentage of the time base range between the first
and last backwall echoes displayed.
5.2 Tolerance:
Deviations up to and including 2% can be tolerated.
5.3 Figures 1 to 5 demonstrate this assessment.
5.4 Repeat using a range of 250 mm or over.
6. ASSESSMENT TEST - ATTENUATOR ACCURACY
6.1 Position a compressional wave probe to obtain a reflected signal from the 25 mm deep 1.5
mm diameter drilled hole in the IOW beam profile block.
Adjust the gain to set this signal to 80% of full screen height (with a stepped attenuator control,
some slight judicious probe movement will probably be required) and note the value of the
calibrated control in dB. Adjust the calibrated control to increase the signal to full screen height (i.e.
100 % f.s.h.) Restore the gain to its original value and then reduce it by a further 6dB which should
make the signal fall to 40% full screen height. Reduce the gain by a further 12dB and the signal
should now fall to 10% full screen height. Reduce the gain by a further 6dB and the signal should
now fall to 5% of full screen height.
If signals do not make the appropriate level, then record levels reached as a percentage of
full screen height.
6.2 Tolerance

+2dB

Expected Screen
Heights
100%

Not less than 95%

80% (starting point)

-6dB

40%

35% to 45%

-18dB

10%

8% to 12%

-24dB

5%

Gain

Limits

To be clearly visible above base line.