ULTRASONIC TESTING

Scope:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

General conditions to be
applied for ultrasonic
examinations

Requirements for weld

examination

Personnel Qualification:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Personnel Qualified and

certified according to standard
NF EN 473
or an equivalent standard
approved by the Contractor.

Qualified and certified in

accordance with the
requirements of the ASNT-SNTTC-1A or an equivalent
accepted standard.

Ultrasonic Flaw Detector & Probe:

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The Range of central frequency

of ultrasonic equipment &
probe shall normally be
between 1 and 6 MHz.

The instrument shall be capable

of operation at frequencies at
least 1 MHz to 5 MHz.

Couplant:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Coupling media shall remain

unchanged throughout the
examination session.
Couplant used ,
- On nickel-base alloy surfaces
shall contain maximum of 200
ppm of sulphur.
- On austenitic stainless steels
shall contain maximum of 200
ppm of chloride plus fluoride

Couplant shall not be

detrimental to the material
being examined. Couplants used
,
On nickel base alloys shall not
contain more than 250 ppm of
sulphur.
On austenitic stainless steel or
titanium shall not contain more
than 250 ppm of halides .

Calibration & Reference Blocks:

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

A prolongation of the part to be

examined or

The block is fabricated from the

same product form and material
specification or equivalent Pnumber side-drilled holes, flat
bottom holes, notches etc. shall
be used.

a discard from a part made from

the same material having
undergone the same heat
treatment or
product with characteristics
similar to the acoustical
properties of the material under
examination.
The position & number of
reflectors, shall be such that the
entire thickness of the part can
be inspected.

Calibration Checks:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

1. Linearity of time base and

linearity of equipment gain shall
be checked every week.
2. Calibration shall be made at
the start of every test session
and checked at the end of first
hour, and once every two hours
thereafter. also be checked
when the operator suspects that
a drift has occurred and at the
end of the test session.

1. Screen height linearity and

amplitude control linearity shall
be checked at intervals not to
exceed three months for analog
and one year for digital type
instruments .
2. A calibration check on at least
one of the reflectors shall be
performed at the completion of
each examination or series of
similar examinations, and when
examination personnel are
changed.

Examination Record:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Examination procedure
Identification of the weld
Time of examination
Calibration and setting conditions
Surface preparation
Scanning direction
Characteristics of indications
Interpretation of results
Name, certification, date and
inspectors signature.

Procedure identification and

revision
identification & location of weld
Ultrasonic instrument
identification
Date and time of examination
Calibration block identification
Surface condition
Examination personnel
identification & qualification level

Acceptance Standards:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

- Any indication with an

amplitude more than or equal
to 50% of reference echo
amplitude shell be recorded.
-Non volumetric indications as
specified in MC 2637 d is
unacceptable.
Volumetric imperfactions are
unacceptable if,
-T50mm
- T<50mm

- Imperfections which produce a

response greater than 20% of
the r
eference level shall be
investigated.
-Non volumetric indications are
un
acceptable regardless of length.
Volumetric imperfactions are
unacceptable if,
-6mm for upto 19mm inclusive
-1/3t, for t from 19mm to
57mm, inclusive
-19mm for t over 57mm

RADIOGRAPHIC TESTING
Scope:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

General condition for Radiography

Radiography of welding and

casting

Procedure Requirement:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Written procedure along with route Written procedure required

sheet and instruction sheet
required

Surface preparation:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Surface shall be free from

irregularity.

Surface irregularities shall be

removed

Backscatter Radiation:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Lead letter B of 1.5 to 2.5mm of

thickness shall be used

Lead letter B of 13mm height &

1.5mm of thickness shall be used.

System of Identification:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Radiograph shall be identified

using numbers and letters which
appear on the film

Permanent identification on the

radiograph shall appear
(Component, Weld, Part name,
client name and manufacturers
name etc).

Density Monitoring:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Film density shall be measured

using a densitometer.

Densitometer or step wedge

comparison film shall be used.

Processing:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

As recommended by
manufacturers.

As described in SE-999 & SE-94.

Intensifying Screen:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

specified thickness of screen for

different thickness for
mandatory use.

may be used.

Standard IQI design:

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Hole type in accordance NF EN

462-1 and wire type NF EN 462-2

Hole type in accordance of SE1025 and wire type SE-747.

Facilities for viewing of Radiograph:

RCC-M (2012)

Not addressed.

Verification of source

ASME (2010)
Viewing facilities shall provide
subdued background lighting of
an intensity that will not cause
reflection, shadows or glare on
the radiograph.
size:

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Not addressed.

manufacturers documents

Densitometer calibration:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

First time and every 6 months

At least every 90 days

Step wedge comparison films:

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Valid for 5 years and renewed

Shall be verified prior to first
after 5 years if densities on steps use. Verification checks shall be
are not changed.
performed annually.

Radiographic Techniques:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

For outside diameter < 90mm,

plane on plane or elliptical
projections 90 < < 170mm

For diameter greater than 89mm

single wall viewing. For diameter
less than 89mm double wall
viewing.

Radiation Energy:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

According to table MC 3142

Shall achieve the density and IQI

requirements.

Geometric unsharpness:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Ug fixed with type of radiation

source.

Ug increases with specimen

thickness (0.51 to 1.78)

Radiographic density:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

For single film viewing minimum

density is 2.0 For double film
viewing shall be higher than 2.7
Maximum film densities in both
cases is 4.5.

Minimum 1.8 in x-ray & 2 in

gamma rays. Maximum 4.0 in
both cases. For double film
viewing minimum film density of
single film is 1.3 and max film
density of composite films is 4.0.

IQI selection:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

In the table MC-3162.1.

As specified in table T-276.

Placement of IQI:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

At least 10 mm of the wire length

must be visible in zone of even
density.

Shall be placed on the source side

where inaccessibility prevents IQI
shall be placed on the film side.

Quality of Radiograph:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Not addressed.

All radiographs shall be free from

mechanical, chemical or other
blemishes

IQI sensitivity:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Image quality shall be sufficient for

the hole or wire to be clearly
visible.

Technique of sufficient sensitivity to

display designated hole or
essential wire.

Film illuminator:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Shall be checked in accordance

with standard NF EN 25580. This
check shall be made the first time
and recommended 12 monthly
intervals up to max.18 months.

Viewer Shall be able to read

density up to 3.5 or 4.0

Packaging of the film:

RCC-M (2012)
Developed film shall be placed
between paper sheet or folded
sheet.
Ambient
conditions:

ASME (2010)
Provides detail information for
storage of radiographs and
unexposed film.

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Storage temperature shall not

normally exceed 21o C and
Humidity shall be 30 to 50%, Film
shall not be exposed to light .

Unexposed film should protected

from light pressure, excessive
heat, excessive humidity, fumes or
penetrating radiation.

Crack , Lack of Fusion & Lack of Penetration:

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Unacceptable

Unacceptable

Undercut:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Unacceptable

Addressed in Visual inspection.

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Unacceptable

Not addressed

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Fissure:

Elongated indication:

Any gas cavity if its largest

Any elongated indication which has
dimension (l) is greater than e/3 for length greater than 6mm
e up to 4.5 mm. e is the thickness of
part being radiographed.

Elongated indication:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Any type of gas cavity if its largest

dimension is greater than the value
given in the table.

i) Any elongated indication which

has length greater than t/3 for t
from 19 mm to 57 mm is
unacceptable
ii) Any elongated indication which
has length greater than 19 mm for t
over
57 mm is unacceptable

Aligned indication:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Any linear (or clustered) gas

cavities whose combined diameters
total more than e over a length of
the lesser of the value 12e or
150mm.

Any group of aligned indications

having an aggregate length greater
than t in a length of 12t, unless the
minimum distance between
successive indications exceeds 6L

Rounded indication:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

appendix VI.

Not addressed separately. It covers

under gas cavities.

Inclusion:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Covered under linear indications.

Any isolated inclusion if its largest

dimension is greater than the value
given in the table.

PENETRANT TESTING
Certification of inspectors:
No Significant difference
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Personnel are qualified and

certified according to
standard NF EN 473.

Personnel are qualified and certified

accordance with the requirements of
the latest edition of ASNT-SNT-TC-1A or
an equivalent accepted standard.
(ASME Sec. III NB-5520)

Written Procedure Requirements:

Slightly difference
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Written procedure required

Written procedure required along with

Procedure Qualification

Control of Contaminants:
RCC-M is more strict
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

- 200 ppm for chloride plus fluoride The total halogens and sulphur
- 200 ppm for sulphur
content shall not exceed 1% by
weight.

Surface preparation:
No Significant difference
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Surface shall be free from

irregularity e.g. scale, rust, oil,
grease or paint shall be removed,

Surface shall be dry and free of all

dirt, grease, lint, scale, welding
flux, weld spatter, paint, oil, and
other extraneous matter

Drying After Preparation :

No Significant difference
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Prior to penetrant testing the

surface to be inspected shall be
cleaned and dried.

After cleaning, drying of the

surfaces to be examined shall be
accomplished by normal
evaporation or with forced hot or
cold air.

Technique:
RCC-M has more Classification
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Type I Fluorescent , Type II Colour

Contrast, Type III Dual purpose
Method A Water washable
Method B Lipophilic emulsifier
Method C Solvent Removable
Method D Hydrophilic emulsifier
Method E Water and Solvent

Either a color contrast (visible)

penetrant or a fluorescent
penetrant shall be used with one
of the following three penetrant
processes:
(a) water washable
(b) post-emulsifying
(c) solvent removable

Techniques for Standard Temperatures:

Temperature range is different in both standards
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The temperature of the part under

examination and the products in
use shall remain within a range of
10C to 50C throughout the
entire penetrant process.

As a standard technique, the

temperature of the penetrant and
the surface of the part to be
processed shall not be below 40F
(5C) nor above 125F (52C)
throughout the examination
period.

Techniques for Nonstandard Temperatures:

Qualification of testing at Non-Standard temperature is more strict in

ASME
RCC-M (2012)
ASME (2010)
In the special case of examination
at a temperature of less than
10C, the developer shall be
applied using an aerosol whose
temperature, at the time of being
used, shall be approximately
20C.

It is not practical to conduct a liquid

penetrant examination within the
temperature range of 40F to 125F
(5C to 52C), the examination
procedure at the proposed lower or
higher temperature range requires
qualification of the penetrant
materials .

Calibration:
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

See EN 956

Light meters, both visible and

fluorescent (black) light meters,
shall be calibrated at least once a
year or whenever the meter has
been repaired.

Penetrant Application:
No Significant difference
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The penetrant can be applied to

the part to be tested by spraying,
brushing, flooding, dipping or
immersion.

The penetrant may be applied by

any suitable means, such as
dipping, brushing, or spraying.

Minimum dwell times:

RCC-M is more strict
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Dwell time shall be at least 20

minutes.
The penetrant film shall remain
damp for the entire dwell period

Penetration (dwell) time is critical.

For temperature range from 50F to
125F (10C to 52C) minimum
dwell time shall be 5-10minutes.
For temperatures from 40F (5C) up
to 50F (10C), minimum penetrant
dwell time shall be 2 times.

Excess Penetrant Removal:

No Significant difference
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The application of the remover

medium shall be such that no
penetrant is removed from the
discontinuities.

After the specified penetration

time has elapsed, any penetrant
remaining on the surface shall be
removed, taking care to minimize
removal of penetrant from
discontinuities.

Water-Washable Penetrants:
ASME is more strict

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The excess penetrant shall be

removed using a suitable rinsing
technique. The temperature of the
water shall not exceed 50C.

Excess water washable penetrant

shall be removed with a water
spray. The water pressure shall not
exceed 50 psi (350 KPa), and the
water temperature shall not
exceed 110F (43C).

Post-Emulsification Penetrants Lipophilic

Emulsification:
No Significant
RCC-M
(2012) difference

ASME (2010)

The emulsifier contact time shall

be evaluated by the user through
pre-tests according to the
manufacturers instructions.

After the required penetrant dwell

time, the excess surface penetrant
shall be emulsified by immersing
or flooding the part with the
emulsifier.

Post-Emulsification Penetrants Hydrophilic

emulsification:
RCC-M
(2012)
Time
limit
for pre-rinse in ASME

ASME (2010)

Before the application of the emulsifier,

a water wash should be performed in
order to remove the bulk of the excess
penetrant from the test surface and to
facilitate a uniform action of the
hydrophilic emulsifier which will be
applied subsequently.
The emulsifier shall be applied by
immersion or by foam equipment.

Pre-rinsing time shall not

exceed 1 min. After prerinsing, the excess surface
penetrant shall be emulsified
by immersing in or spraying
with hydrophilic emulsifier.

Solvent Removable Penetrants:

No Significant difference

Drying After Excess Penetrant Removal:

No Significant difference

Developing:
No Significant difference

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The application of the

developer shall be carried out
as soon as possible after the
removal of excess penetrant.

The developer shall be applied as soon

as possible after penetrant removal; the
time interval shall not exceed that
established in the procedure.
Insufficient coating thickness may not
draw the penetrant out of
discontinuities; conversely, excessive
coating thickness may mask
indications.

Wet Developer Application:

No Significant difference

Dry Developer Application:

No Significant difference

Developing Time:
RCC-M is strict
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The development time should

be between 10min and 30min;
longer times may be agreed
between the contracting parties.

Color Contrast

Developing time for final

interpretation begins immediately
after the application of a dry
developer or as soon as a wet
developer coating is dry. Final
interpretation shall be made not less
than 10 min nor more than 60 min.
Penetrants:

ASME is strict
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The test surface shall be

inspected under daylight or
under artificial white light with
an illuminance of not less than
500 lx on the surface of the
tested part (This value may be
change in LE)

A minimum light intensity of 100 fc

(1000 lx) is required on the surface
to be examined to ensure adequate
sensitivity during the examination
and evaluation of indications.

Fluorescent Penetrants:
No Significant difference

Post-Examination Cleaning:
No Significant difference

Acceptance Criteria (Evaluation of Indications)

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Only indications > 2 mm are

considered recordable
conditions.

Relevant indications are indications

which result from imperfections.
Linear indications are indications in
which the length is more than three
times the width. Rounded indications
are indications which are circular or
elliptical with the length equal to or
less than three times the width.

Acceptance Criteria (Acceptance Standards):

RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The following are

unacceptable:
linear indications,
rounded indications whose
greatest dimension is > 4
mm,
3 or more indications in a
line, less than 3 mm apart
edge to edge,
groups of 5 or more
indications in a rectangular
area of 100 cm2 chosen in
the most unfavourable
manner in relation to the
indications and whose
largest dimension shall not
exceed 20 cm.

(a) Only imperfections producing

indications with major dimensions greater
than 116 in. (1.5 mm) shall be considered
relevant imperfections.
(b) Imperfections producing the following
indications are unacceptable:
(1) any cracks or linear indications;
(2) rounded indications with dimensions
greater than 316 in. (5 mm);
(3) four or more rounded indications in a
line separated by 116 in. (1.5 mm) or
less edge to edge;
(4) ten or more rounded indications in
any 6 in.
(4 000 mm2) of surface with the major
dimension of this area not to exceed 6 in.
(150 mm) with the area taken in the most
unfavorable location relative to the

MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING

Certification of inspectors :
No Significant difference
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Personnel are qualified and

certified according to
standard NF EN 473.

Personnel are qualified and certified

accordance with the requirements of
the latest edition of ASNT-SNT-TC-1A or
an equivalent accepted standard.
(ASME Sec. III NB-5520)

Written Procedure Requirements:

Qualification of procedure is necessary in ASME
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Written procedure required

Written procedure required along with

Procedure Qualification

Checking magnetization apparatus:

RCC-M is more strict
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Ammeters shall be checked

every 6 months in accordance
with conditions set forth in a
written document.

Magnetizing equipment with an

ammeter shall be calibrated at least
once a year. If equipment has not been
in use for a year or more, calibration
shall be done prior to first use.

Calibration of measuring apparatus:

No Significant difference
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Measuring apparatus (light

Light meters and Gauss meters shall be
meter, field indicator) shall be calibrated at least once a year or
calibrated every 12 months in whenever a meter has been repaired.
accordance with conditions
set forth in a written
document.

Detecting media:
No Significant difference
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Dry powders: This powder may

either be used without a special
preparation or may be colored
to improve contrast.
Magnetic inks: The
concentration of magnetic
particles visible in white light
shall in all cases be higher than
2 g/l in new products.

The particles shall be treated to

impart color in order to make them
highly visible against the background
of the surface being examined. For
fluorescent particles, the required
settling volume is from 0.1 to 0.4 mL
in a 100-mL bath sample and from
1.2 to 2.4 mL per 100 mL of vehicle
for nonfluorescent particles

Devices for checking detecting media:

ASME is more systematic
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Checking the procurement and

Pear-shaped centrifuge
consistency over time of the
performance of detecting media is
performed using previouslymagnetized magnetic particle field

Surface Preparation:
No Significant difference

Choice of magnetization method:

Techniques are more detailed in ASME
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The choice of the

magnetization method
depends on the geometry,
mass, condition and grade of
the parts under examination
in addition to the assumed
orientation and depth of the
discontinuities sought.

One or more of the following five

magnetization techniques shall be
used:
(a) prod technique
(b) longitudinal magnetization
technique
(c) circular magnetization technique
(d) yoke technique
(e) multidirectional magnetization
technique

Temperature conditions for detecting media:

RCC-M contains more details
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Magnetic ink can be used for

temperatures less than or equal to
50C, Dry powder containing
organic pigments can be used for
temperatures less than or equal to
100C and Dry powder containing
either no pigments or with nonorganic pigments for temperatures
less than or equal to 300C.

Particles shall be used within the

temperature range limitations set by
the manufacturer of the particles.
Alternatively, particles may be used
outside the particle manufacturers
recommendations providing the
procedure is qualified in accordance
with Article 1, T-150 at the proposed
temperature.

Magnetization conditions checks:

No Significant difference

Application of detecting medium:

No Significant difference

Lighting Conditions:
ASME is more strict
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

When detecting media visible

under normal lighting
conditions are used, the area
examined shall be illuminated
to a level of not less than 500
lux.
Where fluorescent detecting
media are used, the
examination shall be
performed in a darkened area.
The ultra-violet light intensity
on the surface to be observed

A minimum light intensity of 100 fc

(1000 Lx) is required on the surface to
be examined for visible magnetic
particles
With fluorescent magnetic particles,
the examination is performed using an
ultraviolet light (i.e.,nominal 365 nm),
called black light.
Glasses or lenses worn by examiners
shall not be photochromic or exhibit
any fluorescence. Black lights shall
achieve a minimum of 1000W/cm2 on

Interpretation of indications:
No Significant difference

Cleaning:
No Significant difference

Demagnetization
No Significant difference

Current flow technique using hand-held prods

(Placement of Prods)
No Significant difference

Current flow technique using hand-held prods

(strength of magnetization current)
ASME involves more parameters
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

Recommended value of
current in amperes per cm of
space between the prods is
40 to 50 for AC, 25 to 32 for
Half-wave rectified current
and 36 to 45 for Full-wave
rectified current.

Direct or rectified magnetizing current

shall be used. The current shall be
100(minimum) amp / in. (4 amp/mm) to
125 (maximum) amp/in. (5 amp/mm) of
prod spacing for sections 34 in. (19
mm) thick or greater. For sections less
than 34 in. (19 mm) thick, the current
shall be 90 amp/ in. (3.6 amp/mm) to
110 amp/in. (4.4 amp/mm) of prod
techniques
spacing.

Magnetic flow
(Magnetizing Methods):
No Significant difference

Magnetic flow techniques (Special technical

conditions):
RCC-M
ASME
is (2012)
more detailed
Current amperage is selected in
accordance with the dimensions
(length and diameter) of the part
with the number of coil turns
needed to provide the
magnetization characteristics
between 2400 and 4000 A/m in the
area under examination.

ASME (2010)
The current shall be 300 amp/in. (12
A/mm) to 800 amp/in. (31 A/mm) of
outer diameter for central conductor
technique.
For longitudinal magnetization
techniques suitable magnetizing
current is obtained by formula

Magnetic flow techniques (Strength of yokes):

No Significant difference

Magnetic flow techniques (Placement of yokes):

No Significant difference

VISUAL TESTING
Examination personnel:
No Significant difference
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The examination personnel

shall provide proof that their
vision satisfies the
requirements of NF EN 473.

Written Procedure
No Significant difference

Personnel shall have an annual vision

test to assure natural or corrected near
distance acuity such that they are
capable of reading standard J-1 letters
on standard Jaeger test type charts for
near vision. Equivalent near vision tests
are acceptable.(ASME Sec. V, Article
Requirements:
9)

Direct visual examination equipment:

No Significant difference

Indirect visual examination equipment

No Significant difference

Reference sample
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The Manufacturer may propose

that a visual comparison be made
of the part being examined with a
reference sample.

0.8 mm wide black line is required

on 18% neutral grey card

Examination conditions
Lighting conditions in ASME are more strict
RCC-M (2012)

ASME (2010)

The level of examination surface

The minimum light intensity at the
illumination shall not be lower than examination surface/site shall be
500 lux.
100 footcandles (1000 lux).