StandardSpecificationfor Straight-BeamUltrasonicExaminationofRolledSteelPlates forSpecialApplications
This standard is isued under the fised designation A578/A578M; the number immediately following the designaticn indicates the yearof original adoption or in the case of revision the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
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This standnl has bem approved for ase bry agencier ef the U.S. Deprmenr ef Defense.
1. Scope*
2.Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification² covers the procedure and acceptancestandards for straight-beam pulse-echo ultrasonic examina- tion of rolled carbon and alloy steel plates % in. [10 mm] inthickness and over for special applications. The method willdetect internal discontinuities parallel to the rolled surfaces. Three levels of acceptance standards are provided. Supplemen-tary requirements are provided for alternative procedures.
Clad PlateSteel PlateE1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments2.2 ANSI Standand:^ Phased-Array Ultrasonic Testing Instruments and SystemsB 46.1 Surface Texture2.3ASNT Standard:s SNT-TC-1A
2.1 ASTM Srandards:3
A263 Specification for Stainless Chromium Steel-Clad Plate A264 Specification for Stainless Chromium-Nickel Steel-A265 Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Base Alloy-CladE317 Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and SystemsE2491 Guide for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of
1.2 Individuals performing examinations in accordance withthis specification shall be qualified and certified in accordanceTC-1A or an equivalent accepted standard. An equivalent with the requirements of the latest edition of ASNT SNT-standard is one which covers the qualification and certification of ultrasonic nondestructive examination candidates and whichis acceptable to the purchaser.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in 1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound unitseach system may not be exact equivalents; therefore each system shall be used independently of the other. Combiningvalues from the two systems may result in non-conformancewith the standard.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions-For definitions of terms relating to nonde-structive examinations used in this specification refer to Terminology E1316.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of theresponsibiliry of the user of this standard to establish appro- safety concerns if any associated with its use. lt is thepricte safety health and ervironmental practices and deter-mine the applicabiliry of regulatory limifarions prior to use.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 The inquiry and order shall indicate the following:
Acceptance Level B shall apply unless otherwise agreed to by 4.1.1 Acceptance level requirements (Sections 8 9 and 10).purchaser and manufacturer.
1.5 This intermational standard was developed in accor-dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- izarion established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopeent of Intermational Standards Guides and Re- mencdarions issued by the World Trade Organizarion TechnicalBarriers to Trade (TBT) Conmittee.
prescribed in 6.2 14.1 and Section 11. 4.1.2 Any additions to the provisions of this specification as
4.1.3 Supplementary requirements if any.
5. Apparatus
6.Procedure
6.6 Scanning:
5.1 The ultrasonic instrument shall be a pulse echo typeor a phased-array probe and shall be equipped with a standard- instrument capable of addressing either a mono-element probeized dB gain or attenuation control stepped in increments of 1dB minimum. The system shall be capable of generating and displaying A-scans.
linearity shall be checked in accordance with Practice E317 5.2 Vertical and horizontal linearity and amplitude controlGuide E2491 or another procedure approved by the users ofthis specification. An acceptable linearity performance may be aseqond pue aunseynueu o <q uodn poou3e 5.3 The transducer shall be 1 or 1%s in. [25 or 30 mm] inare used focal laws using an equivalent active aperture shall be diameter or 1 in. [25 mm] square. When phased-array systemsused. 5.4 Other search units may be used for evaluating andpinpointing indications. 6.1 Perform the inspection in an area free of operations thatinterfere with proper performance of the test. 6.2 Unless otherwise specified make the ultrasonic exami-nation on either major surface of the plate. to maintain a first reflection from the oposite side of the plate 6.3 The plate surface shall be sufficiently clean and smooth e s uuus unp aes n jo % os isea e suitable means of scale removal at the manufacturer’s option.achieve proper surface smoothness. specified identification which is removed when grinding to 6.4 Perform the test by one of the following methods: directcontact immersion or liquid column coupling. Use a suitable couplant such as water soluble oil or glycerin. As a result ofthe test by this method the surface of plates may be expected to have a residue of oil or rust or both. When testing plates less than 4 in. [20 mm] thick a frequency 6.5 A nominal test frequency of 2% MHz is remended.of 5 MHz may be necessary. Thickness grain size or micro-structure of the material and nature of the equipment or method may require a higher or lower test frequency. Use the trans-ducers at their rated frequency. A clean easily interpreted A-scan display should be produced during the examination. lines on nominal 9-in. [225-mm] centers or at the option of the 6.6.1 Scanning shall be along continuous perpendicular gridverse to the major plate axis on nominal 4-in. [100-mm] manufacturer shall be along continuous parallel paths trans-centers or shall be along continuous parallel paths parallel tothe major plate axis on 3-in. [75-mm] or smaller centers. Measure the lines from the center or one er of the platewith an additional path within 2 in. [50 mm] of all edges of the plate on the examination surface. 6.6.2 Conduct the general scanning with an instrumentadjustment that will produce a first reflection from the opposite side of a sound area of the plate from 50 to 90 % of full scale.Minor sensitivity adjustments may be made to acmodatefor surface roughness. Sunp psqo s uopoo nusp uu 99general scanning adjust the instrument to produce a first reflection from the opposite side of a sound area of the plate of75 ± 5 % of full scale. Maintain this instrument setting during evaluation of the discontinuity condition. 7. Recording 7.1 Record all discontinuities causing plete loss of backreflection. 7.2 For plates % in. [20 mm] thick and over record allindications with amplitudes equal to or greater than 50 % of theinitial back reflection and acpanied by a 50 % loss of back reflection. the fist hack reflction may cause a second reflection at the location of the NorE 1Indications occurring midway between the initial pulse andgated additionally by use of multiple back reflections. first back reflection. When this condition is observed it shall be investi- 7.3 Where grid scanning is performed and recordable con-ditions as in 7.1 and 7.2 are detected along a given grid line the entire surface area of the squares adjacent to this indicationad s Ss ed ped a ps aq and recordable conditions as in 7.1 and 7.2 are detected theentire surface area of a 9 by 9-in. [225 by 225-mm] square centered on this indication shall be scanned. The true bound-aries where these conditions exist shall be established in eithermethod by the following technique: Move the transducer away from the center of the discontinuity until the height of the backreflection and discontinuity indications are equal. Mark the plate at a point equivalent to the center of the transducer.Repeat the operation to establish the boundary. 8. Acceptance Standard-Level A 8.1 Any area where one or more discontinuities produce acontinuous total loss of back reflection acpanied by con-tinuous indications on the same plane (within 5 % of plate thickness) that cannot be enpassed within a circle whosewhichever is greater is unacceptable. diameter is 3 in. [75 mm] or 12 of the plate thickness 9. Acceptance Standards-Level B 9.1 Any area where one or more discontinuities produce acontinuous total loss of back reflection acpanied by con- tinuous indications on the same plane (within 5 % of platediameter is 3 in. [75 mm] or / of the plate thickness thickness) that cannot be enpassed within a circle whosewhichever is greater is unacceptable. 9.2 In addition two or more discontinuities smaller thandescribed in 9.1 shall be unacceptable unless separated by aminimum distance equal to the greatest diameter of the larger discontinuity or unless they may be collectively enpassedby the circle described in 9.1. 10. Acceptance Standard-Level C 10.1 Any area where one or more discontinuities produce acontinuous total loss of back reflection acpanied by con-tinuous indications on the same plane (within 5 % of plate thickness) that cannot be enpassed within a 1-in. [25-mm]diameter circle is unacceptable. at the place of manufacture prior to shipment unless otherwisespecified and shall be conducted without interfering unneces-sarily with the manufacturer's operations. 11. Report 13. Rehearing manufacturer the manufacturer shall report the following data: 11.1 Unless otherwise agreed to by the purchaser and the 13.1 The manufacturer reserves the right to discuss reject-able ultrasonically tested plate with the purchaser with theobject of possible repair of the ultrasonically indicated defect before rejection of the plate. sketch of the plate with sufficient data to relate the geometry 11.1.1 All recordable indications listed in Section 7 on aand identity of the sketch to those of the plate. 11.1.2 Test parameters including: Make and model ofinstrument surface condition search unit type and frequency)dnoo pue 14. Marking 14.1Plates accepted according to this specification shall beidentified by stenciling (stamping) *UT A578A" on one cormer for Level A "UT A578B" for Level B and “UTfor each supplementary requirement ordered. A578C" for Level C. The supplement number shall be added 11.1.3 Date of test. 12. Inspection 12.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall haveis being performed to all parts of the manufacturer’s works access at all times while work on the contract of the purchaserthat concerm the ultrasonic testing of the material ordered. The manufacturer shall afford the inspector all reasonable facilitiesto satisfy him that the material is being furmished in accordance with this specification. All tests and inspections shall be made 15. Keywords 15.1 nondestructive testing: pressure containing parts; pres-steel plates; straight-beam; ultrasonic examinations sure vessel steels; steel plate for pressure vessel applications; SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS nd q pds o de us s s When details of these requirements are not covered herein they are subject to agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser. S1. Scanning S5. Surface Finish a maximum 125 μin. [3 μm] AA (see ANSI B 46.1) prior to test. S5.1 The surface finish of the plate shall be conditioned to S1.1 Scanning shall be continuous over 100 % of the platesurface along parallel paths transverse or parallel to the majorplate axis with not less than 10 % overlap between each path. S6. Withdrawn S2. Acceptance Standard descriptions for clad quality level. See Specifications A263 A264 and A265 for equivalent S2.1 Any recordable condition listed in Section 7 that (/) iscontinuous (2) is on the same plane (within 5 % of the platethickness) and (3) cannot be enpassed by a 3-in. [75-mm] diameter circle is unacceptable. Two or more recordableconditions (see Section 7) that (I) are on the same plane (within 5 % of plate thickness) (2) individually can beenpassed by a 3-in. [75-mm] diameter circle (3) areseparated from each other by a distance less than the greatest dimension of the smaller indication and (4) collectively cannotbe enpassed by a 3-in. [75-mm] diameter circle are unacceptable. S7. Withdrawn See Specifications A263 A264 and A265 for equivalentdescriptions for clad quality level. S8. Ultrasonie Examination Using Flat Bottom Hole Cali- bration (for Plates 4 in. [100 mm] Thick and Greater) S8.1Use the following calibration and recording proceduresin place of 6.6.2 6.6.3 and Section 7. S8.2 The transducer shall be in accordance with 5.3. 9 shall be used by agreement between the manufacturer and S2.2 An acceptance level more restrictive than Section 8 orpurchaser. bottom holes shall be used to calibrate the equipment where T S8.3 Reference ReflectorsThe T/4 T/2 and 3774 deep flatis the thickness of the plate. The flat bottom hole diameter shallbe in accordance with Table S8.1. The holes may be drilled in S3.Procedure accordance with this specification. S3.1 The manufacturer shall provide a written procedure in TABLE S8.1 Calibration Hole Diameter as a Function of Plate Thickness (S8) Plate Thicknes in. [mm] [00900069 >912 >1220Hole Dismeter in. [mm] % [16] [19] % [22] 11 [29]
S4. Certification
S4.1 The manufacturer shall provide a written certificationof the ultrasonic test operator’s qualifications.
the plate to be examined if they can be located withoutinterfering with the use of the plate in a prolongation of theplate to be examined or in a reference block of the same nominal position and thermal treatment as the plate to beexamined. The surface of the reference block shall be no better to the unaided eye than the plate surface to be examined. Thereference block shall be of the same nominal thickness (within 75 % to 125 % or 1 in. [25 mm] of the examined plate whichever is less) and shal have acoustical properties similarto the examined plate. Acoustical similarity is presumed when without a change in instrument setting parison of the backreflection signals between the reference block and the exam-
ined plate shows a variation of 25 % or less.
S9.4 Reference ReflectorsThe T/4 T/2 and 3T74 deep flatbottom holes shall be used to calibrate the equipment where Tis the thickness of the plate. The flat bottom hole diameter shall be in accordance with Table S9.1. The flat bottoms of the holesshall be within 1° of parallel to the examination surface. The holes may be drilled in the plate to be examined if they can belocated without interfering with the use of the plate in a prolongation of the plate to be examined or in a referenceblock of the same nominal position and thermal treatmentshall be no better to the unaided eye than the plate surface to as the plate to be examined. The surface of the reference blockbe examined. The reference block shall be of the same nominal thickness (within 75 % to 125 % or 1 in. [25 mm] of theproperties similar to the examined plate. Acoustical similarity examined plate whichever is less) and shall have acousticalis presumed when without a change in instrument seting.parison of the back reflection signals between the reference block and the examined plate shows a variation of 25 % or less.
S8.4 Calibration Procedure:
S8.4.1 Couple and position the search unit for maximumamplitudes from the reflectors at 774 772 and 3774. Set theinstrument to produce a 75 ± 5 % of full scale indication from the reflector giving the highest amplitude.
S9.5 Calibrarion Procedure:
position the search unit over each of the holes and mark on the S8.4.2 Without changing the instrument setting couple andscreen the maximum amplitude from cach hole and eachminimum remaining back reflection.
S9.5.1 Couple and position the search unit for maximumamplitudes from the reflectors at 774 7/2 and 3774. Set the instrument to produce a 75 ± 5 % of full-scale indication fromthe reflector giving the highest amplitude.
S8.4.3 Mark on the screen half the vertical distance from theA-scan base line to each maximum amplitude hole mark. Connect the maximum amplitude hole marks and extend theline through the thickness for the 100 % DAC (distance amplitude correction curve). Similarly connect and extend thehalf maximum amplitude marks for the 50 % DAC.responses from the flat bottom holes shall be equalized at 75 % Alternatively when time-corrected gain (TCG) is used thescreen height (±5 %) and the half-amplitude noted.
position the search unit over each of the holes and mark on the S9.5.2 Without changing the instrument setting couple andscreen the maximum amplitude from each of the holes.
S9.5.3 Mark on the screen half the vertical distances fromthe sweep line to each maximum amplitude hole mark. Connect the maximum amplitude hole marks and extend theline through the thickness for the 100 % DAC (distanceamplitude correction curve). Similarly connect and extend the half maximim amplitude marks for the 50 % DAC.responses from the flat bottom holes shall be equalized at 75 % Alternatively when time-corrected gain (TCG) is used thescreen height (±5 %) and the half-amplitude noted.
S8.5 Recording:
is smaller than the highest of the minimum remaining back S8.5.1 Record all areas where the remaining back reflectionreflections found in S8.4.2.
S9.6 Scamning Scanning shall cover 100 % of one majorplate surface with the search unit being indexed between eachpass such that there is at least 15 % overlap of adjoining passes in order to assure adequate coverage for locating discontinui-ties.
DAC or 50 % TCG. S8.5.2 Record all areas where indications exceed 50 %
S8.5.2 are detected along a given grid line continuously scan S8.5.3 Where recordable conditions listed in S8.5.1 andthe entire surface area of the squares adjacent to the condition and record the boundaries or extent of each recordable condi-tion.
S9.7 Recording-Record all areas where the back reflectionreflection is not acpanied by other indications on the drops below the 50 % DAC or 50 % TCG. If the drop in backscreen recondition the surface in the area and reexaminethe loss may be due to the metallurgical structure of the ultrasonically. If the back reflection is still below 50 % DAC material being examined. The material shall be held for metallurgical review by the purchaser and manufacturer.
S8.6 Scanning shall be in accordance with 6.6.
S8.7 The acceptance levels of Section 8 or 9 shall apply asshall be as given in S8.5. specified by the purchaser except that the recordable condition
S9.Ultrasonic Examination of Electroslag Remelted (ESR) and Vacuum-Arc Remelted (VAR) Plates from 1 to 16 in. [25 to 400 mm] in Thickness Using Flat-Bottom Hole Calibration and Distance-Amplitude Corrections
S9.8 Acceptance StandardsAny indication that exceedsthe 100 % DAC or 100 % TCG shall be considered unacepl- able. The manufacturer may reserve the right to discuss
S9.1 The material to be examined must have a surface finishthick inclusive and 250 μin. [6 μm] as maximum for plates of 200 μin. [5 μm] as maximum for plates up to 8 in. [200 mm]over 8 to 16 in. [200 to 400 mm] thick.
TABLE S9.1 Calibration Hole Diameter as a Function of Plate Thickness (S9)
Plate Thickness in [mm] [00192] 14 [00000][000002][00200] >48 >812 >1216Hole Dismeter in. [mm] %[3] 14 [6] % [10] [13]
S9.2 Use the following procedures in place of 6.6.1 6.6.2 6.6.3 and Section 7.
S9.3 The transducer shall be in accordance with 5.3.
rejectable ultrasonically examined material with the purchaser the object being the possible repair of the ultrasonicallyindicated defect before rejection of the plate.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
(A578/A578M 07 (2012)) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 1 2017.) Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(1) Added Section 3 Terminology and renumbered subsequent (2) Revised throughout to include phased array technology. sections accordingly.
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