ISO 10893-12:2011/Amd 1:2020

Overview

ISO 10893-12:2011/Amd 1:2020 is an amendment to the international standard for the non-destructive testing (NDT) of steel tubes using automated ultrasonic technology. Specifically, this document addresses the full peripheral ultrasonic thickness testing of both seamless and welded steel tubes, excluding submerged arc-welded tubes. The amendment introduces a critical update by changing the acceptance criteria related to test retesting procedures.

The original ISO 10893-12:2011 standard is widely recognized for its role in ensuring the integrity and thickness uniformity of steel tubes used in various industrial applications. This amendment streamlines the acceptance process by reducing the number of retests required for a tube to pass inspection, enhancing efficiency while maintaining quality assurance.

Key Topics

• Automated Ultrasonic Thickness Testing
  The standard covers the use of ultrasonic equipment that performs a full 360-degree scan of steel tube walls to detect variations in thickness and ensure compliance with defined tolerances.

• Scope of Application
  Includes seamless and welded steel tubes, explicitly excluding submerged arc-welded tubes, thereby focusing on tube types commonly used in pressure and structural applications.

• Updated Acceptance Criteria
  A significant change introduced by Amendment 1 (2020) reduces the retest requirement from two consecutive retests to just one retest for suspect tubes.

  • If, after one retest, all ultrasonic signals fall below the trigger/alarm level, the tube passes.
  • Otherwise, the tube is designated as suspect and may require further evaluation or rejection.

• Quality Assurance in Steel Tube Manufacturing
  The standard aims to ensure the mechanical reliability and safety of steel tubes by detecting potential defects that could lead to failures in service.

Applications

This ISO standard, particularly with the updated acceptance criteria, is critical for industries that rely on high-quality steel tubes with precise wall thickness:

• Oil and Gas Industry
  Ensuring integrity of pipelines and pressure tubes through reliable ultrasonic thickness measurements.

• Automotive and Heavy Machinery
  Verifying tube dimensions and integrity for components subjected to mechanical stress.

• Construction and Structural Engineering
  Guaranteeing safety in tubular steel structural elements by preventing substandard tubes from installation.

• Manufacturing of Steel Tubes
  Facilitating quicker acceptance of products through reduced retesting, improving production efficiency without compromising on quality.

• Pressure Equipment Fabrication
  Compliance with this standard helps meet safety regulations by verifying tube wall thickness to withstand pressure loads.

Related Standards

• ISO 10893 Series
  This is Part 12 of ISO 10893, which covers non-destructive testing of steel tubes. Other parts address different NDT methods such as eddy current (Part 4) or electromagnetic testing.

• ISO/TC 17 - Technical Delivery Conditions for Steel Tubes
  ISO 10893-12 is developed under this technical committee, which governs steel tube quality and testing standards.

• ISO 6507 - Metallic Materials – Vickers Hardness Test
  Often used in conjunction with ultrasonic testing to assess metal properties.

• ASTM E213 - Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement
  A related standard providing guidelines for ultrasonic inspection, although ISO 10893-12 is specifically tailored for steel tubes.

Practical Value

Implementing ISO 10893-12:2011/Amd 1:2020 provides several benefits for manufacturers and users of steel tubes:

• Improved Testing Efficiency
  Reducing the retest count expedites quality control processes, saving time and costs in tube inspection.

• Enhanced Product Reliability
  Automated ultrasonic testing ensures comprehensive wall thickness measurement, minimizing risks of undetected defects.

• Global Compliance
  Aligning with internationally recognized standards facilitates trade and acceptance in global markets.

• Risk Mitigation
  Early identification of suspect tubes prevents potential failures in end-use applications, contributing to safety and performance.

For organizations involved in producing or utilizing steel tubes, adherence to ISO 10893-12 and its amendments is essential for maintaining high quality and safety standards in critical industrial components.