ISO 4992-1:2020

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 4992-1
Second edition
2020-03
Steel castings — Ultrasonic testing —
Part 1:
Steel castings for general purposes
Pièces moulées en acier - Contrôle par ultrasons —
Partie 1: Pièces moulées en acier pour usages généraux
Reference number
ISO 4992-1:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 4992-1:2020(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO 4992-1:2020(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Requirements . 3
4.1 Order information . 3
4.2 Extent of testing . 3
4.3 Maximum acceptable size of discontinuities . 3
4.3.1 General. 3
4.3.2 Acceptance levels for planar discontinuities mainly orientated
perpendicular to the surface . 3
4.3.3 Acceptance levels for volumetric discontinuities . 4
4.3.4 Maximum acceptable discontinuities when radiographic testing (RT) of
the casting is carried out as a supplement to ultrasonic testing (UT) . 4
4.4 Qualification of personnel . 4
4.5 Wall-section zones . 4
4.6 Classes . 4
5 Testing . 4
5.1 Principles . 4
5.2 Material . 4
5.3 Test equipment and coupling fluid . 5
5.3.1 Ultrasonic instrument . 5
5.3.2 Probes. 5
5.3.3 Checking of the ultrasonic test equipment . 6
5.3.4 Coupling fluid. 6
5.4 Preparation of casting surfaces for testing . 6
5.5 Test procedure . 6
5.5.1 General. 6
5.5.2 Range setting . 7
5.5.3 Sensitivity setting . 7
5.5.4 Consideration of various types of indications . 8
5.5.5 Recording limits. 8
5.5.6 Assessment of discontinuities to be recorded . 8
5.5.7 Characterization and sizing of discontinuities . 8
5.6 Test report . 9
Annex A (informative) Sound-beam diameters .16
Annex B (informative) Types of indications generated by typical discontinuities .18
Bibliography .30
© ISO 2020 – All rights reserved iii

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO 4992-1:2020(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 17, Steel, Subcommittee SC 11, Steel
castings.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 4992-1:2006), which has been technically
revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— New definition added for “rim zone” (3.6) and “non-measurable dimension (3.8);
— New subclause 4.3.1;
— Figure 2 was redrawn;
— Subtitles added to Figures 2, 3, 4 and Figures in Annexes A and B
— Figure A.1 Key 8 was corrected;
— Table in Figure A.1 numbered as Table A.1.
A list of all parts in the ISO 4992 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 4992-1:2020(E)
Steel castings — Ultrasonic testing —
Part 1:
Steel castings for general purposes
1 Scope
This document specifies the requirements for the ultrasonic testing of steel castings (with ferritic
structure) for general purposes, and the methods for determining internal discontinuities by the pulse-
echo technique.
This document applies to the ultrasonic testing of steel castings which have usually received a grain-
refining heat treatment and which have wall thicknesses up to and including 600 mm. For greater wall
thicknesses, special agreements apply with respect to the test procedure and the acceptance levels.
This document does not apply to austenitic steels and to joint welds.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 2400, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic testing — Specification for calibration block No. 1
ISO 5577, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic testing — Vocabulary
ISO 7963, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic testing — Specification for calibration block No. 2
ISO 9712, Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel
ISO 11971, Steel and iron castings — Visual testing of surface quality
ISO 16810, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic testing — General principles
ISO 16811, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic testing — Sensitivity and range setting
ISO 16827, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic testing — Characterization and sizing of discontinuities
1)
ISO 22232-1 , Non-destructive testing — Characterization and verification of ultrasonic test equipment —
Part 1: Instruments
2)
ISO 22232-2 , Non-destructive testing — Characterization and verification of ultrasonic test equipment —
Part 2: Probes
3)
ISO 22232-3 , Non-destructive testing — Characterization and verification of ultrasonic test equipment —
Part 3: Combined equipment
1) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/DIS 22322-1.
2) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/DIS 22322-2.
3) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/DIS 22322-3.
© ISO 2020 – All rights reserved 1

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO 4992-1:2020(E)

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 5577, ISO 16810, ISO 16811,
ISO 16827 and the following, apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
equivalent reference discontinuity echo size
indication to be recorded during the assessment phase of an ultrasonic test, usually expressed as an
equivalent diameter of a flat-bottomed hole (FBH)
3.2
point-like discontinuity
discontinuity, the dimensions of which are smaller than or equal to the sound-beam width
Note 1 to entry: Dimensions in this document relate to length, width and/or dimension in the through-wall
direction.
3.3
extended discontinuity
discontinuity, the dimensions of which are larger than the sound-beam width
Note 1 to entry: Dimensions in this document relate to length, width and/or dimension in the through-wall
direction.
3.4
planar discontinuity
discontinuity having two measurable dimensions
3.5
volumetric discontinuity
discontinuity having three measurable dimensions
3.6
rim zone
1/3 the through-wall thickness from the surface with a maximum of 30 mm
3.7
special rim zone
outer rim zone (3.6) of the test object with special requirements
Note 1 to entry: Examples of special requirements are machined surfaces, higher stresses and sealing surfaces.
3.8
non-measurable dimension
dimension of a discontinuity that is smaller than the beam width, which depends on the probe size and
the frequency used
Note 1 to entry: Current state of the industry is <3 mm.
3.9
production welding
any welding on the test object carried out during manufacturing before final delivery to the purchaser
3.10
joint welding
production welding used to assemble components together to obtain an integral unit
2 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
ISO 4992-1:2020(E)

3.11
finishing welding
production welding carried out in order to ensure the agreed quality of the casting
4 Requirements
4.1 Order information
The following information shall be available at the time of enquiry and order (see also ISO 16810):
a) the areas of the casting and the number or percentage of castings to which the requirements of
ultrasonic testing apply (testing volume, extent of testing);
b) the acceptance levels to be applied to the various zones or areas of the casting;
c) requirements for a written test procedure;
d) whether there are any additional requirements for the test procedure, see also 5.5.1.
4.2 Extent of testing
The casting shall be tested so that the agreed areas are covered (insofar as this is possible from the
shape of the casting) by the use of the best applicable test technique.
For wall thicknesses greater than 600 mm, agreement shall be made between the purchaser and
manufacturer on the acceptance levels, test procedure, and the recording of the test results.
4.3 Maximum acceptable size of discontinuities
4.3.1 General
Single discontinuities extending into the rim zone and core zone shall be evaluated as rim zone.
4.3.2 Acceptance levels for planar discontinuities mainly orientated perpendicular to the surface
The acceptance levels for planar discontinuities are given in Figure 1.
Discontinuities exceeding 3 mm FBH shall not be acceptable in class 1.
The largest dimension of a discontinuity in the through-wall direction shall not exceed 10 % of the wall
thickness, except discontinuities with a length ≤10 mm. Discontinuities with a length ≤10 mm shall not
exceed a dimension in the through-wall direction of 25 % of the wall thickness.
The greatest distance between discontinuities, as a criterion for evaluation as a single discontinuity or
a discontinuity area perpendicular or lateral to the surface, shall be 10 mm.
For a discontinuity with more than 3 mm in length and non-measurable dimension in the through-wall
direction, this non-measurable dimension shall be taken as 3 mm and the discontinuity area shall be
calculated as follows:
A = 3L (1)
where
© ISO 2020 – All rights reserved 3

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO 4992-1:2020(E)

A is the area of discontinuity, in square millimetres;
3 is the width taken, in millimetres;
L is the length, in millimetres.
4.3.3 Acceptance levels for volumetric discontinuities
The acceptance levels for volumetric discontinuities are given in Table 1. Any discontinuity exceeding
one of the levels shall not be acceptable.
4.3.4 Maximum acceptable discontinuities when radiographic testing (RT) of the casting is
carried out as a supplement to ultrasonic testing (UT)
Unless otherwise agreed at the time of enquiry and order, when conducting radiographic and ultrasonic
testing in combination it was proven that if a discontinuity indicated by radiographic testing is situated
in the core zone, the discontinuity is acceptable at one level lower, e.g. in class 3 instead of class 2 for
radiographic testing. For further information, see EN 1559-2.
4.4 Qualification of personnel
Ultrasonic testing shall be performed by qualified personnel. Qualification of personnel may be
according to ISO 9712 or other equivalent recognised standards.
4.5 Wall-section zones
The wall section shall be divided into core and rim zones as shown in Figure 2. These zones relate to the
dimensions of the casting ready for assembly (finish-machined).
4.6 Classes
If the purchaser specifies different classes in different areas of the same casting, all of these areas shall
be clearly identified and shall include:
a) all necessary dimensions for accurate location of zones;
b) the full extent of all weld preparations and the thickness of any special rim zone.
Class 1 is only applied to weld preparations and special rim zones.
Unless other requirements have been agreed at the time of acceptance of the order, for finishing welds,
the requirements for the parent metal shall apply.
5 Testing
5.1 Principles
The principles of ultrasonic testing given in ISO 16810, ISO 16811 and ISO 16827 shall apply.
5.2 Material
The suitability of material for ultrasonic testing is assessed by comparison with the echo height of
a reference reflector (usually the first back-wall echo) and the noise level. This assessment shall be
carried out on selected casting areas which are representative of the surface finish and of the total
thickness range of the objects to be tested. The assessment areas shall have parallel surfaces.
The reference echo height according to Table 2 shall be at least 6 dB above the noise level.
4 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO 4992-1:2020(E)

If the echo height of the smallest detectable flat-bottomed or equivalent side-drilled hole at the far
end of the test range to be assessed is less than 6 dB above the noise level, then ultrasonic testing has
reduced performance. In this case, the diameter of the flat-bottomed or side-drilled hole which can be
detected with a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 6 dB shall be noted in the test report, and the additional
procedure shall be agreed between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
NOTE For the definition of an adequate diameter of a flat-bottomed hole, the distance-gain-size system
(DGS) or a test block of identical material, heat treatment, and thickness containing flat-bottomed holes with a
diameter according to Table 2 or equivalent side-drilled holes, can be used. The following formula can be used for
converting a flat-bottomed hole diameter into an equivalent side-drilled hole diameter:
4
4,935D
FBH
D = (2)
SDH
2
λ s
where
D is the side-drilled hole diameter, in millimetres;
SDH
D is the flat-bottomed hole diameter, in millimetres;
FBH
λ is the wavelength, in millimetres;
s is the path length, in millimetres.
Formula (2) is applicable for D ≥ 2λ and s ≥ 5 times the near-field length and is only defined for
SDH
single-element probes.
5.3 Test equipment and coupling fluid
5.3.1 Ultrasonic instrument
The ultrasonic instrument shall meet the requirements given in ISO 22232-1 and shall have the
following characteristics:
a) range setting capability, from at least 10 mm to 2 m, continuously selectable, for longitudinal and
transverse waves in steel;
b) gain span, adjustable in 2 dB maximum steps over a range of at least 80 dB with an accuracy of 1 dB;
c) time-base and vertical linearities less than 5 % of the adjustment range of the screen;
d) operating in combined transmitter-receiver mode or in separate transmitter-receiver mode;
e) suitability, at least for nominal frequencies from 1 MHz up to and including 5 MHz, for the pulse-
echo technique with single-element and dual-element probes.
5.3.2 Probes
The probes shall meet the requirements given in ISO 22232-2 and ISO 22232-3 with the following
exceptions:
a) nominal frequencies shall be in the range 1 MHz to 5 MHz;
b) for oblique incidence, angle-beam probes with angles between 35° and 70° shall be used.
NOTE Normal-beam or angle-beam probes can be used for the testing of steel castings. The suited probe
type depends on the geometry of the casting and the type of discontinuity to be detected.
For test zones close to the surface, dual-element probes (normal-beam or angle-beam) should be
preferred.
© ISO 2020 – All rights reserved 5

---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO 4992-1:2020(E)

5.3.3 Checking of the ultrasonic test equipment
The ultrasonic test equipment shall be checked regularly by the operator in accordance with
ISO 22232-3.
5.3.4 Coupling fluid
A coupling fluid in accordance with ISO 16810 shall be used. The coupling fluid shall wet the test surface
to ensure satisfactory sound transmission. The same coupling fluid shall be used for the calibration and
all subsequent test operations.
NOTE The sound transmission can be checked by one or more stable back-wall echoes in areas with parallel
surfaces.
5.4 Preparation of casting surfaces for testing
For the preparation of casting surfaces for ultrasonic testing, see ISO 16810.
The casting surfaces to be tested shall be such that satisfactory coupling with the probe can be achieved.
With single-element probes, satisfactory coupling can be achieved if the surfaces correspond at least to
the limit comparator 4 S1 or 4 S2 according to ISO 11971.
The roughness of any machined surface used for testing shall be R ≤ 12,5 μm.
a
For special test techniques, higher surface qualities such as 2 S1 or 2 S2 (see ISO 11971) and R ≤ 6,3 μm
a
may be necessary.
5.5 Test procedure
5.5.1 General
Because the choice of both the direction of incidence and suitable probes largely depends on the shape
of the casting, or on the possible discontinuities in the casting or on the possible discontinuities from
finishing welding, the applicable test procedure shall be specified by the manufacturer of the casting.
If possible, the areas to be tested shall be tested from both sides. When testing from one side only,
short-range resolving probes shall be used additionally for the detection of discontinuities close to the
surface. Testing with dual-element probes is only adequate for wall thicknesses up to 50 mm.
Additionally, when not otherwise agreed between the purchaser and the manufacturer, for all castings,
dual-element normal-beam and/or angle-beam probes shall be used to test the following areas up to a
depth of 50 mm:
a) critical areas, e.g. fillets, changes in cross-section, areas with external chills;
b) finishing welds;
c) weld preparation areas, as specified in the order;
d) special rim zones, as specified in the order, critical for the performance of the casting.
Finishing welds which are deeper than 50 mm shall be subject to supplementary testing with other
suitable angle-beam probes.
For angle-beam probes with angles over 60°, the sound path shall not exceed 150 mm.
Complete coverage of all areas specified for testing shall be performed by carrying out systematically
overlapping scans.
The scanning speed shall not exceed 150 mm/s.
6 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
ISO 4992-1:2020(E)

5.5.2 Range setting
Range setting on the ultrasonic instrument shall be carried out in accordance with ISO 16811, using
normal-beam or angle-beam probes in accordance with one of the three options given below:
a) with the calibration block No. 1 in accordance with ISO 2400, or block No. 2 in accordance with
ISO 7963;
b) with an alternative calibration block made of a material exhibiting similar acoustic properties to
those of the material to be tested;
c) on the casting itself when using normal-beam probes. The casting to be tested shall have parallel
surfaces, the distance between which shall be measured and recorded.
5.5.3 Sensitivity setting
5.5.3.1 General
Sensitivity setting shall be carried out after range setting (see 5.5.2) in accordance with ISO 16811. One
of the two following techniques shall be used:
a) Distance-amplitude correction curve technique (DAC)
The distance-amplitude correction curve technique makes use of the echo heights of a series of
identical reflectors [flat-bottomed holes (FBH) or side-drilled holes (SDH)], each reflector having a
different sound path.
NOTE Most commonly a frequency of 2 MHz and a diameter of 6 mm for the flat-bottomed holes are used.
b) Distance-gain-size technique (DGS)
The distance-gain-size technique makes use of a series of theoretically derived curves which link
the sound path, the gain and the diameter of a disc-shaped reflector which is perpendicular to the
beam axis.
5.5.3.2 Transfer correction
The transfer correction shall be determined in accordance with ISO 16811.
When calibration blocks are used, transfer correction can be necessary. When determining the transfer
correction, consideration shall be given not only to the quality of the coupling surface but also to that
of the opposite surface, because the opposite surface also influences the height of the back-wall echo
(used for calibration). If the opposite surface is machined or complies at least to the limit comparator
4 S1 or 4 S2 according to ISO 11971, this surface has a quality which is sufficient for transfer correction
measurements.
5.5.3.3 Detection of discontinuities
For detection of discontinuities, the gain shall be increased until the noise level becomes visible on the
screen (search sensitivity).
The echo heights of the flat-bottomed holes given in Table 2, or of the equivalent side-drilled holes, shall
be at least 40 % of the full screen height (FSH) at the end of the thickness range to be tested.
If, during testing, suspicion arises that the reduction of back-wall echo signal exceeds the recordable
value (see Table 3), testing shall be repeated using locally reduced test sensitivity and the reduction of
back-wall echo signal shall be determined quantitatively in decibels.
The sensitivity setting of angle-beam probes shall be such that the typical dynamic echo pattern of the
reflectors (see Figure 3) is clearly visible on the screen.
© ISO 2020 – All rights reserved 7

---------------------- Page: 11 ----------------------
ISO 4992-1:2020(E)

It is recommended that the sensitivity setting of angle-beam probes is verified on real (not artificial)
planar discontinuities (cracks with dimensions in the through-wall direction) or on walls perpendicular
to the surface and infinite compared to the width of the sound beam.
Under these circumstances, the probe shoe should be contoured to fit to the contour of the casting
(see ISO 16811).
5.5.4 Consideration of various types of indications
The following types of indications can occur separately or jointly during the testing of castings and
shall be observed and evaluated:
a) reductions of back-wall echo which is not due to the shape of the casting or the coupling;
b) echoes from discontinuities.
The reduction of the back-wall echo is expressed in decibels as the drop of the back-wall echo height. The
height of the echo indication is given as the diameter of an equivalent flat-bottomed or side-drilled hole.
5.5.5 Recording limits
Unless otherwise specified, all back-wall echo reductions and all echo heights reaching or exceeding
the levels given in Table 3 shall be recorded.
When using transverse-wave probes, irrespective of their amplitude, all
...