Non-destructive testing - Acoustic emission - General principles of AE testing for the detection of corrosion within metallic surrounding filled with liquid

This European Standard describes acoustic emission testing (AT) on metallic surroundings filled with liquids for the detection of corrosion processes that are active at the time of the test. It is applicable to metallic storage tanks, such as those used in the chemical and petrochemical industry.
The results provide a qualitative statement regarding the condition of the test object and a recommendation regarding the maximum allowable duration of the follow-on service period, based on the AT indications and additional information in order to characterize the AT indications.
In the case of flat bottomed storage tanks (FBST) the procedure described within this standard provides testing of the complete bottom, the tank shell up to the filling height and in case of a floating roof tank also the roof sheets in contact with the stored liquid.
As for every application of acoustic emission testing, the measured data contain information regarding active sources. An ongoing corrosion process, such as general corrosion and localized corrosion defined in EN ISO 8044, leading to progressive loss of wall thickness will be detected. A corrosion process which has stopped does not produce acoustic emission and will therefore not be detected at the time of test.

Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung - Schallemission - Allgemeine Grundsätze der Schallemissionsprüfung zum Nachweis von Korrosion innerhalb von mit Flüssigkeit gefüllten metallischen Umschließungen

Dieses Dokument beschreibt eine Schallemissionsprüfung (en: acoustic emission testing, AT) an mit Flüssigkeiten gefüllten metallischen Umschließungen zum Nachweis von Korrosionsprozessen, die zum Zeitpunkt der Prüfung aktiv sind. Sie ist auf metallische Lagertanks anwendbar, wie sie z. B. in der chemischen und petrochemischen Industrie eingesetzt werden.
Die Ergebnisse führen zu einer qualitativen Aussage hinsichtlich des Zustandes der geprüften Teile, einer Empfehlung hinsichtlich der maximal zulässigen nachfolgenden Nutzungsdauer auf der Grundlage der gefun¬denen Anzeigen und zusätzlichen Informationen zur Charakterisierung der gefundenen Anzeigen.
Im Fall von Flachbodenlagertanks (en: flat bottomed storage tanks, FBST) umfasst das in dieser Norm be¬schriebene Verfahren die Prüfung des gesamten Bodens, des Tankmantels bis zur Füllhöhe und im Fall von Schwimmdachtanks auch das Tankdach, das sich in Kontakt mit dem flüssigen Lagerprodukt befindet.
Wie bei jeder Anwendung der Schallemissionsprüfung enthalten die Messdaten Informationen hinsichtlich aktiver Quellen. Nachgewiesen wird ein permanenter Korrosionsprozess, wie z. B. die allgemeine Korrosion und die örtliche Korrosion, definiert in EN ISO 8044, wobei dieser zu einer fortschreitenden Abnahme der Wanddicke führt. Ein zum Stillstand gekommener Korrosionsprozess erzeugt keine Schallemission und wird daher nicht nachgewiesen.

Essais non destructifs - Emission acoustique - Principes généraux des contrôles par émission acoustique pour la détection de la corrosion dans une enceinte métallique remplie de liquide

La présente Norme européenne décrit les contrôles par émission acoustique (EA) effectués dans une enceinte métallique remplie de liquides destinés à la détection de processus de corrosion qui sont actifs au moment du contrôle. Elle s’applique aux réservoirs de stockage métalliques tels que ceux utilisés dans l’industrie chimique et en pétrochimie.
Les résultats fournissent des caractéristiques qualitatives relatives à l’état de l’objet soumis à l’essai ainsi qu’une recommandation concernant la durée maximale admissible de la période d’exploitation ultérieure basée sur les indications des contrôles par émission acoustique et sur des informations complémentaires afin de caractériser les indications des contrôles par émission acoustique.
Dans le cas de réservoirs de stockage à fond plat, le mode opératoire décrit dans la présente norme prévoit le contrôle de la totalité du fond, de l’enveloppe jusqu’à la hauteur de remplissage et, dans le cas d’un réservoir à toit flottant, également des tôles de couverture en contact avec le liquide stocké.
Comme pour chaque application dans le domaine du contrôle par émission acoustique, les données mesurées contiennent des informations relatives aux sources actives. Un processus continu de corrosion, comme par exemple une corrosion généralisée et une corrosion localisée, définie dans l’EN ISO 8044, conduisant à une perte progressive de l’épaisseur de paroi, sera détecté. Un processus de corrosion qui s’est arrêté ne produit plus d’émission acoustique et ne sera donc pas détecté au moment de l’essai.

Neporušitveno preskušanje - Akustična emisija - Osnove preskušanja z AE pri zaznavanju korozije v kovinskih posodah, napolnjenih s tekočino

Ta evropski standard opisuje preskušanje z akustično emisijo (AT) na kovinskih posodah, napolnjenih s tekočino, za zaznavanje postopkov korozije, ki so aktivni med preskusom. Velja za take kovinske rezervoarje, kot so tisti, uporabljeni v kemični in petrokemični industriji. Rezultati podajajo kvalitativno navedbo glede stanja preskušanega predmeta in priporočilo glede najdaljšega dovoljenega trajanja nadaljnjega obdobja obratovanja, temelječo na navedbah AT in dodatnih informacijah za podroben opis teh navedb AT. Pri rezervoarju s ploskim dnom (FBST) postopek, opisan v okviru tega standarda, zagotavlja preskušanje celotnega dna, ogrodja rezervoarja do višine za polnjenje in pri plavajoči strehi rezervoarja tudi strešne plošče, ki so v stiku s shranjeno tekočino. Tako kot pri vsaki uporabi preskušanja z akustično emisijo, izmerjeni podatki vsebujejo informacije o aktivnih virih. Tekoči postopek korozije, kot je splošna korozija ali lokalizirana korozija, opisan v EN ISO 8044, ki vodi v progresivno izgubo debeline zidu, se bo opazil. Postopek korozije, ki se je zaustavil, ne proizvede akustične emisije in se potemtakem ne bo opazil med preskusom.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
11-Jan-2011
ICS
19.100 - Non-destructive testing
Technical Committee
PKG - Testing of metallic materials
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
05-Jan-2011
Due Date
12-Mar-2011
Completion Date
12-Jan-2011
Ref Project
EN 15856:2010 - Non-destructive testing - Acoustic emission - General principles of AE testing for the detection of corrosion within metallic surrounding filled with liquid

Overview

EN 15856:2010 - Non-destructive testing - Acoustic emission (AE) - General principles of AE testing for the detection of corrosion within metallic surroundings filled with liquid.
This European Standard defines how to perform acoustic emission testing on metallic storage tanks (chemical, petrochemical and similar) that contain liquids to detect active corrosion processes. The method delivers a qualitative condition statement and a recommendation for the maximum allowable follow‑on service period based on AE indications and supporting information. Note: AE detects ongoing corrosion (general and localized per EN ISO 8044); corrosion that has stopped does not produce AE and will not be found.

Key topics and technical requirements

  • Scope and applicability: Metallic storage tanks including flat bottomed storage tanks (FBST), tank shell up to filling height and floating‑roof sheets in contact with liquid.
  • Personnel: Performers should be qualified; certification in accordance with EN 473 is recommended.
  • Test preparation: Tanks should be made static (no inflow/outflow/circulation; heaters off). A 24‑hour quiet period is usually sufficient. Minimum fill level must exceed the highest shell sensor by ≥ 1 m when using liquid wave propagation.
  • Sensors and coupling:
    • Frequency bands: typically 20–80 kHz for liquid propagation, 100–300 kHz for metal propagation.
    • Sensor spacing: distance around circumference ≤ 15 m (practically ≤ 13 m to allow flexibility). Minimum six sensors per row.
    • Sensor heights: first row ≈ 1 m above bottom; second row typically 4–6 m and >1 m below liquid level.
    • Proper surface preparation and couplant required; verify coupling effectiveness.
  • Instrumentation & measured parameters: system per EN 13477; record burst count, background noise metric, peak amplitude, duration, rise time, energy, arrival time; store all acquired data and provide on‑line display.
  • Source location & accuracy: delta‑t location method; floor location error typically within ~10% of tank diameter, roof and shell around 15% (varies with sensor spacing and sludge).
  • Detection thresholds: define standard (Ads), maximum (Admax), minimum (Admin) and Hsu‑Nielsen factor (KC). Test instruction must demonstrate capability to detect active corrosion under site conditions.
  • Documentation: written test instruction and final report specifying purpose, sensor layout, equipment, verification procedures, cluster parameters and analysis.

Applications

  • Integrity assessment and corrosion monitoring of storage tanks
  • Condition grading and remaining service period recommendations
  • Asset integrity programs at terminals, refineries, chemical plants
  • Prioritization of maintenance and targeted repairs

Who should use this standard

  • NDT service providers and AE specialists
  • Tank owners/operators, integrity engineers, inspection coordinators
  • Asset management and regulatory compliance teams in petrochemical and chemical industries

Related standards

  • EN 473 (NDT personnel certification)
  • EN 1330‑1/2/9 (NDT terminology)
  • EN 13477‑1/2 (AE equipment characterisation)
  • EN 13554 (AE general principles)
  • EN ISO 8044 (corrosion terms)
  • EN ISO/IEC 17025 (laboratory competence)

Keywords: EN 15856:2010, acoustic emission, AE testing, non‑destructive testing, corrosion detection, storage tanks, FBST, tank inspection, petrochemical integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

SIST EN 15856:2011 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Non-destructive testing - Acoustic emission - General principles of AE testing for the detection of corrosion within metallic surrounding filled with liquid". This standard covers: This European Standard describes acoustic emission testing (AT) on metallic surroundings filled with liquids for the detection of corrosion processes that are active at the time of the test. It is applicable to metallic storage tanks, such as those used in the chemical and petrochemical industry. The results provide a qualitative statement regarding the condition of the test object and a recommendation regarding the maximum allowable duration of the follow-on service period, based on the AT indications and additional information in order to characterize the AT indications. In the case of flat bottomed storage tanks (FBST) the procedure described within this standard provides testing of the complete bottom, the tank shell up to the filling height and in case of a floating roof tank also the roof sheets in contact with the stored liquid. As for every application of acoustic emission testing, the measured data contain information regarding active sources. An ongoing corrosion process, such as general corrosion and localized corrosion defined in EN ISO 8044, leading to progressive loss of wall thickness will be detected. A corrosion process which has stopped does not produce acoustic emission and will therefore not be detected at the time of test.

This European Standard describes acoustic emission testing (AT) on metallic surroundings filled with liquids for the detection of corrosion processes that are active at the time of the test. It is applicable to metallic storage tanks, such as those used in the chemical and petrochemical industry. The results provide a qualitative statement regarding the condition of the test object and a recommendation regarding the maximum allowable duration of the follow-on service period, based on the AT indications and additional information in order to characterize the AT indications. In the case of flat bottomed storage tanks (FBST) the procedure described within this standard provides testing of the complete bottom, the tank shell up to the filling height and in case of a floating roof tank also the roof sheets in contact with the stored liquid. As for every application of acoustic emission testing, the measured data contain information regarding active sources. An ongoing corrosion process, such as general corrosion and localized corrosion defined in EN ISO 8044, leading to progressive loss of wall thickness will be detected. A corrosion process which has stopped does not produce acoustic emission and will therefore not be detected at the time of test.

SIST EN 15856:2011 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 19.100 - Non-destructive testing. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

SIST EN 15856:2011 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung - Schallemission - Allgemeine Grundsätze der Schallemissionsprüfung zum Nachweis von Korrosion innerhalb von mit Flüssigkeit gefüllten metallischen UmschließungenEssais non destructifs - Emission acoustique - Principes généraux des contrôles par émission acoustique pour la détection de la corrosion dans une enceinte métallique remplie de liquideNon-destructive testing - Acoustic emission - General principles of AE testing for the detection of corrosion within metallic surrounding filled with liquid19.100Neporušitveno preskušanjeNon-destructive testingICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 15856:2010SIST EN 15856:2011en,fr,de01-februar-2011SIST EN 15856:2011SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 15856
January 2010 ICS 19.100 English Version
Non-destructive testing - Acoustic emission -General principles of AE testing for the detection of corrosion within metallic surrounding filled with liquid
Essais non destructifs - Emission acoustique - Principes généraux des contrôles par émission acoustique pour la détection de la corrosion dans une enceinte métallique remplie de liquide
Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung - Schallemissionsprüfung - Allgemeine Grundsätze der Schallemissionsprüfung zum Nachweis von Korrosion innerhalb von mit Flüssigkeit gefüllten metallischen Umschließungen This European Standard was approved by CEN on 28 November 2009.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2010 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 15856:2010: ESIST EN 15856:2011
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.

Loading comments...