SIST EN 13477-1:2001

Overview

EN 13477-1:2001 (CEN) is Part 1 of the European standard on Non‑destructive testing - Acoustic emission - Equipment characterisation. This part is focused on the equipment description for an acoustic emission (AE) monitoring system. It defines and describes the main functional components that together constitute an AE system: detection, signal conditioning, signal measurement, analysis and output of results. The standard helps users understand what hardware and processing elements form a complete AE monitoring solution.

Key topics and requirements

The standard concentrates on clear, structured description of AE system elements rather than test procedures. Key technical topics include:

• Detection - description of AE sensors/transducers and their role in capturing acoustic events.
• Signal conditioning - functional elements such as preamplifiers and filters that prepare raw AE signals for measurement.
• Signal measurement - characterization of measurement modules that quantify AE parameters (e.g., amplitude, energy, counts) and digital conversion considerations.
• Analysis - processing and interpretation functions used to relate AE signals to source activity, including data processing and classification workflows.
• Output of results - presentation, storage and reporting of AE data and analysis outcomes.

While EN 13477-1:2001 provides component-level descriptions and classification, it does not replace procedural test standards; it establishes a common vocabulary and functional framework for AE equipment description and characterisation.

Applications

EN 13477-1:2001 is practical where consistent understanding of AE equipment is required:

• Specifying and comparing AE monitoring systems for structural health monitoring and in-service inspection
• Preparing procurement documents and technical specifications for AE equipment
• Supporting validation, calibration planning and documentation of AE hardware and software
• Serving as a reference for interoperability and system integration between sensors, acquisition units and analysis software

Common AE application areas that benefit from clear equipment characterisation include monitoring of pressure vessels, pipelines, bridges, composite structures and weld inspections.

Who should use this standard

• NDT engineers and inspection teams specifying AE systems
• AE equipment manufacturers documenting product capabilities
• Quality and compliance managers preparing specifications and purchase requirements
• Research laboratories and universities working on AE method development
• Asset owners/operators who need to understand and compare AE solutions

Related standards

• Other parts of the EN 13477 series (equipment characterisation and methods)
• National adoptions (e.g., SIST EN 13477‑1:2001) and broader CEN documentation for AE and NDT

Keywords: EN 13477-1:2001, acoustic emission, non-destructive testing, AE monitoring system, equipment characterisation, detection, signal conditioning, signal measurement, analysis, output of results.