CEN/TC 138/WG 2 - Ultrasonic testing

This document specifies the general principles for the ultrasonic testing of industrial products that permit the transmission of ultrasound.
The specific conditions of application and use of ultrasonic testing, which depend on the type of product to be tested, are described in documents which can include:
—     product standards;
—     specifications;
—     codes;
—     contractual documents;
—     written procedures.
This document specifies the minimum applicable requirements, unless otherwise specified in the referencing documents.
This document does not specify:
—     extent of testing and scan plans;
—     acceptance criteria.
This document describes only conventional probes, however, the general principles for ultrasonic testing also apply to ultrasonic testing using array techniques. If array techniques are used, then additional steps or verifications can be needed.

The document specifies requirements for the dimensions, material and manufacture of a steel
block for calibrating ultrasonic test equipment used in ultrasonic testing with the phased array
technique

This document specifies the requirements for the dimensions, material, and manufacture of a steel step wedge standard block for the setting of an ultrasonic instrument.

This document addresses ultrasonic test systems implementing array probes, for contact technique (with or without wedge) or for immersion technique, with centre frequencies in the range of 0,5 MHz to 10 MHz.
This document provides methods and acceptance criteria for determining the compliance of the complete system (see 3.2). Its purpose is for the verification of the correct operation of the system prior to testing or verification of the absence of degradation of the system.
The methods are not intended to prove the suitability of the system for particular applications but are intended to prove the capability of the complete system (used for an application) to operate correctly according to the settings used. Tests can be performed on individual ultrasonic beams (for phased array technique, see 9.4.4) or on resulting images (for phased array technique and total focusing technique, see 9.4.3).
The tests can be limited to the functions that are intended to be used for a certain application.
This document does not cover the sensitivity setting of the system for a specific application. Nor does it apply to the characterization or verification of the mechanical scanning equipment. It is intended that these items will be covered by the test procedure.
This document does not address the phased array technique using tandem technique.
The characterization of beams, as recommended in case of dead elements or for more in-depth knowledge of the beams, is presented in Annex A. It is not applicable for signal processing technology using arrays.
NOTE            Unless stated otherwise, in this document ‘TFM’ and ‘TFM technique’ refer to the total focusing technique as defined in ISO 23243, and to related techniques, see for example ISO 23865 and ISO 23234.

This document specifies the functional characteristics of multi-channel ultrasonic phased array instruments used for array probes and provides methods for their measurement and verification.
This document is also applicable to ultrasonic phased array instruments in automated systems; but other tests can be needed to ensure satisfactory performance. When the phased array instrument is a part of an automated system, the acceptance criteria can be modified by agreement between the parties involved.
This document also can partly be applicable to FMC instruments and TFM instruments.
This document gives the extent of the verification and defines acceptance criteria within a frequency range of 0,5 MHz to 10 MHz.

This document specifies the application of the time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) technique in testing of metals for quantifying loss of thickness due to erosion and/or corrosion.
This document applies to all types of corrosion and/or erosion damage, particularly those defined in EN ISO 16809.
This document applies to unalloyed or low-alloyed steels.
It applies to components with a nominal thickness ≥ 6 mm. For smaller thicknesses, feasibility tests are performed to validate the test technique.
For other materials, feasibility tests are essential, too.
The TOFD technique can be used as a stand-alone technique or in combination with other non-destructive testing techniques, for in-service testing, in order to detect material loss caused by erosion and/or corrosion.
This technique is based on analysis of TOFD images using reflected and/or diffracted ultrasonic signals.
This document does not specify acceptance levels.

This document defines terms used in ultrasonic testing with arrays. This includes phased array technology and signal processing technology using arrays, e. g. the full-matrix capture (FMC) (3.3.1.28) and the total focusing technique (TFM) (3.3.1.35).

This document specifies methods, tolerances and acceptance criteria for verifying the performance of combined ultrasonic test equipment (i.e. instrument, probes and cables connected) by the use of appropriate standard calibration blocks.
These methods are specifically intended for manual test equipment, i.e. ultrasonic instruments according to ISO 22232-1, and for manual ultrasonic non-destructive testing with single- or dual-transducer probes according to ISO 22232-2. This document is also applicable for multi-channel instruments. For automated test equipment, different tests can be needed to ensure satisfactory performance.
The specified methods are intended for the use by operators working under site or shop floor conditions.
These methods are not intended to prove the suitability of the equipment for particular applications.
This document excludes ultrasonic instruments for continuous waves.
This document also excludes ultrasonic phased array systems, see e. g. ISO 18563-3. If a phased array instrument is used in combination with single- or dual-transducer probes, this document is applicable to this combination.

This document specifies the characteristics of probes used for non-destructive ultrasonic testing in the following categories with centre frequencies in the range of 0,5 MHz to 15 MHz, focusing or without focusing means:
a)   single- or dual-transducer contact probes generating longitudinal and/or transverse waves;
b)   single-transducer immersion probes.
Where material-dependent ultrasonic values are specified in this document they are based on steels having a sound velocity of (5 920 ± 50) m/s for longitudinal waves, and (3 255 ± 30) m/s for transverse waves.
This document excludes periodic tests for probes. Routine tests for the verification of probes using on-site procedures are given in ISO 22232-3.
If parameters in addition to those specified in ISO 22232-3 are to be verified during the probe's life time, as agreed upon by the contracting parties, the procedures of verification for these additional parameters can be selected from those given in this document.
This document also excludes ultrasonic phased array probes, therefore see ISO 18563-2.

This document specifies methods and acceptance criteria within the frequency range of 0,5 MHz to 15 MHz, for assessing the electrical performance of digital ultrasonic instruments for pulse operation using A-scan display, for manual ultrasonic non-destructive testing with single- or dual-transducer probes. This document is also applicable for multi-channel instruments. This document can partly be applicable to ultrasonic instruments in automated systems, but other tests can be needed to ensure satisfactory performance.
This document excludes ultrasonic instruments for continuous waves.
This document also excludes ultrasonic phased array instruments, see e.g. ISO 18563-1. If a phased array instrument has dedicated connectors for single- or dual-transducer probes this document is applicable for these channels.

ISO 16809:2017 specifies the principles for ultrasonic thickness measurement of metallic and non-metallic materials by direct contact, based on measurement of time of flight of ultrasonic pulses only.

ISO 5577:2017 defines the terms used in ultrasonic non-destructive testing and forms a common basis for standards and general use. This document does not cover terms used in ultrasonic testing with phased arrays.
NOTE          Terms for phased array ultrasonic testing are defined in EN 16018.

ISO 16823:2012 specifies the principles of transmis­sion techniques.
Transmission techniques can be used for: a) detection of imperfections; b) determination of attenuation.
The general principles required for the use of ultrasonic examina­tion of in­dustrial products are described in ISO 16810.
The transmission technique is used for examination of flat pro­ducts, e.g. plates and sheets.
Further, it is used for examinations e.g.: 1) where the shape, dimensions or orientation of possible imperfections are unfavourable for direct reflection; 2) in materials with high attenuation; 3) in thin products.

ISO 16828:2012 defines the general principles for the application of the time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) technique for both detection and sizing of discontinuities in low alloyed carbon steel components. It can also be used for other types of materials, provided the application of the TOFD technique is performed with necessary consideration of geometry, acoustical properties of the materials, and the sensitivity of the examination.
Although it is applicable, in general terms, to discontinuities in materials and applications covered by ISO 16810, it contains references to the application on welds. This approach has been chosen for reasons of clarity as to the ultrasonic probe positions and directions of scanning.
Unless otherwise specified in the referencing documents, the minimum requirements of ISO 16828:2012 are applicable.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, ISO 16828:2012 is applicable to the following product classes as defined in ISO 16811: a) class 1, without restrictions; b) classes 2 and 3, restrictions apply as stated in Clause 9.
The inspection of products of classes 4 and 5 requires special procedures. These are also addressed in Clause 9.
Techniques for the use of TOFD for weld inspection are described in ISO 10863.
The related acceptance criteria are given in ISO 15626.

ISO 16827:2012 specifies the general principles and techniques for the characterization and sizing of previously detected discontinuities in order to ensure their evaluation against applicable acceptance criteria. It is applicable, in general terms, to discontinuities in those materials and applications covered by ISO 16810.

ISO 16811:2012 specifies the general rules for setting the timebase range and sensitivity (i.e. gain adjustment) of a manually operated ultrasonic flaw detector with A-scan display in order that reproducible measurements may be made of the location and echo height of a reflector.
ISO 16811:2012 is applicable to techniques employing a single contact probe with either a single or twin transducers, but excludes the immersion technique and techniques employing more than one probe.

ISO 16826:2012 defines the principles for tandem‑ and longitudinal-longitudinal-transverse (LLT) wave‑examination for the detection of discontinuities perpendicular to the surface.
The general principles required for the ultrasonic examination of industrial products are described in ISO 16810. A list of symbols and equations is given in ISO 16811.
The tandem‑ or LLT‑examination should be used for the detection of planar discontinuities with distance to the surface greater than 15 mm. ISO 16826:2012 has been prepared for the examination of metallic materials with a thickness between 40 mm and 500 mm with parallel or concentric surfaces. It can, however, be used for other materials and smaller thickness provided special measures are taken.

This European Standard specifies methods and acceptance criteria for assessing the performance of instruments for measuring thickness using pulse-echo ultrasound.
This European Standard covers both direct (digital) reading and waveform display types using single or dual element probes.
This European Standard may be used for verifying equipment covered by EN 12668 1, EN 12668 2 and EN 12668 3 when used for thickness measurement.

This International Standard specifies requirements for the dimensions, material and manufacture of a steel block for calibrating ultrasonic test equipment used in manual testing.

ISO 5577:2017 defines the terms used in ultrasonic non-destructive testing and forms a common basis for standards and general use. This document does not cover terms used in ultrasonic testing with phased arrays.
NOTE Terms for phased array ultrasonic testing are defined in EN 16018.

ISO 16828:2012 defines the general principles for the application of the time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) technique for both detection and sizing of discontinuities in low alloyed carbon steel components. It can also be used for other types of materials, provided the application of the TOFD technique is performed with necessary consideration of geometry, acoustical properties of the materials, and the sensitivity of the examination.
Although it is applicable, in general terms, to discontinuities in materials and applications covered by ISO 16810, it contains references to the application on welds. This approach has been chosen for reasons of clarity as to the ultrasonic probe positions and directions of scanning.
Unless otherwise specified in the referencing documents, the minimum requirements of ISO 16828:2012 are applicable.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, ISO 16828:2012 is applicable to the following product classes as defined in ISO 16811: a) class 1, without restrictions; b) classes 2 and 3, restrictions apply as stated in Clause 9.
The inspection of products of classes 4 and 5 requires special procedures. These are also addressed in Clause 9.
Techniques for the use of TOFD for weld inspection are described in ISO 10863.
The related acceptance criteria are given in ISO 15626.

ISO 16809:2017 specifies the principles for ultrasonic thickness measurement of metallic and non-metallic materials by direct contact, based on measurement of time of flight of ultrasonic pulses only.

ISO 16827:2012 specifies the general principles and techniques for the characterization and sizing of previously detected discontinuities in order to ensure their evaluation against applicable acceptance criteria. It is applicable, in general terms, to discontinuities in those materials and applications covered by ISO 16810.

ISO 16831:2012 specifies methods and acceptance criteria for assessing the performance of instruments for measuring thickness using pulse-echo ultrasound.
ISO 16831:2012 covers both direct (digital) reading and waveform display types using single or dual element probes.
ISO 16831:2012 can be used for verifying equipment covered by EN 12668 when used for thickness measurement.

This International Standard specifies requirements for the dimensions, material and manufacture of a steel block for calibrating ultrasonic test equipment used in manual testing.

ISO 16823:2012 specifies the principles of through-transmis­sion techniques.
Through-transmission techniques can be used for: a) detection of imperfections; b) determination of attenuation.
The general principles required for the use of ultrasonic testing of in­dustrial products are described in ISO 16810.
The through-transmission technique is used for testing of flat pro­ducts, e.g. plates and sheets.
Further, it is used for testings e.g.: 1) where the shape, dimensions or orientation of possible imperfections are unfavourable for direct reflection; 2) in materials with high attenuation; 3) in thin products.

ISO 16826:2012 defines the principles for tandem‑ and longitudinal-longitudinal-transverse (LLT) wave‑examination for the detection of discontinuities perpendicular to the surface.
The general principles required for the ultrasonic examination of industrial products are described in ISO 16810. A list of symbols and equations is given in ISO 16811.
The tandem‑ or LLT‑examination should be used for the detection of planar discontinuities with distance to the surface greater than 15 mm. ISO 16826:2012 has been prepared for the examination of metallic materials with a thickness between 40 mm and 500 mm with parallel or concentric surfaces. It can, however, be used for other materials and smaller thickness provided special measures are taken.

ISO 16811:2012 specifies the general rules for setting the timebase range and sensitivity (i.e. gain adjustment) of a manually operated ultrasonic flaw detector with A-scan display in order that reproducible measurements may be made of the location and echo height of a reflector.
ISO 16811:2012 is applicable to techniques employing a single contact probe with either a single or twin transducers, but excludes the immersion technique and techniques employing more than one probe.

ISO 16810:2012 defines the general principles required for the ultra­sonic examination of industrial products that permit the trans­mis­sion of ultrasound.
The specific conditions of application and use of ultrasonic examination, which depend on the type of product examined, are described in documents which could include: a) product standards; b) specifications; c) codes; d) contractual documents; e) written procedures.
Unless otherwise specified in the referencing documents the minimum requirements of ISO 16810:2012 are applicable.
ISO 16810:2012 does not define: 1) extent of examination and scanning plans; 2) acceptance criteria.

ISO 18563-2:2017 specifies the characterization tests performed at the end of the fabrication of a phased array probe. It defines both methodology and acceptance criteria.
ISO 18563-2:2017 is applicable to the following phased array probes used for ultrasonic non-destructive testing in contact technique (with or without a wedge) or in immersion technique, with centre frequencies in the range 0,5 MHz to 10 MHz:
a)    non-matrix array probes:
-      linear;
-      encircling;
-      partial annular sectorial (type "daisy");
b)    2D-matrix array probes.
ISO 18563-2:2017 does not give methods and acceptance criteria to characterize the performance of an ultrasonic phased array instrument or the performance of a combined system. These are given in ISO 18563?1 and in ISO 18563?3.

ISO 16946:2017 specifies the dimensions, material, and manufacture of a step wedge steel block for the calibration of ultrasonic instruments.

ISO 18563-3:2015 addresses ultrasonic test systems implementing linear phased array probes, in contact (with or without wedge) or in immersion, with centre frequencies in the range of 0,5 MHz?10 MHz.
It provides methods and acceptance criteria for verifying the performance of combined equipment (i.e. instrument, probe and cables connected). The methods described are suitable for users working under on-site or shop floor conditions. Its purpose is for the verification of the correct operation of the system prior to testing, and also the characterization of sound beams or verification of the absence of degradation of the system.
The methods are not intended to prove the suitability of the system for particular applications, but are intended to prove the capability of the combined equipment to generate ultrasonic beams according to the settings used.
The calibration of the system for a specific application is outside of the scope of part of ISO 18563 and it is intended that it be covered by the test procedure.
ISO 18563-3:2015 does not address the following:
-      encircling arrays;
-      series of apertures having a different number of elements;
-      different settings for transmitting and receiving (e.g. active aperture, number of active elements, delays);
-      techniques using post-processing of the signals of individual elements in a more complex manner than a simple delay law (e.g. full matrix capture).

ISO 18563-1:2015 identifies the functional characteristics of a multichannel ultrasonic phased array instrument used for phased array probes and provides methods for their measurement and verification.
ISO 18563-1:2015 can partly be applicable to ultrasonic phased array instruments in automated systems, but then, other tests might be needed to ensure satisfactory performance. When the phased array instrument is a part of an automated system, the acceptance criteria can be modified by agreement between the parties involved.
ISO 18563-1:2015 gives the extent of the verification and defines acceptance criteria within a frequency range of 0,5 MHz to 10 MHz.
The evaluation of these characteristics permits a well-defined description of the ultrasonic phased array instrument and comparability of instruments.

ISO 17405:2014 specifies the techniques for manual ultrasonic testing of claddings on steel applied by welding, rolling, and explosion using single-element or dual-element probes. The test is intended to cover detection of two-dimensional or three-dimensional discontinuities in the cladding and in the region of the interface.
ISO 17405:2014 does not give acceptance criteria nor define the extent of testing.

This European Standard defines terms used in ultrasonic testing with phased arrays.

This European Standard describes methods and acceptance criteria for verifying the performance of ultrasonic equipment (i.e. instrument and probe combined as defined in EN 12668 1 and EN 12668 2) by the use of appropriate standard calibration blocks. These methods are not intended to prove the suitability of the equipment for particular applications. The methods described are suitable for the use by operators working under site or shop floor conditions. The methods only apply to pulse echo equipment using A-scan presentation, with gain controls or attenuators calibrated in steps not greater than 2 dB and used essentially in contact testing. These methods are specifically intended for manual testing equipment. For automated testing different tests can be needed to ensure satisfactory performance.

This European Standard covers probes used for ultrasonic non-destructive examination in the following categories with centre frequencies in the range 0,5 MHz to 15 MHz, focusing and without focusing means:
a)   single or dual transducer contact probes generating compressional or shear waves;
b)   single transducer immersion probes.
Where material-dependent ultrasonic values are specified in this document they are based on steels having a sound velocity of (5 920 ± 50) m/s for longitudinal waves, and (3 255 ± 30) m/s for transverse waves.
Periodic tests for probes are not included in this document. Routine tests for the verification of probes using on-site methods are given in EN 12668-3.
If parameters in addition to those specified in EN 12668-3 are to be verified during the probe's life time, as agreed upon by the contracting parties, the methods of verification for these additional parameters should be selected from those given in this document.

This European Standard specifies methods and acceptance criteria for assessing the electrical performance of analogue and digital ultrasonic instruments for pulse operation using A scan display, employed for manual ultrasonic non-destructive examination with single or dual-element probes operating within the centre frequency range 0,5 MHz to 15 MHz. Ultrasonic instruments for continuous waves are not included in this standard. This standard may partly be applicable to ultrasonic instruments in automated systems but then other tests can be needed to ensure satisfactory performance.

Automatic ultrasonic scanning inspection systems are becoming more and more popular. There is a growing dependence on these systems, the data (both ultrasonic signals and probe location) and the automatic or manual evaluation of the data.
Stationary and mobile test systems are discussed, as used for pre-service testing (testing during manufacture) and in-service testing (testing after manufacture, including regular safety assurance testing).
The information in this Technical Report covers all tests and testing on all component parts or complete manufactured systems for either correctness of geometry, material properties (quality or defects) and fabrication methodology (e.g. welds).
This Technical Report can be used for training purposes.
This Technical Report is aimed at suppliers and users of automatic scanning systems.
The scope of this Technical Report is to permit the user, along with a customer specification or test description and any national or international standards or regulations to specify:
-   ultrasonic probes, probe systems and mechanical controlling sensors;
-   manipulation systems including controls;
-   ultrasound electronic sub-systems;
-   data storage and display systems;
-   evaluation and assessment methods or techniques
with regard to their performance and suitability for purpose.
This Technical Report also defines a means of verifying the performance of any specified system.
This includes:
-   tests during the manufacturing process on parts and completed items (stationary testing systems)
and also
-   tests with mobile systems.

This European Standard specifies the principles for ultrasonic thickness measurement of metallic and non-metallic materials by direct contact, based on measurement of time-of-flight of ultrasonic pulses only.

This document covers linear phased array probes used for ultrasonic non-destructive testing in contact technique (with or without a wedge) or in immersion technique, with centre frequencies in the range 0,5 MHz – 10 MHz.
This document specifies the characterisation tests that have to be done at the end of the fabrication of a phased array probe. It defines both methodology and acceptance criteria.
This document does not describe methods and acceptance criteria to characterise the performance of an ultrasonic phased array instrument or the performance of a combined system. These are described in prEN ISO 18563 1 and in prEN ISO 18563 3.

ISO 16946:2015 specifies the dimensions, material, and manufacture of a step wedge steel block for the calibration of ultrasonic instruments.

This European Standard defines terms used in ultrasonic testing.

This European Standard defines the general principles for the application of the Time-Of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD) technique for both detection and sizing of discontinuities in low alloyed carbon steel components. It could also be used for other types of materials, provided the application of the TOFD technique is performed with necessary consideration of geometry, acoustical properties of the materials and the sensitivity of the examination.
Although it is applicable, in general terms, to discontinuities in materials and applications covered by EN 583 1, it contains references to the application on welds. This approach has been chosen for reasons of clarity as to the ultrasonic probe positions and directions of scanning.
Unless otherwise specified in the referencing documents, the minimum requirements of this standard are applicable.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, this standard is applicable to the following product classes as defined in EN 583 2:
   class 1, without restrictions;
   classes 2 and 3, restrictions will apply as stated in Clause 9.
The inspection of products of classes 4 and 5 will require special procedures. These are addressed in Clause 9 as well.
The techniques to use TOFD for weld inspection are described in CEN/TS 14751.
The related acceptance criteria are given in prEN 15617.

This European Standard defines the principles for tandem- and LLT -examination for the detection of discontinuities perpendicular to the surface.
The general principles required for the ultrasonic examination of industrial products are described in EN 583-1. A list of symbols and equations is given in EN 583-2.
The tandem- or LLT-examination should be used for the detection of planar discontinuities with distance to the surface greater than 15 mm. This European Standard has been prepared for the examination of metallic materials with a thickness between 40 mm and 500 mm with parallel or concentric surfaces. It can, however, be used for other materials and smaller thickness provided special measures are taken.

This part of the standard specifies the general rules for setting the timebase range and sensitivity (i.e. gain adjustment) of a manually operated ultrasonic flaw detector with A-Scan display in order that reproducible measurements may be made of the location and echo height of a reflector.

This European standard specifies the general principles and techniques for the characterisation and sizing of previously detected discontinuities in order to ensure their evaluation against the applicable acceptance criteria. It is applicable, in general terms, to discontinuities in those materials and applications covered by EN 583-1.

This standard defines the general principles required for the ultrasonic examination of industrial products that permit the transmission of ultrasound.  The specific conditions of application and use of ultrasonic examination, which depend on the type of product examined, are described in documents which could include:  - product standards; - specifications; - codes; - contractual documents; - written procedures.  Unless otherwise specified in the referencing documents the minimum requirements of this standard are applicable.  This standard does not define:  - extent of examination and scanning plans; - acceptance criteria.

This part of the standard specifies the principles of transmission techniques.  Transmission techniques can be used for:   - detection of imperfections;  - determination of attenuation.  The general principles required for the use of ultrasonic examination of industrial products are described in part 1 of this standard.  The transmission technique is used for examination of flat products, e.g. plates and sheets.  Further, it is used for examinations e.g.:   - where the shape, dimensions or orientation of possible imperfections are unfavourable for direct reflection;  - in materials with high attenuation;  - in thin products.

This document specifies methods and acceptance criteria for assessing the performance of instruments for measuring thickness using pulse-echo ultrasound.
This document covers both direct (digital) reading and waveform display types using single or dual element probes.
This document may be used for verifying equipment covered by EN 12668 parts 1 through 3 when used for thickness measurement.