2013 SECTION V

MANDATORY APPENDIX VII

ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR
WORKMANSHIP BASED ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
VII-410

VII-431

SCOPE

The ultrasonic examination shall be performed using a

system employing automated or semi-automated scanning
with computer based data acquisition and analysis abilities. The examination for transverse reflectors may be
performed manually per T-472.1.3 unless the referencing
Code Section specifies it also shall be by an automated or
semi-automated scan.

This Mandatory Appendix provides requirements when

an automated or semi-automated ultrasonic examination
is performed for workmanship based 18 acceptance
criteria.

VII-420

GENERAL

VII-434.2.4 Scanner Block. A block shall be fabricated meeting the requirements of T-434. 1 and
Figure T-434.2.1 except that its thickness, T , shall be within the lesser of 1/4 in. (6 mm) or 25% of the material thickness to be examined and the number and position of the
side-drilled holes shall be adequate to confirm the sensitivity setting of each probe, or probe pair in the case of a
TOFD setup, as positioned per the scan plan in the scanner.
The scanner block is in addition to the calibration block required per Article 4, unless the scanner block also has all
t h e s p ec i f i e d r e f e r e n c e r e f le c t o r s r e q u i r e d p e r
Figure T-434.2.1.

The requirements of Article 4 apply except as modified

by this Appendix.
VII-421.3 Written Procedure and Procedure Qualification. The requirements of Table T-421 and Table
VII-421 shall apply.

VII-423

PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

Only qualified UT personnel trained in the use of the

equipment and who have demonstrated the ability to
properly acquire examination data, shall conduct production scans. Personnel who analyze and interpret the
collected data shall be a Level II or III who have documented training in the use of the equipment and software
used.
The training and demonstration requirements shall be
addressed in the employers written practice.

VII-442

Requirement (as Applicable)

Scan plan
Computer software
Scanning technique (automated vs.
semi automated)
Flaw characterization methodology
Flaw sizing (length) methodology
Search unit mechanical fixturing device
(manufacturer and model)
Scanner adhering and guiding
mechanism

Nonessential
Variable

X
X
X

...
...
...

X
X
X

...
...
...

...

SCANNING DATA

The original scanning data, unprocessed, shall be saved

electronically (e.g., magnetic, optical, flash memory, etc.).
VII-466.1 System Confirmation Scan. The scanner
block shall be scanned and the reference reflector indications recorded to confirm system calibration prior to and
at the completion of each examination or series of similar
examinations, when examination personnel (except for
automated equipment) are changed, and if the scan plan
is required to be modified (i.e., VII-483) to satisfy the requirements of T-466.3.

Table VII-421
Requirements of an Ultrasonic Examination
Procedure for Workmanship Based
Acceptance Criteria
Essential
Variable

INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENTS

VII-466.2 Calibration Checks. The requirements of

T-466.2 are not applicable to this Appendix.
VII-466.2.1 Simulator Checks. The requirements
of T-466.2.1 are not applicable to this Appendix.
VII-471.1 Examination Coverage. The volume to be
scanned shall be examined per the scan plan.

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ARTICLE 4

VII-483

EVALUATION OF LAMINAR REFLECTORS

VII-487

EVALUATION

VII-492

Final flaw evaluation shall only be made after all display

parameter adjustments (e.g., contrast, brightness, and, if
applicable, lateral and backwall removal and SAFT processing, etc.) have been completed.

VII-486

EVALUATION BY MANUFACTURER

The Manufacturer shall be responsible for the review,

interpretation, evaluation, and acceptance of the completed scan data to assure compliance with the requirements of Article 4, this Appendix, and the referencing
Code Section. Acceptance shall be completed prior to presentation of the scan data and accompanying documentation to the Inspector.

Reflectors evaluated as laminar reflectors in the base

material which interfere with the scanning of the examination volume shall require the scan plan to be modified
such that the maximum feasible volume is examined and
shall be noted in the record of the examination (T-493).

VII-485

ARTICLE 4

EXAMINATION RECORD

The required information of T-490 and the following information shall be recorded:
(a) scan plan
(b) scanner and adhering and guiding mechanism
(c) indication data [i.e., position in weld, length, and
characterization (e.g., crack, lack of fusion, lack of penetration, or inclusion)]
(d) the final display processing levels
(e) supplemental manual technique(s) indication data,
if applicable [same information as (c)]

SUPPLEMENTAL MANUAL TECHNIQUES

Flaws detected during the automated or semiautomated scan may be alternatively evaluated, if applicable, by supplemental manual techniques.

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No further reproduction or distribution is permitted.

2013 SECTION V