SECTION 8

NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION SUMMARY

 API 653/ASME SECTION V
NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION
API 653 NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION
API 653 Paragraph 12.1.1.1
Nondestructive Examination procedures, qualifications and acceptance
criteria shall be prepared for visual, magnetic particle, liquid
penetrant, ultrasonic, and radiographic methods in accordance with API
650 and the supplemental requirements given herein.

API 653 Paragraph 12.1.1.2

Personnel performing nondestructive examinations shall be qualified in
accordance with API 650 and the supplemental requirements given
herein.
API 653
NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION
API 653 Paragraph 12.1.1.3
Acceptance Criteria is based on API 650 and supplemental
requirements of API 653.

API 653 Paragraph 12.1.1.5

New Appendix G is introduced. The requirements for MFL, procedures,
operator qualifications, training and equipment calibration is listed in
this appendix.
API 650 – RADIOGRAPHY (RT)
6.1.3.1 ASME method, Section V NDE, Article 2.
6.1.3.2 Radiographer Qualification in accordance with ASNT - SNT -
TC - 1A requirements.
6.1.5 Radiography Standards - Acceptability to be in accordance
with Section VIII, Div. 1, Par. UW-51(B), ASME.
API 650 - ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION (UT)
6.3.1 Ultrasonic Method in lieu of radiography see Appendix U.
6.3.2 UT not in lieu of radiography - ASME Section V, Article 5
Qualified in accordance with ASNT TC-1A
NOTE: This is not for UT thickness measuring that will be included on
the exam.
API 650 LIQUID PENETRANT (PT)
6.4.1 ASME Section V, Article 6 must be followed.
6.4.2 Must have written procedure.
6.4.3 Manufacturer determines qualifications.
6.4.4 Acceptance standards, ASME Section VIII, Appendix 8,
paragraphs 8-3, 8-4 and 8-5.
API 650 MAGNET PARTICLE (MT)
6.2.1 ASME Section V, Article 6 must be followed.
6.2.2 Must have written procedure.
6.2.3 Manufacturer determines qualifications.
6.2.4 Acceptance standards, ASME Section VIII, Appendix 6,
paragraphs 6-3, 6-4 and 6-5.
ASME SECTION V
Only use Section V when referenced by governing standards

API 653 refers to API 650 for guidance for Non Destructive
Examinations.
API 650, Section 6 refers to ASME section V for the methodology
or technique of these disciplines.
ASME SECTION V
Article 1 General Requirements
Article 2 Radiographic Examination
Article 6 Liquid Penetrant Examination
Article 7 Magnetic Particle Examination
Article 23-SE-797 Ultrasonic Thickness (ASTM standards adopted by
Section V)
ASME SECTION V - ARTICLE 1
ARTICLE 1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
T-110 NDE methods intended to detect surface and internal
imperfections
T-120 If Code directly references section V, personnel qualification
shall be in accordance with ASNT (TC-1A or CP-189)
T-130 Responsibility of the Code User to ensure equipment conforms
to this Section
T-150 When required by the referencing Code Section, all NDE shall
be done to a written procedure.
ARTICLE 1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
T-160 Code User to ensure equipment is calibrated in accordance
with Subsection A and/or B.
T-170 The Inspector has the duty to ensure that all examinations
required by the referencing Code have been made to the
requirements of this section.
The word “Inspector” means “Authorized Inspector”.
T-180 Acceptance stands shall be stated in the referencing
documents.
T-190 The code user shall be responsible for all required
Records/Documentation.
ARTICLE 1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
APPENDIX 1 AND A
Appendix I – Mandatory appendix
 Standard Terminology (ASME 1316)

T-130 Requirements
Appendix A – Nonmandatory appendix
 Table A-110 lists common imperfections and the NDE method capable of
detecting them.
Should be used for general guidance.
ASME SECTION V - ARTICLE 2
ARTICLE 2 - RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
ARTICLE 2 - RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
T-210 Scope
T-220 Written procedure – lists essential variable to be included.
T-221 Procedure Demonstration of proper density and image quality
indicator (IQI) shall be considered satisfactory evidence of
compliance with that procedure.
T-222 If welds reinforcement are rough and will mask or confuse the
image they must be ground smooth.
T-223 Must insure that there is no “backscatter Radiation” occurring.
ARTICLE 2 - RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
T-224 System of Identification
 System shall be used to produce permanent on the radiograph
traceable to the weld
 Manufacture symbol/name
 Date

T-225 Densitometer or step wedge shall be used for judging film

density
T-226 Acceptance criteria in accordance with specifying Code.
ARTICLE 2 - RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
T-230 Equipment and Materials
T-233 Image Quality Indicator (IQI) Design
 Hole type or wire type. Alternative IQI’s may be used provided they
meet the requirements.

T-260 Calibration
 Verification of source size

T-262 Densitometer/step wedge Film

 Must be calibrated/verified
 Shall be documented
ARTICLE 2 - RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
T-270 Examination
 Single wall exposure when practical.
T-272 Radiation Energy
 Adequate to develop the film.
T-274 Geometric Unsharpness Determination.
T-275 Location Markers
T-276 IQI Selection
 Material (similar to that being examined)
 Size (See table T-276)
T-277 Placement of IQI’s
ARTICLE 2 - RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
T-282 Radiographic Density
 X-ray Source 1.8 – 4.0
 Gamma Ray Source 2.0 – 4.0
 Composite viewing can have a minimum of 1.3
T-283 IQI Sensitivity
 Can use equivalent Hole-type sensitivity
 See table T-283
T-284 Excessive Backscatter
 Light “B” on dark background – Unacceptable
 Dark “B” on lighter background – OK
ARTICLE 2 - RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
T-290 Documentation

T-292 Review Form

 Often call “Read Sheet”
RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
QUALIFICATION
ASNT TC-1A
In order to qualify as an ASNT Level II, Radiographers must have:
a. 12 Months Job Experience
b. 79 Hours Formal Training
c. High School Graduation
d. Level II Exam, General, Specific and Practical
Radiographic Examination Acceptability
API 650 Paragraph 6.1.5
The acceptability of welds examined by radiography shall be judged
by the standards in Section VIII, Division I, Paragraph UW-51(b), of the
ASME Code.
UW-51 Radiographic and Radioscopic Examination of Welded Joints
b. This section requires indications shown on the radiographs to be
repaired. The repairs may be radiographed or optionally, examined
by ultrasonic examination.
RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
ACCEPTABILITY
UW-51 Radiographic and Radioscopic Examination of Welded Joints
(subparagraph 3)

Any group of aligned indications that have an aggregate length

between the successive imperfections exceeds 6L where L is the
length of the longest imperfection in the group.
Rounded indications in excess of that specified by the acceptance
standards given in Appendix 4.
Radiographic Examination Acceptability
Indications that are unacceptable:
Any crack
Zone of incomplete fusion
Zone of incomplete penetration
Any other elongated indication which is longer than:
 1/4 in fort up to 3/4 in
 1/3 t fort from 3/4 in to 2 1/4 in
 3/4 in for t over 2 1/4 in
RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION STUDY NOTES
ASME SECTION V - ARTICLE 6
NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION
LIQUID PENETRANT METHOD
PT PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
Penetrant testing can be divided in to two major groups, visible light
and fluorescent or “Black Light” detectable groups.
1. Test piece must be cleaned.
2. Penetrant is applied, a dwell time or soaking time waited.
3. Excess penetrant is removed.
4. Developer applied.
5. The part is inspected, any indication is evaluated.
6. Part is post cleaned.
PT PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
This inspection technique relies on the Penetrant being pulled in to all
surface irregularities by capillary action. When the developer is
applied the Penetrant is drawn back to the surface making the
irregularities visible. The irregularities are then evaluated into two
groups, relevant and non-relevant indications. The relevant indications
are evaluated to a given standard for acceptance. Non acceptance
indications are called “Defects”.
ARTICLE 6 - PENETRANT EXAMINATION
T-610 Scope
T-620 General
 Detecting discontinuities open to the surface.
 Non-porous metals and other materials.
T-621 Written Procedure
 Must include essential and nonessential variables (table T-621)
T-630 Equipment (materials)
 Penetrants, Emulsifiers, Solvents, Cleaners, Developers
T-642 Surface Preparation
ARTICLE 6 - PENETRANT EXAMINATION
T-650 Technique
 Color contrast Visible Penetrant or Fluorescent Penetrant

a) Water Washable
b) Post-emulsifying
c) Solvent Removal
NOTE: Visible and Fluorescent penetrants used in combination with the
three processes result in SIX (6) Liquid Penetrant Techniques
ARTICLE 6 - PENETRANT EXAMINATION
T-652 Temperature for Standard Temperature
 Normal range is 40F(5C) – 125F (52C)

T-653 If temperature is outside this range, Mandatory Appendix III of

this article applies.
T-654 Restrictions
T-660 Calibration
 Light meters shall be calibrated annually
ARTICLE 6 - PENETRANT EXAMINATION
T-671 Penetrant Application
 Dipping, brushing, or spraying

T-672 Penetrant (Dwell) Time

 In accordance with Table T-672

T-673 Excess Penetrant Removal

 After dwell time has elapsed, remaining Penetrant shall be removed in
accordance with T-673.1, T-673.2, or T-673.3
ARTICLE 6 - PENETRANT EXAMINATION
T-675 Developing
 Shall be applied as soon as possible after the penetrant removal.
• Dry developer
• Wet (Aqueous) developer
 Developing time in accordance with Table T-672

T-676 Interpretation
 Shall be made within 10-60 minutes
 Characterizing Indications
• May need to observe during the formation of
indications
T-677 Post Examination Cleaning
ARTICLE 6 - PENETRANT EXAMINATION
T-680 Evaluation
 All indications shall be evaluated according to the acceptance standards
of the referencing Code sections.
LIQUID PENETRANT METHOD
API 650 Paragraph 6.4.3
No ASNT Certification Required, Manufacturer Determined.

API 650 Paragraph 6.4.4

Acceptance standards and removal and repair of defects shall be per
Section VIII, Division 1, Appendix 8, Paragraphs 8-3, 8-4 and 8-5, of
the ASME Code.
ASME SECTION VIII, APPENDIX 8 PARAGRAPH 8-3 EVALUATION
OF INDICATIONS
An indication is the evidence of a mechanical imperfection. Only
indications with major dimensions greater than 1/16 in. shall be
considered relevant.
a. A linear indication is one having a length greater than three
times the width.
b. A rounded indication is one of circular or elliptical shape with the
length equal to or less than three times the width.
c. Any questionable or doubtful indications shall be reexamined to
determine whether or not they are relevant.
ASME SECTION VIII, APPENDIX 8 PARAGRAPH 8-4 ACCEPTANCE
STANDARDS

All surfaces shall be free of:

a. relevant linear indications

b. relevant rounded indications greater than 3/16”
c. four or more relevant rounded indications separated by 1/16”

Appendix 8 paragraph 8-5 Repair Requirements

ASME SECTION V - ARTICLE 7
NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION
MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING
MT PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
Basically, an object or localized area is magnetized through the use of
AC or DC current. Once the area is magnetized lines of flux are formed,
see above. Dry iron powder, or iron powder held in suspension is added
to the surface of the test piece. Any interruption in the lines of flux will
create an indication which can be evaluated. The process may be used
on any material that is ferromagnetic. This method of NDE can be used
in visible light or with special powders, under black light. Surface
discontinues are the most commonly detected indications using this
process.
ARTICLE 7 – MAGNETIC PARTICLE
TESTING
T-710 Scope
T-720 General
 Detect cracks and other discontinuities on or near surface

T-721 Written Procedure Requirements

 Shall contain essential and nonessential variables listed in table T-721

T-730 Equipment
 A suitable and appropriate means for producing lines of flux in the part.
ARTICLE 7 – MAGNETIC PARTICLE
TESTING
T-731 Examination Medium
 Particle Types
• Fluorescent pigments
• Non-fluorescent pigments
 Particles
• Dry
• Wet
 Temperature limits
•Set by manufacture
ARTICLE 7 – MAGNETIC PARTICLE
TESTING
T-762 Lifting Power of Yokes
 AC Yoke – 10lb
 DC Yoke – 40lb

T-763 Gauss meters

 Meter that detects magnetism
 Calibrated annually

T-764 Magnetic Field Adequacy and Direction

 Pie Gage
 Artificial Flaw Shims
MT ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

API 650 Paragraph 6.2.4

Acceptance standards and removal and repair of defects shall be per
Section VIII, Appendix 6, Paragraphs 6-3 and 6-4, of the ASME Code.
MT ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
ASME Section VIII, Appendix 6, Paragraph 6-3
Definition of indication. Must be larger than 1/16”.

ASME Section VIII, Appendix 6, Paragraph 6-4

Acceptance Standards
All surfaces to be examined shall be free of:
a. relevant linear indications
b. relevant rounded indications greater than 3/16”
c. four or more relevant rounded indications in line separated by 1/16” or less,
edge to edge.
ASME SECTION V - ARTICLE 7
ASME SECTION V - ARTICLE 23, SE-797
ULTRASONIC THICKNESS TESTING
The API 653 Effectivity Sheet has listed ASME Section V, Article 23
(Section SE-797 only).
This section deals with “Standard Practice for Measuring Thickness by
Manual
Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Contact Method”. The section includes the general
procedure requirements for thickness readings.
ULTRASONIC THICKNESS TESTING
ARTICLE 23, SE-797
1. Scope
2. Referenced Documents
3. Terminology
4. Summary of Practices
 Thickness
 Velocity
 Reference Block
 Display element

5. Significance and Use

ARTICLE 23, SE-797
6. Apparatus
6.1 Instruments
 Flaw Detectors with A-Scan presentation
 Flaw Detectors with A-Scan and digital readout
 Digital readout
6.2 Search Units
 Straight beam contact
 Delay line
 Dual element
6.3 Standardization Blocks
ARTICLE 23, SE-797
7. Standardization of apparatus
8. Technical Hazards
9. Procedure Requirements
10. Report
11. Key words
X1 Typical 4 step block
X2 Typical 5 step block