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Materials, Welding & Coatings

Non-Destructive Examination (NDE / NDT)

RT, UT, MT, PT, ET, VT and PAUT non-destructive examination methods.

Category
Materials, Welding & Coatings
Subcategory
NDE / NDT
Applicable standards
5
Issuing bodies
4

Description

RT, UT, MT, PT, ET, VT and PAUT non-destructive examination methods.

Applicable Standards (5)

API — 1 standard

API 582 Welding Guidelines for the Chemical, Oil, and Gas Industries
Edition: 3rd Edition (2016, R2022) Region: USA, Global
Supplementary welding requirements (PWHT, hardness, impact, NDE) beyond ASME IX.
Key requirements (7)
  • Supplementary welding requirements for chemical/oil/gas industries — beyond ASME IX.
  • Mandatory PWHT thresholds tighter than ASME VIII.
  • Hardness limits: 200 HB (CS), 235 HB (1.25Cr-0.5Mo / 2.25Cr-1Mo) for sour service typical.
  • Charpy impact requirements at MDMT for all weldments where production weld is impact-tested.
  • PMI (positive material identification) required on alloy components.
  • Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) prevention: low-hydrogen consumables, preheat, controlled diffusible H ≤ 8 mL/100g.
  • Heat input control for impact-toughness-controlled materials.

ASME — 2 standards

ASME BPVC Sec V Nondestructive Examination
Edition: 2023 Edition Region: USA, Global
NDE methods (RT, UT, MT, PT, ET, VT) referenced by Section VIII, B31.3, etc.
Key requirements (7)
  • NDE methods: RT (radiography), UT (ultrasonic), MT (magnetic particle), PT (liquid penetrant), VT (visual), ET (eddy current), AE (acoustic emission), LT (leak).
  • RT: density 1.8–4.0 (film), pixel density for digital.
  • UT thickness: pulse-echo, accuracy typically ±0.1 mm.
  • PAUT (phased array UT): increasing replacement of RT for thick welds.
  • MT: residual or continuous magnetization, prods or yokes.
  • PT: dwell time 5–60 minutes, developer dwell 7–30 min.
  • Personnel certification: Level I/II/III per ASNT SNT-TC-1A or ISO 9712.
ASME BPVC Sec IX Welding, Brazing and Fusing Qualifications
Edition: 2023 Edition Region: USA, Global
Welding/brazing procedure and welder/operator qualification.
Key requirements (8)
  • Welding and brazing qualifications.
  • WPS (Welding Procedure Spec) supported by PQR (Procedure Qualification Record).
  • PQR essential variables include: P-number, F-number, A-number, thickness range, position, preheat, PWHT, impact.
  • Welder/operator qualification: bend tests OR radiography per QW-302.
  • Coupon thickness qualifies a range: Table QW-451 (e.g., 25 mm coupon qualifies 5–50 mm).
  • Position qualification: 6G qualifies all positions for pipe.
  • Performance qualification expires if 6 months without welding (re-qualify).
  • Notch toughness essentials when impact required by construction code.

ISO — 1 standard

ISO 9712 Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel
Edition: 2021 Region: Global
International qualification of NDT personnel (Levels 1–3).

ASNT — 1 standard

ASNT SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice — Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
Edition: 2020 Region: USA, Global
US recommended practice for NDT personnel certification.