ARTICLE 4 ASME BPVC.
V-Z019
ARTICLE 4
ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION METHODS FOR WELDS
T-410 SCOPE
This Article provides or references requirements for
weld examinations, which are to be used in selecting
and developing ultrasonic examination procedures when
examination to any part of this Article is a requirement of
a referencing Code Section. These procedures are to be
used for the ultrasonic examination of welds and the di­
mensioning of indications for comparison with accep­
tance standards when required by the referencing Code
Section; the referencing Code Section shall be consulted
for specific requirements for the following:
(a] personnel qualification/certification requirements
(b) procedure requirements/demonstration, qualifica-
tion, acceptance
(c) examination system characteristics
(d) retention and control of calibration blocks
(e) extent of examination and/or volume to be scanned
(f) acceptance standards
(g] retention of records
(h) report requirements
Definitions of terms used in this Article are contained in
Article 1, Man datory Appendix I, 1-121.2 , UT -
Ultrasonics.
(19) T-420 GENERAL
The requirements of this Article shall be used together
with Article 1, General Requirements. Refer to:
(a) special provisions for coarse grain materials and
welds in T-451
(b) special provisions for computerized imaging tech­
niques in T-452
(c) Mandatory Appendix III for Time of Flight Diffrac­
tion (TOFD) techniques
(d) Mandatory Appendix IV for phased array manual
rastering techniques
(e] Mandatory Appendix V for phased array E-scan
and S-scan linear scanning examination techniques
(f) Mandatory Appendix XI for full matrix capture
(FMC) techniques
(19} T-421 WRITTEN PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS
T-421.1 Requirements. Ultrasonic examination shall
be performed in accordance with a written procedure
that shall, as a minimum, contain the requirements listed
84
in Table T-421 or the Appendices applicable to the tech­
nique in use. The written procedure shall establish a sin­
gle value, or range of values, for each requirement
T-421.2 Procedure Qualification. When procedure
qualification is specified by the referencing Code Section,
a change of a requirement in Table T-421 or the table in
the Mandatory Appendix applicable to the technique in
use, identified as an essential variable from the specified
value, or range of values, shall require requalification of
the written procedure. A change of a requirement identi­
fied as a nonessential variable from the specified value, or
range of values, does not require requalification of the
written procedure. All changes of essential or nonessen­
tial variables from the value, or range of values, specified r
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by the written procedure shall require revision of, or an
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addendum to, the written procedure or scan plan, as
applicable.
T-430 EQUIPMENT
T-431 INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENTS
A pulse-echo-type of ultrasonic instrument shall be
used. The instrument shall be capable of operation at fre­
quencies over the range of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz and
shall be equipped with a stepped gain control in units
of 2.0 dB or less. If the instrument has a damping control,
it may be used if it does not reduce the sensitivity of the
examination. The reject control shall be in the "off' posi­
tion for all examinations, unless it can be demonstrated
that it does not affect the linearity of the examination.
The instrument, when required because of the tech­
nique being used, shall have both send and receive jacks
for operation of dual search units or a single search unit
with send and receive transducers.
T-432 SEARCH UNITS
T-432.1 General. The nominal frequency shall be
from 1 MHz to 5 MHz unless variables, such as production
material grain structure, require the use of other frequen­
cies to assure adequate penetration or better resolution.
Search units with contoured contact wedges may be used
to aid ultrasonic coupling.
T-432.2 Contact Wedges. As required by (a) and (b)
below, examinations performed on a curved component
having a diameter less than 14 in. (350 mm) (at the exam­
ination surface) shall be performed using a contoured
wedge, to ensure sufficient ultrasonic coupling is
 ASME BPVC.V-2019 ARTICLE 4

Table T-421
Requirements of an Ultrasonic Examination Procedure
Requirement Essential Variable Nonessential Variable
Weld configurations to be examined, including thickness dimensions and base
material product form (pipe, plate, etc.) X
The surfaces from which the examination shall be performed X
Technique(s) (straight beam, angle beam, contact, and/or immersion) X
Angle(s) and mode(s) of wave propagation in the material X
Search unit type(s), frequency(ies), and element size(s)/shape(s) X
S pecial search units, wedges, shoes, or saddles, when used X
Ultrasonic instrument(s) X
Calibration [calibration block(s) and technique(s)] X
Directions and extent of scanning X
Scanning (manual vs. automatic) X
Method for discriminating geometric from flaw indications X
Method for sizing indications X
Computer enhanced data acquisition, when used X
Scan overlap (decrease only) X
Personnel performance requirements, when required X
Personnel qualification requirements X
Surface condition (examination surface, calibration block) X
Couplant: brand name or type X
Post-examination cleaning technique X
Automatic alarm and/or recording equipment, when applicable X
Records, including minimum calibration data to be recorded (e.g., instrument
settln s X

achieved and to limit any potential rocking of the search (1) Maximum contour for examinations performed
unit as it is moved along the circumference of the from O.D.
component
(a) Search units shall be contoured as required by the Actual Component Outside Allowable Increase in
Diameter, Contour Diameter Over
following equation:
in. (mm) Component O.D., in. (mm)

(Ax A ) ] <4.0 (<100) <1 ( <25)

,.
D s; [ ;,4.0 to 10 (;,100 to 250) <2 (<SO)
0.113 in. (2.87 mm) g
>10 (>250) <4 (<100)
0
N
0

where
A = length of search unit footprint during circumferen­
tial scanning or the width when scanning in the ax­ (2) Minimum contour for·examinations performed
ial direction, in. (mm) from l.D.
D = the component diameter at inspection surface
(1.D./0.D.), in. (mm) Actual Component Inside Al lowable Decrease in
Diameter, Contour Diameter Under
The footprint is defined as the physical dimension of the in. (mm) Component I.D., in. (mm)
search unit in the curved direction of the component. <4.0 (<100) <l (<25)
(b) The search unit contoured dimension shall be se­ ;,4.0 to 10 (;,100 to 250) <2 (<50)
lected from the tables in (1) and (2) below, and shall be >10 (>250) <4 (<100)
determined using the same component dimension from
which the examination is being performed (1.D. or O.D.).

T-432.3 Weld Metal Overlay Cladding - Search

Unit. 8 Dual element, straight beam search units using an
angled pitch-catch technique shall be used. The included
angle between the search unit's elements shall be such
that the effective focal spot distance is centered in the
area of interest.

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T-471.4.2 Nondistance-Amplitude Techniques.
The level of gain used for scanning shall be appropriate
for the configuration being examined and shall be capable
of detecting the calibration reflectors at the maximum
scanning speed.
T-471.5 Surface Preparation. When the base materi­
al or weld surface interferes with the examination, the
base material or weld shall be prepared as needed to per­
mit the examination.
T-471.6 Recording of Ultrasonic Data. The ultraso­
nic data for the semi-automatic and automatic techniques
shall be recorded in an unprocessed form with no thresh­
olding. Gating of the data solely for the recording of the
examination volume is permitted, provided a scan plan
is utilized to determine the gate settings to be used.
T-4n WELD JOINT DISTANCE-AMPLITUDE
TECHNIQUE
When the referencing Code Section specifies a
distance-amplitude technique, weld joints shall be
scanned with an angle beam search unit in both parallel
and transverse directions (4 scans) to the weld axis. Be­
fore performing the angle beam examinations, a straight
beam examination shall be performed on the volume of
base material through which the angle beams will travel
to locate any reflectors that can limit the ability of the an­
gle beam to examine the weld volume. Nonmandatory
Appendix I describes a method of examination using mul­
tiple angle beam search units.
T-472.l Angle Beam Technique.
T-472.1.l Beam Angle. The search unit and beam
angle selected shall be 45 deg or an angle appropriate
for the configuration being examined and shall be capable
of detecting the calibration reflectors, over the required
angle beam path.
T-472.1.2 Reflectors Parallel to the Weld Seam.
The angle beam shall be directed at approximate right an­
gles to the weld axis from both sides of the weld (i.e., from
two directions) on the same surface when possible. The
search unit shall be manipulated so that the ultrasonic en­
ergy passes through the required volume of weld and ad­
jacent base material.
T-472.1.3 Reflectors Transverse to the Weld
Seam.
(a) Scanning With Weld Reinforcement If the weld cap
is not machined or ground flat, the examination shall be
performed from the base material on both sides of the
weld cap. While scanning parallel to the weld axis, the an­
gle beam shall be directed from 0 deg to 60 deg with re­
spect to the weld axis in both axial directions, with the
angle beam passing through the required examination
volume.
{b) Scanning Without Weld Reinforcement If the weld
cap is machined or ground flat, the examination shall be
performed on the weld. While scanning, the angle beam
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ARTICLE 4
shall be directed essentially parallel to the weld axis in
both axial directions. The search unit shall be manipu­
lated so that the angle beam passes through the required
examination volume.
T-472.2 Single-Sided Access Welds. Welds that can­
not be fully examined from two directions per T-472.1.2
using the angle beam technique shall also be examined
to the maximum extent possible with a straight beam
technique applied from an adjacent base material surface.
This may be applicable to vessel corner and tee joints,
nozzle and manway neck to shell or head joints, pipe to
fittings, or branch connections. The area(s) of single-sided
access and, if applicable, the extent of the limit coverage
shall be noted in the examination report.
T-472.3 Inaccessible Welds. Welds that cannot be
examined from at least one side (edge) using the angle
beam technique shall be noted in the examination report.
For flange welds, the weld may be examined with a
straight beam or low angle longitudinal waves from the
flange face provided the examination volume can be
covered.
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T-473 WELD METAL OVERLAY CLADDING
TECHNIQUES
The techniques described in these paragraphs shall be
used when examinations of weld metal overlay cladding
are required by the referencing Code Section. When ex­
amination for lack of bond and weld metal overlay clad­
ding flaw indications is required, Technique One shall
be used. When examination for lack of bond only is re­
quired, Technique Two may be used.
g
T-473.1 Technique One. The examination shall be
performed from the weld metal overlay clad surface with
the plane separating the elements of the dual element
search unit positioned parallel to the axis of the weld
bead. The search unit shall be moved perpendicular to
the weld direction.
T-473.2 Technique Two. The examination may be
performed from either the weld metal overlay clad or un­
clad surface and the search unit may be moved either per­
pendicular or parallel to the weld direction.
T-474 NONDISTANCE-AMPLITUDE TECHNIQUES
The number of angles and directions of the scans, for
reflectors both parallel and transverse to the weld axis,
shall demonstrate the ability to detect the minimum size
rejectable discontinuities in the referencing Code Section
acceptance standards. The detailed techniques shall be in
conformance with the requirements of the referencing
Code Section.
 ASME BPVC.V-2019 ARTICLE 4

MANDATORY APPENDIX IV
PHASED ARRAY MANUAL RASTER EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES
USING LINEAR ARRAYS

IV-410 SCOPE IV-462 GENERAL CALIBRATION REQUIREMENTS

This Mandatory Appendix describes the requirements
to be used for phased array, manual raster scanning, ul­
trasonic techniques using linear arrays. The techniques
covered by this Appendix are single (fixed angle), E-scan
(fixed angle), and S-scan (sweeping multiple angle). In
general, this Article is in conformance with SE-2700, Stan­
dard Practice for Contact Ultrasonic Testing of Welds
Using Phased Arrays. SE-2700 provides details to be con­
sidered in the procedures used.
IV-462.7 Focal Law. The focal law to be used during
the examination shall be used for calibration.
IV-462.8 Beam Calibration. All individual beams
used in the examination shall be calibrated to provide
measurement of distance and amplitude correction over
the sound path employed in the examination. This shall
include applicable compensation for wedge sound path
variations and wedge attenuation effects.
IV-490 DOCUMENTATION
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IV-420 GENERAL
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IV-492 EXAMINATION RECORD (19)
The requirements of Article 4 apply except as modified
For each examination, the required information of
by this Appendix.
T-492 and the following information shall be recorded:
(19) IV-421 WRITTEN PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS (a) search unit type, element size and number, and
pitch and gap dimensions
IV-421.1 Requirements. The requirements of Table (b) focal law parameters, including, as applicable, angle,
IV-421 shall apply. element numbers used, range of elements, element incre­
IV-421.2 Procedure Qualification. The requirements mental change, angular range, and angle incremental a
3

of Table IV-421 shall apply. change

(c) wedge angle
(19) IV-422 SCAN PLAN (d) instrument settings to include, as a minimum, exci­
tation pulse type, duration and voltage settings, digitiza­
a

A scan plan shall be developed. The scan plan, in com­ J

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tion rate (e.g., nominal rate as affected by compression

0
bination with the written procedure, shall address all re­ N
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quirements of Table IV-421. and points quantity), rectification, pulse repetition rate,
range start and stop, band pass filters, smoothing, focal
type, and length
IV-460 CALIBRATION (e) scan plan variables
IV-461 INSTRUMENT LINEARITY CHECKS
IV-461.2 Amplitude Control Linearity. The ultraso­
nic instrument's amplitude control linearity shall be
eval­uated in accordance with Mandatory Appendix II for
each pulser-receiver circuit.

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 ASME BPVC.V-2019
Vll-460 CALIBRATION
Vll-466 CALIBRATION FOR NOZZLE SIDE WELD
FUSION ZONE AND/OR ADJACENT
NOZZLE PARENT METAL
Vll-466.l System Confirmation Scan. The scanner
block shall be scanned and the reference reflector indica­
tions 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 re­
quirements of T-467.3.
Vll-466.2 Calibration Checks. The requirements of
T-467.2 are not applicable to this Appendix when the re­
quirements ofVII-434.l(a) are met
Vll-466.2.l Simulator Checks. The requirements
of T-467.2.1 are not applicable to this Appendix when
the requirements ofVII-434.l(a) are met
Vll-466.3 Search Unit Position. If the search unit po­
sition within the scanner has changed more than 1/16 in.
(1.5 mm), all data since the last valid search unit position
check shall be marked void and the area covered by the
voided data shall be reexamined. This requirement does
not apply when the requirements ofVIl-434.l(a) are met.
Vll-470 EXAMINATION
Vll-471 GENERAL EXAMINATION
REQUIREMENTS
Vll-471.l Examination Coverage. The volume to be
scanned shall be examined per the scan plan.
Vll-480 EVALUATION
Vll-483 EVALUATION OF LAMINAR REFLECTORS
Reflectors evaluated as laminar reflectors in the base
material which interfere with the scanning of the exami­
nation 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).
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ARTICLE 4
Vll-485 EVALUATION
Final flaw evaluation shall only be made after all dis­
play parameter adjustments (e.g., contrast, brightness,
and, if applicable, lateral and backwall removal and SAFT
processing, etc.) have been completed.
Vll-486 SUPPLEMENTAL MANUAL TECHNIQUES
Fl aws detected during the automated or semi­
automated scan may be alternatively evaluated, if applic­
able, by supplemental manual techniques.
Vll-487 EVALUATION BY MANUFACTURER
The Manufacturer shall be responsible for the review,
interpretation, evaluation, and acceptance of the com­
pleted scan data to assure compliance with the require­
ments of Article 4, this Appendix, and the referencing
Code Section. Acceptance shall be completed prior to pre­
sentation of the scan data and accompanying documenta­
tion to the Inspector.
Vll-490 DOCUMENTATION
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Vll-492 EXAMINATION RECORD (19)
The required information of T-490 and the following
information shall be recorded:
(a) scan plan (including qualified range of variables)
(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 pene­
tration, or inclusion)]
(d) the final display processing levels
· (e) supplemental manual technique(s) indication data,
if applicable [same information as (c)]
(fJ instrument settings to include, as a minimum, exci­
tation pulse type, duration and voltage settings, digitiza­
tion rate (e.g., nominal rate as affected by compression
and points quantity), rectification, pulse repetition rate,
range start and stop, band pass filters, smoothing, focal
type, and length
(g) focal law parameters, including, as applicable, angle C
0
0
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0
or angular range, focal depth and plane, element numbers <C
used, angular or element incremental change, and start
and stop element numbers or start element number
 ARTICLE 4
(19) MANDATORY APPENDIX XI
FULL MATRIX CAPTURE
Xl-410 SCOPE
This Appendix provides the requirements for using the
full matrix capture (FMC) ultrasonic technique, in con­
junction with data reconstruction techniques, when ex­
aminations are performed for fracture-mechanics-based
acceptance criteria. A general description of FMC data
and data reconstruction techniques is given in Article 4,
Nonmandatory Appendix F.
Xl-420 GENERAL
The requirements of Article 4 apply except as modified
by this Appendix.
Xl-421 WRITTEN PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS
Xl-421.1 Requirements. The examination shall be
performed in accordance with a written procedure that
shall, as a minimum, contain the requirements listed in
Table XI-421.1-1. Due to unique processes or equipment,
essential variables that are not identified in Table
XI-421.1-1 shall also be addressed in the procedure, and
a single value or range of values shall be established for
each essential variable. An essential variable is an equip­
ment or software setting that influences the ultrasonic
signal as displayed, recorded, or automatically processed.
Xl-421.1.1 Software. Software revisions shall not
require requalification unless any change(s) have been
made that would influence the ultrasonic signal as dis­
played, recorded, or automatically processed. Software
revisions shall be documented and available for review.
Xl-421.2 Procedure Qualification. Procedure qualifi­
cation is required per Article 4, Mandatory Appendix IX
and shall comply with Article 1, T-lSO(d). The require­
ments of Table Xl-421.1-1 shall apply.
Xl-422 SCAN PLAN
A scan plan shall be required that provides a standar­
dized and repeatable methodology for the examination.
As a minimum, the scan plan shall include a depiction of
the required examination volume coverage, imaging
paths, image grid density, weld joint geometry, number
of examination scan lines, and search unit placement
and movement with respect to the weld axis and zero­
datum point
ASME BPVC.V-2019
Xl-423 PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the requirements of Article 1, Mandatory
Appendix II, only qualified ultrasonics (UT) personnel
who are trained in the use of the equipment and who have
demonstrated the ability to properly acquire examination
data, approve setups, and perform calibrations shall con­
duct production scans. Personnel who perform data re­
construction techni ques, in real time or as post­
processed images, or analyze and interpret data, shall
be Level II or Level lII examiners with documented train­
ing and demonstrated proficiency in the use of the equip­
ment and software. The training and demonstration
requirements shall be addressed in the employer's writ­
ten practice. r
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Xl-430 EQUIPMENT
Xl-432 SEARCH UNIT{S)
Search unit(s) used for examination shall be the same
[i.e., manufacturer, model number, and physical config­
uration, including wedge(s)] as those used during
qualification.
Xl-432.4 Search Unit Performance. The amplitude
response from 75% of the individual elements within
the aperture shall fall within 3 dB. The amplitude re­
sponse from the remaining 25% of the individual ele­
ments shall fall within 6 dB. Elements found outside
these parameters shall be considered inactive. The num­
ber of inactive elements within an aperture shall not ex­
ceed 1 element for every 16 elements, with no 2 being
adjacent. Exceptions to this requirement shall be demon­
strated and documented during the qualification.
Xl-434 CALIBRATION BLOCKS
Xl-434.1 General. A calibration block meeting the re­
quirements of Figure Xl-434.1-1 shall be used, and shall
also meet the requirements of T-434.1.2 through
T-434.1.6. Alternatively, existing calibration blocks de­
scribed in T-434 may be used, provided one of the follow­
ing applies:
(a) Notch, slot, and side-drilled holes (SDHs) meeting
the requirements of Figure XI-434.1-1 are embedded.
(b) Notch and slot reflectors meeting the requirements
of Figure XI-434.1-1 are embedded and a known refer­
ence standard described in Xl-435 with SDHs meeting
the requirements of XI-462.8.1 is used.
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