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BRITISH STANDARD BS 3889-2A:

1986
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1

Methods for

Non-destructive testing
of pipes and tubes —
Part 2A: Automatic eddy current testing
of wrought steel tubes

ICS 23.040.10
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BS 3889-2A:1986

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Iron and Steel
Standards Committee (ISM/-) to Technical Committee ISM/73 upon which the
following bodies were represented:

Associated Offices Technical Committee

British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association Ltd. (BEAMA)
British Compressed Air Society
British Gas Corporation
British Shipbuilders
British Steel Industry
British Valve Manufacturers’ Association Ltd.
Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association
High Pressure Pipework Consultative Committee
Process Plant Association
Water-tube Boilermakers’ Association
Welding Institute
Coopted members

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:

Association of Hydraulic Equipment Manufacturers

British Forging Industry Association
British Industrial Truck Association
British Steel Corporation
British Welded Steel Tube Association
Confederation of British Industry
Energy Industries Council
Institution of Gas Engineers

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the Amendments issued since publication
direction of the Iron and
Steel Standards Committee,
was published under Amd. No. Date of issue Comments
the authority of the
Board of BSI and comes 9215 November Indicated by a sideline in the margin
into effect on 1996
28 February 1986

© BSI 02-1999
First published September 1965
First revision February 1986

ISBN 0 580 14574 3

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BS 3889-2A:1986

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Principle and summary of test methods 1
4 Equipment 2
5 Equipment calibration 3
6 Procedures for tube testing 4
7 Assessment of results 4
8 Test report 5
Appendix A Reference standards for methods A and C 6
Appendix B Reference standards for method B 6
Appendix C Guidance on limitations associated with the eddy
current methods 7
Table 1 — Relative translational/rotational speeds to be
used for methods A, B and C 2
Table 2 — Drill diameters for acceptance level 1: detection of
imperfections only 6
Table 3 — Drill diameters for acceptance level 2: detection of
imperfections or as an alternative to a hydraulic leak tightness test 6
Table 4 — Notch dimensions for acceptance level 1: detection of
imperfections only 6
Table 5 — Notch dimensions for acceptance level 2: detection of
imperfections or as an alternative to a hydraulic leak tightness test 6
Publications referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 02-1999 i
 BS 3889-2A:1986
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Foreword

This Part of BS 3889 has been prepared under the direction of the Iron and Steel
Standards Committee. It revises and supersedes BS 3889-2A:1965 which is
withdrawn.
The purpose of BS 3889 is to establish a number of test methods to cover the
various requirements of manufacturers and purchasers. It should not, however,
be inferred that for this purpose one method of test is superior to another.
Non-destructive testing methods, being complementary to each other, should
always be considered in relation to inspection and testing as a whole.
BS 3889-1 describes methods for automatic ultrasonic testing for the detection of
imperfections in wrought steel tubes. BS 3889-2B describes methods for eddy
current testing of non-ferrous tubes.
This revision of BS 3889-2A takes account of advances made in the understanding
and application of automatic eddy current methods of non-destructive testing
over the past decade. The automatic testing methods to which this standard is
applicable are now widely accepted and utilized by industry. The need for
adequate training of personnel engaged in non-destructive testing has been
recognized by industry. No specific formal qualifications have been laid down in
this standard. However, it is emphasized that the operation of all equipment
should be supervised by competent, trained personnel.
Application of automatic eddy current test methods enables tubes to be classified
into categories of acceptance appropriate to the application for which the finished
tube is required. It is, therefore, necessary to relate the signal indications
received from imperfections with those from reference standards that have been
established as indicating the required level of acceptance. Details of these
reference standards are normally included in the British Standards for tube
products.
Guidance on limitations associated with the test methods is also included in
Appendix C for information.
This British Standard is being progressively replaced by BS EN 10246,
Non-destructive testing of steel tubes, Parts of which deal with eddy current
testing. When the relevant Parts of BS EN 10246 have been published,
BS 3889-2A will be withdrawn.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 8, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

ii © BSI 02-1999
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1 Scope
This Part of BS 3889 describes three methods which
are summarized in 3.2 for the automatic eddy
current testing of wrought steel tubes.
These methods are intended for the detection of
imperfections for acceptance purposes (acceptance
levels 1 and 2) or as an alternative to a hydraulic
leak tightness test (acceptance level 2) as may be
required by the appropriate British Standards for
the tube products.
Calibration procedures for the three methods are
described in detail and Appendix A and Appendix B
give the dimensions of the reference standards for
acceptance level 1 and acceptance level 2 that are
used where none are given in the appropriate
British Standard for the product. In this case it is
emphasized that when the test methods described
in this Part of BS 3889 are used as an alternative to
a hydraulic leak tightness test, the reference
standards for acceptance level 2 apply, where these
reference standards have been established for the
detection of imperfections which may result in the
passage of fluids through the tube wall.
NOTE 1 For the purposes of this standard no difference in
meaning is intended between “pipe” and “tube”; idiomatic use
prefers sometimes the one and sometimes the other.
NOTE 2 The titles of the publications referred to in this
standard are listed on the inside back cover.
2 Definitions
For the purposes of this Part of BS 3889 the
definitions given in BS 3683-5 apply, together with
the following.
2.1
concentric test coil
a test coil that surrounds the tube under test or,
conversely, is itself surrounded by the tube
2.2
pancake or segmental test coil
a test coil applied to the surface of the tube under
test that may or may not conform to the geometry of
the tube
2.3
trigger/alarm level
the level at which the electronic equipment is
required to differentiate between acceptable and
suspect tubes
2.4
trigger/alarm condition
the condition where the electronic equipment has
indicated that a particular tube is suspect
© BSI 02-1999
BS 3889-2A:1986
2.5
rate filter
electronic circuitry usually contained within the
electronic equipment, whereby frequency selection
of the signals from the eddy current test coil can be
achieved to produce optimum signal conditions from
tube imperfections and minimize the effect of
extraneous signals
2.6
electronic calibration
a method of checking equipment sensitivity
whereby an electrical signal is induced into the
electronic equipment to produce an equivalent
response to that which is obtained from the specified
reference standard(s)
2.7
test piece
a conveniently sized sample of steel of similar
electromagnetic properties as the tube to be tested
and in which the reference standards are located
2.8
reference standard
an artificially produced imperfection of
predetermined dimensions, usually a notch or a
hole, used for the sole purpose of establishing the
test sensitivity of the eddy current equipment
2.9
suspect area
that part of the tube length producing a trigger
alarm condition
3 Principle and summary of test
methods
3.1 Principle
In each of the methods described, the test coil
assembly or the tubes to be tested are translated, or
translated and rotated, relative to each other.
Signals induced in the test coil assembly, from tube
imperfections, are fed to electronic equipment
where they are evaluated and classified.
A test piece containing a reference standard(s) is
used to calibrate the equipment to establish the test
sensitivity (trigger/alarm level) and to execute
routine calibration checks and recalibration during
tube testing.
Tubes are classified into acceptable or suspect
categories dependent on whether or not they
produce a trigger/alarm condition. The results of the
test are assessed and actions to be taken on tubes
designated as suspect are given.
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BS 3889-2A:1986
3.2 Summary of test methods
3.2.1 Method A. Method A involves the testing of
seamless and welded tubes over their entire
periphery using concentric test coils, whereby the
tubes to be tested are passed through a concentric
test coil. The method is intended for the detection of
imperfections in the tubes, although it is also
intended to be used as an alternative to a hydraulic
leak tightness test where permitted by the
appropriate British Standard for the product.
NOTE For technical reasons, this method is limited to tubes of
outside diameter not exceeding 180 mm.
3.2.2 Method B. Method B involves the testing of
seamless and welded tubes over their entire
periphery using pancake or segmental test coils,
whereby the tubes to be tested or the
pancake/segmental coil assembly are translated, or
translated and rotated, relative to each other such
that the test coil assembly describes a helical path
over the tube surface.
The method is intended for the detection of
imperfections that break the tube surface adjacent
to the test coils and that are oriented predominantly
longitudinally to the major axis of the tube. The
method is also intended to be used as an alternative
to a hydraulic leak tightness test, where permitted
by the appropriate British Standard for the product.
3.2.3 Method C. Method C involves the testing of the
weld in welded tubes using pancake or segmental
test coils, whereby the tubes to be tested or the test
coil assembly are translated, or translated and
rotated, relative to each other such that the test coil
assembly describes a path over the tube surface that
provides full coverage of the weld.
The method is intended for the detection of
imperfections in the weld, although it is also
intended to be used for verification of a leak
tightness test of the weld only, where permitted by
the appropriate British Standard for the product.
NOTE In all three methods, testing is normally carried out
from the outer surface. Under special circumstances tests can be
conducted from the bores of the tubes if specified in the
appropriate British Standard for the product or by agreement
between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
4 Equipment
4.1 Test coil and tube transport equipment
Test coil equipment shall incorporate concentric or
pancake/segmental coil assemblies, appropriate to
methods A, B and C, which with associated tube
transport equipment permits translation, or
translation and rotation, of the test coil assemblies
relative to the tubes, by moving either the test coil
assemblies or the tubes at the relative speeds given
in Table 1.
2 © BSI 02-1999
Table 1 — Relative translational/rotational
speeds to be used for methods A, B and C
Method Relative translational/rotational speeds
A Rotational speed: not applicable.
Translational speed: no defined limits.
B A speed such that the pitch of the
helical path of the test coil assembly
over the tube surface is either as
specified in the appropriate British
Standard for the product or, if no value
is specified therein, as given by:
P = n × 50
where
P is the pitch of the helix (in mm);
n is the number of test coils
describing equally spaced
non-coincident paths.
C A speed such that the test coil assembly
describes a path over the tube surface
that provides full coverage of the weld
as specified in the appropriate
British Standard for the product.
4.2 Electronic equipment
Electronic equipment shall be suitable for
energizing the test coils, amplifying the signals
received and displaying these signals on an
oscilloscope screen or a data recording device, and
shall be capable of the following:
a) distinguishing the signals received from the
reference standard(s) located in the test piece as
required by the calibration procedures;
b) responding to signals that have equalled or
exceeded a predetermined magnitude,
i.e. trigger/alarm level;
c) differentiating effectively between acceptable
and suspect tubes by, for example:
1) operating an audio or visual alarm,
2) operating a tube marking, sorting or
recording device, or
3) a combination of the methods given
in 1) and 2);
d) producing an eddy current excitation
frequency within the range:
1) 50 Hz to 200 kHz, for methods A and C, or
2) 50 kHz to 5 MHz, for method B;
e) in the case of method B, rejecting unwanted
responses resulting from the lift-off effect.
NOTE Use of the following auxiliary facilities is not precluded
by the requirements of this clause:
a) magnetic saturation equipment to improve eddy current
depth of penetration and the signal to noise ratio;
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b) rate filters or phase discrimination circuits for the
suppression of extraneous signals;
c) dual frequency or other signal processing techniques that
optimize testing performance.
5 Equipment calibration
5.1 General
5.1.1 Calibrate the equipment using a reference
standard(s) (see 5.2.3) located in a test piece to
establish the test sensitivity of the eddy current
equipment.
NOTE It should not be inferred that there is a direct
relationship between the size of an imperfection in a tube and the
reference standard giving the same magnitude of signal. The
signal magnitude from an imperfection depends, for example,
upon the orientation, shape and location of the imperfection as
well as upon its size.
5.1.2 Where practicable use dynamic conditions for
calibration, otherwise use static conditions
(see 5.3.1).
5.1.3 Ensure that the test piece is free from
imperfections that interfere with the interpretation
of the signals from the reference standard(s).
5.2 Preparation of test pieces for calibration
5.2.1 For dynamic calibration, prepare a test piece
from a length of tube of the same nominal diameter,
thickness and surface finish as the tubes to be tested
that is long enough (with the addition of extension
pieces where necessary) to be tested under dynamic
conditions similar to those under which the tubes
will be tested.
For static calibration, prepare a test piece from a
short length or segment of tube of the same nominal
diameter, thickness and surface finish as the tubes
to be tested.
5.2.2 Identify the positions at which the reference
standard(s) are to be introduced into the test piece
(see 5.2.4) ensuring that they are sufficiently
separated from the ends of the test piece so that
clearly distinguishable signal indications will be
obtained.
5.2.3 Select the dimensions of the reference
standard(s) appropriate to the method (see clause 6)
and acceptance level either:
a) in accordance with the appropriate British
Standard for the tubes to be tested; or
b) if not specified therein, in accordance with
Appendix A or Appendix B.
5.2.4 Prepare the reference standard(s) by the
methods described in a) to c) below, as appropriate
to the method and acceptance level selected, and
ensure that the specified tolerances on reference
standard dimensions are not exceeded.
© BSI 02-1999
BS 3889-2A:1986
NOTE When eddy current test equipment is installed for
testing on-line in a mill producing welded tubes, the reference
standard(s) may be introduced into the strip prior to tube forming
and welding. In this case, the manufacturer should ensure that
the test sensitivity is at least equivalent to that using reference
standards introduced into a tubular test piece.
a) Reference standards for method A. Drill three
circular holes through the thickness of the test
piece perpendicular to the surface. Drill the holes
at locations circumferentially displaced 120° from
each other and sufficiently longitudinally
separated to ensure that clearly distinguishable
signal indications are obtained.
b) Reference standard for method B. Introduce a
longitudinal notch in the surface of the test piece
that will be adjacent to the test coil during
calibration and tube testing. Prepare the notch by
any convenient method, e.g. by machining or
spark erosion, that produces a notch, nominally
rectangular in cross section.
NOTE The exact shape of the notch is dependent upon the
limitations of the method of notch preparation. If spark
erosion is used, it is recognized that the bottom of the notch
may be rounded.
c) Reference standard for method C. Drill one
circular hole through the thickness of the test
piece perpendicular to the surface.
5.2.5 Verify that the reference standard(s) complies
with the relevant dimension(s) and tolerances by a
suitable method, for example:
a) for notches, by means of a plastic replica
technique, and
b) for holes, by the use of a drill as a no-go gauge.
Select the drill from Table 2 of BS 328-1:1986 two
sizes greater than that used to produce the hole.
5.3 Calibration procedures
5.3.1 Initial calibration. Use an eddy current
excitation frequency within the range 50 Hz
to 200 kHz for methods A and C, or within the
range 50 kHz to 5 MHz for method B, unless
otherwise specified in the appropriate
British Standard for the product.
Adjust the electronic equipment and the coil
assembly to produce under dynamic conditions and
in a consistent manner, a clearly identifiable
signal(s) from the reference standard(s), using the
same test parameters (i.e. relative speed of
movement between the test piece and the test coil
(see Table 1), sensitivity, excitation frequency,
phase discrimination, rate filtering and for
methods A and C, degree of magnetic saturation) as
those to be used during tube testing (see clause 6).
If the test piece contains only one reference
standard, use the full amplitude of the signal
obtained to set the trigger/alarm level of the
equipment.
3
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BS 3889-2A:1986
If the test piece contains multiple reference
standards, use the full amplitude of the smallest
signal to set the trigger/alarm level of the
equipment.
When static calibration is used make any necessary
adjustments to sensitivity and rate filtering to allow
for differences in signal magnitude between static
and dynamic calibration.
5.3.2 Routine calibration checking and
recalibration. Check the equipment calibration at
the commencement of each working period, at the
end of each working period, and at intervals not
exceeding 2 h during each working period. For this
purpose use either an appropriate test piece or an
electronic calibration method that has a sensitivity
equivalent to that achieved by using the test piece.
If the routine calibration check shows that the test
sensitivity has dropped by more than 2 dB, proceed
according to either a) or b), as appropriate.
a) Recalibrate the equipment and then retest all
the tubes tested since the previous calibration
check.
b) If test records from individually identifiable
tubes are available that permit tubes to be
accurately classified into suspect and acceptable
categories, arrange that all the tubes classified by
the equipment as acceptable since the previous
calibration check are reclassified into acceptable
and suspect categories, recalibrate the equipment
and proceed with tube testing.
Recalibrate the equipment whenever the nominal
outside diameter, thickness, type or grade of steel of
the tubes being tested is changed using an
appropriate test piece (see 5.3.1).
6 Procedures for tube testing
6.1 General
6.1.1 Ensure that the tubes to be tested are
sufficiently straight to validate the test. Ensure that
the surfaces of tubes are sufficiently free from scale,
dirt, grease, paint and other foreign matter as will
interfere with the validity of the test. Ensure that
any methods used for cleaning and preparing are
not detrimental to the material properties or surface
finish.
6.1.2 Test the tubes using the procedure given
in 6.2, 6.3 or 6.4 (method A, B or C), as specified in
the appropriate British Standard for the tube
product.
Use the same equipment settings as used or
determined during the equipment calibration,
i.e. relative speed between the tube and the test coil
(see Table 1), sensitivity, excitation frequency,
phase discrimination, rate filtering and, for
methods A and C, degree of magnetic saturation.
4 © BSI 02-1999
Ensure that the relative speed between the test coil
assembly and that of the tubes being tested does not
vary during the test by more than ± 10 %.
6.1.3 Classify the tested tubes into acceptable and
suspect categories, (see 4.2 c).)
6.1.4 Carry out the procedures relating to any short,
untested lengths at tube ends in accordance with
the appropriate British Standard for the tube
product.
NOTE When not specified in the appropriate British Standard,
action related to untested tube ends should be the subject of
agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
6.2 Procedure for method A
Pass each of the tubes through the concentric test
coil of the calibrated test equipment.
6.3 Procedure for method B
Translate or translate and rotate, relative to each
other, the test coil assembly and the tube at a
relative speed in accordance with Table 1.
6.4 Procedure for method C
Translate or translate and rotate, relative to each
other, the test coil assembly and the tube at a
relative speed in accordance with Table 1.
7 Assessment of results
7.1 Any tube that does not produce signals giving a
trigger/alarm condition shall be deemed to have
passed the test.
7.2 Any tube that produces signals giving a
trigger/alarm condition shall either be designated
suspect or, at the option of the person carrying out
the test, be retested under conditions identical with
those used previously. If, upon retesting, no signal
giving a trigger/alarm condition is obtained, the
tube shall be deemed to have passed the test.
Retested tubes producing signals giving a
trigger/alarm condition shall be designated suspect.
7.3 For each tube designated suspect under the
provisions of 7.2, one or more of the following
actions a) to d) shall be taken subject to any
overriding requirements specified in the
appropriate British Standard for the tube product.
a) If it can be shown that the trigger/alarm
condition resulted from a combination of minor
imperfections, which, individually are not serious
enough to produce a trigger/alarm condition, the
tube shall be deemed to have passed the test.
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BS 3889-2A:1986

b) Explore the suspect area of the tube by 8 Test report

dressing.
When a test report is required by the appropriate
If the tube thickness within dressed areas does British Standard for the tube product, or by the
not remain within the tolerances specified in the purchaser, it shall include the following
appropriate British Standard for the product information:
either: a) an identification of the tube tested;
1) cut off the dressed area of the tube, the b) the reference of the test method used,
remaining length being deemed to have passed i.e. method A, B or C of BS 3889-2A:1986,
the test, or including details of the acceptance level;
2) the tube shall be deemed not to comply with c) a statement that the tube has passed the test.
the thickness tolerance requirements of the
appropriate British Standard for the product.
If the tube thickness within the dressed area
remains within the tolerance specified in the
appropriate British Standard for the product,
retest the suspect area (see note).
If no signals are obtained during the retest that
give a trigger/alarm condition, the tube shall be
deemed to have passed the test.
If, during the retest, signals are obtained that
give a trigger/alarm condition
either:
3) cut off the suspect area, the remaining
length being deemed to have passed the test, or
4) the tube shall be deemed not to have passed
the test.
NOTE Suspect tubes may be subjected to a retest using
non-destructive test methods other than the eddy current
method, as permitted by the appropriate British Standard for
the product or by agreement between the manufacturer and
the purchaser, to agreed acceptance levels.
c) Cut off the suspect area, the remaining length
being deemed to have passed the test.
d) The tube shall be deemed not to have passed
the test.

© BSI 02-1999 5
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BS 3889-2A:1986

Appendix A Reference standards for Appendix B Reference standards for

methods A and C method B
If no reference standard is specified in the If no reference standard is specified in the
appropriate British Standard for the tube product appropriate British Standard for the tube product
use the drill diameters given in Table 2 or Table 3 to use a longitudinal notch with the dimensions given
produce the reference holes, with tolerances on the in Table 4 or Table 5.
drill diameters as specified in BS 328-1. Table 4 — Notch dimensions for acceptance
Table 2 — Drill diameters for acceptance level 1: detection of imperfections only
level 1: detection of imperfections only Depth 5 % of the specified tube
Outside diameter of tube Drill diameter thickness
Over Not greater than Minimum depth 0.3 mm for cold drawn, welded
or machined tubes, and 0.6 mm
mm mm mm for hot finished tubes
6.3 0.50 Maximum depth 1.0 mm for cold drawn, welded
6.3 19 0.65 or machined tubes, and 1.5 mm
19 25 0.80 for hot finished tubes
25 32 0.92
Tolerance on ± 15 % of notch depth or
32 38 1.05 depth ± 0.05 mm whichever is the
38 44.5 1.20
larger
44.5 50 1.30
50 63.5 1.60 Width Not greater than notch depth
63.5 80 2.00 with a minimum of 0.50 mm
NOTE 1 For tubes of outside diameter greater than 80 mm, Length A convenient length selected by
the drill diameter to produce the reference hole(s) is subject to the manufacturer for calibration
agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer. and checking purposes
NOTE 2 For seamless cold pilgered tube, larger holes,
corresponding to the next tube diameter group, may be used by Table 5 — Notch dimensions for acceptance
agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer.
level 2: detection of imperfections or as an
Table 3 — Drill diameters for acceptance alternative to a hydraulic leak tightness test
level 2: detection of imperfections or as an Depth 12.5 % of the specified tube
alternative to a hydraulic leak tightness test thickness
Outside diameter of tube Drill diameter Minimum depth 0.6 mm
Over Not greater than Maximum depth 1.5 mm
mm mm mm Tolerance on
25 1.20 depth ± 15 % of notch depth
25 45 1.70 Width Not greater than notch depth
45 65 2.20 with a minimum of 0.50 mm
65 100 2.70
Length A convenient length selected by
100 140 3.20
the manufacturer for
140 180 3.70
calibration and checking
NOTE For tubes of outside diameter greater than 180 mm purposes
when using method C, the drill diameter is subject to
agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer.

6 © BSI 02-1999
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BS 3889-2A:1986

Appendix C Guidance on limitations C.2 Reference holes

associated with the eddy current It should be noted that for methods A and C, where
methods reference holes are specified to establish the test
sensitivity, the diameter of the drill required to
C.1 General
produce the reference hole is related to tube outside
It should be noted that during the eddy current diameter under test. The larger the tube outside
testing of tube, the sensitivity of the test is at a diameter, the larger the reference hole size.
maximum at the tube surface adjacent to the test
Table 2 and Table 3 specify the drill diameter
coil and decreases with increasing distance from the
required to produce the reference hole for various
test coil. The signal response from a subsurface or
ranges of tube outside diameter. It is emphasized
internal surface imperfection is thus smaller than
that these tube diameter related reference holes
that from an external surface imperfection of the have been established historically from national
same size. The capability of the test equipment to and international standards where they have been
detect subsurface or internal surface imperfections
used for many years and proved to be satisfactory as
is determined by various factors, but predominantly
a means of establishing the test sensitivity of eddy
by the thickness of the tube under test and the eddy
current tube testing equipment.
current excitation frequency. The excitation
frequency applied to the test coil determines the The requirement for tube diameter related holes
extent to which the induced eddy current intensity stems from an inherent limitation, particularly
penetrates into the tube wall. The higher the using concentric test coils, where the volume of the
excitation frequency, the lower the penetration and, tube within the effective width of the coils increases
conversely, the lower the excitation frequency the with increasing tube diameter. An increase in
higher the penetration for a particular set of tube reference hole size with increasing tube diameter is
physical parameters. thus necessary to achieve usable reference hole
signal/noise level ratios.
In general, the use of methods A and C described in
this standard is suitable for the detection of
imperfections which break the surface of the tube
adjacent to the test coil and subsurface
imperfections, the latter at a reduced sensitivity.
Method B is suitable only for the detection of
imperfections on the surface adjacent to the test coil.

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8
blank
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BS 3889-2A:1986

Publications referred to

BS 328, Drills and reamers.

BS 328-1, Specification for twist drills.
BS 3683, Glossary of terms used in non-destructive testing.
BS 3683-5, Eddy current flaw detection.
BS 3889, Methods for non-destructive testing of pipes and tubes1).
BS 3889-1, Automatic ultrasonic testing for the detection of imperfections in wrought steel tubes.
BS 3889-2B, Eddy current testing of non-ferrous tubes.

1) Referred to in the foreword only.

© BSI 02-1999
Licensed copy: Mr Hatem Abdallah, Amana Steel Buildings LLC, Version correct as of 30/11/2008 10:15, (c) BSI
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