PR - GEN-PAM-001 - Thickness - v7 - 2022-01-07

Thickness Measurement
Using Manual Phased-Array Ultrasonic Testing
Inspection Procedure
# PR_GEN-PAM-001 - Thickness
Version Date Modifications Author(s) Approved by
1 2017-07-25 Original Luc Ch. Mauzeroll Luc Ch. Mauzeroll, Eng.
2 2017-09-07 18.1 Addition for temperature Luc Ch. Mauzeroll Luc Ch. Mauzeroll, Eng.
correction
3 2018-08-24 10.5 Active elements Luc Ch. Mauzeroll Luc Ch. Mauzeroll, Eng.
4 2018-09-24 9.1 Nb of active elements for Annie Ch. Mauzeroll Annie Ch. Mauzeroll
the P4 probe
ASNT UT III, #298 859
5 2019-04-15 Remove standard dates Luc Ch. Mauzeroll Luc Mauzeroll, Eng.
6 2019-07-12 Raise of temperature limitation Luc Ch. Mauzeroll Luc Mauzeroll, Eng.
7 2021-01-07 Addition of a specific 7.5 MHz Luc Ch. Mauzeroll

probe
Luc Mauzeroll, Eng.

ASNT UT III, # 163 446
API QUPA # 49646
5635, rue Rideau

Quebec city, Quebec
Canada, G2E 5V9
Tel.: +1 418 781.2579
Fax.: +1 418 907-8420
info@torngats.ca
Inspection Thickness Measurement Using Manual
Procedure: Phased Array
Document # : PR_GEN-PAM-001 - Thickness
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
Table of Content
1. Scope ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Procedure Essential Variables .................................................................................................... 4
3. Field of Application ...................................................................................................................... 5
4. Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................ 5
5. Reference Documents ................................................................................................................. 6
6. Definitions .................................................................................................................................... 6
7. Qualifications ............................................................................................................................... 7
8. Equipment .................................................................................................................................... 8
8.1 Phased-Array Ultrasonic Instrument ................................................................................. 8
8.2 Transducers ...................................................................................................................... 9
8.3 Transducer Cable ............................................................................................................. 9
8.4 Wedge............................................................................................................................... 9
8.5 Calibration Blocks ........................................................................................................... 10
8.6 Digital Thermometer ....................................................................................................... 11
8.7 Couplant ......................................................................................................................... 11
8.8 Pump and Tubing ........................................................................................................... 12
8.9 Other Accessories .......................................................................................................... 12
9. Instrument Configuration ........................................................................................................... 12
9.1 Instrument Parameters ................................................................................................... 12
9.2 Scan Representation ...................................................................................................... 15
10. Calibrations .............................................................................................................................. 15
10.1 Velocity Calibration ..................................................................................................... 15
10.2 Wedge Delay Calibration ............................................................................................ 16
10.3 Sensitivity Calibration ................................................................................................. 16
10.4 TCG Calibration .......................................................................................................... 16
10.5 Element Verification .................................................................................................... 16
11. Preparation at Inspection Location .......................................................................................... 17
12. Instrument Preparation ............................................................................................................ 17
13. Scanning Technique ................................................................................................................ 18
© TORNGATS Services Techniques inc.,

Québec, 2022 2 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
14. Interpretation............................................................................................................................ 18
14.1 Damage Mechanism : ................................................................................................. 18
14.2 Typical Indications : .................................................................................................... 19
14.3 "Geometric" Indications .............................................................................................. 22
15. Thickness Evaluation ............................................................................................................... 23
16. Sizing Technique ..................................................................................................................... 23
17. Acceptance Criteria ................................................................................................................. 24
18. Reporting ................................................................................................................................. 24
18.1 Thickness measurements ........................................................................................... 24
18.2 Positioning .................................................................................................................. 24
18.3 Marking of Indications ................................................................................................. 24
18.4 Instrument Reports ..................................................................................................... 24
18.5 Limited and Restricted Access ................................................................................... 24
18.6 Post-Examination Cleaning Technique ...................................................................... 25
18.7 Inspection Report ........................................................................................................ 25
18.8 Data Storage ............................................................................................................... 25

Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
1. Scope
This procedure aims to give detailed information about what is required and how to perform thickness loss
detection and measurement using manual phased-array ultrasonic testing. Probe must be in direct contact
with the inspected material and longitudinal waves are exclusively used.
2. Procedure Essential Variables
Procedure essential and nonessential variables according to ASME, Sect. V, Article 5, Table T-522:
Essential variables :
• Material types to be examined ............................................................................... Section 3
• Surfaces from which the examination shall be performed ................................... Section 13
• Technique (straight beam, contact) ....................................................................... Section 1
• Angle(s) and mode of propagation ...................................................................... Section 9.1
• Search unit type(s), frequency(ies), and element size(s) ................................... Section 8.2
• Wedge(s) ............................................................................................................ Section 8.4
• Ultrasonic instrument .......................................................................................... Section 8.1
• Calibration block(s) and technique(s) ................................................... Sections 8.5 and 10
• Direction and extent of scanning .......................................................................... Section 13
• Scanning (manual vs automatic) .......................................................................... Section 13
• Method of sizing indications ................................................................................. Section 16
• Scan overlap ........................................................................................................ Section 13
Nonessential variables :
• Personnel qualification requirements ..................................................................... Section 7
• Surface condition (examination surface, calibration block)....................... Section 3 and 8.5
• Couplant .............................................................................................................. Section 8.7
• Post-examination cleaning technique ............................................................... Section 18.6
• Records .................................................................................................... Section 18.8, 18.8
Certification Statement
TORNGATS certifies that this procedure meets or exceeds the requirements and specifications of ASME,
Section V, Article 5.
Luc Ch. Mauzeroll, Eng.

ASNT UT III, # 163 446
API QUPA # 49646

Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
3. Field of Application
This technique is applicable to components having the following characteristics:
Material : Carbon steels and austenitic stainless steels

(some coarser grain cast irons may cause heavy ultrasonic waves
attenuation, which make it hard to inspect)
Surface condition : Direct on steel, or coated (well bonded).

Not more than light contact surface corrosion (0.040'' deep pitting over
50% of the surface).
Surface curvature : Convex surface of 2'' or higher diameter.

Concave surfaces of 6'' or higher diameter.
Geometry : Applicable for thicknesses between surfaces that are mainly parallel.
Thickness : From 0.100'' to 4,0''
Accessibility : Only one surface must be accessible for direct contact.
Surface Temperature: From -20 ˚C to 300˚C ( -4 ˚F to 570 ˚F)

Maximum temperature might be limited at lower temperature by human
factors. Specific protections should be used at higher temperatures
(gloves, arm sleeves, face shield, limited duty cicles)
4. Responsibilities
The project manager and the inspection technician are working together to assure that all the following
preparation and inspection steps are respected:
• Determine necessary documents to complete a good preparation (codes, technical drawings,

etc);
• Acknowledge all client's documentation (drawings, pictures, etc.) to verify that all the
information required for the inspection is available;
• Verify availability and chose the right equipment and procedure to accomplish the inspection
as required by the client and the applicable code;
• Validate that on site conditions are acceptable to perform a reliable and safe inspection;

Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
• Make sure that an inspection report is provided to the client with all the relevant results from
the inspection, as well as all inspection information as required by this procedure;
• Let the client know about work progression and results, and take arrangement about corrective
measures and supplemental verifications.
5. Reference Documents
• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 5, Ultrasonic Examination Methods
for Materials
• ASME, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 4, Mandatory Appendix IV, Phased
Array Manual Raster Examination Techniques Using Linear Arrays
• ASNT, SNT-TC-1a, Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
• ASTM E 797, Standard Practice for measuring Thickness by Manual Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo
Contact Method
• ASTM 2491, Standard Guide for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Phased-Array

Ultrasonic Testing Instruments and Systems
For all listed standards, the latest standard edition shall be used.
6. Definitions
Active elements: Group of elements that are pulsed almost simultaneously to create an
ultrasonic beam.
Beam focus: Concentration of ultrasonic energy at a particular distance, which results

in higher amplitude response and maximum resolution.
Channel: One independent electric circuit that could address one piezo-electric
element of the probe. An instrument offers a definite number of channels,
which limits the number of elements that can be addresses
simultaneously.

Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
E-scan: E for electronic scan, but also called linear scan. Type of phased array
scan which electronically move a group of active elements through a
longer array of elements available in the probe. All the beams displayed
are parallel to each other, thus giving rectangular or parallelogram views
Elevation: Width of phased array transducer elements in the passive axis of a linear
array probe.
Focal law: Set of parameters that create the ultrasonic beams.
Focalisation type : Beam focus pattern through all the beams. Focus could be at a constant
depth, a constant path or a constant offset (vertical plane).
PA: Diminution for Phased Array
Pitch: Distance between the center of two adjacent elements in a phased array
transducer.
Setup: Group of instrument parameters that are prepared and saved.
Straight beam: An ultrasonic beam propagating perpendicularly to the entry surface.

Usually, longitudinal waves are generated for this kind of beam.
7. Qualifications
Here are the levels of qualification required for this application:
• Inspections must be performed by personnel meeting the following requirement :
- Certified to the limited certification (straight beam only) PA-TM level II as per TORNGATS
Technical Services written practices in accordance with ASNT SNT-TC-1a.
• Technique development and procedure preparation shall be accomplished by an individual

certified as a UT level III by the CGSB or ASNT and having a minimum of 5 years of experience
using phased-array ultrasonic testing. Level 3 personnel, as mentioned above, can also
perform the inspections.

Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
8. Equipment
8.1 Phased-Array Ultrasonic Instrument
The phased-array instrument described in the table below must be used according to this procedure.
Manufacturer Sonatest
Model Veo, Prisma, Veo+
Nb of channels Min. 16
Max. number of elements Min. 64
Software version 3.18.12 or newer
Phased-Array Voltage Min. 50 V
Min. 500 kHz - 20 MHz
Frequency Range
(-3 dB)
Gain step Min. 0.1 dB
Focusing patterns
Constant path or depth
available
Max number of Focal laws Min. 128 A-scans
Max nb of samples in
Min. 8192 samples
A-scan
Digitizing Resolution Mins. 12 bits
Up to 200% of full screen
A-scan samples amplitude
height (recorded)
Views A, L (E) scans
- Wedge Delay and TCG
Essential features
Calibrations
Instrument linearities must be verified at a maximum interval of 12 months. It could be through a

complete calibration from the manufacturer, or internally in accordance with ASME, Section V,
Article 4, Mandatory Appendix 2 for each pulser-receiver circuit.

Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
8.2 Transducers
Transducers must be linear arrays with the following characteristics.
Elmt
Freq. Nb. of Pitch Gap Elevation
Manufacturer Model Size
(MHz) elmts (mm) (mm) (mm)
(mm)
Sonatest T5-5.0M64E0.8P 5 64 0.76 0.8 0.04 12
Sonatest T1-5.0M32E0.8P 5 32 0.76 0.8 0.04 12
Sonatest T1-7.5M44E0.6P 7.5 44 0.56 0.6 0.04 12
TORNGATS P4-5.0M64E1.8P 5 64 1.76 1.8 0.04 12
The T1-5.0M32E0.8P and T1-7.5M44E0.6P have the smallest footprint and should be used when
there is restricted contact surface.
The T5-5.0M64E0.8P is the typical probe used for this application.
The P4-5.0M64E1.8P has a larger coverage of 4”, it is more efficient but more expensive and
requires sufficient space for probe contact. This probe can’t be separated from its cable.
Other probes with equivalent characteristics may ne used.
8.3 Transducer Cable
The transducer cable must obviously be compatible with the instrument and the transducer itself,
and have the following characteristics:
Max.
Instr. Probe Cable
Manufacturer Model nb of
connect. connect. Length
elmts
Type 1 DAAH Adapter DAAH Min. 200
Sonatest IPEX 44
ASM-9038-IX Type 1 cm
Type 5 DAAH Adapter DAAH Min. 200
Sonatest IPEX 64
ASM-9048-IX Type 5 cm
The appropriate transducer is selected depending on the type of probe to be used.
8.4 Wedge
Flat wedges, also called delay lines, must be used. There is a wide range of models depending on
probe compatibility, thickness, curvature, material and irrigation. They are all manufactured by
TORNGATS.

Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
Wedge must be compatible with the type of probe (T1, T5, or P4 models)
Wedge thicknesses depending on thickness to be inspected:
Wedge of a given thickness can be used for steel thickness measurements up to

its own thickness.
For example, a 1” thick wedge can be used to inspect steel materials up to 1”.
Typical wedge thicknesses are 0.5”, 1.0”, 2.0” and 4.0”
Wedge materials depending on surface temperature :

Rexolite : -4 °F to 250 °F :
Ultem : 150 °F to 400 °F
Very High Temp. Material : 350 °F to 570 °F
Wedges with curved surfaces could be used to maximize contact for diameters of 30” and
less.
If water is used for coupling, irrigated versions of the wedges shall be used.
Wedge model nomenclature :

Probe Model (T5, T1, P4)
- Angle (0DEG)
- Thickness (“) (0.5IN, 1IN, 2IN, 4IN)
- Curvature NPS (D3 to D30)
- Material (None=Rexolite, UL=Ultem, HT=Very high Temp Material)
- Irrigation (None=no irrigation, IR=irrigated)
Examples of different wedge models :
T1-0DEG-1IN-D8 T5-0DEG-1IN-D6 T5-0DEG-2IN-IR T5-0DEG-2IN-UL
8.5 Calibration Blocks
For this application, there is no need for calibration blocks, other than the material to be inspected
itself.

Québec, 2022 10 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
8.6 Digital Thermometer
Surface temperatures shall be taken using a digital thermometer and a type K thermocouple. This
instrumentation can measure up to 480 ˚C (896 ˚F).
OMEGA HH11B OMEGA 88006 Type K
Equivalent equipment can be used if it has an appropriate temperature range.
8.7 Couplant
For surface temperatures from 27 to 175 °F (3 to 79 °C), a typical, water-based ultrasonic testing
couplant is used, Sonotech, Echogel grade 20 or equivalent.
In case of freezing surface temperature from -4 to 26 °F (3 to 79 °C), car winter windshield liquid
(25%) is added to the water-based couplant.
In case of higher surface temperature from 176 to 300 °F (80 to 149 °C), there is three options for
coupling:
• high temperature couplant, SONOTECH Sono600, is rated for a used up to 700°F.
(can be expensive)
• very high temperature couplant, PYROGEL 100, is rated for a use up to 805°F. (can
be very expensive)
• water can also be used as couplant up to 225 °F (107°C). A manual garden tank, or a
small electric pump, is used to constantly supply water to an irrigated wedge.
Synthetic grease, or Vaseline, is used to couple probe and wedge, because it lasts longer than
ultrasonic couplant.
Same coupling agent must be used for calibration and inspection.

Québec, 2022 11 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
8.8 Pump and Tubing
To continuously feed the wedge when water is used for coupling, a pump must be used. It would
most likely be a garden pump kind, modified with a valve and fittings for the wedge. When possible,
an electric pump might be used, but it must have a some kind of pressure control.
8.9 Other Accessories
- Camera (if allowed)

- Screw drivers
- Paint makers
- Measuring tape
- Note pad
- Rags
9. Instrument Configuration
9.1 Instrument Parameters
Inspection Tab
Voltage Phased-Array 50 V
Part Tab
"nominal plate thickness to be
Thickness
inspected"
For carbon steel :
0.2323 in/us (5,90 mm/us)
LW Velocity
For austenitic stainless steel :
0.2230 in/us (5,66 mm/us)
"Weld Geometry" None
Probe Tab (1 probe)

Probe Type Phased-Array 1D Phased-Array 1D Phased-Array 1D Phased-Array 1D
Model # T1-5.0M32E0.8P T5-5.0M64E0.8P P4-5.0M64E1.8P T1-7.5M44E0.6P
Frequency 5 MHz 5 MHz 5 MHz 7.5 MHz
Pulse Width 100.00 ns 100.00 ns 100.00 ns 66.67 ns
Nb Elmt Dim 1 32 64 64 44
Elmt Pitch Dim 1 0.031 '' (0,8 mm) 0.031 '' (0,8 mm) 0.071 '' (1,8 mm) 0.024 '' (0,6 mm)
0.030 '' (0,76
Elmt Size Dim 1 0.030 '' (0,76 mm) 0.069 '' (1,76 mm) 0.022 '' (0,56 mm)
mm)

Québec, 2022 12 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
Elmt Offset Dim 1 0.126 '' (3,2 mm) 0.126 '' (3,2 mm) 0.158 '' (4,0 mm) 0.110 '' (2,8 mm)
0.472 '' (12,0
Elmt Size Dim 2 0.472 '' (12,0 mm) 0.472 '' (12,0 mm) 0.472 '' (12,0 mm)
mm)
Elmt Offset Dim 2 0.339 '' (8,6 mm) 0.339 '' (8,6 mm) 0.389 '' (9,9 mm) 0.339 '' (8,6 mm)
Element Layout Bottom Left Row Bottom Left Row Bottom Left Row Bottom Left Row
Wedge Tab (1 wedge)

Type Flat
Manufacturer TORNGATS
For example :
Model
T5-0DEG-1IN-D6-UL-IR
Rexolite : 0.0917 in/us (2.33 mm/us)
Wedge Velocity LW Ultem : 0.0953 in/us (2.42 mm/us)
Very High Temp : 0.0941 in/us (2.39 mm/us)
Height Real wedge height, minus 0.040” (1 mm)
Width Wedge width (dependant on model used)
Length Wedge length (dependant on model used)
Non-irrigated : 0.000'' (0,0 mm)
Probe Back Dist
Irrigated : 0.394'' (10,0 mm)
Probe Side Dist 0.055 '' (1,2 mm)
Probe Inset 0.000 '' (0,0 mm)
Scan Tab (1 scan)

Type Linear PE
Angle 0°
Start Path 0.000 '' (0,0 mm)
Range Path Approx. 2.5 x nominal plate thickness
0.00 us (could change after
Zero
calibrations)
Wave Mode LW Velocity
Travel Mode Half Path
T1 probe : 8
Nb Active Elmt T5 probe : 10
P4 probe : 9
Double Resolution No
Focal Mode Constant Depth

Québec, 2022 13 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
Focal Dist 10.0” (250 mm) (means no focusing)

PRF Control Automatic
Signal Rectification Full
Digital Filter Auto (5 MHz)
1:1 or
Sub-sampling 1:2 (if too many samples error
message occur)
Rejection Disabled
Smoothing High
Contouring No
IFT Active No
Acq Frequency 100 MHz
Probe TX/RX P1 - Phased-Array 1D
First Act Elmt TX 1
T1 probe : 32
Last Act Elmt TX T5 probe : 64
P4 probe : 64
Geometry Tab
T1 probes : 0.394 '' (10,0 mm)
W1 Index Off. T5 probe : 0.866 '' (22,0 mm)
P4 probe : 2.020 '' (51,3 mm)
W1 Scan Off. 0.000 ''
W1 Rotation 90 °
Encoding Tab
Encoding Setup None
View Tab
Select Layout... L+A
Measurements Tab
Encoded Axis Ref Part Reference
At least :
Select Measures
G1^ and G1-G2^

Québec, 2022 14 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
Prefs Tab
Keep Meas Bar Yes
9.2 Scan Representation
This is a typical example of scan representation for a 0.75” thick plate using the T5-5.0M64E0.8P
probe on a T5-0DEG-1IN wedge.
10. Calibrations
10.1 Velocity Calibration
Calibrating velocity cause more error than using the standard known velocities for typical calibration
block materials. Fixed LW velocities shall be used :
For carbon steel and low alloy steels : 0.2323 in/us (5,90 mm/us)
For austenitic stainless steel : 0.2230 in/us (5,66 mm/us)

(302, 304, 316, 317, 321)
It is possible to do a quick validation to see if a recalibration is required. To verify velocity calibration:
▪ Check the value of the difference between first and second back wall echo peaks (G1-
G2^), it shall be the reference thickness within ± 0.002''.

Québec, 2022 15 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
10.2 Wedge Delay Calibration
This calibration must be performed at the beginning of each work shift, or when performing
inspection on a different surface.
The transducer is placed on the component to inspect where there are two clean back wall echoes.
Adjust the gain to catch the first back wall echo between 80 and 100% of amplitude. Position gate
1 to catch the first back wall echo and gate 2 to catch the second back wall echo. Then adjust the
"Zero" parameter so that G1^ is equal to G1-G2^ (± 0,1 mm or ± 0,005'').
10.3 Sensitivity Calibration
The gain must be set to catch the back wall at approximately 80% of amplitude.
10.4 TCG Calibration
The TCG calibration makes the gain rise with the depth of the beam.
The calibration is done only on one beam in the middle of the view, then extrapolated to all beams.
Only two TCG points are required. The first one is to create a +6 dB progression from interface
echo to the first back wall echo. To do so, the wizard is set to bring the echoes at 80% of amplitude,
and the TCG point from the first back wall is caught while this echo is adjusted to 40% of amplitude.
The wizard will bring it to 80% of amplitude, creating a +6 dB progression from depth 0. The second
point is simply taken from the second back wall reflection, bringing it to 80% of amplitude as well.
This calibration could be performed at the beginning of each work shift, or when performing
inspection on a different surface. This TCG calibration is not necessary for accurate thickness
measurements, but it helps to catch the second back wall echo.
10.5 Element Verification
If there is any doubt in constancy of the back wall echoes when calibrating, or if gain must be very
high to calibrate, a verification of individual element must be performed using the specific Element
Verification wizard. If less than 15% of the elements are inactive, the system still operational, but it
must be mentioned to the person in charge of equipment.

Québec, 2022 16 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
11. Preparation at Inspection Location
When reaching the location of inspection, the following steps are to be performed:
▪ Make sure that all security requirements are met;

▪ Verify that surface condition is appropriate for the inspection, if necessary and
permitted, surfaces might be scrapped or brushed,
▪ For wider areas, it might be appropriate to divide the area to be inspected in smaller
zones, squares of 36'', 12'', or 6''. These zone delimitations should be marked on the
part if possible, then draw on a note pad, or pictured if permitted. In the case of pipes,
they could be divided circumferentially in 4. For horizontal piping, they should be bottom
quarter, top quarter and both side quarters. This is because of different damage
mechanism that could occurs in these different circumferential sections.
▪ Prior to the inspection, surface temperature measurements must be taken in the
different regions to be inspected. This same operation must be performed at the end
of the inspection. Measured temperatures must be part of inspection report.
12. Instrument Preparation
An appropriate instrument configuration file shall be loaded on the instrument, typical file name
would be :
• PAM-Thickness_T1-5.0M32E0.8P_T1-0DEG-1IN_vX
• PAM-Thickness_T5-5.0M64E0.8P_T5-0DEG-2IN_vX
• PAM-Thickness_P4-5.0M64E1.8P_P4-0DEG-1IN_V1
The layout of the instrument shall be set to display an L-scan (E-scan) and an A-scan
simultaneously.
The "Path Range" shall be adjusted to 2.5 times the nominal plate thickness to catch two back wall
echoes.
Gates shall be positioned to catch first and second back wall echoes.

Québec, 2022 17 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
13. Scanning Technique
This application is to be performed manually, no encoder is required.
The scanning technique consist of covering the entire surface of interest by doing mainly parallel
passes in the direction perpendicular to the probe array axis. Passes should be close enough to
ensure 10% overlap.
The inspection can be performed from either faces of a plate. Typically inspections are performed
to detect thickness losses on the opposite surface. This technique has limited efficiency when
inspection is performed through corrosion at the contact surface.
14. Interpretation
14.1 Damage Mechanism :
The main defects suspected are corrosion at the opposite surface including pitting, and erosion.
Through the inspection, it might be also pertinent to note significant indications within the plates.
Indications within plate thickness might be lamination defects, more severe delaminations, or
hydrogen blistering, HIC (where the environment may cause this damage mechanism).

Québec, 2022 18 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
14.2 Typical Indications :
▪ Typical surface in fair condition :
General corrosion, irregular surface :

Québec, 2022 19 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
▪ Localized pitting :
▪ Inclusions (small indications within plate thickness) :

Québec, 2022 20 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
▪ Delaminations (larger indications within plate thickness and cutting the back wall echo) :
▪ Hydrogen Blistering, HIC (where the environment is favorable for this problematic) :

Québec, 2022 21 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
14.3 "Geometric" Indications
▪ Contact surface concavity (large pitting) :
▪ Fillet welds at opposite surface :

Québec, 2022 22 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
15. Thickness Evaluation
As the area of interest is scanned, the most important measure is the minimum thickness found in
each zone. Everywhere it is possible, thickness measurements shall be taken by the difference
between gate values (G1-G2^). In some cases, when it is not possible to catch the second back
wall echo, it is possible to use the first echo only. Using only the first back wall reflection might only
be accurate if the surface is not painted and in good condition. If not, as close as possible to the
location where the second can't be caught, a comparison should be made between to first echo
value and gates difference value. This correction could then be applied to the first echo that can
only be caught at the pitting location to have a more accurate remaining thickness.
Looking for the minimum thickness in the zone of interest, the average (or typical) thickness reading
within the region should be estimated and noted with the minimum thickness to give a general idea
of the remaining thickness. Maximum thickness observed should also be reported.
It is also important to know that there is a dead zone caused by the contact surface echo that make
thickness measurements hardly possible under usually 0.040'' (1,0 mm) to 0.100'' (2,5 mm).
Thickness measurement tolerances using this technique might vary from ± 0.005'' on clean
surfaces, to ± 0.010'' on bad surface conditions.
16. Sizing Technique
Pitting size or area of thickness loss should be sized, marked and reported, if remaining thickness
is less than the minimum allowable thickness specified by the client.
When a localized pitting or a significant indication within the thickness is found, it should be sized
and reported. If the indication is smaller than the coverage width of the L-scan (E-scan),
screenshots might be taken in two perpendicular axis to represent both dimensions. It is not always
possible in the circumferential axis of a pipe. In this case, the transducer is moved in both
circumference directions until the indication drops to half its maximum amplitude and the middle of
the transducer is used to mark the positions.
For indications larger than the E-scan, the transducer shall be moved in both directions of both axis
until the limit of the indication (6 dB drop when applicable) is shown in the middle of the E-scan and
then use the middle of the transducer to mark the limit of the indication.

Québec, 2022 23 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
17. Acceptance Criteria
The minimum acceptable remaining thickness is usually specified for pressure vessels or piping,
but not necessarily available from the client at the beginning of an inspection.
The goal is to find the minimum remaining thickness within the desired area and reported general
wall condition.
18. Reporting
18.1 Thickness measurements
Main information to be reported are minimum, average and maximum thicknesses within each
defined areas. Thicknesses has measured must always be reported. For surface temperatures of
100 °F and above, surface temperatures must be reported with the thickness readings. In the report,
temperature corrected measures will be reported, following curves obtained in lab by TORNGATS.
18.2 Positioning
It is very important to take all the information about the component being inspected, inspection
coverage and its position. Drawings or pictures should be incorporated in the report to show the
different zones and link it to thickness values.
18.3 Marking of Indications
In the case of remaining thicknesses lower than the specified value from the client, the area should
be clearly defined on the component with a paint marker, if permitted.
18.4 Instrument Reports
An instrument report with a screenshot should be taken at a representative position for all inspected
areas. The instrument report also contains all the instrument settings.
Other screenshots should be taken from thinner or problematic areas and joined to the report. The
location where the screenshots have been taken should be marked on the drawing, or marked on
the surface and pictured.
18.5 Limited and Restricted Access
Areas within limited or restricted access shall be noted, along with the justification.

Québec, 2022 24 of 25
Version : 7
Date : 2022-01-07
18.6 Post-Examination Cleaning Technique
When couplant is used, post-examination cleaning only requires removing excess of couplant using
clean and dry cloth.
18.7 Inspection Report
In addition of previous information of this section, inspection reports shall include all the information
about client, related procedure and technician.
It shall include the following elements :
a) Inspection procedure reference and revision

b) Instrument identification, including serial number and computerized program
c) Transducer (serial number, frequency, size)
d) Angles used
e) Couplant
f) Cable type and length
g) Wedges and scanners
h) Calibration blocks
i) Reference gain
j) Calibration data
k) Reference reflectors
l) Scanning surfaces, and condition
m) Identification and location of welds
n) Rejectable indications
o) Technician name and qualifications
p) Date of inspection
This specific inspection report template (F-rapport PA thickness_XX_vX) is presented in Annex A.

The latest version will be used.
Drawing of inspected areas showing results and PDF instrument reports could be pasted within
report template, or given in annex to the inspection report.
18.8 Data Storage
All the data presented in the inspection report, including the report itself and additional information
like extra pictures or example screenshots will be saved on company data base for a minimum of
10 years.

Québec, 2022 25 of 25

PR - GEN-PAM-001 - Thickness - v7 - 2022-01-07

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

PR - GEN-PAM-001 - Thickness - v7 - 2022-01-07

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

PR - GEN-PAM-001 - Thickness - v7 - 2022-01-07

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Thickness Measurement

Using Manual Phased-Array Ultrasonic Testing

Version Date Modifications Author(s) Approved by

1 2017-07-25 Original Luc Ch. Mauzeroll Luc Ch. Mauzeroll, Eng.

7 2021-01-07 Addition of a specific 7.5 MHz Luc Ch. Mauzeroll

Luc Mauzeroll, Eng.

5635, rue Rideau

© TORNGATS Services Techniques inc.,

© TORNGATS Services Techniques inc.,

2. Procedure Essential Variables

Luc Ch. Mauzeroll, Eng.

© TORNGATS Services Techniques inc.,

This technique is applicable to components having the following characteristics:

Material : Carbon steels and austenitic stainless steels

Surface condition : Direct on steel, or coated (well bonded).

Surface curvature : Convex surface of 2'' or higher diameter.

Thickness : From 0.100'' to 4,0''

Accessibility : Only one surface must be accessible for direct contact.

Surface Temperature: From -20 ˚C to 300˚C ( -4 ˚F to 570 ˚F)

• Determine necessary documents to complete a good preparation (codes, technical drawings,

© TORNGATS Services Techniques inc.,

• ASNT, SNT-TC-1a, Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing

• ASTM 2491, Standard Guide for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Phased-Array

Beam focus: Concentration of ultrasonic energy at a particular distance, which results

© TORNGATS Services Techniques inc.,

Focal law: Set of parameters that create the ultrasonic beams.

PA: Diminution for Phased Array

Setup: Group of instrument parameters that are prepared and saved.

Straight beam: An ultrasonic beam propagating perpendicularly to the entry surface.

Here are the levels of qualification required for this application:

• Inspections must be performed by personnel meeting the following requirement :

• Technique development and procedure preparation shall be accomplished by an individual

© TORNGATS Services Techniques inc.,

8.1 Phased-Array Ultrasonic Instrument

Instrument linearities must be verified at a maximum interval of 12 months. It could be through a

© TORNGATS Services Techniques inc.,

Transducers must be linear arrays with the following characteristics.

The T5-5.0M64E0.8P is the typical probe used for this application.

Other probes with equivalent characteristics may ne used.

8.3 Transducer Cable

The appropriate transducer is selected depending on the type of probe to be used.

© TORNGATS Services Techniques inc.,

Wedge thicknesses depending on thickness to be inspected:

Wedge of a given thickness can be used for steel thickness measurements up to

Wedge materials depending on surface temperature :

Wedge model nomenclature :

Examples of different wedge models :

T1-0DEG-1IN-D8 T5-0DEG-1IN-D6 T5-0DEG-2IN-IR T5-0DEG-2IN-UL

8.5 Calibration Blocks

© TORNGATS Services Techniques inc.,

8.6 Digital Thermometer

OMEGA HH11B OMEGA 88006 Type K

Equivalent equipment can be used if it has an appropriate temperature range.

Same coupling agent must be used for calibration and inspection.

© TORNGATS Services Techniques inc.,

8.8 Pump and Tubing

8.9 Other Accessories

- Camera (if allowed)