NS-1-50. Detection and Acceptance of Sub-Surface Imperfections

NS-1 Sub-Spec 50 – Rev 01
50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS
50.1 General
This section covers general requirements for radiographic (RT) and ultrasonic (UT) examination of the
various product forms. It shall be applied in conjunction with the specific NDE Sub-spec's. (Group 50)
applicable to this NS-1 specification.
A. General
The NDE personnel shall be qualified and certified to at least Level II or the ASNT Recommended Practice
SNT-TC-1A for the particular NDE method being applied.
The employer's written practice (para 5 of SNT-TC-1A) and personnel qualification and certifications shall be
made available to the purchaser on request.
The grading method (para 8.1 of SNT-TC-1A) used for the assessment of examination results shall be
included in the employer's written practice.
All defects shall be disposed of as required in Sub-spec's. 60.1 or 60.2 as appropriate.
B. Timing of examination
The following restrictions apply with respect to the timing of the stipulated examination(s).
1. Wrought material:
The stipulated examination shall be performed after forging and final heat treatment (excluding P.W.H.T) and
prior to machining operation that limit effective interpretation of the results of the examination. Material type
P1 forgings may be examined prior to stress relieving operations.
2. Plate and Tubulars:
The stipulated examination shall be performed after rolling to size or forming and after any final heat
treatment.
3. Castings:
The stipulated examination may be performed before or after any final heat treatment. It may be performed
before finish machining provided that the casting is within 20 percent of the finished thickness. In any case,
the radiographic penetrameter shall be based on the final finished thickness.
4. Welds (including repair welds and the seam weld of welded tubulars):
The stipulated examination shall be performed after any subsequent PWHT, except for compatible welds on
P1 or similar material (as described by ASME section IX), which may be examined before or after any
subsequent PWHT. Welds of dissimilar metal shall be examined after any subsequent PWHT.
5. Cladding deposited by welding shall be examined after any subsequent PWHT if specified.
If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

C. Reporting
All volumetric NDE examinations required by this NS-1 sub specification shall be covered by an examination
report. Parts which are examined batchwise, may be covered by a single report provided that all recordable
indications are traceable to the relevant part(s):
• NDE reports shall include the following information as a minimum:

• Date of examination
• Inspector's name, signature or stamp and NDE level
• Unique component identification
• NDE procedure number, title and revision level
• Significant details of variables not specified by the written procedure(s) (may be recorded on a
separate technique sheet)
• Results of examination including number and location of recordable indications
Note: Where reference is made to metric dimensions w.r.t. defect sizes or material thicknesses, conversion
to the nearest common imperial values is acceptable.
e.g.1,6 mm - 1/16 inch

3,2 mm - 1/8 inch
4,8 mm - 3/16 inch
6,4 mm - 1/4 inch
etc.

50.2 Radiographic Examination (RT) of Castings
50.2.1 Technique
The applied technique shall be in accordance with ASME Section V, Sub-section A, Article 2, and Sub-
section B, Article 22, and shall comply with the following conditions:
1. Type 4 film is not permitted.

2. Fluorescent intensifying screens are not permitted.
3. Single-wall radiographs are preferred, and required whenever practicable.
4. Geometric unsharpness shall be limited as described in para T251 of Article 2.
5. The examination shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure, which shall be made
available to the Purchaser on request. The procedure shall demonstrate compliance with this
specification and shall contain at least the following information:
i. Type of material to be examined.
ii. Thickness range to be examined.
iii. Type of radiation and effective source or focal spot size.
iv. Voltage rating of X-ray equipment.
v. Film brand and type.
vi. Number of films in cassette. For multiple film techniques state if viewing is done with
superimposed films.
vii. Type and thickness of intensifying screens.
viii. Blocking or masking techniques, if used.
ix. Minimum source (or focal spot)-to-film distance and maximum allowable geometric
unsharpness.
x. Film brand and type.
xi. X-ray voltage applied.
xii. Geometric arrangement (sketch) showing location and description of markers.

50.2.2 Required Extent
50.2.2.1 Ten Percent
The maximum possible volume shall be examined of 10 percent of the number of castings involved.
In the event that a defect(s) is (are) discovered then a 100 percent examination shall be performed.

50.2.2.2 Fifty Percent
In the event that a defect(s) is (are) discovered then a 100 percent examination is required.

50.2.2.3 One Hundred Percent

50.2.3 Acceptance Standard
50.2.3.1 Acceptable Levels Of Imperfection
The acceptable levels of imperfection are shown in the table below. Reference is made to the ASTM
"Standard Reference Radiographs" as shown in Column 2.
Reference
Wall Thickness Discontinuity Discontinuity
Radiograph Acceptable Level
(mm) Description Category
Standard
Gas Porosity A 2
Sand + Slag B 3
Shrinkage, Type 1 CA 2
Shrinkage, Type 2 CB 3
up to 51 E446 Shrinkage, Type 3 CC 3
Shrinkage, Type 4 CD 3
Crack D None
Hot Tear E None
Insert F None
Gas Porosity A 3
Sand + Slag B 3
from 51 to 114 E186
Shrinkage, Type 3 CC 3
Crack D None
Hot Tear E None
Insert F None
Gas Porosity A 3
Sand + Slag B 3
from 114 to 305 E280
Crack D None
Hot Tear E None
Insert F None
Note: The above acceptance standard is based on ANSI B 16.34, Annex B2.

Reference
Standard
Gas Porosity A 2
Sand + Slag B 2
up to 51 E446 Shrinkage, Type 3 CC 2
Shrinkage, Type 4 CD 2
Crack D None
Hot Tear E None
Insert F None
Gas Porosity A 2
Sand + Slag B 2
from 51 to 114 E186
Crack D None
Hot Tear E None
Insert F None
Gas Porosity A 2
Sand + Slag B 2
from 114 to 305 E280
Crack D None
Hot Tear E None
Insert F None
Note: The above acceptance standard is based on ASTM A613, paras 21.1.4 and 21.1.5.

Reference
Standard
Gas Porosity A 1
Sand + Slag B 2
Shrinkage CA 1
Shrinkage CB 1
Shrinkage CC 1
up to 25 E446
Shrinkage CD 1
Crack D None
Hot Tear E None
Insert F None
Mottling G None
Gas Porosity A 2
Sand + Slag B 3
Shrinkage CA 3
Shrinkage CB 3
from 25 to 51 E446 Shrinkage CC 3
Crack D None
Hot Tear E None
Insert F None
Mottling G None
Gas Porosity A 2
Sand + Slag B 2
Shrinkage CA 1
Shrinkage CB 2
from 51 to 114 E186
Shrinkage CC 3
Crack D None
Hot Tear E None
Insert F None
Gas Porosity A 2
Sand + Slag B 2
Shrinkage CA 2
Shrinkage CB 2
from 114 to 305 E280
Shrinkage CC 2
Crack D None
Insert, Type 1E None
Insert, Type 2 F None
Note: The above acceptance standard is based on ASME Section VIII, Division 2, para AM 252.1.

Acceptable Level
Reference
Wall Thickness Discontinuity Discontinuity Non-
Radiograph Critical
(mm) Description Category Critical
Standard Areas
Areas
Gas Porosity A 2 3
Sand + Slag B 2 3
Shrinkage, Type 1 CA 2 3
Shrinkage, Type 2 CB 2 3
up to 51 E446 Shrinkage, Type 3 CC 2 3
Shrinkage, Type 4 CD 2 3
Crack D None None
Hot Tear E None None
Insert F None None
Gas Porosity A 2 3
Sand + Slag B 2 3
from 51 to 114 E186
Shrinkage, Type 3 CC 2 3
Crack D None None
Insert F None None
Gas Porosity A 2 3
Sand + Slag B 2 3
from 114 to 305 E280
Shrinkage, Type 3 CC 2 3
Crack D None None
Insert F None None
If critical areas are not indicated on drawings, then all areas shall be classified critical.
Note: The above acceptance standard is based on ASTM-E446, E186 and E280 Standard Reference
Radiographs.

50.3 Radiographic (RT) and Visual (VE) Examination of Welds
50.3.1 Technique
A. The applied RT technique shall be in accordance with ASME Section V, Sub A, Article 2 and Sub B,
Article 22, and shall comply with the following conditions:
1. Type 4 film is not permitted.

2. Fluorescent intensifying screens are not permitted.
3. Single-wall radiographs are preferred, and required whenever practicable.
4. Geometric unsharpness shall be limited as described in para T251 of Article 2.
5. The examination shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure, which shall be made
available to the Purchaser on request. The procedure shall demonstrate compliance with this
specification and shall contain at least the following information:
i. Type of material to be examined.
ii. Thickness range to be examined.
iii. Type of radiation and effective source or focal spot size.
iv. Voltage rating of X-ray equipment.
v. Film brand and type.
vi. Number of films in cassette. For multiple film techniques state if viewing was done with
superimposed films.
vii. Type and thickness of intensifying screens.
viii. Blocking or masking techniques, if used.
ix. Minimum source (or focal spot)-to-film distance and maximum allowable geometric
unsharpness.
x. Film brand and type.
xi. X-ray voltage applied.
xii. Geometric arrangement (sketch) showing location and description of markers.
B. Visual examination shall be in accordance with ASME Section V, Sub-section A, Article 9.

50.3.2.1 Ten Percent RT and 100 Percent VE
1. 10 percent of the weld length per item involved, for each welding procedure applied, shall be
examined by RT.
i. At least five (5) percent of each welder's work shall be included.

ii. In the event that the item contains particularly critical weld areas (e.g. corner areas, tee
intersections etc.) then the selected areas for inspection shall include all those areas,
even if this means exceeding the specified percentage coverage.
iii. In the event that a defect(s) is (are) discovered then two additional radiographs of that
welder's work shall be taken. If these also reveal defects then the examination shall be
increased to 100 percent of that welder's work.
iv. Where joint configuration precludes (or renders meaningless) the use of radiography,
ultrasonic examination shall be performed in accordance with Sub-spec.'s 50.9.1 and
50.9.3.
2. In addition to the above all accessible weld surfaces on 100 percent of the items involved shall be
examined visually (VE).

50.3.2.2 Fifty Percent RT and 100 Percent VE
1. 50 percent of the weld length per item involved for each welding procedure applied shall be
examined by RT.
i. At least five (5) percent of each welders work shall be included.

ii. In the event that the item contains particularly critical weld areas (e.g. corner areas, tee
intersections etc.) then the selected areas for inspection shall include all those areas,
even if this means exceeding the specified percentage coverage.
iii. In the event that a defect(s) is (are) discovered then two additional radiographs of that
welder's work shall be taken. If these also reveal defects then the examination shall be
increased to 100 percent of that welder's work.
iv. Where joint configuration precludes (or renders meaningless) the use or radiography,
ultrasonic examination shall be performed in accordance with Sub-spec.'s 50.9.1 and
50.9.3.
2. In addition to the above, all accessible weld surfaces on 100 percent of the items involved shall be

100 percent of the weld length per item involved for each welding procedure applied shall be examined by
RT and VE.
Where joint configuration precludes (or renders meaningless) the use of radiography, ultrasonic examination
shall be performed in accordance with Sub-spec.'s 50.9.1 and 50.9.3.

The acceptable level of imperfections is shown below. For API welded tubulars, judgement
against the relevant API is an acceptable alternative.
Fillet, Socket &

Straight or Spiral Welded Branch
Type of Girth & Mitre Reinforcement
Longitudinal Butt Connections &
Imperfection Joint Butt Welds Attachment
Welds Fabricated Laps
Welds
Cracks/Lack of
None Permitted None Permitted None Permitted None Permitted
Fusion
Incomplete
Penetration None Permitted None Permitted Not Applicable None Permitted
(see note A)
See Notes
Internal Porosity See Note B See Note B See Note B
B and G
Slag Inclusion or See Notes
See Note C See Note C Not Applicable
Elongated Indications C and G
Undercut See Note D None Permitted See Note D See Note D
Surface Porosity &
Exposed Slag (for
nominal wall None Permitted None Permitted None Permitted None Permitted
thicknesses up to 4.5
mm)
Concave Root (suck-
See Note E See Note E Not Applicable See Notes E and G
up)
See Notes
Weld Reinforcement See Note F See Note F See Note F
F and G
Notes:
A. For welds having an approved design which precludes full penetration, incomplete penetration is not a
reason for rejection.
B. Porosity shall not exceed that shown as acceptable in ASME Section VIII, Division 1, Appendix IV.
C. The developed length of any single slag inclusion or elongated indication shall not exceed T/3, where T is
the nominal wall thickness of the thinner of the joined components.
D. The lesser of 0.8 mm or T/4, where T is the thickness of the thinner of the joined components.
E. For single-sided welded joints, concavity of the root surface shall not reduce the total thickness of the
joint, including reinforcement, to less than the thickness of the thinner of the two components being joined.

F. External weld reinforcement and internal weld protrusion (when no backing rings are used) shall be fused
with and shall merge smoothly into the component surfaces. The height of the lesser projection of external
weld reinforcement or internal weld protrusion from the adjacent base material surface shall not exceed the
following limits:
Nominal Wall Thickness of the thinner of the External Reinforcement or Internal Weld
Joined Components Protrusion
Up to 6.4 mm 1.6 mm
From 6.4 mm to 12.7 mm 3.2 mm
Over 25.4 mm 4.8 mm
G. These requirements apply only to butt welds similar to those shown in ANSI B 31.3, Figs. 328.5.4E,
328.5.5d and 328.5.5e
Note: The above acceptance standard is based on ANSI B 31.3.

50.4 Ultrasonic Examination (UT) of Ferritic Steel Castings (incl. Low Alloy)
50.4.1 Technique
section B, Article 23.
Therefore the casting(s) shall be examined by the Straight Beam method in accordance with SA-609 of
Article 23 and shall be supplemented by Angel Beam examination as in T-534.2 of Article 5 in areas where a
back reflection cannot be maintained during the Straight Beam examination or where the angle between the
two surfaces of the casting(s) is more than 15 degrees.
The examination shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure, which shall be made available
to the Purchaser on request.

The entire volume of 10 percent of the castings involved shall be examined.
Examination of the "entire volume" may sometimes be impossible owing to geometrical factors, such as radii
at section changes, in which case the maximum practicable volume shall suffice.
In the event that a defect(s) is (are) discovered a 100 percent examination shall be performed.



50.4.3.1 Acceptable Indications
The acceptance standard for both Straight Beam and Angle Beam examinations is based on SA-609 in
ASME Section V, Sub B, Article 23, and the requirements are as follows:
Quality Level 3 for casting thicknesses up to 50 mm

Quality Level 4 for casting thicknesses from 50 mm to 100 mm
Quality Level 5 for casting thicknesses over 100 mm
The following conditions shall apply:
1. Regardless of casting thickness, Quality Level 3 shall apply within 25 mm of a casting surface.
2. Discontinuities indicated to have a change in depth of 25 mm or half the thickness - whichever is less
- are not acceptable.
3. Two or more indications with amplitudes exceeding the Amplitude Reference Line and separated by
a distance less than the longest dimension of the larger of the adjacent indications are unacceptable
if they cannot be encompassed within an area up to that of the Quality Level specified above.
4. The maximum permitted major dimensions of an area giving indications which exceed the Amplitude
Reference Line are as follows:
65 mm for Quality Level 3

For adjacent indications, in the same plane, separated by a distance less than the longest dimension of the
larger of the adjacent indications, the aggregate lengths shall not exceed the limits mentioned above.

The acceptance standard for both Straight Beam and Angle Beam examinations is based on SA-609 in
ASME Section V, Sub B, Article 23, and the requirements are as follows:
Quality Level 1 for casting thicknesses up to 50 mm

Quality Level 2 for casting thicknesses from 50 mm to 100 mm
Quality Level 3 for casting thicknesses over 100 mm
The following conditions shall apply:
1. Regardless of casting thickness, Quality Level 1 shall apply within 25 mm of a casting surface.
2. Discontinuities indicated to have a change in depth of 25 mm or half the thickness - whichever is less
- are not acceptable.
3. Two or more indications with amplitudes exceeding the Amplitude Reference Line and separated by
a distance less than the longest dimension of the larger of the adjacent indications are unacceptable
if they cannot be encompassed within an area up to that of the Quality Level specified above.
4. The maximum permitted major dimensions of an area giving indications which exceed the Amplitude
Reference Line are as follows:

For adjacent indications, in the same plane, separated by a distance less than the longest dimension of the
larger of the adjacent indications, the aggregate lengths shall not exceed the limits mentioned above.

50.5 Ultrasonic Examination (UT) of Forgings, Mechanical Tubing and Barstock (Non-
Austenitic Steels)
50.5.1 Technique
50.5.1.1 Applied Technique/Conditions
section B, Article 23 (SA-388), with the following conditions:
1. Straight Beam examination shall be calibrated by the Back-Reflection technique as referenced in

SA-388, para 7.2.2.1.
2. For Angle Beam examination (as referenced in SA-388, para 7.3) the required notches, if
rectangular, shall not have a width more than two (2) times the depth.
3. The examination shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure, clearly demonstrating
compliance with this Specification, which shall be made available to the Purchaser on request.

Austenitic Steels)
50.5.1 Technique
The applied technique shall be in accordance with ASME Section V, Sub-section A, Article 5, and ASTM 388
(SA-388) with the following conditions:
1. Straight Beam examination shall be calibrated by the Reference-Block method as referenced in SA-
388, para 7.2.2.2. The reference block shall be made of material that is acoustically similar to the
part being examined and shall meet one of the following requirements:
i. It shall be made in compliance with Recommended Practice ASTM E428

from material which is similar in chemistry and processing history to the part
being examined.
ii. A comparison of the back reflection between equivalent thicknesses of the

reference block material and the part being examined shall, without change
in instrument setting, not show a variation of more than 25 per cent.
The flat-bottomed hole diameters shall be as follows:
1.5 mm for thicknesses up to 38 mm

3 mm for thicknesses from 38 mm to 150 mm
6 mm for thicknesses over 150 mm
2. A Distance-Amplitude Correction (DAC) curve shall be constructed with these specified hole
diameters.
3. For Angle-Beam examination (as referenced in SA-388, para 7.3) the required notches shall be
rectangular and the notch width shall not be greater than twice (2x) the notch depth.
4. The examinations shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure, clearly demonstrating
compliance with this specification, which shall be made available to the Purchaser on request.

Austenitic Steels)
The entire volume of 10 percent of the parts involved shall be examined.

Austenitic Steels)

Austenitic Steels)

Austenitic Steels)
(Related to Technique as specified in Sub- spec. 50.5.1.1.)
During Straight Beam examination, any discontinuity resulting in an indication accompanied by complete loss
of back reflection shall be classed as a defect. For this purpose, a back reflection of less than 5 percent of
Full Screen Height shall be considered as a complete loss of back reflection.
During Angle Beam examination, any discontinuity resulting in an indication, which exceeds the amplitude of
the calibration reference line, shall be classed as a defect.
Any indication interpreted as a crack or thermal rupture shall also be considered a defect.
Note: The above acceptance standard is based on API 14D and ASTM A508.

Austenitic Steels)
(Related to Technique as specified in Sub- spec. 50.5.1.2.)
For both Straight and Angle Beam examination any discontinuity resulting in an indication which exceeds the
calibration reference line shall be classed as a defect. Any indication interpreted as a crack or thermal
rupture shall also be considered a defect.
No multiple indications exceeding 50% of reference distance amplitude curve. Multiple indications are
defined as two or more indications (each exceeding 50% of the reference distance amplitude curve) within
12.5 mm (1/2 inch) of each other in any direction.
Note: The above acceptance standard is based on ANSI B 16.34, ASTM A508 and API 6A 15th edition PSL
3.

50.6 Ultrasonic Examination (UT) of Forgings, Mechanical Tubing and Barstock (Austenitic
Steels)
50.6.1 Technique
section B, Article 23 (SA-745); the requirements are :
1. For the Straight Beam examination the diameters of the flat-bottomed holes, as referenced in SA-
745, para 9.1.1, shall be:
3 mm for thicknesses up to 75 mm
2. For the Angle Beam examination, as referenced in SA-745, para 10.1.1, the required notches shall
have a depth of 3 percent of the wrought material thickness.
3. The examinations shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure, clearly demonstrating

Steels)
The entire volume of 10 percent of the parts shall be examined.

Steels)

Steels)

Steels)
Referring to ASME Section V, Article 23 (SA-745), para 12, the required quality levels are :
Straight Beam Examination:
QL-1 for thicknesses up to 75 mm

QL-2 for thicknesses from 75 mm to 200 mm
QL-5 for test metal distances greater than 600 mm
Angle Beam Examination: QL-1 is the required Quality Level.

50.7 Ultrasonic Examination (UT) of Plate Material (Ferritic Steels)
50.7.1 Technique
The applied technique shall be in accordance with British Standard BS 5996: 1980.

The plate(s) shall be ultrasonically scanned as described in BS 5996: 1980 para 10.2. a + b.

The plate material shall meet the requirements of Quality Grade LC 3 ES, i.e.:
Lamination Grade 3
Inclusion Clusters Grade 3
Edge Discontinuity Grade ES
Note: The above acceptance standard is drawn from BS 5996, Section 3.

The plate material shall meet the requirements of Quality Grade L4, i.e.:
Lamination Grade 4
Inclusion Clusters Grade 4
Edge Discontinuity Grade ES.
Note: The above acceptance standard is drawn from BS 5996, Section 3.

50.8 Ultrasonic Examination (UT) of Tubular Material
50.8.1 Technique
The applied technique shall comply with API 5 L supplementary requirements SR 4 (12½ % notch). In
addition, it may be used for the body of all tubulars, not just for seamless linepipe.
If this technique is applied manually then references to "continuous uninterrupted" may be disregarded since
they are primarily directed towards automatic in-mill inspection.
The examination shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure, clearly demonstrating

50.8.1 Technique
The applied technique shall comply with API 5CT, supplementary requirements SR 2.3 (5 per cent notch). In
addition, it may be used for the body of all tubulars, not just for seamless linepipe.
If this technique is applied manually then references to "continuous uninterrupted" may be disregarded since
they are primarily directed towards automatic in-mill inspection.

50.8.1 Techniques
The applied technique shall be in accordance with ASME Section V, Sub A, Article 5, and Sub B, Article 23
(SE 213), detailed as follows:
OD Tubular to be examined Summary testing requirements

UT in two opposite circumferential directions and in two opposite
Up to 60 mm
axial directions.
UT in two opposite circumferential directions and in two opposite
From 60 mm to 170 mm
axial directions.
Over 170 mm UT in two opposite circumferential directions.
The procedure for the axial scans shall be in accordance with SE-213 Supplementary Requirement S3.

100 percent of the tubular item(s) shall have their entire volume examined.

Any discontinuity resulting in an indication exceeding that from the applicable reference standard under Sub-
spec. 50.8.1 ("Technique") shall be considered a defect.

50.9 Ultrasonic (UT) and Visual (VE) Examination of Welds
50.9.1 Technique
1. The applied UT technique shall be in accordance with ASME Section V, Sub-section A, Article 5.The
examination shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure, clearly demonstrating
Note: For the seam weld of API tubulars an acceptable alternative is ultrasonic examination
by a technique complying with the requirements of API-5L, paras 9.14 and 9.15 (except that
references to "continuous uninterrupted inspection" may be disregarded when examined
manually).
2. Visual Examination shall be in accordance with ASME Section V, Sub-section A, Article 9.

50.9.2.1 Ten Percent UT and 100 Percent VE
examined by UT. At least five (5) percent of each welder's work shall be included.
i. In the event that the item contains particularly critical weld areas (e.g. corner areas,
tee intersections etc.) then the selected areas for inspection shall include all those
areas, even if this means exceeding the specified percentage coverage.
ii. In the event that a defect(s) is (are) discovered then 100 percent of that welder's
work shall be examined.

50.9.2.2 Fifty Percent UT and 100 Percent VE
i. In the event that the item contains particularly critical weld areas (e.g. corner
areas, tee intersections etc.) then the selected areas for inspection shall include
all those areas, even if this means exceeding the specified percentage
coverage.
ii. In the event that a defect(s) is (are) discovered then 100 percent of that welder's
work shall be examined.

50.9.2.3 One Hundred Percent UT

The acceptable level of imperfections is shown below. Supplementary stipulations are made in Note H.
For API welded tubulars, judgement against the relevant API is an acceptable alternative.
Fillet, Socket &

Straight or Spiral Welded Branch
Type of Girth & Mitre Reinforcement
Longitudinal Butt Connections &
Imperfection Joint Butt Welds Attachment
Welds Fabricated Laps
Welds
Cracks/Lack of
None Permitted None Permitted None Permitted None Permitted
Fusion
Incomplete
Penetration (see None Permitted None Permitted Not Applicable None Permitted
note A)
Internal Porosity See Note B See Note B See Note B See Notes B and G
Slag Inclusion or
Elongated See Note C See Note C Not Applicable See Notes C and G
Indications
Undercut See Note D None Permitted See Note D See Note D
Surface Porosity &
Exposed Slag (for
nominal wall None Permitted None Permitted None Permitted None Permitted
thicknesses up to
4.5 mm)
Concave Root
See Note E See Note E Not Applicable See Notes E and G
(suck-up)
Weld Reinforcement See Note F See Note F See Note F See Notes F and G
Notes:
A. For welds having an approved design which precludes full penetration, incomplete penetration is not a
reason for rejection.
B. Porosity shall not exceed the standard given in ASME Section VIII, Division 1, Appendix 4.
C. The developed length of any single slag inclusion or elongated indication shall not exceed T/3, where T is
the nominal wall thickness of the thinner of the joined components.
D. The lesser of 0.8 mm or T/4, where T is the thickness of the thinner of the joined components.
E. For single-sided welded joints, concavity of the root surface shall not reduce the total thickness of the
joint, including reinforcement, to less than the thickness of the thinner of the two components being joined.
F. External weld reinforcement and internal weld protrusion (when no backing rings are used) shall be fused
with and shall merge smoothly into the component surfaces. The height of the lesser projection of external
weld reinforcement or internal weld protrusion from the adjacent base material surface shall not exceed the
following limits:

Nominal Wall Thickness of the

External Reinforcement or
thinner of the Joined
Internal Weld Protrusion
Components
Up to 6.4 mm 1.6 mm
Over 25.4 mm 4.8 mm
G. These requirements apply only to butt welds similar to those shown in ANSI B 31.3, Figs. 328.5.4E,
328.5.5d and 328.5.5e
H. The above acceptance standard shall be supplemented by the following (pertinent only to UT):
Linear type discontinuities are unacceptable if the amplitude of the indication exceeds the reference level
and if their lengths exceed the following:
6 mm for T up to 19 mm
T/3 for T from 19 to 57 mm
19 mm for T over 57 mm
T is the nominal thickness of the thinner of the joined components.
Note: The above acceptance standard is based on ANSI 31.3.

50.10 Ultrasonic Examination (UT) of Weld-deposited Cladding
50.10.1 Technique
The applied technique shall be in accordance with ASME Section V, Sub-section A, Article 5 (with particular,
but not exclusive, reference to para T-540).

The entire clad surface of the selected component shall be examined.

Any discontinuity resulting in a traceline pattern equal to or exceeding the calibration amplitude shall be
considered a defect if the discontinuity cannot be encompassed by a circle of diameter 25 mm.
Note: The above acceptance standard is based on ASTM A578-S7.3.

50.11 Ultrasonic Examination (UT) of Friction/Inertia Welds
50.11.1 Technique
The applied technique shall be in accordance with a written procedure, which is accepted by the purchaser
or his nominee, before production welding commences. The actual examination shall be applied after the
friction welded surface has been machined.

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTION
100 percent of the welds shall be examined.

All planer defects e.g. cracks, lack of fusion are not permitted. Porosity and/or slag are not permitted.

NS-1-50. Detection and Acceptance of Sub-Surface Imperfections

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NS-1-50. Detection and Acceptance of Sub-Surface Imperfections

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NS-1 Sub-Spec 50 – Rev 01

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

All defects shall be disposed of as required in Sub-spec's. 60.1 or 60.2 as appropriate.

2. Plate and Tubulars:

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

• NDE reports shall include the following information as a minimum:

e.g.1,6 mm - 1/16 inch

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

50.2 Radiographic Examination (RT) of Castings

1. Type 4 film is not permitted.

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

50.2 Radiographic Examination (RT) of Castings

50.2.2 Required Extent

50.2.2.1 Ten Percent

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

50.2 Radiographic Examination (RT) of Castings

50.2.2 Required Extent

50.2.2.2 Fifty Percent

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

50.2 Radiographic Examination (RT) of Castings

50.2.2 Required Extent

50.2.2.3 One Hundred Percent

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

50.2 Radiographic Examination (RT) of Castings

50.2.3 Acceptance Standard

50.2.3.1 Acceptable Levels Of Imperfection

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

50.2 Radiographic Examination (RT) of Castings

50.2.3 Acceptance Standard

50.2.3.2 Acceptable Levels Of Imperfection

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

50.2 Radiographic Examination (RT) of Castings

50.2.3 Acceptance Standard

50.2.3.3 Acceptable Levels Of Imperfection

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

50.2 Radiographic Examination (RT) of Castings

50.2.3 Acceptance Standard

50.2.3.4 Acceptable Levels Of Imperfection

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

50.3 Radiographic (RT) and Visual (VE) Examination of Welds

1. Type 4 film is not permitted.

B. Visual examination shall be in accordance with ASME Section V, Sub-section A, Article 9.

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

50.3 Radiographic (RT) and Visual (VE) Examination of Welds

50.3.2 Required Extent

50.3.2.1 Ten Percent RT and 100 Percent VE

i. At least five (5) percent of each welder's work shall be included.

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group

50. DETECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUB-SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS

50.3 Radiographic (RT) and Visual (VE) Examination of Welds

50.3.2 Required Extent

50.3.2.2 Fifty Percent RT and 100 Percent VE

i. At least five (5) percent of each welders work shall be included.

If printed, not controlled unless stamped by Fearnley Procter Group