The topics discussed herewith are summarized from ASME Section V – 2021 Edition

The highlighted points are as per outline in the body of knowledge API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
Certification examination issued September 2022, January 2023, and May 2023 (Replaces May 2021)

ASME V

NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION

ARTICLE 1 GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS

T-120 GENERAL

(a) Subsection A describes the methods of nondestructive examination to be used if referenced by other
Code Sections or referencing documents.
(b) Subsection B lists Standards covering nondestructive examination methods which have been
accepted as standards.

T-150 PROCEDURE

c) When a referencing Code Section requires an examination to be performed in accordance with

the requirements of this Section, it shall be the responsibility of the organization to establish
nondestructive examination procedures and personnel qualification and certification
procedures conforming to the referenced requirements.

T-160 CALIBRATION

a) The organization shall assure that all equipment calibrations required by Subsection A and/or
Subsection B are performed

T-170 EXAMINATIONS AND INSPECTIONS

Inspection applies to the functions performed by the Authorized Inspector

Examination applies to those quality control functions performed by personnel employed by the
organization

ARTICLE 2 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION

T-220 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

T-221 Procedure Requirements. Each procedure shall include at least the following information, as
applicable:
(a) material type and thickness range
(b) isotope or maximum X-ray voltage used
(c) source-to-object distance (D in T-274.1)
(d) distance from source side of object to film (d in T-274.1)
(e) source size (F in T-274.1)
(f) film brand and designation
(g) screens used

T-221.2 Procedure Demonstration. Demonstration of the density and image quality indicator (IQI) image
requirements of the written procedure on production or technique radiographs shall be considered
satisfactory evidence of compliance with that procedure.

T-223 Backscatter Radiation. A lead symbol “B”, with minimum dimensions of 7 / 1 6 i n . (11 mm) in
height and 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) in thickness, shall be attached to the back of each film holder during each
exposure to determine if backscatter radiation is exposing the film.

T-225 Monitoring Density Limitations of Radiographs. Either a densitometer or step wedge

comparison film shall be used for judging film density.

T-232 Intensifying Screens. Intensifying screens may be used when performing radiographic examination

ASME V for API 510, ALW Page 1 of 7

 The topics discussed herewith are summarized from ASME Section V – 2021 Edition
The highlighted points are as per outline in the body of knowledge API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
Certification examination issued September 2022, January 2023, and May 2023 (Replaces May 2021)
in accordance with this Article.

T-233.1 Standard IQI Design. IQIs shall be either the hole type or the wire type.

Table T-233.2 WIRE IQI DESIGNATION, WIRE DIAMETER, AND WIRE IDENTITY

T-234 Facilities for Viewing of Radiographs. The viewing conditions shall be such that light from around
the outer edge of the radiograph or coming through low-density portions of the radiograph does not interfere
with interpretation.

T-260 CALIBRATION

T-261 Source Size

T-261.1 Verification of Source Size. The equipment manufacturer’s or supplier’s publications, such as
technical manuals, decay curves, or written statements documenting the actual or maximum source size
or focal spot, shall be acceptable as source size verification.

T-261.2 Determination of Source Size. When manufacturer’s or supplier’s publications are not
available, source size may be determined as follows:
(a) X-Ray Machines. For X-ray machines operating at 1.000 kV and less, the focal spot size may be
determined in accordance with SE-1165, Standard Test Method for
Measurement of Focal Spots of Industrial X-Ray Tubes by Pinhole Imaging.
(b) Iridium-192 Sources. For Iridium-192, the source size may be determined in accordance with SE-
1114, Standard Test Method for Determining the Focal Size of Iridium-192 Industrial
Radiographic Sources.

T-262 Densitometer and Step Wedge Comparison Film

T-262.1 Densitometers. Densitometers shall be calibrated at least every 3 months during use as
follows:
(a) Traceable to a national standard last year by comparison with a national standard.
(b) The densitometer manufacturer’s step-by-step instructions for the operation of the densitometer
shall be followed.
(c) The density steps closest to 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 on the national standard step tablet or step wedge
calibration film shall be read.
(d) The densitometer is acceptable if the density readings do not vary by more than ± 0.05 density units
from the actual density stated on the national standard step tablet or step wedge calibration film.

T-262.3 Periodic Verification

(a) Densitometers. Periodic calibrations verification checks shall be performed as described in T-
262.1 at the beginning of each shift, after 8 hours of continuous use, or after change of apertures,
whichever comes first.

T-262.4 Documentation
(a) Densitometers. Densitometer calibrations required by T-262.1 shall be documented, but the actual
readings for each step do not have to be recorded. Periodic densitometer verification checks required
by T-262.3(a) do not have to be documented.
(b) Step Wedge Calibration Films. Step wedge calibration film verifications required by T-262.1(a)
shall be documented, but the actual readings for each step do not have to be recorded.
(c) Step Wedge Comparison Films. Step wedge comparison film verifications required by T-262.2 and T-
262.3(b) shall be documented, but the actual readings for each step do not have to be recorded.

T-270 EXAMINATION

T-271.1 Single-Wall Technique. In the single-wall technique, the radiation passes through only one wall
of the weld (material), which is viewed for acceptance on the radiograph.

T-271.2 Double-Wall Technique. When it is not practical to use a single-wall technique, one of the
following double-wall techniques shall be used.

(a) Single-Wall Viewing. For materials and for welds in components, a technique may be used in which

ASME V for API 510, ALW Page 2 of 7

 The topics discussed herewith are summarized from ASME Section V – 2021 Edition
The highlighted points are as per outline in the body of knowledge API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
Certification examination issued September 2022, January 2023, and May 2023 (Replaces May 2021)
the radiation passes through two walls and only the weld (material) on the film-side wall is viewed for
acceptance on the radiograph. When complete coverage is required for
circumferential welds (materials), a minimum of three exposures taken 120 deg to each other shall
be made.
(b) Double-Wall Viewing. For materials and for welds in components 3 ½ in. (89 mm) or less in nominal
outside diameter, a technique may be used in which the radiation passes through two
walls and the weld (material) in both walls is viewed for acceptance on the same radiograph. For double-
wall viewing, only a source-side IQI shall be used.

T-272 Radiation Energy. The radiation energy employed for any radiographic technique shall achieve
the density an IQI image requirements of this Article.

T-273 Direction of Radiation. The direction of the central beam of radiation should be centered on the
area of interest whenever practical.

T-274 Geometric Unsharpness

T- 274.1 Geometric Unsharpness Determination. Geometric unsharpness of the radiograph shall

be determined in accordance with:
Ug = Fd / D

T-274.2 Geometric Unsharpness Limitations. Recommended maximum values for geometric

unsharpness are as follows:

Material Ug
Thickness, in. (mm) Maximum, in. (mm)
Under 2 (50) 0.020 (0.51)
2 through 3 (50–75) 0.030 (0.76) Over
3 through 4 (75–100) 0.040 (1.02)
Greater than 4 (100) 0.070 (1.78)

T-275 Location Markers

Shall be placed on the part, not on the exposure holder/cassette. Their locations shall be permanently
marked on the surface of the part being radiographed when permitted, or on a map, in a manner permitting
the area of interest on a radiograph to be accurately traceable to its location on the part, for the required
retention period of the radiograph. In addition, their locations do not limit the area of interest or the area to
be interpreted. Evidence shall also be provided on the radiograph that the required coverage of the region
being examined has been obtained.

T-276 IQI Selection

Material is from same alloy material group or grade per SE-1025 for hole type or SE-747 for wire type, or from
an alloy material group or grade with less radiation absorption than the material being radiographed.

Table T-276 specifies required IQI.

IQI thickness based on nominal single wall thickness plus estimated reinforcement.

Backing rings or strips not considered part of weld thickness.

IQI selection of welds joining dissimilar materials or with dissimilar filler metals is based on weld metal.

T-277 Use of IQIs to Monitor Radiographic Examination

T-277.1 Placement of IQIs

(a) Source-Side IQI(s). The IQI(s) shall be placed on the source side of the part being examined,
(b) Film-Side IQI(s). Where inaccessibility prevents hand placing the IQI(s) on the source side, the IQI(s)
shall be placed on the film side in contact with the part being examined. A lead letter “F” shall be
placed adjacent to or on the IQI(s), but shall not mask the essential hole where hole IQIs are used.

(d) IQI Placement for Welds — Wire IQIs. The IQI(s) shall be placed on the weld so that the length of the
wires are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the weld.

ASME V for API 510, ALW Page 3 of 7

 The topics discussed herewith are summarized from ASME Section V – 2021 Edition
The highlighted points are as per outline in the body of knowledge API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
Certification examination issued September 2022, January 2023, and May 2023 (Replaces May 2021)

T-277.2 Number of IQIs. When one or more film holders are used for an exposure, at least one IQI
image shall appear on each radiograph.

When a single exposure of a complete circumference is made only three IQI’s are required at 120
degrees apart.

T-280 EVALUATION

T-281 Quality of Radiographs

Must be free from mechanical, chemical or other blemishes that do not mask and are not confused with
the image of any discontinuity in the area of interest.

T-282 Radiographic Density

T-282.1 Density Limitations. Shall be 1.8 minimum for single film viewing for radiographs made with an X-
ray source and 2.0 minimum for radiographs made with a gamma ray source. For composite viewing of
multiple film exposures, each film of the composite set shall have a minimum density of 1.3. The maximum
density shall be 4.0 for either single or composite viewing. A tolerance of 0.05 in density is allowed for
variations between densitometer readings.

T-282.2 Density Variation. Density in area of interest must be within – 15% and + 30% from density
through the penetrameter otherwise an additional penetrameter shall be used.

T-284 Excessive Backscatter

If a light image of the “B,” appears on a darker background of the radiograph, protection from
backscatter is insufficient and the radiograph shall be considered unacceptable. A dark image of the “B” on
a lighter background is not cause for rejection.

T-290 DOCUMENTATION

T-291 Radiographic Technique Documentation Details

The Manufacturer shall prepare and document the radiographic technique details. As a minimum, the
following information shall be provided.
(a) the requirements
(b) identification
(c) the dimensional map (if used) of marker placement
(d) number of radiographs (exposures)
(e) X-ray voltage or isotope type used
(f) source size
(g) base material type and thickness, weld thickness, weld reinforcement thickness, as applicable
(h) source-to-object distance
(i) distance from source side of object to film
(j) film manufacturer and their assigned type/designation
(k) number of films in each film holder/cassette
(l) single or double wall exposure
(m) single or double wall viewing

ARTICLE 6 LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION

T-620 GENERAL

An effective means for detecting discontinuities which are open to the surface of nonporous metals and
other materials. Typical discontinuities detectable by this method are cracks, seams, laps, cold shuts,
laminations, and porosity.

T-641 Control of Contaminants (Mandatory Appendix II)

Sulfur content for nickel base alloys.

ASME V for API 510, ALW Page 4 of 7

 The topics discussed herewith are summarized from ASME Section V – 2021 Edition
The highlighted points are as per outline in the body of knowledge API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
Certification examination issued September 2022, January 2023, and May 2023 (Replaces May 2021)

Chlorine and fluorine content for austenitic stainless steel and titanium.

T-642 Surface Preparation

(a) Surface preparation by grinding, machining, or other methods may be necessary where surface
irregularities could mask indications.
(b) Prior to each liquid penetrant examination, the surface to be examined and all adjacent areas
within at least 1 in. (25 mm) shall be dry and free of all contaminant

T-652 Techniques for Standard Temperatures

Not be below 40°F (5°C) nor above 125°F (52°C)

T-653 Techniques for Nonstandard Temperatures (Mandatory Appendix III)

Covers handling of nonstandard technique using a liquid penetrant comparator.

For temperatures less than 40oF perform examination at proposed lower temperature and compare to the
40oF to 125oF range. This qualifies the procedure from lower temperature to 40oF.
o
For temperatures above 125 F the upper and lower limits shall be established and the procedure
qualified at these temperatures per Appendix III of this Article.

T-654 Technique Restrictions

Fluorescent method shall not follow color contrast method.

Intermixing penetrant families not permitted.

T-660 Calibrations

Light meters, both visible and fluorescent shall be calibrated once a year or whenever repaired.

T-670 Examination

Penetration (dwell) time is critical. The minimum penetration time shall be as required in Table T-672

Post emulsification penetrants divided into lipophilic and hydrophilic emulsification

T-691 Recording of Indications

Nonrejectable and rejectable indications shall be recorded.

ARTICLE 7 MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION

T-720 GENERAL

The magnetic particle examination method is applied to detect cracks and other discontinuities on the
surfaces of ferromagnetic materials.

T-731 Examination Medium

(c) Temperature Limitations. Particles shall be used within the temperature range limitations set by the
manufacturer of the particles.

T-750 TECHNIQUE

(a) prod technique

(d) yoke technique

T-752.3 Prod Spacing. Prod spacing shall not exceed 8 in. (200 mm).

ASME V for API 510, ALW Page 5 of 7

 The topics discussed herewith are summarized from ASME Section V – 2021 Edition
The highlighted points are as per outline in the body of knowledge API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
Certification examination issued September 2022, January 2023, and May 2023 (Replaces May 2021)

T-755 Yoke Technique

For this technique, alternating or direct current electromagnetic yokes, or permanent magnet yokes, shall
be used.

T-760 CALIBRATION

T-761 Frequency of Calibration

T-761.1 Magnetizing Equipment

(a) Frequency. Magnetizing equipment with an ammeter shall be calibrated at least once a year, or
whenever the equipment has been subjected to major electric repair, periodic overhaul, or damage. If
equipment has not been in use for a year or more, calibration shall be done prior to first use.
(b) Procedure. The accuracy of the unit’s meter shall be verified annually by equipment traceable to
a national standard. Comparative readings shall be taken for at least three different current output
levels encompassing the usable range.
(c) Tolerance. The unit’s meter reading shall not deviate by more than ±10% of full scale, relative to the
actual current value as shown by the test meter.

T-762 Lifting Power of Yokes

(a) The magnetizing power of all yokes shall be verified whenever the yoke has been damaged or repaired.
(b) electromagnetic yoke shall have a lifting power of at least 10 lb (4.5 kg) at the maximum pole spacing
that will be used.
(c) permanent magnetic yoke shall have a lifting power of at least 40 lb (18 kg) at the maximum pole
spacing that will be used.
(d) Each weight shall be weighed with a scale from a reputable manufacturer and stenciled with the
applicable nominal weight prior to first use. A weight need only be verified again if damaged in a manner
that could have caused potential loss of material.

T-770 EXAMINATION

T-772 Direction of Magnetization

At least two separate examinations shall be performed on each area. During the second examination, the
lines of magnetic flux shall be approximately perpendicular to those used during the first examination.

T-773 Method of Examination

(a) Dry Particles.

(b) Wet Particles.

T-777 Interpretation

Nonfluorescent particle examination shall be performed with a minimum light intensity of 100 foot
candles (fc) or 1076 lx.

T-777.2 Fluorescent Magnetic Particles

(b) Examiners shall be in a darkened area for at least 5 min prior to performing examinations to enable
their eyes to adapt to dark viewing

T-778 Demagnetization

When residual magnetization interferes with subsequent processing or usage demagnetize any time after
completion of examination.

T-792 Recording of indications

Nonrejectable and rejectable indications shall be recorded.

ASME V for API 510, ALW Page 6 of 7

 The topics discussed herewith are summarized from ASME Section V – 2021 Edition
The highlighted points are as per outline in the body of knowledge API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
Certification examination issued September 2022, January 2023, and May 2023 (Replaces May 2021)

ARTICLE 23, SE-797

STANDARD PRACTICE FOR MEASURING THICKNESS

BY MANUAL ULTRASONIC PULSE-ECHO CONTACT METHOD

1. Scope

Thickness of materials using the contact pulse-echo method at temperatures not to exceed 200°F (93°C).

9. Technical Hazards

9.5 High-temperature materials. A rule of thumb often used is as follows: The apparent thickness reading
obtained from steel walls having elevated temperatures is high (too thick) by a factor of about
1% per 55°C (100°F). Thus, if the instrument was standardized on a piece of similar material at 20°C (68°F),
and if the reading was obtained with a surface temperature of 460°C (860°F), the apparent reading should
be reduced by 8%.

ASME V for API 510, ALW Page 7 of 7