DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION RULES FOR

MECHANICAL COMPONENTS OF PWR

NUCLEAR ISLANDS

RCC-M
SECTION III
EXAMINATION METHODS
 MC 2000

ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

MC 2100 GENERAL

MC 2110: SCOPE
This subchapter sets out the general conditions to be applied for ultrasonic examinations specified
by this Code.
These conditions apply to the single probe reflection method (using one or two piezoelectric
elements).
They concern the presentation of a reference technique whose application is manual unless
otherwise specified. Other techniques which give overall results at least equivalent may be
submitted to the Contractor before being applied. The submission shall be accompanied by the
supporting details in accordance with MC 2170.

MC 2120: GENERAL CONDITIONS

The general principles of the method described in Standard NF EN 583-1 shall apply with the
following modification:
- paragraph 5.3 (through transmission examination) is not applicable.

MC 2121: CERTIFICATION OF INSPECTORS

Ultrasonic examination shall be performed by personnel certified in compliance with MC 8000.

MC 2122: ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION DOCUMENTS

All ultrasonic examinations shall comply with conditions specified in a series of properly identified
documents (procedures, route sheets and instruction sheets), which shall comply with the
requirements of the applicable paragraphs and include, as a minimum, the following information:
- type of item being examined, its dimensions, size range and type of material used,
- reference to relevant chapters of this Code and of other applicable documents,

© n° 113-2007 MC 2000 / 1
- examination equipment: pulse generator, probes, coupling medium, automatic examination
system (if used), calibration and reference blocks,
- examination performance conditions: test areas and surface condition,
- examination procedures: angle and mode of wave propagation, coupling medium (contact or
immersion), scanning conditions (surface, orientation and examination direction),
- record level,
- acceptance criteria.

MC 2130: ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT

MC 2131: ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION APPARATUS
The characteristics of the ultrasonic apparatus shall be selected and verified in accordance with
NF EN 12668-1, with the following clarifications:
- paragraph 1, “Scope” shall apply with the following clarification:
. the central frequency range shall normally be between 1 and 6 MHz
- each apparatus shall be subjected to these checks:
. at acceptance on delivery,
. following repair,
. at least once a year.

MC 2132: PROBES
The probes nominal frequency as well as the sizes of piezoelectric elements shall be chosen in
accordance with the types and sizes of material under examination and in compliance with the
requirements of the relevant paragraphs. Frequency shall generally be within a range of between 1
and 6 MHz for longitudinal and shear waves.
Frequencies and refraction angles shall be specified in each case in the procurement specifications;
other values may nevertheless be used when necessary.
Piezoelectric elements may be circular or rectangular in shape. (For manual inspection, the length
to width ratio shall be ≤ 1.5 for rectangular shaped elements).
The largest allowable dimension for the piezoelectric element shall be between 10 and 30 mm.
Special probes (double crystal probes, refracted longitudinal wave probe, variable angle probes,
miniature probes, etc.) may be used for specific applications for which conventional probes are
unsuited.
Probe acceptance shall be in accordance with Standard NF EN 12668-2

MC 2000 / © n° 113-2007
MC 2133: COUPLING MEDIUM
Coupling media such as:
- water with or without wetting agent,
- paste medium,
- oils,
- grease,
- cellulose adhesive with water added, etc., may be used.
The characteristics of coupling media shall remain unchanged throughout the examination session.
After examination has ended, the coupling medium shall be removed if likely to hinder later
manufacturing or inspection operations. For austenitic steel or nickel-base alloy parts in finished
condition, the coupling medium shall be removed from surfaces. The coupling medium shall be in
accordance with F 6000 where ultrasonic examination is not followed by passivation.

MC 2134: CALIBRATION AND REFERENCE BLOCKS

MC 2134.1: Calibration block
The calibration block to be used is specified by standard NF EN 12223.
MC 2134.2: Reference block
Reference block shall be manufactured in accordance with paragraph 6.3.1.1) of the NF EN 583-2
standard, with the following clarifications:
It shall be taken from:
- a prolongation of the part to be examined,
- a discard from a part made from the same material and having undergone the same heat
treatment as the part under examination,
- a product with characteristics similar to the acoustical properties of the material under
examination.
The block scanning surfaces shall be machined. Ra roughness shall not exceed 6.3 µm. Block
geometry, as well as the size and position of reflectors, when required, are specified for each case
in the relevant paragraphs of this Code. The position and number of reflectors, when required,
shall be such that the entire thickness of the part can be inspected.

MC 2140: EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

MC 2141: SURFACE PREPARATION
The scanning surfaces shall be free from paint, loose scale, dried coupling medium or any other
surface deposit or irregularity which may adversely affect the transmission of waves in the part,
hinder the free movement of the probe or cause interpretational errors (spurious echoes due to
wave mode conversion).
Unless otherwise specified, Ra roughness, assessed in compliance with MC 7200, shall not
exceed 12.5 µm.

MC 2000 / © n° 113-2007
MC 2142: VERIFICATION OF THE FULL EQUIPMENT TIME BASE CALIBRATION

MC 2142.1: Verification of the full equipment

Verification of the full equipment shall be carried out in accordance with Standard NF EN 12668-3
modified as follows:
- second paragraph of 3.1: compliance with the tests indicated in this part of the standard should
not be mentioned in the ultrasonic examination report.

MC 2142.2: Time base calibration

The time base calibration and specifically for angle probes, determination of the angle of
refraction shall be performed:
- for ferritic steel parts using the calibration block specified in MC 2134.1,
- for austenitic steel and high nickel alloys: using artificial reflectors placed in a test piece made
of material possessing similar acoustical characteristics to the parts under examination. The
accuracy to be obtained using this method shall be in the same range as for ferritic steel with
the calibration block.
For normal probe examination, the time base calibration may be performed on a section of the
part with parallel surfaces.
These operations shall be performed prior to each test session.

MC 2143: SETTING GAIN AND POWER

Gain and power settings shall be set using the responses from artificial reflectors (cylindrical side
drilled holes, cylindrical flat bottomed holes and notches) as per standard NF EN 583-2. These
settings shall be made at the same time by bringing the amplification threshold back to zero.
During adjustment, gain and power (when adjustable) shall be selected to obtain the best signal-to-
noise ratio.
These settings shall be made at the start of every test session and checked at the end of the first
hour, and once every two hours thereafter. They shall also be checked when the operator suspects
that a drift has occurred and at the end of the test session.
No special report need be written concerning these settings.
A verification shall be considered satisfactory if the drift detected is no greater than ± 2 dB. If
this is not the case, all parts subjected to examination since the preceding check shall be re-
examined.

NOTE : Since the initial settings are obtained from the reference block, subsequent settings and verifications may be
performed using a transfer block instead of the reference block.

This transfer block shall enable the plot of the distance-amplitude curve or the record of initially obtained
amplification values to be verified.

© n° 113-2007 MC 2000 / 5
MC 2143.1: Setting using responses from artificial reflectors in a reference block
Two types of setting methods may be used:
a) Distance-amplitude curve
This setting shall be carried out in accordance with paragraph 6.3 of standard NF EN 583-2

b) If the performance characteristics of the apparatus so allow, the distance-amplitude curve may
be replaced by recording the amplification values required to adjust echo amplitudes obtained
from each reflector to the same height (about 75% of screen height).

MC 2144: SCANNING METHOD

The test area shall be scanned in compliance with the conditions of the relevant paragraph of
the Code.

Generally scanning shall be performed using a setting which corresponds to the highest sensitivity
level possible with allowance for background noise. If the latter is liable to adversely affect
detection of defects and/or if a clearly distinct echo cannot be obtained from the reflector nearest
the scanning surface of the reference test piece at this setting, a lower sensitivity setting shall be
used. The latter shall not, however, be lower than the reference setting for the area being
examined.

By applying the above method it will be possible to correlate various data obtained for scans made
in one or more directions with the same indication.

The depth of the dead zone expressed in mm of material thickness examined is noted when
required. This depth is conventionally expressed as being the distance L shown on figure
MC 2144 obtained under the reference setting conditions corresponding to the reflector furthest
from the scanning surface.

MC 2150: CHARACTERIZATION OF INDICATIONS

MC 2151: EVALUATION BASED ON ARTIFICIAL REFLECTOR RESPONSES
Characterization and sizing of indications shall be performed in compliance with NF EN 583-5,
with the following clarifications:

MC 2151.1: Amplitude evaluation

Amplitude evaluation shall be performed as per paragraph C2 (DAC method) of annex C.
a) If the distance-amplitude curve is used as per MC 2143.1 a), the maximum amplitude obtained
at the indication is compared to the ordinate of the curve for the same sound path under the
same setting conditions used to establish the DAC curve. The significance of the defect is
expressed as a percentage of the distance-amplitude curve.
b) If setting up is performed according to the requirements of MC 2143-1 b) then once the depth
of the indication has been established, the setting shall be adjusted to the one obtained with the
closest artificial reflector and reference amplitude. The significance of the defect is expressed
as a percentage of the reference-amplitude.

MC 2151.2: Size evaluation

MC 2000 / © n° 113-2007
Size evaluation shall be performed as per paragraph D2 of annex D (6 dB drop from the maximum
level).
The surface area of the indication is obtained from the product of the two dimensions measured as
indicated above, in two perpendicular directions.

MC 2151.3: Grouping of indications

When a group of indications is to be treated as a single indication, the rules for such action are
specified in the relevant paragraphs of this Code.

MC 2152: EVALUATION BASED ON BACK ECHO LOSS

MC 2152.1: Amplitude evaluation
Every area in which a loss of back echo is observed shall be characterized by its R ratio.
Fo n
R= with n=1
Fn
where:
Fo1 : amplitude of first reference back echo specified in MC 2143.1,
F1 : amplitude of the first reference back echo of the zone under consideration. A check is
performed to ensure that the reduction in back echo is not due to the part geometry.

MC 2152.2: Size evaluation

The probe shall be positioned at the point where the maximum R value (minimum amplitude of
corresponding back echo) is registered. The probe shall then be moved around this position until a
back echo amplitude equal to the required R value, as required by the procurement specifications
increased by 50% (+ 6 dB) is obtained.
The beam axis position shall be noted for each probe position.
The defective zone is defined as the area bounded by the contour obtained by joining the beam
axis positions.

MC 2160: EXAMINATION REPORT

Unless stated otherwise elsewhere in the Code, the examination reports shall include the following
information:
- identification of Manufacturer, purchase order and equipment,

© n° 113-2007 MC 2000 / 7
- identification of the weld, buttering, cladding or of the part examined including grade (ferritic
steel, austenitic steel, etc.) and fabrication process used for the part (forging, rolling, casting),
- designation of the examination documents used,
- time of examination,
- surface preparation (method, cleaning),
- type, make and designation of the equipment used:
. test unit,
. probe (dimensions, frequencies),
- calibration and setting conditions (calibration and reference blocks used),
- length of the measured dead zone, where applicable (otherwise state "not applicable"),
- examination procedure
. angle of ultrasonic beam and type of wave used in the part,
. scanning direction,
- characteristics of indications (location, amplitude, length) which are equal to or higher than the
record level,
- interpretation results, including explanation for any indications that are interpreted as not
characteristic of a defect,
- identification of the company responsible for examination when subcontracted out,
- name, certification, date and Inspector's signature. For automatic examinations, the Inspector is
the controlling agent for non-destructive examinations who validates the installation adjustments
and the examination results.

To avoid unnecessary repetition, some of the information listed above may be given in properly
identified Manufacturers' documents attached to the examination report.

MC 2170: SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR

AUTOMATED PROCEDURES
The file submitted to the prior approval of the Contractor shall include the following:
- the qualification programme for the method, and the test results which demonstrate that the
automated process is equivalent to the reference technique as far as detection, evaluation and
acceptance are concerned

- the control procedure:

This shall state, in particular, t h e rules applied for guarding against all drifts, both in the
software and in the control sequence, which might be prejudicial to the validity of the control.

MC 2000 / © n° 113-2007
 FIGURE MC 2144

MC 2200: ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF CASTINGS

MC 2210: SCOPE OF THE METHOD

This subchapter covers ultrasonic examination specified in SECTION II of this Code for ferritic
steel castings using the single probe longitudinal wave reflection method.

MC 2220: GENERAL CONDITIONS

The general conditions specified in MC 2100 relating to the method described shall be applied.
They are supplemented by the conditions given below.

MC 2230: EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 2231: TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) during manufacture at which parts are subjected to ultrasonic examination are
specified in SECTION II of this Code.

© n° 113-2007 MC 2000 / 9
 MC 2232: TEST AREAS
Test areas and degree of examination are defined in SECTION II of this Code.

MC 2233: SCANNING METHODS

The scanning methods shall be chosen to assure that the entire test area is scanned.
The length of the dead zone as defined in MC 2144 is noted except where unnecessary with the
techniques used (scanning methods, probe with short dead zone, etc).

MC 2234: REFERENCE BLOCKS

The reference block(s) shall be manufactured in compliance with MC 2134.2.
The reflectors shall be flat bottomed cylindrical holes, 6 mm in diameter. They shall be drilled
perpendicularly to the scanning surface. Their number and position shall be such that the entire
thickness of the part undergoing examination can be examined. The first reflector shall be located
at a maximum distance of 25 mm from the scanning surface. The last hole shall be located at a
distance equal to the maximum thickness to be examined within ± 20%.

MC 2235: DISTANCE-AMPLITUDE CORRECTION CURVES

For thicknesses greater than 40 mm, the distance-amplitude correction curve shall be plotted as set
forth in MC 2143.2, using at least 3 reflectors as specified in MC 2234. For thicknesses of 40 mm
or less, two reflectors are required.

MC 2236: CHARACTERIZATION OF AN INDICATION

MC 2236.1: Amplitude
The amplitude of an indication shall be characterized in compliance with MC 2151.1.

MC 2236.2: Size
Sizes of indications shall be characterized in compliance with MC 2151.2. The probe shall be
positioned only in positions where a loss of 6 dB in echo amplitude from the indication is
observed.

MC 2000 / © n° 113-2007
 MC 2300 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION
OF FORGINGS

MC 2310: GENERAL
MC 2311: GENERAL CONDITIONS
The general conditions specified in AFNOR standard NF A 04-308 shall apply. As far as straight
longitudinal waves examination is concerned, the amplitude of indications shall be characterized
using the equivalent diameter method. These specifications are supplemented by the following
paragraphs.

MC 2312: EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

Time of examination
The stage(s) during manufacture at which forgings are subjected to ultrasonic examination are
specified in SECTION II of this Code.
At the time of examination, the profile of type 1, 2 and 3 parts shall be such that the scanning
surface and the opposite surface are parallel.
If the heat treatment quality requires that profile of the part or area of the part does not comply
with this condition, a complete preliminary examination shall be performed before such treatment.
This examination shall take place at a stage in the manufacturing process when the two surfaces
are parallel. Examination after heat treatment shall then be performed to the fullest extent
possible.

Areas subjected to examination

Test areas and the degree of examination are specified in SECTION II of this Code.

MC 2313: SCANNING PROCEDURES

Type 1 parts
Unless otherwise specified in the Part Procurement Specifications of SECTION II, only parts
whose smallest dimension is higher or equal to 50 mm are subjected to examination. Those parts
to be bored when in their final condition shall be examined before such boring takes place.
Axial examination starting from both ends of cylindrical parts and lengthwise examination of
parallelepiped-shaped parts shall only be performed insofar as beam attenuation and/or possible
wave conversion do not hinder interpretation.

Type 3 parts:
At the time of examination of these parts along the axial direction parasitical phenomena such as
edge or wall effects shall be reduced to a minimum by a careful choice of probes and scanning
surfaces, taking into account the geometry of the part under examination. This examination shall
be performed insofar as beam attenuation and/or possible wave conversion do not hinder
interpretation.

© n° 113-2007 MC 2000 / 11
Type 4 parts:
Examination shall be performed using the straight beam longitudinal wave method either before or after
boring, depending on the geometry and accessibility of test areas and scanning surfaces. wherever possible,
such examinations shall be performed in mutually perpendicular directions.
NOTE: When no back echo exists due to beam attenuation in material, the examination is performed from both faces over a half
length plus 10%.

MC 2314: ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION DOCUMENTS

Paragraph MC 2122 of SECTION III of this Code shall apply.

MC 2315: EXAMINATION REPORT

Paragraph MC 2160 of this code shall replace paragraph II of the AFNOR standard.

MC 2316: CERTIFICATION OF EXAMINATION PERSONNEL (replace

paragraph 10.1 of the AFNOR standard)
Ultrasonic examination shall be performed by certified personnel according to MC 8000
specifications.

MC 2320: SHEAR WAVE EXAMINATIONS AND/OR LONGITUDINAL

INCLINED BEAM EXAMINATIONS
When explicitly referred to by Part Procurement Specifications of SECTION II, the following prescriptions
related to the reference block and to the calibration method, fully apply and supersedes the
corresponding prescriptions of AFNOR standard NF A 04-308.

MC 2321: REFERENCE BLOCK

The reference block is defined as follows:
a) Geometry
As a general rule the reference block shall be a rectangular parallelepiped except for reference blocks used
for examination of cylindrical parts with diameters ≤ 250 mm.
In this last case, it shall have the same radius of curvature, within 25%, as the part being examined.
The width of the block shall be about 60 mm. For thicknesses ≤ 100 mm, the length of the block may
be less than 60 mm but shall enable gain to be set without edge effect. Its length shall enable reference
reflectors to be detected. Its thickness shall be:
- for single bounce examination: equal to the thickness of the part ± 5 mm,
- for direct scan: equal to or greater than the thickness of the part.

MC 2000 / © n° 113-2007
b) Artificial reflectors:
Artificial reflectors shall consist of either notches or cylindrical holes machined widthwise
paralled to the scanning surface of the reference block.
For parts with thicknesses e ≤ 100 mm, rectangular longitudinal notches described in the
following table shall be positioned on the scanning opposite surfaces.

Thickness in mm ≤ 20 20 < e ≤ 50 50 < e ≤ 100

Length in mm ≥ 50 ≥ 50 ≥ 50
Width in mm ≤1 ≤1 ≤1
5% of "e"
Depth in mm with min. 0.1 mm 1 1.5

For parts with thicknesses greater than 100 mm, at least three 2 mm diameter holes shall be
drilled widthwise right through the block.

These holes shall be distributed in the thickness to enable a reference curve covering the entire
thickness under examination to be established.

MC 2322: SETTING AND INDICATION CHARACTERIZATION

Paragraphs MC 2143.1 and MC 2151.1 of this Code apply.

MC 2400: ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF FERRITIC

STEEL OR AUSTENITIC ALLOY PLATES
AT LEAST 6 MM THICK

MC 2410: GENERAL
The requirements of standards NF EN 10160 and NF EN 10307 shall apply and shall be
supplemented by paragraph MC 2120 and the following clarifications:
- table 1, probe type: for thicknesses ≥ 60 mm, only a straight probe is allowed,
- paragraph 9.1 of standard NF EN 10160: use of rectangular notches is not allowed.
The following additional paragraphs shall supplement the standards:

MC 2411: COUPLING MEDIUM

For the final surfaces of austenitic steel or nickel-based alloy parts, the coupling medium shall be
removed upon completion of the examination.

© n° 113-2007 MC 2000 / 13
MC 2412: GRADE OF THE STEPPED BLOCK
The stepped block shall be made from high-alloy steel with a similar ultrasound permeability.
MC 2413: ATTENUATION MEASUREMENT MC
2413.1: Principle
The purpose is to detect areas in which the loss of back echo is greater than – 18 dB, without disturbing the
normal running of the examination.

MC 2413.2 Procedure:
Depending on the probe, the quality class required, the thickness and the grade of the plate, the
amplitude of the first back echo is located at various levels in relation to the reference level and the total
height of the screen.

MC 2413.2.1:
If under test conditions, a loss of – 18 dB of the first back echo makes the top of the echo visible on the
screen, the corresponding level shall be noted and shall be used as a threshold for marking out the
absorbent zone (see fig. 1).
In this zone, any indications shall be evaluated taking account of the absorption (readjustment of the
sensitivity transfer). Additional examinations (search for the origin of the attenuation) may be required by
the part procurement specification or the purchase order.

MC 2413.2.2:
If the loss of – 18 dB on the first back echo does not mean that the top of this echo is visible on the
screen, the second back echo should be visualized (2 scans) and its amplitude shall be noted and used as
the threshold for marking out the absorbent zone (see fig. 2).

This zone shall be dealt with as in MC 2413.2.1.

MC 2000 / © n° 113-2007
 Figure 1

© n° 113-2007 MC 2000 / 15
RCC-M -Edition 2007 Section III - MC

I .I

I - ---- -- -- --------- ·- Reference level

1--- 1st back echo

Emission ference echo 2nd back echo

echo (corresponding
to the dia 5.8
or 11 hole,
according to
o\. \ the case) lOp

18tscan 2nd
scan

'

Threshold
- marking out the
absorbent zone

© afcen n° 113-2007

1 \ 100
\.

Fig
RCC-M - Edition 2007 Section III - MC
ur2nd back echo
e -18 dB
2
1st back echo
-18 dB

MC 2000 I 15

© n° 113-2007 MC 2000 / 17
RCC-M - Edition 2007 Section III - MC

MC 2500: ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF TUBES

MC 2510: SCOPE OF METHOD

This subchapter concerns ultrasonic contact or immersion examination of seamless tubes or rolled
welded tubes without filler metal using inclined shear waves and made of:
- carbon steel,
- austenitic stainless steel,
- high-nickel content alloy when this examination is specified in SECTION II of this Code.

The following are excluded :

- tubes obtained directly by bar forging and boring,
- tubes obtained directly by forging on mandrel,
- thick tubes (thickness ≥ 50 mm) obtained directly through drawing on mandrel or through
extrusion,
- cast tubes.
These cases are covered in other paragraphs of this Code.
Note: Examination of extremely thin tube may be performed using Lamb waves.

MC 2520: GENERAL CONDITIONS

The requirements of Standards NF EN 10246-6 and NF 10246-7 shall be applied. They are
supplemented by the conditions given here after.

MC 2530: EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 2531: TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) during manufacture at which tubes are subjected to examination are specified in
SECTION II of this Code.

MC 2532: TEST AREAS

The test areas and degree of examination are defined in SECTION II of this Code.
When automatic units are used, the lengths of tubes inspected both automatically and manually (at
the ends) shall be established.

MC 2533: SCANNING METHOD

a) Scanning shall be performed in two opposite directions: along the circumference and/or in a
longitudinal direction starting from an outside cylindrical surface. These conditions are
specified in SECTION II of this Code.

MC 2000 / © n° 113-2007
 RCC-M - Edition 2007 Section III - MC

b) The angle of refraction shall be between 35° and 70°, depending on thickness.

MC 2534: REFERENCE TUBE

For steels with more than 6% alloy elements, the calibration tube shall be of the same grade and shall
undergo the same heat treatment as the tubes to be examined.

The reflectors are rectangular or V-shaped notches whose number, dimensions and position are
specified below.
This tube shall contain 2 longitudinal notches, one positioned on the outside surface and the other on
the inside surface. They shall be offset in relation to each other to enable echoes to be clearly
separated.
When scanning is performed in a longitudinal direction, the reference tube shall contain two
circumferential notches, one located on the outside and the other on the inside surface. They shall be
offset in relation to each other to enable echoes to be clearly separated.

MC 2534.1: Seamless pipe

For carbon steels, the notch depth shall be of severity level U2, representing 5% of the pipe
thickness, with a minimum of 0.2 mm and maximum of 1 mm. This minimum may be raised to
0.3 mm for hot finished pipes.
For austenitic stainless steels and high nickel content alloys, the notch depth shall be:
- severity level U1, representing 3% of tube thickness with a minimum of 0.1 mm and a
maximum of 1 mm for class 1 tubes and heat exchanger tubes of all classes,
- severity level U2, representing 5% of tube thickness within a minimum of 0.2 mm and
maximum of 1 mm for class 2 tubes not intended for use in heat exchangers.

In the particular case of steam generator exchanger pipes, the notch is rectangular and its
maximum width is 0.1 mm.

MC 2534.2: Rolled welded pipe without filler metal

The notches are located on the weld bead.
The notch depth shall be of severity level U2, representing of the pipe thickness with a minimum of 0.2
mm. The depth tolerance is ± 15% with a minimum of ± 0.05 mm.

MC 2540: TEST EQUIPMENT

Examination may be performed by either manual methods or by using an automatic unit.

© n° 113-2007 MC 2000 / 17
RCC-M - Edition 2007 Section III - MC

MC 2541: MANUAL TEST EQUIPMENT

The conditions set forth in MC 2100 with regard to examination equipment and verification of
such equipment shall apply.

MC 2542: AUTOMATIC TEST EQUIPMENT

Units allowing the probe to move in a helix relative to the tube shall be used. This motion may be
obtained by either translating the tube and rotating the probe holder or by rotating the tube and
translating the probe holder.
Helical movement shall enable overlapping of the examination zones by at least 20%. The relative
position of the probe(s) and the tube shall be accurately specified and there shall be no drift.
The unit shall include an automatic sorting system and/or a recorder. When recorders are used, it
shall be possible at all times to correlate an indication with its position on the tube.

MC 2550: POWER AND GAIN

SETTING
The gain and power are adjusted using a reference tube by tuning the gain to bring the amplitude
of the echoes from the reflector(s) to the same height on the screen (about 75%).
For automatic examination, settings shall be performed under actual operating conditions of the
installation; in certain cases (large pipes), settings may be performed on a separate bench under
representative conditions (the set of probes and electronics shall be those used for series
examination and the relative pipe-probe speeds shall be the same).
If the unit includes a system enabling the same amplitude to be obtained from both notches, this
amplitude shall be used as the reference level. In the case of multiple selectors, trip levels shall be
set separately for each notch.
If this is not the case, the reference amplitude shall be obtained using the notch producing the
weakest echo.

MC 2560: CHECKING THE SETTING OF THE AUTOMATIC DEVICE

Power and gain settings shall be checked at the start and at the end of each work shift. They shall
be checked at least every two hours. No special report need be written concerning these settings.

This check shall be considered satisfactory if the drift detected is no greater than ± 2 dB.

If the setting is found to be unstable during such a check, those tubes examined since the
preceding checks shall be subjected to further tests using the corrected setting.

MC 2000 / © n° 113-2007
 RCC-M - Edition 2007 Section III - MC

MC 2570: CHARACTERIZATION OF INDICATIONS

The indications are characterized:
- when preparing the catalogue of defects if required by SECTION II, by their amplitude expressed
as a percentage of the reference amplitude defined in MC 2550,
- during the production check, by their amplitude in relation to a rejection threshold.
The length of indications may be characterized in compliance with MC 2151.2 if this is required in
SECTION II.

MC 2580: TEST REPORT

Test reports shall comprise the following:
- identification of Manufacturer, purchase order,
- identification of steel grade,
- identification of standard, specification or procedure,
- state of treatment of product,
- surface preparation method,
- type, make and designation of the equipment used,
- the reference tube identifier,
- beam angle, type of wave, scanning direction,
- test results,
- identification of subcontractor in charge of examination (where applicable),
- name(s) and qualifications of operator(s)
- name, certification, date and Inspector's signature. For automatic examinations, the Inspector is the
controlling agent for non-destructive examinations who validates the installation adjustments and the
examination results.

To avoid unnecessary repetition, some of the information listed above may be given in properly
identified Manufacturers' documents attached to the examination report.

MC 2600 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

OF FULL PENETRATION WELDS
IN FERRITIC STEEL

MC 2610:SCOPE OF METHOD
This subchapter covers ultrasonic examination for full penetration butt and branch connection
fillet welds in ferritic steel with thicknesses greater than or equal to 10 mm when this examination
is specified in chapters 4000 of each relevant subsection of SECTION I of this Code.
NOTE: Where the ultrasonic examination of full penetration austenitic welds is envisaged in the present Code, due to
technical difficulties or where it proves technically impossible to meet the requirements for a specific
radiographic examination, the Manufacturer shall submit the method he intends to adopt to the Contractor
along with supporting evidence demonstrating that the method does in fact enable the defects being tested for
to be identified and characterised.

© n° 113-2007 MC 2000 / 19
RCC-M - Edition 2007 Section III - MC

MC 2620: G ENERAL CONDITIONS

The general conditions specified in MC 2100 for the methods described below shall apply. They
are supplemented by the conditions given below.

MC 2630: EXAMINATION CONDITIONS

MC 2631: TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) in manufacture at which welds are subjected to ultrasonic examination are specified
in SECTION I (chapter 4000 of each relevant subsection) of this Code.

MC 2632: TEST AREAS

The test areas and the degree of examination are specified in SECTION I (chapter 4000 of each
relevant subsection) of this Code. The area subjected to examination shall include at least the weld
metal and the heat affected zones.

MC 2633: SURFACE PREPARATION

Scanning surfaces shall be prepared in compliance with MC 2141. Ra roughness shall not
exceed 6.3 µm.

MC 2633.1: Butt welds

Accessible inside and outside surfaces shall be made flush using suitable mechanical means.

MC 2633.2: Fillet welds and branch connection

These welds are classified into 3 categories as indicated in the following figures:

a) set-on T joints (Figure MC 2633.2.a),

b) set-on branch connections (Figure MC 2633.2.b),

c) set-in branch connections (Figure MC 2633.2.c).

The surface(s) of the weld bead(s) shall connect smoothly, without undercutting, with the surfaces
of the assembled part. For branch connection, the inside surface of the bead, if accessible shall be
made flush by a suitable mechanical means (figures MC 2633.2b and MC 2633.2.c.2).

MC 2634: SCANNING CONDITIONS

MC 2634.1: Butt welds
Scanning conditions shall enable the entire test area to be investigated where accessibility and part
geometry so permit. Examination shall be performed using 14 orientations at all points on the part
(12 with shear waves and 2 with longitudinal waves) as indicated on figure MC 2634.1.a.1.

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For shear wave scanning, the angles of refraction which are chosen according to weld thickness and
geometry, shall range from 35 to 70 degrees. When shear wave examination is required using
2 distinct angles of refraction, the nominal value of these two angles shall in principle differ by at least
15°. According to the type of bevel used, the angles shall be chosen, in particular, so as to allow
examination of fusion along the connecting zones under the best conditions possible. For this purpose,
for bevels close to the normal of the wall and for detection of longitudinal defects in ferritic steel welds,
the angles of refraction chosen shall be equal to 45° and 70°.

1) Scanning using shear waves shall be performed using orientations 1 to 12 as indicated on figure
MC 2634.1.a.1 along both surfaces in compliance with note 1.
When one surface and/or one side of the weld bead is/are inaccessible, the examinations along this
surface and/or this side of the weld bead shall be replaced by the single bounce method (echo from
opposite wall) along accessible sides. The latter shall be carried out where possible using the 12
required orientations (see note 3).
For examination of components clad with stainless steel or high nickel alloys, at the time of
examination these 12 scanning orientations are no longer required. The examination shall
include, wherever possible:
- examination along orientations 1 to 4 and 9 to 10 along an unclad surface,
- supplementary examination of the area falling within the initial probe's dead zone. This inspection
shall be performed along orientations 1, 3, 9 and 10 using probes with a short dead zone. The
angle of refraction shall then be at least equal to the largest angle of refraction used for the first
examination.

2) Straight beam longitudinal wave scans shall be carried out using orientations 13 and 14 given in
figure MC 2634.1.a.1 along both surfaces.
When one surface is inaccessible or when components with an entirely finished stainless steel or high
nickel alloy clad scanning surface are to be examined, the two scanning orientations provided above
are no longer required. Instead the examination:
- shall be carried out using orientation 13 along either the unclad or the accessible surface,
- supplementary examination falling within the initial probe's dead zone. This examination shall be
performed using a short dead zone probe along orientation 13.

3) Note 1: Each probe shall cover the dead zone of the identical probe sweeping the opposite surface. Thus,
for a typical examination performed with probe A (inclined shear wave type), the sound path to
cover
probe B's dead zone is as shown in figure MC 2634.1.a.2 when the single bounce method is not
required.
For joints with thicknesses of 150 mm or more, it may be covered by performing another scan
along the same surface with a probe B' having a short dead zone. The probe's angle of refractions
shall be greater than or equal to that of probe B.
Note 2: When supplementary probes with short dead zones are used, indications shall only be detected and
characterized in the sound path corresponding to the dead zone of the first probes used.
Note 3: Detection and characterization of indications using the single bounce method are not required for
thicknesses equal to 100 mm or more. In this case, probes with short dead zones are used to cover
the dead zones of probes operating from the accessible surface. Such scans shall be performed using
the same orientations.

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MC 2634.2: Fillet welds and branch connection

Scanning conditions shall enable the entire test area to be investigated where accessibility and part
geometry so permit. Examination shall be performed at all points on the part using orientations
given in figures MC 2634.2.a, MC 2634.2.b and MC 2634.2.c.
For shear wave scanning, the angles of refraction of between 35 and 70 degrees shall be used.
These angles are chosen according to weld geometry to ensure that the beams are virtually
perpendicular to weld bevels. When examination is performed using shear waves at 2 separate
angles of refraction, these two angles shall differ by at least 15°.
If one scanning surface is inaccessible, the examination scheduled from this surface shall be
replaced by a single bounce scan performed on the opposite surface. The latter shall be carried
out along the required orientations insofar as this is possible (see note).
For examination of welded components with one surface clad with stainless steel or high nickel
alloys, the examinations indicated above are no longer required. Instead, examination shall
include as far as possible:
- shear wave scan starting from unclad surfaces,
- longitudinal straight beam examination irrespective of whether surfaces are clad or not.

Note : Detection and characterization of indications using the single bounce technique are not required if the
thicknesses of items to which probes are applied are greater than or equal to 100 mm.

MC 2635: REFERENCE BLOCK

The reference block shall comply with MC 2134.2 and with special conditions.

MC 2635.1: Geometry
The reference block shall be a rectangular parallelepiped except in the following cases, where it
shall have the same radius of curvature (within 25%) as the part being examined.
- Use of a probe whose largest dimension is 15 mm or less, if the radius of curvature of the part
is 100 mm or less.
- Use of a probe whose largest dimension is greater than 15 mm if the radius of curvature of the
part is 250 mm or less.

The width of the block shall be about 60 mm. For thicknesses ≤ 100 mm, this width may be
lower than 60 mm but shall enable an amplification to be set without edge effect.
Its length shall enable the reference reflectors to be detected.
Its thickness shall be:
- for the single bounce method, equal to the thickness of the part ± 5 mm,
- for direct scan, equal to or greater than the thickness of the part.

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MC 2635.2: Artificial reflectors

Artificial reflectors shall consist of cylindrical holes drilled through the width of the reference block,
parallel to its scanning surface.
These holes shall be 2 mm in diameter.
The first hole shall be drilled 10 mm below the scanning surface. The difference in depth of
subsequent holes shall then be at most:
- 10 mm for blocks 50 mm thick or less,
- 20 mm for blocks from 50 mm to 100 mm thick,
- 30 mm for blocks more than 100 mm thick.
All reflectors shall be positioned at least 20 mm from either end of the reference block.

MC 2636: POWER AND GAIN SETTING

Power and gain levels shall be set in compliance with MC 2143 using the artificial reflectors
described in MC 2635.2.

MC 2637: CHARACTERIZATION OF INDICATIONS

Indications shall be characterized by their:
- position,
- amplitude,
- size,
- volumetric or non-volumetric character.

a) Position
The indications shall be located in relation to a clearly defined referencing system.

b) Amplitude
Amplitude shall be evaluated in compliance with MC 2151.1. For indications detected in the
10 mm thick zone adjacent to the surface opposite the scanning surface, amplitude may be evaluated in
accordance with a supplementary and duly qualified method which allows for spurious echoes.

c) Size
The conditions of MC 2151.2 shall apply. An indication shall be considered as being isolated
(pin-point) if its size, measured in accordance with MC 2151.2, is less than:
- 10 mm where its depth measured from the scanning surface is 100 mm or less,
- 10% of its depth if this is greater than 100 mm.

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d) Volumetric or non-volumetric character

Classification of defects as volumetric or non-volumetric shall be based on several parameters:
welding techniques, geometrical position of defect, the leading edge or shape of echo and
directional reflectivity from the defect.
As a general rule, non-volumetric reflectors such as cracks or lack of fusion give rise to high
amplitude echoes and steep leading edges. However, in certain specific cases, e.g. when the
angle of incidence of the ultrasonic beam in these planes is too wide, such reflectors may result
in low amplitude echoes.
Volumetric or non-volumetric characterization of defects shall be done in compliance with the
cascade procedure given in document B of the French Institute of Welding recommendation
IS US 319-21.
The threshold values mentioned on figure B 221-2 of recommendation IS US 319-21 shall be
used, using reference echoes obtained on 2 mm side drilled holes.
As an alternative, this volumetric or non-volumetric characterization may be done in compliance
with standard NF EN 1713.

MC 2638: GROUPING OF INDICATIONS

a) Single indication
Two indications detected by two different soundings (different angles and orientation) shall be
regarded as originating from the same reflector if the following two conditions are satisfied:
- the distance between the centre of their projections on the scanning surface is less than 10%
of maximum depth,
- the distance between the centre of their projections on a cross section of the weld is less than
10% of maximum depth.
The indication which fulfils these conditions shall be characterized by the lesser depth and by
the higher amplitude and size.

b) Separate indications
Separate indications may be grouped together if the following two conditions are satisfied:
- the distance separating their projections on the scanning surface is less than or equal to either
6 times the length of the smallest indication or 20 mm if one of the indications is of the pin-
point type,
- the distance separating their projections on a cross section of the weld is less than or equal to
20 mm.
The amplitude of the grouped indication shall be the highest obtained from any separate
indication. Its size shall be established by joining the ends of the indications furthest apart.
The rule concerning grouping of indications shall only be applied to indications taken one by
one.

MC 2639: EXAMINATION OF REPAIRED AREAS

Weld repaired areas shall be examined ultrasonically under the same conditions as specified for
pre-repair examination.

MC 2000 / © n° 113-2007
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FIGURE MC 2633.2

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14

13
1, 2 \ 3,4
Q9 \
-------
-------Jioo-
5, 6 0
14
7, 8
I

( \

Detection of longitudinal defects

SectionAA

A 9 10 A

-
-------Jioo- -------
12
11 \

Detection of transversal defects

FIGURE MC 2634.1.a-1

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FIGURE MC 2634.1.a-2

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FIGURE MC 2634.2

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MC 2700 ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF

BUTTERING, CLADDING AND PLATING

MC 2710: SCOPE OF
METHOD
This subchapter covers ultrasonic examinations of stainless steel and high nickel alloy buttering,
cladding and plating which are more than 2 mm thick, specified by SECTION II and/or
SECTION I (chapter 4000 of the relevant subsections) of this Code.

MC 2720: GENERAL
CONDITIONS
The general conditions specified in MC 2100 relating to the described method shall apply. They
shall be supplemented by the conditions given below.

MC 2730: EXAMINATION
CONDITIONS
MC 2731: TIME OF EXAMINATION
The stage(s) during manufacture at which buttering, plating and cladding are subjected to
examination are specified in SECTION II and/or SECTION I (chapter 4000 of the relevant
subsections) of this Code.

MC 2732: TEST AREAS

The test areas and the degree of examination are defined in SECTION II and/or SECTION I
(chapter 4000 of the relevant subsections) of this Code.

MC 2733: PREPARATION OF SURFACES

Surfaces shall be prepared in compliance with MC 2141.

Valleys between cladding and buttering are acceptable. If the profiles of cladding runs do not
allow satisfactory contact of probe, at right angles to the interpass grooves, peaks and valleys
shall be ground to ensure satisfactory coupling.

Coupling shall be considered satisfactory if one of the following characteristics is obtained:

- an echo from the opposite wall,
- background noise produced by ultrasonic waves travelling through the base metal.

MC 2734: SCANNING METHODS

MC 2734.1: Buttering and cladding
The test area should be scanned in such a way as to ensure coverage of the entire buttered or clad
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surface and at least a 4 mm thick section of the base metal.

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Examination shall be performed using longitudinal waves with either normal or double crystal
probes so as to ensure detection of defects located in the buttering or cladding/base metal
interface, and in the weld metal.
Sounding shall be performed from the surface of the weld metal.

MC 2734.2: Plating
The test area shall be scanned using longitudinal waves on the plated surface. Scans shall be
performed using a probe enabling the entire interface zone to be examined.

MC 2735: REFERENCE BLOCK

The reference block shall comply with MC 2134.2 and with the specific conditions set forth in the
following paragraphs.

MC 2735.1: Type and geometry

- For cladding and buttering, the reference block shall be a rectangular parallelepiped clad or
buttered on one of its surfaces. Cladding or buttering shall be deposited manually or
automatically under conditions similar to those used for the items under examination (grade,
sizes of wire, electrodes and strips, number of runs, disposition, settings and heat treatment).
The surface condition and thickness of the block shall correspond to those of the part under
examination.
- The reference block for plating shall be made from the plate itself.

MC 2735.2: Artificial reflectors

a) Cladding
Artificial reflectors shall consist of:
- dia. 19 mm flat bottomed holes drilled starting from the unclad surface. They shall be
drilled perpendicularly to the clad surface and shall reach the base metal/weld metal
interface. Other holes shall be drilled in the weld metal at each interpass interface.
- dia. 2 mm holes drilled parallel to the clad surface at the base metal filler metal interface as
well as at each interpass interface.

b) Buttering
Artificial reflectors shall be made up of dia. 3.2 mm flat bottomed holes drilled from the non
clad surface perpendicular to the buttering surface.

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The flat bottom of the first hole shall be positioned at 5 mm from the scanning surface. The
difference in depth between the following holes shall be less than 5 mm until a depth of 15 mm is
reached: this difference in depth shall then be less than 10 mm. The flat bottom of the last hole shall
be positioned on the cladding/base metal interface.
Note: The edges of holes shall be located at least 20 mm from the edges of the block.

c) Plating
The ultrasonic beam shall be reflected off the surface opposite the scanning surface.

MC 2740: CHARACTERIZATION OF INDICATIONS

MC 2741: CLADDING
Two types of indications shall be considered:

- volumetric indications which are characterized by the presence of a single echo,

- continuous lack of bond type indications which are characterized by a succession of echoes.

MC 2741.1: Amplitude evaluation

Amplitude evaluation shall comply with MC 2151.1.
Volumetric type indications in cladding shall be evaluated by comparison with the 2 mm diameter side
drilled holes. Continuous lack of bond type indications shall be evaluated by comparison with the 19 mm
diameter flat bottomed holes.

MC 2741.2: Size evaluation

MC 2151.2 shall apply.

MC 2741.3: Grouping of indications

MC 2741.3.1: Volumetric type indications
Two separate indications may be grouped if the two following conditions are satisfied:
- the distance separating their projections on the scanning surface is no greater than 6 times the length of
the smallest indication or 20 mm for pin-point indications,
- the distance separating their projections on a cross section of the weld is lower than or equal to 20
mm.
When indications are grouped, they shall be characterized by the amplitude of the largest
indication and by the size obtained when the distance between the ends of the indications furthest apart
are joined together.

The rule relating to grouping may only be applied to indications taken one by one.

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MC 2741.3.2: Continuous lack of bonding type indications

Two indications shall be grouped if the distance between them is less than or equal to 6 times the
length of the smaller indication.

The grouped indication shall then be characterized by:

- the highest amplitude,
- an area equal to the sum of the areas of the two original indications.

The rule relating to grouping may only be applied to indications taken one by one.

MC 2742: BUTTERING
MC 2742.1: Amplitude evaluation
Indications shall be characterized in compliance with MC 2151.1.

MC 2742.2: Size evaluation

Size evaluation shall be performed in compliance with MC 2151.2 (except the last paragraph).

MC 2742.3: Grouping of indications

The provisions of paragraph MC 2638 apply.

MC 2743: PLATING
MC 2743.1: Amplitude evaluation
Indications shall be characterized in compliance with MC 2152.1. Lack of fusion is defined as
being R > 8.

MC 2743.2: Size evaluation

Size shall be evaluated in compliance with MC 2152.2 taking R = 4.

MC 2750: EXAMINATION OF WELD REPAIRED ZONES

Weld repaired zones shall be examined ultrasonically under the same conditions as for pre-repair
examination

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MC 9000 / © n° 113-2007