The weld is divided into zones typical1y 1-3mm high and beam angles are selected to optimise response off the fusion face of the weld bevel. Principles of the technique have been covered extensively in other publication (1,2,3,4,5,6). With the growing interest in this method of mechanised UT inspection it is intended that ASTM E-1961 will provide a means of ensuring a uniform and consistent inspection regardless of variations in equipment, service providers and application environments.
#NEW ASTM STANDARDS CODE#
It is also worth noting that the code may be used to inspect other forms of butt welds including long seams. However, the new code specifically states that other thicknesses and diameters may be inspected if the techniques can be proven to provide the necessary zonal discrimination.
![new astm standards new astm standards](https://i1.rgstatic.net/publication/325065120_ASTM_E_1268_From_Improvement_to_the_New_Standard_Practice_for_Assessing_the_Degree_of_Banding_or_Orientation_of_Microstructures_by_Automatic_Image_Analysis/links/60083578299bf14088aacc01/largepreview.png)
Typically inspections using this method have been on pipeline girth welds on pipe varying from 7mm to 25mm wall thickness and having diameters from 15cm and greater. The code specifically allows the contracting agency to work with either. That is not to say that this standard cannot be used with the more familiar workmanship acceptance criteria. This standard practice provides guidance on the requirements and necessary controls on critical parameters to carry out the sort of mechanised ultrasonic inspection that allows the results to be used in conjunction with the acceptance criteria established by engineering critical assessment (fitness for purpose).
![new astm standards new astm standards](https://www.innovationintextiles.com/uploads/12725/INDAWebinar-ASTMStandardMarch2-664x408-boxed.png)
ASTM E-1961-98 is the Standard Practice for Mechanized Ultrasonic Examination of Girth Welds Using Zonal Discrimination with Focused Search Units. Late in 1998 the ASTM E-7 Committee on Nondestructive Testing passed a new standard practice relating to pipeline girth weld inspection. 4 New ASTM Standard for Pipeline Inspection
![new astm standards new astm standards](https://today.iit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_6866.jpg)
New ASTM Standard for Pipeline Inspection NDT.net - April 1999,