Designation: E2700 14

Standard Practice for

Contact Ultrasonic Testing of Welds Using Phased Arrays1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2700; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope*
1.1 This practice describes ultrasonic techniques for inspecting welds using phased array ultrasonic methods (see
Note 1).
1.2 This practice uses angle beams, either in S-scan or
E-scan modes, primarily for butt welds and Tee welds. Alternative welding techniques, such as solid state bonding (for
example, friction stir welding) and fusion welding (for
example, electron beam welding) can be inspected using this
practice provided adequate coverage and techniques are documented and approved. Practices for specific geometries such as
spot welds are not included. The practice is intended to be used
on thicknesses of 9 to 200 mm (0.375 to 8 in.). Greater and
lesser thicknesses may be tested using this standard practice if
the technique can be demonstrated to provide adequate detection on mockups of the same wall thickness and geometry.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
NOTE 1This practice is based on experience with ferrous and
aluminum alloys. Other metallic materials can be examined using this
practice provided reference standards can be developed that demonstrate
that the particular material and weld can be successfully penetrated by an
ultrasonic beam.
NOTE 2For additional pertinent information, see Practices E2491,
E317, and E587.

E317 Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of

Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems
without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
Testing
E587 Practice for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Contact Testing
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E2192 Guide for Planar Flaw Height Sizing by Ultrasonics
E2491 Guide for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of
Phased-Array Ultrasonic Testing Instruments and Systems
2.2 ASME Standard:3
ASME B and PV Code Section V, Article 4
2.3 ISO Standards:4
ISO 2400 Reference Block for the Calibration of Equipment
for Ultrasonic Examination
ISO 9712 Nondestructive TestingQualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
2.4 ASNT Documents:5
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
2.5 AIA Standard:6
NAS-410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
Testing Personnel
3. Terminology
3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of terms used in this
practice, see Terminology E1316.
4. Summary of Practice

2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
E164 Practice for Contact Ultrasonic Testing of Weldments

1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.06 on
Ultrasonic Method.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2014. Published October 2014. Originally
approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved as E270009. DOI: 10.1520/
E2700-14.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.

4.1 Phased arrays are used for weld inspections for numerous applications. Industry specific requirements have been
developed to control the use of this technology for those
applications. A general standard practice document is required
3
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
International Headquarters, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
www.asme.org.
4
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
5
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box
28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
6
Available from Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc. (AIA), 1000
Wilson Blvd., Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-3928, http://www.aia-aerospace.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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E2700 14
to define the requirements for wider use of the technology.
Several manufacturers have developed portable, user-friendly
instruments. Codes and code cases have been developed, or are
being developed, to cover phased array weld inspection requirements by organizations such as ASME. Practice E2491
covers setting up of phased arrays for weld inspections.
Training programs for phased arrays have been set up worldwide. This practice provides procedural guidance for both
manual and mechanized scanning of welds using phased array
systems.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Industrial phased arrays differ from conventional
monocrystal ultrasonic transducers since they permit the electronic control of ultrasound beams. The arrays consist of a
series of individual transducer elements, each separately wired,
time-delayed and electrically isolated; the arrays are typically
pulsed in groups to permit phasing, or constructivedestructive interference.
5.2 Though primarily a method of generating and receiving
ultrasound, phased arrays are also a method of scanning and
imaging. While some scan patterns emulate manual
technology, other scans (for example, S-scans) are unique to
phased arrays. With their distinct features and capabilities,
phased arrays require special set-ups and standardization, as
addressed by this practice. Commercial software permits the
operator to easily make set ups without detailed knowledge of
the phasing requirements.
5.3 Phased arrays can be used in different ways: manual or
encoded linear scanning; and different displays or combinations of displays. In manual scanning, the dominant display
will be an S-scan with associated A-scans. S-scans have the
advantage over E-scans that all the specified inspection angles
can be covered at the same time.
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5.4 The main advantages of using phased arrays for ultrasonic weld examinations are:
5.4.1 Faster scanning due to multiple angles on display at
the same time,
5.4.2 Better imaging from the true depth S-scan,
5.4.3 Data storage, for example, selected reflectors, for
auditing, and archiving.
5.4.4 Rapid and reproducible set-ups with electronic instruments.
6. Basis of Application
6.1 The following items are subject to contractual agreement between the parties using or referencing this standard.
6.2 Personnel QualificationIf specified in the contractual
agreement, personnel performing examinations to this standard
shall be qualified in accordance with a nationally or internationally recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or
standard such as ANSI/ASNT CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, ISO 9712,
NAS-410, or a similar document and certified by the employer
or certifying agency, as applicable. The practice or standard
used and its applicable revision shall be identified in the
contractual agreement between the using parties.
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6.2.1 In addition, there should also be training or knowledge

and experience related to phased array equipment and techniques. Personnel performing examinations to this standard
should list the qualifying credentials in the examination report.
6.3 Qualification of Nondestructive AgenciesIf specified
in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be qualified
and evaluated as described in Practice E543. The applicable
edition of Practice E543 shall be specified in the contractual
agreement.
6.4 Procedures and TechniquesThe procedures and techniques to be used shall be as specified in the contractual
agreement. Practice E2491 recommends methods of assessing
performance characteristics of phased array probes and systems.
6.5 Surface PreparationThe pre-examination surface
preparation criteria shall be in accordance with 9.1 unless
otherwise specified.
6.6 Timing of ExaminationThe timing of examination
shall be determined by the contracting parties and in accordance with the stage of manufacture or in-service conditions.
6.7 Extent of ExaminationThe extent of examination shall
be suitable to examine the volume of the weld plus the heat
affected zone unless otherwise specified.
6.8 Reporting Criteria/Acceptance CriteriaReporting criteria for the examination results shall be in accordance with
13.1, unless otherwise specified. Since acceptance criteria are
not specified in this standard, they shall be specified in the
contractual agreement.
6.9 Reexamination of Repaired/Reworked Items
Reexamination of repaired/reworked items is not addressed in
this standard and if required shall be specified in the contractual agreement.
7. Equipment
7.1 Phased Array Instruments:
7.1.1 The ultrasonic phased array instrument shall be a pulse
echo type and shall be equipped with a standardized dB gain or
attenuation control stepped in increments of 1 dB minimum,
containing multiple independent pulser/receiver channels. The
system shall be capable of generating and displaying both
B-scan and S-scan images, which can be stored and recalled for
subsequent review.
7.1.2 The phased array system shall have on-board focal law
generation software that permits direct modification to ultrasonic beam characteristics. Specific delay calculations may be
performed by the system itself or imported from external
calculations.
7.1.3 The phased array system shall have a means of data
storage for archiving scan data. An external storage device,
flash card or USB memory stick can be used for data storage.
A remote portable PC connected to the instrument may also be
used for this purpose. If instruments do not inherently store
A-scan data, such as some manual instruments, the final image
only may be recorded.
7.1.4 The phased array system shall be standardized for
amplitude and height linearity in accordance with Practice
E2491 annually, as a minimum.
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E2700 14
7.1.5 The instrument shall be capable of pulsing and receiving at nominal frequencies of 1 MHz to 10 MHz. For special
applications, frequencies up to 20 MHz can be used, but may
require special instrumentation with appropriate digitization,
and special approval.
7.1.6 The instrument shall be capable of digitization of
A-scans at a minimum of five times the nominal frequency of
the probe used. Amplitude shall be digitized at a resolution of
at least 8-bit (that is, 256 levels).
7.1.7 The instrument shall be capable of equalizing the
amplitude response from a target at a fixed soundpath for each
angle used in the technique (angle corrected gain (ACG)
thereby providing compensation for wedge attenuation variation and echo-transmittance).
7.1.8 The instrument shall also be equipped with facilities to
equalize amplitudes of signals across the time-base (timecorrected gain).
7.2 Phased Array Probes:
7.2.1 The application requirements will dictate the design of
the phased array probe used. Phased array probes may be used
with a removable or integral wedge, delay-line, or in an
immersion or localized bubbler system mode. In some cases a
phased array probe may be used without a refracting wedge or
delay-line (that is, just a hard wear-face surface).
7.2.2 Phased array probes used for weld examination may
be of 1D, 1.5D or 2D design. Only 1D arrays or dual arrays
configured with side-by-side transmitter-receiver arrays (as in
Transmit-Receive Longitudinal wave probes) shall be used
with manual scanning techniques. For 2D arrays, which use
electronic oscillation, calibration should be performed at all
skewed angles.
7.2.3 The number of elements in the phased array probe and
the element dimensions and pitch shall be selected based on the
application requirements and the manufacturers recommended
limitations.
7.2.4 The probe selected shall not have more elements than
the number of elements addressable by the pulser-receivers
available in the phased array instrument being used.
7.2.5 When refracting wedges are used to assist beam
steering, the natural incident angle of the wedge shall be
selected such that the angular sweep range of the examination
technique used does not exceed the manufacturers recommended limits for the probe and mode (compression or
transverse) used.
7.2.6 Refracting wedges used on curved surfaces shall
require contouring to match the surface curvature if the
curvature causes a gap between the wedge and examination
surface exceeding 0.5 mm (0.020 in.) at any point.
8. Standardization

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8.1 Range:
8.1.1 The instrument display shall be adjusted using the
A-scans for each focal law used to provide an accurate
indication of sound travel in the test material. Range standardization shall include correction for wedge travel time so that
the zero-depth position in the test piece is accurately indicated
for each focal law.
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8.1.2 Time base linearity and accuracy shall be verified in

accordance with the guidelines in Practice E2491, or Practice
E317, or both.
8.1.3 Volume-corrected B-scan or S-scan displays shall
indicate the true depth to known targets to within 5 % of the
physical depth or 3 mm, whichever is less.
8.1.4 Range standardization shall be established using the
radius surfaces in reference blocks such as the IIW Block and
these blocks shall be made of the same material or acoustically
similar material as the test piece.
8.2 Sensitivity:
8.2.1 Reference standards for sensitivity-amplitude standardization should be designed so that sensitivity does not vary
with beam angle when angle beam testing is used. Sensitivity
amplitude reference standards that accomplish this are sidedrilled holes parallel to the major surfaces of the plate and
perpendicular to the sound path, flat-bottomed holes drilled at
the testing angle, and equal-radius reflectors. Surface notches
may be used under some circumstances but are not generally
recommended.
8.2.2 Standardization shall include the complete ultrasonic
phased array system and shall be performed prior to use of the
system in the thickness range under examination.
8.2.3 Standardization on reference block(s) shall be performed from the surface (clad or unclad; convex or concave)
corresponding to the surface of the component from which the
examination will be performed.
8.2.4 The same couplant to be used during the examination
shall be used for standardization.
8.2.5 The same contact wedges or immersion/bubbler systems used during the examination shall be used for standardization.
8.2.6 The same focal law(s) used in standardization shall be
used for examination.
8.2.7 Any control which affects instrument amplitude response (for example, pulse-duration, filters, averaging, etc.)
shall be in the same position for standardization and examination.
8.2.8 Any control which affects instrument linearity (for
example, clipping, reject, suppression) shall not be used.
8.2.9 A baseline assessment of element activity shall be
made in accordance with Annex A3 of Practice E2491.
9. Coupling Conditions
9.1 Preparation:
9.1.1 Where accessible, prepare the surface of the deposited
weld metal so that it merges into the surfaces of the adjacent
base materials; however, the weld may be examined in the
as-welded condition, provided the surface condition does not
interfere with valid interpretation of indications.
9.1.2 Clean the scanning surfaces on the base material of
weld spatter, scale, dirt, rust, and any extreme roughness on
each side of the weld for a distance equal to several times the
thickness of the production material, this distance to be
governed by the size of the search unit and refracted angle of
the sound beam. Where scanning is to be performed along the
top or across this weld, the weld reinforcement may be ground
to provide a flat scanning surface. It is important to produce a
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E2700 14
surface that is as flat as possible. Generally, the surfaces do not
require polishing; light sanding with a disk or belt sander will
usually provide a satisfactory surface for examination.
9.1.3 The area of the base material through which the sound
will travel in the angle-beam examination should be completely scanned with a straight-beam search unit to detect
reflectors that might affect the interpretation of angle-beam
results by obstructing the sound beam. Consideration must be
given to these reflectors during interpretation of weld examination results, but their detection is not necessarily a basis for
rejection of the base material.

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9.2 Couplant:
9.2.1 A couplant, usually a liquid or semi-liquid, is required
between the face of the search unit and the surface to permit
transmission of the acoustic energy from the search unit to the
material under examination. The couplant should wet the
surfaces of the search unit and the test piece, and eliminate any
air space between the two. Typical couplants include water, oil,
grease, glycerin, and cellulose gum. The couplant used should
not be injurious to the material to be examined, should form a
thin film, and, with the exception of water, should be used
sparingly. When glycerin is used, a small amount of wetting
agent is often added, to improve the coupling properties. When
water is used, it should be clean and de-aerated if possible.
Inhibitors or wetting agents, or both, may be used.
9.2.2 The coupling medium should be selected so that its
viscosity is appropriate for the surface finish of the material to
be examined.
9.3 For contact examination, the temperature differential
between the reference block and examination surface shall be
within 15C (25F).
10. Distance-Amplitude Correction
10.1 Reference standards for sensitivity-amplitude standardization should be constructed of materials with similar
surface finish, nominal thickness and metallurgically similar in
terms of alloy and thermal treatment to the weldment.
10.2 Alternative methods of distance-amplitude of correction of sensitivity may be used provided the results are as
reliable as those obtained by the acceptable method. In
addition, the alternative method and its equipment shall meet
all the performance requirements of this standard.
10.3 Reference Reflectors:
10.3.1 Straight-Beam StandardizationCorrection for
straight beam examination may be determined by means of a
side drilled hole reflector at 14 and 34 of the thickness. For
thickness less than 50 mm (2 in.), the 14-thickness reflector
may not be resolved. If this is the case, drill another hole at 12
thickness and use the 12 and 34-thickness reflectors for correction.
10.3.2 Angle-Beam StandardizationCorrection for anglebeam examination may be determined by means of side-drilled
hole reflectors at 14 and 34 of the thickness. The 12-thickness
depth to a side-drilled hole may be added to the standardization
or used alone at thicknesses less than 25 mm (1 in.). For certain
combinations of thin wall and small diameter pipe side drilled
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holes may not be practical and surface notches may be used

with agreement between contracting parties.
10.3.3 The size of the side-drilled hole used for setting
sensitivity shall be agreed upon by the contracting parties.
Other targets may be substituted for side-drilled holes if agreed
upon by the contracting parties.
10.4 Acceptable Technique:
10.4.1 Time-Corrected GainAssessment of phased array
examinations uses color-coded B-scans or S-scans as the initial
evaluation method. Therefore, it is necessary that the display
used provide a uniform color code related to amplitude at all
sound path distances. This method can be used only if the
instrument is provided with electronic distance amplitude
compensation circuitry (TCG). Use is made of all reflectors in
the standardization range. The test equipment, probe(s), focal
law(s), couplant, etc., to be used in the ultrasonic examination
shall be used for this attenuation adjustment.
10.4.2 With the instrument display in time or sound path
(not true depth) locate the focal law that provides the maximum
response from the reference targets. Set the signal from the
reference reflector that gives the highest response, to a screen
height of between 40 % to 80 % full screen height (FSH). This
target may be considered the primary reference reflector.
10.4.3 Using the same focal law, maximize each of the other
reference reflectors at other distances over the range to be used
for examination, adjusting the electronic distance amplitude
correction controls to equalize the screen height from these
reference reflectors to the primary reflector. Apply the correction to all focal laws used for the examination.
10.4.4 Other methods of accomplishing the equalization of
amplitude for all focal laws used from equal-size reflectors
over the examination distance range may be used. The method
for the system used is best described for each instrument in the
operating manual for that instrument.
10.4.5 An example of sensitivity standardization for weld
examination using side-drilled holes is shown in Fig. 1. Note
the amplitude responses from the side drilled holes is the same
for each hole even though the angle used to detect the hole and
the sound path to the hole is different in each instance. The
modeled coverage in the upper portion of Fig. 1 illustrates the
beams as if they were projected instead of reflected off the
opposite wall. The weld profile overlay allows visualization
sound path to the side drilled holes.
10.5 Periodic checks of the sensitivity shall be made at a
frequency agreed upon by the contracting parties. If the
equipment has changed by more than the agreed upon
tolerances, it shall be re-standardized. If the source of sensitivity change is a result of change in the number of active
elements compared to the baseline assessment it may require
probe replacement.
11. Examination Procedures
11.1 Phased array examination procedures are nominally
identical to conventional ultrasonic procedures in coverage,
angles etc. Examination procedures recommended for common
weld configurations are detailed in Practice E164. Variations in
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FIG. 1 Modeled S-scan and S-scan Display of Side-Drilled Holes Corrected to 80 % Screen Height Using TCG

specifics of the procedures for phased array methods are

required depending on whether manual or encoded scanning is
used.
11.2 Phased array scanning procedures for welds shall be
established using scan plans that indicate the required stand-off
positions for the probe to ensure volume coverage required and
appropriate beam angles. Volume coverage required may
include the full volume of weld plus a specified region either
side (such as the heat affected zone). Welds shall be inspected
from both sides, where possible.
11.3 In addition, if cross-cracking (transverse cracking) is
suspected, a supplementary technique shall be used that directs
the beam parallel or essentially parallel to the weld centerline.
The technique used will depend on whether or not the weld
reinforcement has been ground flush or not.

11.4 Typically scanning is carried out from the surfaces

where the plate has been machined with the weld bevel.
Alternative scanning techniques shall be used for different
weld profiles. Sample illustrations are shown in Figs. 2-7. Not
all possible configurations are illustrated; illustrations are
examples only. Volume coverage afforded by multiple stand-off
positions of probes are illustrated for encoded linear scans.
This can be replaced with raster scanning where the stand-offs
are continuously varied to the limits required using manual
movement of the probes.
11.5 Scanning may be by manual probe motion or automated or semi-automated motion.
11.6 For manual scanning the primary scan pattern is a
raster motion with the beam directed essentially perpendicular
to the weld axis. The distance forward and backward that the

NOTE 1Butt welds should be examined from both sides of the weld and preferably from the bevel opening side (when access permits). For thin wall
sections, a single probe stand-off may be possible for linear scanning if the probe parameters are adequate for full volume coverage.
FIG. 2 Thin Butt Weld (S and E Scans)
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E2700 14

E2700 14

NOTE 1Butt welds should be examined from both sides of the weld and preferably from the bevel opening side (when access permits). For thick wall
sections, multiple probe stand-offs or multiple focal law stand-offs will be required for linear scanning to ensure full volume coverage.
FIG. 3 Thick Butt Welds (S and E Scans)

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NOTE 1Corner welds are to be addressed using a combination of angle beams and straight beams. The preferred probe placement for the angle beam
is on the surface where the weld bevel opening occurs. For double Vee welds, angle beam examinations should be carried out from both surfaces when
access permits. In most cases, the surface from which the straight beam is used needs no further examination using angle beams.
FIG. 4 Corner Welds (Combined S and E Scans)

NOTE 1T-weld examinations may be treated similarly to butt welds. For thin sections, it may be possible to use a single stand-off position with either
E-scans or S-scans. Examination from both surfaces of the web-plate plate should be used when access permits.
FIG. 5 T-Weld (from Web)

NOTE 1An alternative to the technique illustrated in Fig. 5 for T-welds is to use refracted shear wave S-scans or E-scans from web-side of flange
surface. More than one stand-off position may be required for thicker sections. Examination from both sides of the web plate should be used when access
permits. This technique is not generally considered to be as effective as the technique described in Fig. 5.
FIG. 6 Tee Welds (from Flange)

probe is moved is determined by the scan plan to ensure full

volume coverage. The lateral movement on each raster step
shall not exceed half the element dimension in the lateral
direction. Scanning speed (speed at which the probe is manually moved forward and backward) will be limited by the
system update capabilities. Generally using more focal laws

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requires more processing time so update rates of the B-scan or

S-scan displays are slower as more focal laws are used.
11.7 For automated or semi-automated scanning the probe
will be used with a positional encoder for each axis in which
probe motion is required (for most applications a single

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E2700 14

NOTE 1When access permits, the preferred technique for T-weld examinations is from the plate opposite the web. A combination of 0 E-scans, and
angled compression and shear modes from each direction provides the best approach for flaw detection along the fusion faces of the weld.
FIG. 7 Tee Welds (from Flange Opposite Web)

encoder is used). The encoder shall be calibrated to provide

positional information from a reference start position and shall
be accurate to within 1 % of total scan length or 10 mm (0.4
in.), whichever is less. Guide mechanisms such as probe
holding frames or magnetic strips are used to ensure that the
probe moves at a fixed distance from the weld centerline. Data,
in the form of A-scans from each focal law used, shall be
collected at increments of not greater than 2 mm (with at least
three increments for the length of the smallest required
detectable defect, that is, a defect length of 3 mm would require
increments of not greater than 1 mm) along the scan axis. Note
that this interval should be reduced when length sizing of flaws
is critical with respect to the acceptance criteria. If laterally
focused beams are used, this can be considered for data
collection increments as above.

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11.8 For encoded scanning only, multiple probes and multiple focal law groups (for example, two S-scans from the same
probe but having difference start elements) may be used
simultaneously if the system has the capability. Probe placement will be defined by the details of the scan plan with
confirmation of coverage confirmed using notches that may be
incorporated into the reference block.
12. Indication Evaluation
12.1 The method of evaluation used, will to some extent,
depend on whether manual or encoded scanning was used.
12.2 Manual Scanning:
12.2.1 For manual scanning using phased arrays examination personnel shall use a real-time S-scan or B-scan display
during scanning to monitor for coupling quality and signals
exceeding the evaluation threshold.
12.2.2 Evaluation of indications detected using manual
phased array methods shall require the operator to assess all
indications exceeding the evaluation threshold when the indication is detected during the scanning process. Some phasedarray systems may include options for entering some items into
a report format and incorporating S-scan or B-scan images as
part of the report.
12.3 Encoded Scanning:
12.3.1 Encoded scanning methods rely on assessment of
data displays produced from stored A-scans.
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12.3.2 Encoded systems may be equipped with real-time

displays to display one or more views of data being collected
during the scan. This feature will be used only for assessment
of data quality as the scan is progressing and may allow for one
or more channels to be monitored.
12.3.3 Evaluation of indications detected by encoded
phased array scanning shall be made using the digitized
waveforms underlying the S-scans or B-scans collected during
the data acquisition process.
12.3.4 Encoded scanning data displays for indication evaluation may use a variety of projections other than just the
S-scans or B-scans available to manual scanning (for example,
top-side-end views).
12.3.5 Welds scanned using encoded techniques may be
scanned in sections provided that there is an overlap of data
collected and the overlap between scans is identified in the
encoded position with respect to the weld reference start
position (for example, a 2-m long weld may be scanned in two
parts; one from 0 to 1000 mm and the second from 950 to 2000
mm).
12.3.6 The evaluation threshold should be indicated on the
S-scan or B-scan display as a well defined color such that
indications of note are easily distinguished from the background level.
12.3.7 S-scan or B-scan images presented with angular
correction (also referred to as volume corrected) contain signal
amplitude and indication depth information projected for the
refracted angle of the ultrasonic beam.
12.3.8 Indication locations shall be determined relative to
the inspection surface and a coordinate system that uses well
defined reference for the relative to the weld.
12.4 Indication Size Determination:
12.4.1 Indication length is generally determined by determining the distance between the points along the weld length
where the amplitude drops to half the maximum at the
extremities of the reflector, or when the amplitude drops to half
the minimum evaluation amplitude.
12.4.2 Estimates of indication height can be made using the
6-dB drop as determined from the S-scan or B-scan (see Fig.
8). This method is suitable for large planar flaws with extents
greater than the beam. For flaws with dimensions smaller than
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E2700 14

FIG. 8 Flaw Sizing (Vertical) by 6dB Drop

the beam a correction for beam divergence may be used to

improve sizing estimates. For adversely oriented indications or
indications with irregular surfaces, amplitude sizing techniques
may not accurately indicate size or severity of the indications.
For improved sizing capabilities techniques described in Guide
E2192 may be more suitable and can be adapted to phased
array applications.
12.4.3 Evaluation of all relevant indications will be made
against the acceptance criteria agreed upon by the contracting
parties.
13. Reporting
13.1 The contracting parties should determine the pertinent
items to be reported. This may include the following information:
13.2 Weld details including thickness dimensions, material,
weld process and bevel shape. Descriptive sketches are usually
recommended.
13.2.1 Scan surfaces and surface conditions.
13.2.2 Equipment:
13.2.2.1 Phased array ultrasonic instrument details.
13.2.2.2 Phased array probe details including:
(1) Number of elements,
(2) Frequency,
(3) Element pitch dimensions,
(4) Focus (identify plane, depth or sound path as applicable
and if applicable),
(5) Wedge (velocity, incident angle, dimensions, reference
dimensions to first element).

13.2.3 Virtual aperture use, that is, number of elements and

element width,
13.2.4 Element numbers used for focal laws,
13.2.5 Angular range of S-scan,
13.2.6 Documentation on recommended wedge angular
range from manufacturer,
13.2.7 Documented calibration, TCG and angle gain
compensation,
13.2.8 Encoder(s),
13.2.9 Scanning mechanisms used,
13.2.10 Couplant,
13.2.11 Method of sensitivity standardization and details of
correlating indications with flaws,
13.2.12 Scan plan (indicating probe position on test piece,
probe movement, angles used and volume coverage,
13.2.13 Mode of transmission (compression, shear, pulseecho, tandem, through transmission),
13.2.14 Scanning results (flaw details such as length,
position, height, amplitude, acceptability with respect to agreed
specifications),
13.2.15 Operator name,
13.2.16 Date of examination.
14. Keywords
14.1 nondestructive testing; phased arrays; phased array
probe; ultrasonic contact examination; ultrasonic NDT of
welds; welds

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E2700 14
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee E07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E2700-09)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Oct. 1, 2014.)
(1) Added ISO 9712 to Section 2 and subsection 6.2.
(2) Delected subsection 5.5 as redundant with subsection 6.2.
(3) Added new paragraph 6.2.1 to recommend additional
phased-array training or knowledge and experience related to
phased array equipment and techniques.

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