Designation: E 2096 – 00

Standard Practice for

In Situ Examination of Ferromagnetic Heat-Exchanger Tubes
Using Remote Field Testing1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2096; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This practice describes procedures to be followed during 3.1 General—Definitions of terms used in this practice can
remote field examination of installed ferromagnetic heat- be found in Terminology E 1316, Section A, “Common NDT
exchanger tubing for baseline and service-induced discontinui- Terms,” and Section C, “Electromagnetic Testing.”
ties. 3.2 Definitions:
1.2 This practice is intended for use on ferromagnetic tubes 3.2.1 detector, n—one or more coils or elements used to
with outside diameters from 0.500 to 2.000 in. (12.70 to 50.80 sense or measure magnetic field; also known as a receiver.
mm), with wall thicknesses in the range from 0.028 to 0.134 in. 3.2.2 exciter, n—a device that generates a time-varying
(0.71 to 3.40 mm). electromagnetic field, usually a coil energized with alternating
1.3 This practice does not establish tube acceptance criteria; current (ac); also known as a transmitter.
the tube acceptance criteria must be specified by the using 3.2.3 nominal tube, n—a tube or tube section meeting the
parties. tubing manufacturer’s specifications, with relevant properties
1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units typical of a tube being examined, used for reference in
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in interpretation and evaluation.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each 3.2.4 remote field, n—as applied to nondestructive testing,
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining the electromagnetic field which has been transmitted through
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance the test object and is observable beyond the direct coupling
with the standard. field of the exciter.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.2.5 remote field testing, n—a nondestructive test method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the that measures changes in the remote field to detect and
responsibility of the user of this practice to establish appro- characterize discontinuities.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.2.6 using parties, n—the supplier and purchaser.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2.6.1 Discussion—The party carrying out the examination
is referred to as the “supplier,” and the party requesting the
2. Referenced Documents examination is referred to as the “purchaser,” as required in
2.1 ASTM Standards: Form and Style for ASTM Standards, October 1999. In
E 543 Practice for Agencies Performing Nondestructive common usage outside this practice, these parties are often
Testing2 referred to as the “operator” and “customer,” respectively.
E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations2 3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.2 Other Documents: 3.3.1 flaw characterization standard, n—a standard used in
ASNT SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Nonde- addition to the RFT system reference standard, with artificial or
structive Testing Personnel Qualification and Certifica- service-induced flaws, used for flaw characterization.
tion3 3.3.2 nominal point, n—a point on the phase-amplitude
Can CGSB-48.9712-95 Qualification of Nondestructive diagram representing data from nominal tube.
Testing Personnel, Natural Resources Canada4 3.3.3 phase-amplitude diagram, n—a two-dimensional rep-
resentation of detector output voltage, with angle representing
phase with respect to a reference signal, and radius represent-
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde- ing amplitude (Fig. 1a and 1b).
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.07 on
Electromagnetic Methods.
3.3.3.1 Discussion—In this practice, care has been taken to
Current edition approved June 10, 2000. Published August 2000. use the term “phase angle” (and “phase”) to refer to an angular
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03. equivalent of time displacement, as defined in Terminology
3
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing, 1711 Arlingate E 1316. When an angle is not necessarily representative of
Plaza, P.O. Box 28518, Columbus, OH 43228-0518.
4
Available from CGSB Sales Centre; Place du Portage, Phase 3, 6B1; 11 Laurier time, the general term “angle of an indication on the phase-
Street, Hull QC, Canada K1A 1G6. amplitude diagram” is used.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 E 2096

FIG. 1 A and B: Typical Phase-Amplitude Diagrams Used in RFT; C: Generic Strip Chart With Flaw

3.3.4 RFT system, n—the electronic instrumentation, each tube. The electromagnetic field transmitted from the
probes, and all associated components and cables required for exciter to the detector is affected by discontinuities; by the
performing RFT. dimensions and electromagnetic properties of the tube; and by
3.3.5 RFT system reference standard, n—a reference stan- objects in and around the tube that are ferromagnetic or
dard with specified artificial flaws, used to set up and standard- conductive. System sensitivity is verified using the RFT system
ize a remote field system and to indicate flaw detection reference standard. System sensitivity and settings are checked
sensitivity. and recorded prior to and at regular intervals during the
3.3.6 sample rate—the rate at which data is digitized for examination. Data and system settings are recorded in a
display and recording, in data points per second. manner that allows archiving and later recall of all data and
3.3.7 strip chart, n—a diagram that plots coordinates ex- system settings for each tube. Interpretation and evaluation are
tracted from points on a phase-amplitude diagram versus time carried out using one or more flaw characterization standards.
or axial position (Fig. 1c).
The supplier generates a final report detailing the results of the
3.3.8 zero point, n—a point on the phase-amplitude diagram
examination.
representing zero detector output voltage.
3.3.8.1 Discussion—Data on the phase-amplitude diagram
are plotted with respect to the zero point. The zero point is 5. Significance and Use
separate from the nominal point unless the detector is config- 5.1 The purpose of RFT is to evaluate the condition of the
ured for zero output in nominal tube. The angle of a flaw tubing. The evaluation results may be used to assess the
indication is measured about the nominal point. likelihood of tube failure during service, a task which is not
3.4 Acronyms: covered by this practice.
3.4.1 RFT, n—remote field testing 5.2 Principle of Probe Operation—In a basic RFT probe,
4. Summary of Practice the electromagnetic field emitted by an exciter travels outwards
4.1 The RFT data is collected by passing a probe through through the tube wall, axially along the outside of tube, and

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 E 2096
back through the tube wall to a detector5 (Fig. 2a). 6. Basis of Application
5.2.1 Flaw indications are created when (1) in thin-walled 6.1 Personnel Qualification:
areas, the field arrives at the detector with less attenuation and
6.1.1 Personnel performing examinations to this practice
less time delay, (2) discontinuities interrupt the lines of
shall be qualified as specified in the contractual agreement.
magnetic flux, which are aligned mainly axially, or (3) discon-
tinuities interrupt the eddy currents, which flow mainly cir- 6.1.2 Recommendations for qualification as an RFT system
cumferentially. A discontinuity at any point on the through- operator (Level I) are as follows:
transmission path can create a perturbation; thus RFT has 6.1.2.1 Forty hours of RFT (Level I) classroom training.
approximately equal sensitivity to flaws on the inner and outer 6.1.2.2 Written and practical examinations similar to those
walls of the tube.5 described by ASNT SNT-TC-1A or Can CGSB 48.9712-95.
5.3 Probe Configuration—The detector is typically placed 6.1.2.3 Two hundred and fifty hours of field experience
two to three tube diameters from the exciter, in a location under the supervision of a qualified RFT Level II, 50 % of
where the remote field dominates the direct-coupling field.5 which should involve RFT instrumentation setup and opera-
Other probe configurations or designs may be used to optimize tion.
flaw detection, as described in 9.3. 6.1.3 Recommendations for qualification as an RFT data
5.4 Comparison with Conventional Eddy-Current Testing— analyst (Level II) are as follows:
Conventional eddy-current test coils are typically configured to 6.1.3.1 Forty hours of RFT (Level II) classroom training.
sense the field from the tube wall in the immediate vicinity of 6.1.3.2 Written and practical examinations similar to those
the emitting element, whereas RFT probes are typically de- described by ASNT SNT-TC-1A or Can CGSB 48.9712-95.
signed to detect changes in the remote field. 6.1.3.3 Fifteen hundred hours of field experience under the
supervision of a qualified RFT Level II or higher, 25 % of
which should involve RFT data analysis.
5
Schmidt, T. R., “The Remote Field Eddy Current Inspection Technique,” NOTE 1—At the time of approval of this practice, no nationally or
Materials Evaluation, Vol. 42, No. 2, Feb. 1984, pp. 225-230.

NOTE 1—Arrows indicate flow of electromagnetic energy from exciter to detector. Energy flow is perpendicular to lines of magnetic flux.
FIG. 2 RFT Probes

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 E 2096
internationally recognized guideline for personnel qualification in RFT 8.2.1 Variations in the material properties of ferromagnetic
was available. tubes are a potential source of inaccuracy. Impurities, segrega-
NOTE 2—Eddy-current training provides some useful background to tion, manufacturing process, grain size, stress history, present
RFT training. Previous Level II eddy-current certification may count
towards 50 % of training and experience hours for RFT Level I, provided
stress patterns, temperature history, present temperature, mag-
that the remaining experience hours are entirely involved in RFT netic history, and other factors will affect the electromagnetic
instrumentation setup and operation. response measured during RFT. The conductivity and perme-
ability of tubes with the same grade of material are often
6.2 Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Agencies—If
measurably different. It is common to find that some of the
specified in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be
tubes to be examined are newer tubes with different material
qualified and evaluated as described in Practice E 543, with
properties.
reference to sections on electromagnetic testing. The appli-
cable edition of Practice E 543 shall be specified in the 8.2.2 Permeability variations may occur at locations where
contractual agreement. there was uneven temperature or stress during tube manufac-
ture, near welds, at bends, where there were uneven heat
7. Job Scope and Requirements transfer conditions during service, at areas where there is cold
7.1 The following items may require agreement between the working (such as that created by an integral finning process),
using parties and should be specified in the purchase document and in other locations. Indications from permeability variations
or elsewhere: may be mistaken for, or obscure flaw indications. Effects may
7.1.1 Location and type of tubed component to be exam- be less severe in tubes that were stress-relieved during manu-
ined, design specifications, degradation history, previous non- facture.
destructive examination results, maintenance history, process 8.2.3 Residual stress, with accompanying permeability
conditions, and specific types of flaws that are required to be variations, may be present when discontinuities are machined
detected, if known. into a reference standard, or during the integral finning process.
7.1.2 The maximum window of opportunity for work. 8.2.4 The RFT is affected by residual magnetism in the
(Detection of small flaws may require a slower probe pull tubing, including residual magnetism created during a previous
speed, which will affect productivity.) examination using another magnetic method. Tubes with sig-
7.1.3 Size, material grade and type, and configuration of nificant residual magnetism should be demagnetized prior to
tubes to be examined. RFT.
7.1.4 A tube numbering or identification system. 8.3 Ferromagnetic and Conductive Objects:
7.1.5 Extent of examination, for example: complete or 8.3.1 Objects near the tube that are ferromagnetic or con-
partial coverage, which tubes and to what length, whether ductive may reduce the sensitivity and accuracy of flaw
straight sections only, and the minimum radius of bends that characterization in their immediate vicinity. Such objects may
can be examined. in some cases be mistaken for flaws. Knowledge of the
7.1.6 Means of access to tubes, and areas where access may mechanical layout of the component to be examined is recom-
be restricted. mended. Examples of ferromagnetic or conductive objects
7.1.7 Type of RFT instrument and probe; and description of include: tube support plates, baffle plates, end plates, tube
reference standards used, including such details as dimensions sheets, anti-vibration bars, neighboring tubes, impingement
and material. plates, loose parts, and attachments clamped or welded to a
7.1.8 Required operator qualifications and certification. tube.
7.1.9 Required tube cleanliness. NOTE 4—Interference from ferromagnetic or conductive objects can be
7.1.10 Environmental conditions, equipment, and prepara- of practical use when RFT is used to confirm the position of an object
tions that are the responsibility of the purchaser; common installed on a tube or to detect where objects have become detached and
sources of noise that may interfere with the examination. have fallen against a tube.

NOTE 3—Nearby welding activities may be a major source of interfer- 8.3.2 Neighboring Tubes:
ence. 8.3.2.1 In areas where there is nonconstant tube spacing
7.1.11 Complementary methods or techniques (including (bowing) or where tubes cross close to each other, there are
possible tube removal) that may be used to obtain additional indications which may be mistaken for flaws.
information. 8.3.2.2 Neighboring or adjacent tubes, according to their
7.1.12 Acceptance criteria to be used in evaluating flaw number and position, create an offset in the phase. This
indications. phenomenon is known as the bundle effect and is a minor
7.1.13 Disposition of examination records and reference source of inaccuracy when absolute readings in nominal tube
standards. are required.
7.1.14 Format and outline contents of the examination 8.3.2.3 In cases where multiple RFT probes are used simul-
report. taneously in the same heat exchanger, care should be taken to
ensure adequate spacing between different probes.
8. Interferences 8.3.3 Conductive or magnetic debris in or on a tube that may
8.1 This section describes items and conditions which may create false indications or obscure flaw indications should be
compromise RFT. removed.
8.2 Material Properties: 8.4 Tube Geometry Effects:

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 E 2096
8.4.1 Due to geometrical effects (as well as to the effects of from small volume flaws and abrupt changes along the tube
permeability variations described in 8.2.2), localized changes length.
in tube diameter such as dents, bulges, expansions, and bends 9.3.3 Array Detector—Array detectors use a configuration
create indications which may obscure or distort flaw indica- of multiple sensing elements (Fig. 2c). Each element is
tions. sensitive to a discrete section of the tube circumference. The
8.4.2 Reductions in the internal diameter may require a elements may be oriented with their axes aligned axially or
smaller diameter probe that is able to pass through the radially with respect to the tube.
restriction. In the unrestricted sections, flaw sensitivity is likely NOTE 5—The detector’s response represents an average of responses to
to be limited by the smaller probe fill factor. all flaws within its sensing area.
8.4.3 RFT End Effect—The field from the exciter is able to
9.3.4 Exciter and Detector Configurations—Probes may
propagate around the end of a tube when there is no shielding
have multiple exciters and detectors in a variety of configura-
from a tube sheet or vessel shell. A flaw indication may be
tions (see, for example, Fig. 2b). These configurations may
obscured or distorted if the flaw or any active probe element is
reduce interference from support plates and other conductive
within approximately three tube diameters of the tube end.
objects.
8.5 Instrumentation:
9.4 Data Displays:
8.5.1 The operator should be aware of indicators of noise, 9.4.1 The data display should include a phase-amplitude
saturation, or signal distortion particular to the instrument diagram (Fig. 1a and 1b).
being used. Special consideration should be given to the 9.4.2 Strip Charts—Coordinates that may be displayed on
following concerns: strip charts include: horizontal position, vertical position,
8.5.1.1 In a given tube, an RFT system has a frequency angular position, or radial position. Angular position may
where the flaw sensitivity is as high as practical without undue represent phase. Angular position and the logarithm of radial
influence from noise. position for an absolute detector may be linearly related to
8.5.1.2 Saturation of electronic components is a potential overall wall thickness.
problem in RFT because signal amplitude increases rapidly
with decreasing tube wall thickness. Data acquired under 10. RFT Tube Standards
saturation conditions is not acceptable.
10.1 The RFT tube standards should be of the same nominal
8.5.2 Instrument-induced Phase Offset—During the ampli-
dimensions, material type, and grade as the tubes to be
fication and filtering processes, instruments may introduce a
examined. In the case where a tube standard identical to the
frequency-dependent time delay which appears as a constant
tubes to be examined is not available, a demonstration of
phase offset. The instrument phase offset may be a source of
examination equivalency is recommended. Allowable differ-
error when phase values measured at different frequencies are
ences in material and dimensional variations are specified in
compared.
11.6.2.
10.2 The RFT system reference standard shall not be used
9. RFT System
for flaw characterization unless the artificial flaws can be
9.1 Instrumentation—The electronic instrumentation shall demonstrated to be similar to the flaws detected.
be capable of creating exciter signals of one or more frequen- 10.3 Typical Artificial Flaws in Flaw Characterization
cies appropriate to the tube material. The apparatus shall be Standards:
capable of phase and amplitude analysis of detector outputs at 10.3.1 Through, Round-Bottomed, and Flat-Bottomed
each frequency, independent of other frequencies in use simul- Holes—Holes of different depths are used for pit characteriza-
taneously. The instrument shall display data in real time. The tion, and may be machined individually or in groups. Drill and
instrument shall be capable of recording data and system milling tools of different diameters can be used to produce
settings in a manner that allows archiving and later recall of all different flaw volumes for a given depth of metal loss (Fig. 3a).
data and system settings for each tube. 10.3.2 Circumferential Grooves—A circumferential groove
9.2 Driving Mechanism—A mechanical means of traversing is an area of metal loss whose depth at any axial location is
the probe through the tube at approximately constant speed uniform around the tube circumference. Short grooves, with a
may be used. maximum axial length of less than one half a tube diameter,
9.3 Probes—The probes should be of the largest diameter may be used to simulate small-volume metal loss. Grooves
practical for the tubes being examined, leaving clearance for with an axial length of several tube diameters may be used to
debris, dents, changes in tube diameter, and other obstructions. simulate uniform wall loss (Fig. 3b).
The probes should be of an appropriate configuration and size 10.3.3 One-Sided Flaws—Metal loss is referred to as one-
for the tube being examined and for the flaw type or types to sided if it is predominantly on one side of a tube. Outside
be detected. Probe centering is recommended. diameter long, flat flaws typically simulate tube-to-tube wear.
9.3.1 Absolute Detectors—Absolute detectors (Fig. 2c) are Circumferentially tapered one-sided flaws typically simulate
commonly used to characterize and locate large-volume and tube wear at support plates. Flaws tapered in both axial and
gradual metal loss. circumferential directions typically simulate steam erosion
9.3.2 Differential Detectors—Differential detectors (Fig. 2c) adjacent to the tube support (Fig. 3c).
are commonly used to characterize and locate large-volume 10.4 RFT System Reference Standards—Flaw depths are
and gradual metal loss, and also tend to maximize the response specified by giving the deepest point of the flaw as a percentage

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NOTE 1—Not to scale.

FIG. 3 Typical Artificial Discontinuities Used for Flaw Characterization Reference Standards

of the measured average wall thickness. Flaw depths shall be 10.5.1.4 Wear Scar—A simulated wear scar from a tube
measured and accurate to within 6 20 % of the depth specified support plate (Fig. 4, Flaw D), consisting of a circumferentially
or 6 0.003 in. (6 0.08 mm), whichever is smaller. All other tapered groove, 40 % deep, extending over 180° of the tube
flaw dimensions (such as length and diameter) shall be accurate circumference. Axial length measured at the bottom surface of
to within 6 0.010 in. (6 0.25 mm) of the dimension specified. the flaw shall be 0.625 in. (15.88 mm). Edges shall be angled
Angles shall be accurate to within 6 5°. at 105° as indicated in the insert in Fig. 4.
10.5 Artificial Flaws for RFT System Reference Standards: 10.5.1.5 Tapered Flaw—A tapered flaw simulating near-
10.5.1 The RFT system reference standard has specific tube-support erosion (Fig. 4, Flaw E) consisting of a groove,
artificial flaws. It is used to set up and standardize a remote 60 % deep, tapered circumferentially, and in both directions
field system and to indicate flaw detection sensitivity. Unless axially. The steep side of the flaw shall be angled at 65° to the
otherwise specified by the purchaser, the artificial flaws for the tube axis. The shallow side of the flaw shall be axially tapered
RFT system reference standard are as follows: so that it extends an axial distance of four tube diameters from
10.5.1.1 Through-Hole—A through-hole (Fig. 4, Flaw A) the deepest point. The circumferential extent at the maximum
whose diameter is equal to the tube wall thickness multiplied point shall be 90°.
by a specified factor. For tubes of outside diameter less than 10.5.1.6 Long Circumferential Groove—A long circumfer-
1.000 in. (25.40 mm), the factor is 1. For tubes of outside ential groove (Fig. 4, Flaw F) of a depth of 20 % and
diameter greater than or equal to 1.000 in., the factor is 1.5. recommended axial length of two tube diameters. Length is
10.5.1.2 Flat-Milled Flaw—A flat-milled flaw (Fig. 4, Flaw optional according to application. Edges shall be angled at
B) of a depth of 50 % and axial length one half the tube 105°, as indicated in the insert in Fig. 4.
nominal outside diameter. The flat should be side-milled using 10.6 Simulated Support Structures:
a milling tool of a diameter of 0.250 in. (6.35 mm) to create 10.6.1 The RFT tube standards may have simulated support
rounded corners. structures to represent heat exchanger bundle conditions.
10.5.1.3 Short Circumferential Groove—A short circumfer- 10.6.2 Support Plates—Support plates may be simulated by
ential groove (Fig. 4, Flaw C) of a depth of 20 % and axial drilling a single hole through a solid flat plate with a clearance
length of 0.625 in. (15.88 mm). Edges shall be angled at 105° of up to 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) beyond the outside diameter of the
as indicated in the insert in Fig. 4. RFT tube standard. To prevent the field from propagating

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NOTE 1—Not to scale. See 10.5 for tolerances and details.

FIG. 4 Manufacturing Reference for RFT System Reference Standard

around the plate, the minimum distance from the edge of the obstructions and heavy ferromagnetic or conductive debris.
tube hole to the edge of the plate should be greater than two 11.2 Instrument Settings:
tube diameters, unless a smaller dimension can be demon- 11.2.1 Operating Frequency—Using the appropriate RFT
strated to be adequate. For example, the simulated tube support system reference standard, the procedures in 11.2.1.1 or
plate for a 1-in. diameter tube should be at least a 5-in. 11.2.1.2 are intended to help the user select an operating
(127.00-mm) square or a 5-in. diameter circle. The accuracy of frequency. Demonstrably equivalent methods may be used. If
the support plate simulation may be increased if the simulated the RFT system is not capable of operating at the frequency
plate is of the same thickness and material as the support plates described by this practice, the supplier shall declare to the
in the component to be examined. purchaser that conditions of reduced sensitivity may exist.
10.7 Manufacture and Care of RFT Tube Standards: 11.2.1.1 Using the RFT system reference standard, and
10.7.1 Drawings—For each RFT tube standard, there shall referring to the phase-amplitude diagram, set the frequency to
be a drawing that includes the as-built measured flaw dimen- obtain a difference of 50 to 120° between the angles of
sions, material type and grade, and the serial number of the indication for the reference through-hole (Flaw A in Fig. 4) and
actual RFT tube standard. a 20 % circumferential groove of a axial length of 0.125 in.
10.7.2 Serial Number—Each RFT tube standard shall be (3.18 mm) (as permitted for Flaw F in Fig. 4).
identified with a unique serial number and stored so that it can
11.2.1.2 If phase is measured and displayed, set the fre-
be obtained and used for reference when required.
quency so that a circumferential groove with an axial length of
10.7.3 Flaw Spacing—Artificial flaws should be positioned
two tube diameters (as permitted for Flaw F in Fig. 4) creates
axially to avoid overlapping of indications and interference
a phase shift of between 18 and 22° in the absolute detector
from end effects.
output.
10.7.4 Machining personnel shall use proper machining
practices to avoid excessive cold-working, over-heating, and 11.2.2 Secondary Frequencies—To detect and characterize
undue stress and permeability variations. some damage mechanisms, it may be necessary to use second-
10.7.5 Tubes should be stored and shipped so as to prevent ary frequencies to provide additional information.
mechanical damage. 11.2.3 Pull Speed—Determine a pull speed appropriate to
the frequency, sample rate, and required sensitivity to flaws.
11. Procedure 11.2.4 Set other instrument settings as appropriate to
11.1 If necessary, clean the inside of the tubes to remove achieve the minimum required sensitivity to flaws.

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NOTE 6—Factors which influence sensitivity to flaws include, but are data with the current examination data.
not limited to: operating frequency, instrument noise, instrument filtering, 11.7.1.2 Comparison of indications from known objects
digital sample rate, probe speed, coil configuration, fill factor, probe travel with and without metal loss. (Obtain a reference indication
noise, and interferences described in Section 8.
from a typical object on or near the nominal tube or from a
11.3 Ensure that the system yields the minimum required simulated object on a reference standard.)
sensitivity to all flaws on the RFT system reference standard at 11.7.1.3 The use of special probe coil configurations.
the examination pull speed. For a flaw to be considered 11.7.1.4 Processing of multiple-frequency signals to sup-
detectable, its indication should exceed the ambient noise by a press nonrelevant indications.
factor of at least 3, unless otherwise specified by the purchaser. 11.7.1.5 The use of a complementary method or technique
An exception may be made when the purchaser requires only (see 11.12).
a large-volume metal loss examination, in which case, sensi- 11.8 System Check—At regular intervals, carry out a system
tivity should be demonstrated for specified large-volume flaws check using the RFT system reference standard to demonstrate
on the RFT system reference standard. system sensitivity and operating parameters to the satisfaction
11.4 Acquire and record data from the RFT system refer- of the purchaser. Carry out a system check prior to starting the
ence standard and flaw characterization standards at the se- examination, after any field compensation adjustments in
lected examination pull speed. accordance with 11.6, at the beginning and end of each work
11.5 Acquire and record data from the tubes to be examined. shift, when equipment function is in doubt, after a change of
Maintain as uniform a probe speed as possible throughout the personnel, after a change of any essential system components,
examination to produce repeatable indications. and overall at a minimum of every four hours. If the flaw
11.5.1 Record data and system settings in a manner that responses from the RFT system reference standard have
allows archiving and later recall of all data and system settings changed substantially, the tubes examined since the last system
for each tube. Throughout the examination, data shall be check shall be reexamined.
permanently recorded, unless otherwise specified by the pur- 11.9 Interpret the data (identify indications).
chaser. 11.10 Note areas of limited sensitivity, using indications
11.5.2 For maintaining system consistency throughout the from the RFT system reference standard as an indicator of flaw
examination, monitor typical RFT responses from support detectability.
plates and tube ends, or monitor the absolute phase in the 11.11 Using a flaw characterization standard, evaluate rel-
nominal tube. If conditions change, appropriate adjustments evant indications in accordance with acceptance criteria speci-
need to be made in accordance with 11.6. fied by the purchaser.
11.6 Compensation for Material and Dimensional Differ- 11.11.1 A common parameter used as a flaw depth indicator
ences: is the angle of an indication on the phase-amplitude diagram.
11.6.1 To compensate for differences in dimensional and Different angle-depth calibration curves may be used according
material properties, the system may be re-normalized where to flaw volume, as indicated by the amplitude of the indication
appropriate by adjusting frequency or gain, or both. To on the phase-amplitude diagram.
re-normalize, adjust the settings so that one of the following 11.12 If desired, examine selected areas using an appropri-
values remains equal in the reference standard and in a nominal ate complementary method or technique to obtain more infor-
examined tube: mation, adjusting results where appropriate.
11.6.1.1 The amplitude and angular position of a support 11.13 Compile and present a report to the purchaser.
plate indication on the phase-amplitude diagram, or
11.6.1.2 The angular difference between a support plate 12. Report
indication and the tube-exit indication on the phase-amplitude 12.1 The following items may be included in the examina-
diagram, or tion report. All the following information should be archived,
11.6.1.3 The absolute phase in the nominal tube. whether or not it is required in the report.
12.1.1 Owner, location, type, and serial number of compo-
NOTE 7—For an alternate method of compensating for differences in
nent examined.
dimensional and material properties, see 11.12.
12.1.2 Size, material type and grade, and configuration of
11.6.2 The frequencies used in the reference standards and tubes examined.
in the tubes to be examined should not differ by more than a 12.1.3 Tube numbering system.
factor of two. If the factor exceeds this value, the reference 12.1.4 Extent of examination, for example, areas of interest,
standard should be considered inappropriate and replaced with complete or partial coverage, which tubes, and to what length.
one that more accurately represents the material to be tested. 12.1.5 Personnel performing the examination and their
11.6.3 After frequency and gain adjustments have been qualifications.
made, apply appropriate compensations to the examination 12.1.6 Models, types, and serial numbers of the components
sample rate and pull speed. of the RFT system used, including probe and extension length.
11.7 Compensation for Ferromagnetic or Conductive Ob- 12.1.7 For the initial data acquisition from the RFT system
jects: reference standard, a complete list of all relevant instrument
11.7.1 Techniques that may improve RFT results near inter- settings and parameters used, such as operating frequencies,
fering ferromagnetic or conductive objects include: probe drive voltages, gains, types of mixed or processed
11.7.1.1 Comparison of baseline or previous examination channels, and probe speed. The list shall enable settings to be

8
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referenced to each individual tube examined. 12.1.12 Acceptance criteria used to evaluate indications.
12.1.8 Serial numbers of all of the tube standards used. 12.1.13 A list of flaws as specified in the purchasing
12.1.9 Brief outline of all techniques used during the agreement.
examination.
12.1.14 Complementary examination results that influenced
12.1.10 A list of all heat-exchanger regions or specific tubes
interpretation and evaluation.
where limited sensitivity was obtained. Indicate which flaws on
the system reference standard would not have been detectable
in those regions. Where possible, indicate factors that may 13. Keywords
have limited sensitivity. 13.1 eddy current; electromagnetic testing; ferromagnetic
12.1.11 Specific information about techniques and depth tube; remote field testing; RFT; tube; tubular products
reference curves used for sizing each indication.

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