Designation: E 426 – 98   An American National Standard

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS

100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM

Standard Practice for

Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Examination of Seamless
and Welded Tubular Products, Austenitic Stainless Steel
and Similar Alloys1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 426; 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.

This specification has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope cation and Certification in Nondestructive Testing 4

2
1.1 This practice covers procedures that may be followed ANSI/ASNT CP-189 ASNT Standard for Qualification and
for eddy-current examination of seamless and welded tubular Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel 4
products made of stainless steel and similar alloys such as MIl-STD-410E Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualifi-
nickel alloys. Austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steels, cation and Certification 5
which are generally considered to be nonmagnetic, are specifi- NAS-410 NAS Certification and Qualification of Nonde-
cally covered as distinguished from the martensitic and ferritic structive Personnel (Quality Assurance Committee) 6
straight chromium stainless steels which are magnetic.
3. Terminology
1.2 This practice is intended as a guide for eddy-current
examination both seamless and welded tubular products using 3.1 Standard terminology relating to electromagnetic ex-
either an encircling coil or a probe-coil technique. Coils and amination may be found in Terminology E 1316, Section C,
probes are available that can be used inside the tubular product; Electromagnetic Testing.
however, their use is not specifically covered in this document.
4. Summary of Practice
This type of examination is usually employed only to examine
tubing which has been installed such as in a heat exchanger. 4.1 The test is conducted using one of two general tech-
1.3 This practice covers the examination of tubular products niques shown in Fig. 1. One of these techniques employs one
ranging in diameter from 0.125 to 5 in. (3.2 to 127.0 mm) and or more exciter and sensor coils which encircle the pipe or tube
wall thicknesses from 0.005 to 0.250 in. (0.127 to 6.4 mm). and through which the tubular product to be inspected is
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded passed. Some circuit configurations employ separate exciter
as the standard. and sensor coils; whereas other configurations employ one or
1.5   This standard does not purport to address all of the more coils that concurrently function as both exciters and
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the sensors. Alternating current passes through the exciting coil
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- which by reason of its proximity induces current in the tubular
 priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- product. The sensor coil detects the resultant electromagnetic
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. flux related to these currents. The presence of discontinuities in
the tubular product will affect the normal flow of currents and
2. Referenced Documents this change is detected by the sensor. The encircling coil
2.1   ASTM Standards: technique is capable of inspecting the entire 360-deg expanse
E 543 Practice for Agencies Performain Nondestructive of the tubular product.
Testing3 4.2 Another technique employs a probe coil with one or
E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Testing3 more exciters and sensors which is brought in close proximity
2.2   Other Documents: of the surface of the tubular product to be examined. Since the
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi- probe is generally small and does not encircle the article being
examined, it examines only a limited area in the vicinity of the
probe. If it is desired to examine the entire volume of the
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-7 on Nonde-
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.07 on
Electromagnetic Methods. 4
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing, 1711 Arlingate
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1998. Published February 1999. Originally Plaza, P.O. Box 28518, Columbus, OH 43228–0518.
published as E 426 – 71. Last previous edition E 426 – 92. 5
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4, Section D,
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Practice 700 Robbins Ave., Phila., PA 19111–5904, Attn: NPODS.
SE-426 in Section II of that Code. 6
Available from Aerspace Industries Association of America, Inc., 1250 Eye
3
 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03. Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005.

1
 

E 426
similar document and certified by the certifying agency, as
applicable. The practice or standard used and its applicable
revision shall be identified in the contractual agreement be-
tween the using parties.
NOTE  1—MIL-STD-410 is canceled and has been replaced with NAS-
410, however, it may be used with agreement between contracting parties.

6.2 If specified in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies

shall be qualified and evaluated in accordance with Practice
E 543. The applicable edition of Practice E 543 shall be
specified in the contractual agreement.

7. Apparatus
7.1   Electronic Apparatus—The electronic apparatus shall
be capable of energizing the test coils or probes with alternat-
ing currents of suitable frequencies and shall be capable of 
sensing the changes in the electromagnetic response of the
sensors. Equipment may include a detector, phase discrimina-
tor, filter circuits, modulation circuits, magnetic-saturation
devices, recorders, and signaling devices as required for the
particular application.
7.2   Test Coils—Test coils shall be capable of inducing
current in the tube and sensing changes in the electrical
characteristics of the tube.
NOTE   2—Fill factor effect is an important consideration since coupling
variations can affect the test significantly.

7.3   Probe Coils—Probe coils shall be capable of inducing

current in the tube and sensing changes in the electrical
characteristics of the tube (Note 3). Probes generally consist of 
an exciting coil and sensing coil or Hall element mounted in a
FIG. 1 Sketch Showing Encircling-Coil and Probe-Coil common holder. A Hall element is a semiconductor that by
Techniques for Electromagnetic Examining of Tubular Products
reason of the Hall effect is capable of responding in a manner
directly proportional to magnetic-flux density. However, when
tubular product, it is common practice to either rotate the used with an exciting coil, it should be remembered that
tubular product or the probe. In the case of welded tubular eddy-current flow is influenced by the excitation frequency.
products frequently only the weld is examined by scanning
NOTE   3—Lift-off effect is an important consideration since coupling
along the weld zone.
variations can affect the test significantly.
5. Significance and Use 7.4   Driving Mechanism—A mechanical device capable of 
5.1 Eddy-current testing is a nondestructive method of  passing the tube through the test coil or past the probe. It shall
locating discontinuities in a product. Changes in electromag- operate at a uniform speed with minimum vibration of coil,
netic response caused by the presence of discontinuities are probe, or tube and maintain the article being examined in
detected by the sensor, amplified and modified in order to proper register or concentricity with the probe or test coil.
actuate audio or visual indicating devices, or both, or a Where required, the mechanism shall be capable of uniformly
mechanical marker. Signals can be caused by outer surface, rotating the tube or probe.
inner surface, or subsurface discontinuities. The eddy-current 7.5   Reference Standard — The standard used to adjust the
test is sensitive to many factors that occur as a result of  sensitivity setting of the apparatus shall be sound and of the
processing (such as variations in conductivity, chemical com- same nominal alloy, temper, and nominal dimensions as the lot
position, permeability, and geometry) as well as other test of tubes or pipes to be tested on a production basis. It shall be
factors not related to the tubing. Thus, all received indications of sufficient length to permit the required spacing of the
are not necessarily indicative of defective tubing. artificial discontinuities (at least 4 ft, and preferably longer).
Artificial discontinuities made in the tube or pipe shall be
6. Basis of Application centered as nearly as possible on one inside or outside diameter
6.1 If specified in the contractual agreement, personnel surface of the tube and shall preferably be of one of the
performing examinations to this practice shall be qualified in following types:
accordance with a nationally recognized NDT personnel quali- 7.5.1   Holes—Holes that are usually drilled completely
fication practice or standard such as ANSI/ASNT-CP-189, through the wall may be used. Care should be taken during
SNT-TC-1A, MIL-STD-410E, NAS-410, ASNT-ACCP, or a drilling to avoid distortion of the tube (or pipe) and hole.

2
 

E 426
7.5.2   Notches—Notches may be produced by electric dis- mended that tubes with discontinuity indications be reexam-
charge machining (EDM), milling, or other means. Longitudi- ined or retested in accordance with the purchase specification.
nal or transverse notches or both may be used (Note 4). 9.3 Tubes or pipes may be tested in the final drawn,
Orientation, dimensions (width, length, and depth), and con- annealed, heat treated, as-welded, or other step in processing.
figuration of the notches affect the response of the eddy-current The point in processing at which inspection is made should be
system. Notch depth is usually specified as a percentage of  agreed upon by the supplier and the purchaser. The tubes
nominal wall thickness of the tubular product being examined. should be free of any substance that may interfere with the test.
Notches may be placed on the outer, inner, or both surfaces of 
10. Supplemental Information Regarding Eddy-Current
the reference (calibration) standard. Outer surface notches
Testing of High Alloy Steels and Similar Alloys
provide an indication of system response to discontinuities
originating on the outer tube surface, whereas inner surface 10.1 In the eddy-current testing of austenitic chromium-
notches provide an indication of system response to disconti- nickel stainless steels it has been found that test frequencies
nuities originating on the inner tube surface (Note 5). ranging from less than 1 kHz to more than 1 MHz can be used.
The more commonly used operating frequencies are in the
NOTE   4—Longitudinal notch standards are normally used when exam-
range, 1 kHz to 125 kHz. The exact frequency used will depend
ining with rotating probe systems.
NOTE  5—The density of eddy currents decreases nearly exponentially on the application.
with increasing distance from the surface nearest the coil, and the  Example—If thin-walled tubular products are to be in-
sensitivity to subsurface discontinuities decreases with the change in depth spected or surface rather than subsurface discontinuities are to
allowing the use of phase analysis techniques. be detected, higher frequencies are used. For heavy-walled
7.5.3 The configuration, orientation, and dimensions (diam- tubes, subsurface discontinuities well below the surface require
eter of holes and the width, length, and depth of notches) of the the use of a lower frequency. Choice of test frequency will
artificial discontinuities to be used for establishing acceptance determine the size of discontinuity that can be detected.
limits should be subject to agreement between supplier and 10.2 As in any eddy-current test, the depth and orientation
purchaser. of the discontinuity below the entry surface will affect the
magnitude of signal received from it. Sensitivity varies signifi-
8. Adjustment and Standardization of Apparatus cantly with distance from the test coils.
Sensitivity 10.3 Under certain conditions austenitic stainless steels can
8.1 Select the apparatus, test frequency, coil or probe, or be magnetic. For example, delta ferrite may be present in a
both, design, phase discrimination, and other circuitry as well welded product. Permeability may vary as a function of cold
as speed of examining which shall demonstrate the system work. Some nickel alloys, such as Monel Alloy (nickel-copper
capability for detecting the discontinuities of interest. alloy), are magnetic in nature and others exhibit magnetism if 
8.2 Fabricate the applicable reference standard in accor- there are slight residual stresses in the material.
dance with the agreement between the purchaser and tubing 10.4 Welded stainless steel products can present a special
supplier. problem in eddy-current testing. The weld area can usually be
8.3 Adjust the apparatus to obtain an optimum signal-to- distinguished from the parent metal if the tubing has received
noise ratio with the minimum sensitivity required to detect the little or no working after welding. This occurs when the
artificial discontinuities in the reference standard. Do this as-welded structure contains delta ferrite which is magnetic
under conditions (such as testing speed) identical to those to be and can cause a high-background noise level or spurious
used in production examination of the tubular products. indications, or both. If drawn after welding, these effects may
8.4 Determine the end effect by using a special reference be reduced so that welded tubing cannot be distinguished from
tube or pipe containing a series of notches or holes near one or seamless tubing. These effects do not necessarily preclude the
both of the ends and passing this reference standard through the eddy-current testing of as-welded tubing; however, the testing
system at production testing speeds. If notches or holes are apparatus will probably require different adjustments for ma-
placed near only one of the ends, pass the tube through the terials with as-welded and wrought structures. Thus, the
system backwards and forwards. minimum size discontinuity that can be detected may also be
different.
9. Procedure 10.4.1 For inspecting as-welded tubing, a strong d-c mag-
9.1 Standardize the apparatus at the start of the test run netic field is usually applied to improve the signal-to-noise
using the reference standard. The recommended maximum ratio. This bias field is generally applied by an encircling coil
interval between restandardization is 4 h although more or less or yoke simultaneously with the field from the test coil.
frequent restandardization may be done by agreement between 10.4.2 In preparing a reference standard for welded tubing,
using parties, or whenever improper functioning of the equip- artificial discontinuities should be placed in both the weld
ment is suspected. If improper functioning is found, restan- metal and the parent metal if both are to be inspected. The
dardize the apparatus and retest all tubes or pipes tested during apparatus is then adjusted to obtain an optimum signal-to-noise
the period since the last successful standardization. ratio.
9.2 Pass the lot of tubes or pipes to be tested through the test 10.4.3 When inspecting only the weld area, the discontinui-
coil or past the probe coil of the apparatus adjusted to the ties shall be placed in the weld area.
sensitivity as described in Section 8. Set aside tubes or pipes 10.5 Certain austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steels ex-
with discontinuities indicated by the apparatus. It is recom- hibit changes in magnetic properties as a result of cold work.

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E 426
As a result, it may be desirable to prepare reference standards as drilled holes or notches. For this reason, sufficient work 
from each lot of material in order to take into account the effect should be done to establish the sensitivity level and set-up
of magnetic permeability. It may also be helpful to employ a required to detect natural discontinuities of consequence to the
magnetic-saturation device to minimize the effects of varying end use of the product.
magnetic permeability.
10.6 Both the test frequency and the type of apparatus being 11. Keywords
used should be considered when choosing the testing speed.
Certain types of equipment can detect discontinuities at very 11.1 alloy; austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steels; aus-
slow speeds, while other types require a certain minimum tenitic stainless steels; conductivity; discontinuities; eddy-
speed. The testing speed may need to be linked to the speed at curent; electromagnetic; encircling coil; hall element; non-
which the material is being processed at the point of inspection. magnetic steels; probe coil; seamless tubular products; tubular
10.7 The response from natural discontinuities can be sig- product; welded tubular products
nificantly different than that from artificial discontinuities such

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with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such 
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if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards 
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