Overview

Nondestructive examinations allow trained personnel to evaluate the integrity of pressure vessel parts without damaging them. Various sections of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code now refer to the ASME Code Section V, Nondestructive Examinations, for nondestructive examination methods to detect internal and surface discontinuities in welds, materials, components, and fabricated parts.

Subsection A of Section V describes the methods of nondestructive examination to be used if referenced by other Code sections. They include the following:

General requirements

Radiographic examination (RT)

Ultrasonic examination (UT)

Liquid penetrant examination (PT)

Magnetic particle examination (MT)

Eddy current examination (ET)

Visual examination (VT)

Leak testing (LT)

Acoustic emission examination (AE)

Subsection B lists American Society of Testing Material Standards covering nondestructive examination methods which have been accepted as Code standards. These are included for use or for reference, or as sources of technique details which may be used in preparation of manufacturer s procedures.

The acceptance standards for these methods and procedures are stated in the referencing Code sections. Subsection B includes radiographic, ultrasonic, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, leak testing, acoustic emission, and visual examination standards.

Subsections A and B of Section V, Nondestructive Examination, provide rules and instruction in the selection of nondestructive test methods, development of inspection procedures, and evaluation of test indications. With the growing emphasis upon quality, nondestructive evaluation is becoming increasingly important in the construction of pressure vessels.

These examinations should be made according to a procedure that satisfies the requirements of the referencing Code...