1 Scope
1.1 This standard specifies procedures for evaluating some performance characteristics of phased-array ultrasonic examination instruments and systems.
1.2 Evaluation of these characteristics is intended to be used for comparing the phased-array ultrasonic examination instruments and systems or, by periodic evaluation, for detecting long-term changes in the characteristics of a given instrument or system that may be indicative of impending failure, and which, if beyond certain limits, will require corrective maintenance. Instrument characteristics measured in accordance with this standard are expressed in terms that relate to their potential usefulness for ultrasonic examinations. Other electronic instrument characteristics in phased-array units are similar to non-phased-array units and may be measured as described in "Guide for Evaluating Characteristics of Ultrasonic Search Units" (ASTM E 1065) or "Guide for Measuring Some Electronic Characteristics of Ultrasonic Examination Instruments" (ASTM E 1324).
1.3 This standard may be used for the evaluation of ultrasonic examination systems using pulsed-wave trains and A-scan display (RF or video).
1.4 This standard may be used for the evaluation of a complete examination system, including probe, phased-array ultrasonic examination instruments, coupling, scanner fixtures and connected alarm and auxiliary equipment, primarily in cases where such a system is used repetitively without change or substitution. This standard is not intended to be used as a substitute for calibration or standardization procedure of the phased-array ultrasonic examination instrument or system to inspect any given material.
1.5 This standard establishes no characterization limits for test systems; if such acceptance criteria are required, these must be specified by the using parties. Where acceptance criteria are implied herein, they are for example only and are subject to more or less restrictive limits imposed by customer’s and end user’s controlling documents.
1.6 The specific parameters to be evaluated, test conditions and frequency, and report data required, must also be determined by the user.
1.7 Required apparatus includes test blocks and position encoders in addition to the instrument or system to be evaluated.
1.8 This standard also includes precautions relating to the applicability of the procedures and interpretation of the results.
1.9 Alternate procedures, such as examples described in this document, or others, may only be used with customer approval.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the limit conditions of applicability prior to use.
2 Normative References
The following referenced documents are indispensable for application of this document. For dated reference, only the dated editions apply. For undated references, the latest editions (including all the amendments) apply.
GB/T 12604.1 Non-destructive Testing - Terminology - Terms Used in Ultrasonic Testing (GB/T 12604.1-2005, ISO 5577: 2000, IDT)
ASTM E 317 Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Examination Instruments and Systems without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
ASTM E 494 Practice for Measuring Ultrasonic Velocity in Materials
ASTM E 1065 Guide for Evaluating Characteristics of Ultrasonic Search Units
ASTM E 1324 Guide for Measuring Some Electronic Characteristics of Ultrasonic Examination Instruments
3 Terms and Definitions
Foreword I
1 Scope
2 Normative References
3 Terms and Definitions
4 General
5 Significance and Use
6 Procedures
Appendix A (Normative) Determination of Phased-array Sound beam Profile
Appendix B (Normative) Determination of Phased-array Sound Beam Deflection Range
Appendix C (Normative) Determination of Phased-array Element Activity
Appendix D (Normative) Evaluation of Phased-array Focusing Capability
Appendix E (Normative) Evaluation of Phased-array Computer Control of Parameters and Data Display
Appendix F (Normative) Evaluation of Phased-array Wedge Attenuation and Delay Compensations
Appendix G (Normative) Evaluation of Phased-array Ultrasonic Examination Instrument Linearities
