UT Protocol API QUTE Equivelent
Transcript of UT Protocol API QUTE Equivelent
June 2008
Protocol for Design & Implementation of an Ultrasonic DetectionPerformance Demonstration Test.
API 510 Ninth Edition Para 3.27, 5.7.1.2 and 570 Second Edition Addendum 4 Para 3.53& 5.10 outline the requirement for the use of Industry Qualified Ultrasonic ShearwaveExaminers as follows:
person who possesses an ultrasonic shear wave qualification from API (e.g. APIQUTE Detection and Sizing Tests) or an equivalent qualification approved by theowner/user that meets or exceeds (e.g. testing requirements that are above andbeyond) the scope, test protocol, type and extent of sampling, grading criteria andthirdparty proctor performance demonstration and certification process as requiredby API.
The following protocol is intended to define the minimum requirements to be consideredas meeting the same standards as the API detection test. The decision of equivalency isthe sole discretion and responsibility of the individual owneruser.
Ultrasonic Shear Wave Operators shall be subject to a performance demonstration testthat shall meet or exceed as a minimum the test protocols, criteria and passing scoresdescribed as follows:
The test shall be administered either by the owneruser or an independent third party asdesignated by the owneruser. All testing protocols including design, manufacture, andverification of test samples shall be documented and retained under close limitedsupervision to ensure the test protocols remain confidential.
Candidates prior to performance testing shall demonstrate training & certification to anational or international certification scheme acceptable to the owneruser (for guidanceSNTTC1A, CP189, EN473, ISO 9712).
Candidates shall be provided with a written outline protocol which they shall read andacknowledge prior to commencement of the test.
As a minimum the test shall comprise of:
Carbon Steel (P1) Plates ½” (12 mm) and 1” (25 mm) thick with a weld single or double‘V’ weld prep.
Two carbon Steel (P1) Pipes 12” ( 250 mm) and 8” (200 mm) NPS, in the wall thicknessrange ½”3/4” (1217 mm).
The samples will provide a weld length such that the total weld length examined by thecandidate shall not be less that 77” (1956 mm) in total.
Further detail on the API test can be referenced to in the document API Qualification ofUltrasonic Examiners Certification Program – Candidate orientation available on the APIwebsite.
June 2008
The total weld length shall include a number of individual flaws simulating the followingtypical weld imperfections:
Lack of Side Wall FusionLack of Root FusionLinear Inclusions (slag)CracksPorosity.Flaws shall be designed and placed so as to determine the candidate’s ability todetect and characterize a flaw, and to accurately locate the flaw in relationship to theweld. Also, the individual shall demonstrate the ability to discern geometric indicationslike mismatch and weld root from actual flaws.
In order to be successful in the test, candidates shall detect, characterize and locate80% of the known flaws in the weld sections they have been requested to examine.Candidates who make more than 20% overcalls i.e. misinterpreting a geometric reflectoras a flaw shall not be deemed to have passed the test.
Candidates shall be advised if they have passed or failed the test. No other data shall bemade available in order to ensure the confidentiality of data relating to flaw, numbers,locations, types and sizes.
The approval test shall be valid for a period of three years after which the candidate shallbe retested. If at any time the performance of an operator is called into question, theoperator may be retested at the ownerusers discretion.
Approval of any candidate under this protocol is restricted to the specific owneruseradministering the test and it shall be utilized for compliance with the referencedparagraphs in API 510 and 570 and shall not be deemed as an API certification orendorsement in any form.