Protocol for Design & Implementation of an Ultrasonic Detection Performance 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 Shearwave Examiners 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 the owner/user that meets or exceeds (e.g. testing requirements that are above and beyond) the scope, test protocol, type and extent of sampling, grading criteria and third-party proctor performance demonstration and certification process as required by API. The following protocol is intended to define the minimum requirements to be considered as meeting the same standards as the API detection test. The decision of equivalency is the sole discretion and responsibility of the individual owner-user. Ultrasonic Shear Wave Operators shall be subject to a performance demonstration test that shall meet or exceed as a minimum the test protocols, criteria and passing scores described as follows: The test shall be administered either by the owner-user or an independent third party as designated by the owner-user. All testing protocols including design, manufacture, and verification of test samples shall be documented and retained under close limited supervision to ensure the test protocols remain confidential. Candidates prior to performance testing shall demonstrate training & certification to a national or international certification scheme acceptable to the owner-user (for guidance SNT-TC-1A, CP-189, EN473, ISO 9712). Candidates shall be provided with a written outline protocol which they shall read and acknowledge prior to commencement of the test. As a minimum the test shall comprise of: Carbon Steel (P1) Plates (12 mm) and 1(25 mm) thick with a weld single or double weld prep. V Two carbon Steel (P1) Pipes 12( 250 mm) and 8(200 mm) NPS, in the wall thickness range -3/4(12-17 mm). The samples will provide a weld length such that the total weld length examined by the candidate 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 of Ultrasonic Examiners Certification Program Candidate orientation available on the API website.

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The total weld length shall include a number of individual flaws simulating the following typical weld imperfections: Lack of Side Wall Fusion Lack of Root Fusion Linear Inclusions (slag) Cracks Porosity . Flaws shall be designed and placed so as to determine the candidate ability to s detect and characterize a flaw, and to accurately locate the flaw in relationship to the weld. Also, the individual shall demonstrate the ability to discern geometric indications like mismatch and weld root from actual flaws. In order to be successful in the test, candidates shall detect, characterize and locate 80% 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 reflector as 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 be made 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 shall be retested. If at any time the performance of an operator is called into question, the operator may be re-tested at the owner-users discretion. Approval of any candidate under this protocol is restricted to the specific owner-user administering the test and it shall be utilized for compliance with the referenced paragraphs in API 510 and 570 and shall not be deemed as an API certification or endorsement in any form.

June 2008