Non-destructive testing of welds - Ultrasonic testing - Use of time-of-flight diffraction technique (TOFD) (ISO 10863:2011)

This document specifies the application of the time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) technique for the semi-, or fully- automated ultrasonic testing of fusion welded joints in metallic materials equal to and above 6 mm thickness. It is primarily intended for use on full penetration welded joints of simple geometry in plates, pipes, and vessels, where both the weld and parent material are low alloyed carbon steel. Where specified and appropriate, TOFD may also be used on other types of materials that exhibit low ultrasonic attenuation (especially that due to scatter).
Where material dependent ultrasonic parameters are specified in this document, they are based on steels having a sound velocity of (5920 ± 50) m/s for longitudinal waves, and (3255 ± 30) m/s for transverse waves. This has to be taken into account when examining materials with a different velocity.
This document makes reference to the basic pre-standard ENV 583 6 and provides guidance on the specific capabilities and limitations of TOFD for the detection, location, sizing and characterisation of discontinuities in fusion welded joints. TOFD may be used as a stand-alone method or in combination with other NDT methods or techniques, both for manufacturing inspection (pre-service) and for in-service inspection.
This document specifies four examination levels (A, B, C, D) corresponding to an increasing level of inspection reliability. Guidance on the selection of examination levels is provided.
This document permits assessment of indications for acceptance purposes. This assessment is based on the evaluation of transmitted, reflected and diffracted ultrasonic signals within a generated TOFD image.
This document does not include acceptance levels for discontinuities.

Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung von Schweißverbindungen - Ultraschallprüfung - Anwendung der Beugungslaufzeittechnik (TOFD) (ISO 10863:2011)

Dieses Dokument legt die Anwendung der Beugungslaufzeit  (TOFD )Technik bei der halb  oder vollauto-matischen Ultraschallprüfung von Schmelzschweißverbindungen in metallischen Werkstoffen mit einer Dicke von mindestens 6 mm fest. Es gilt für durchgeschweißte Verbindungen einfacher Geometrie in Platten, Rohren und Behältern, bei denen sowohl der Werkstoff der Schweißnaht als auch der Grundwerkstoff niedriglegierter Kohlenstoffstahl sind. Sofern festgelegt und angemessen, darf die TOFD Technik auch auf andere Werkstoffarten angewendet werden, die eine geringe Ultraschallschwächung aufweisen (dies gilt insbesondere für die durch Streuung verursachte Ultraschallschwächung).
Sofern in diesem Dokument werkstoffabhängige Ultraschallparameter festgelegt sind, beruhen diese auf Stählen mit einer Schallgeschwindigkeit von (5 920  50) m/s für Longitudinalwellen und (3 255  30) m/s für Transversalwellen. Dies ist bei der Prüfung von Werkstoffen mit anderer Schallgeschwindigkeit zu berücksichtigen.
Dieses Dokument nimmt Bezug auf die Grundnorm EN 583 6 und liefert einen Leitfaden hinsichtlich der besonderen Fähigkeiten und Einschränkungen der TOFD Technik beim Auffinden, der Ortung, dem Ausmessen und der Charakterisierung von Inhomogenitäten in Schmelzschweißverbindungen. Die TOFD Technik darf selbständig oder in Verbindung mit weiteren Verfahren oder Techniken der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung sowohl für die Prüfung während der Herstellung als auch für die Prüfung während des Betriebs angewendet werden.
Dieses Dokument legt vier Prüfklassen (A, B, C, D) fest, die einem zunehmenden Grad der Zuverlässigkeit der Prüfung entsprechen. Ein Leitfaden für die Auswahl der Prüfklassen wird bereitgestellt.
Dieses Dokument erlaubt die Beurteilung von TOFD Anzeigen zum Zwecke der Bestimmung der Zulässigkeit. Diese Beurteilung beruht auf der Bewertung übertragener, reflektierter und gebeugter Ultraschallsignale auf einem erzeugten TOFD Bild.

Contrôle non destructif des assemblages soudés - Contrôle par ultrasons - Utilisation de la technique de diffraction des temps de vol (méthode TOFD) (ISO 10863:2011)

L'ISO 11320:2011 spécifie l'application de la technique de diffraction des temps de vol (méthode TOFD, time-of-flight diffraction) pour le contrôle par ultrasons semi-automatique ou entièrement automatique des assemblages soudés par fusion de matériaux métalliques d'épaisseur minimale de 6 mm. Cette technique s'applique aux joints soudés à pleine pénétration de géométrie simple sur plaques, aux tubes et aux récipients, dans lesquels le métal de base et le métal fondu sont tous les deux constitués d'acier au carbone faiblement allié. Dans le cas où son utilisation est spécifiée et qu'elle s'avère appropriée, la méthode TOFD peut également être utilisée sur d'autres types de matériaux qui présentent une atténuation ultrasonore faible (spécialement celle due à la dispersion).
Lorsque les paramètres ultrasonores dépendant du matériau sont spécifiés dans la présente Norme internationale, ils sont basés sur les aciers qui présentent une vitesse de propagation sonore de (5 920 ± 50) m/s pour les ondes longitudinales et de (3 255 ± 30) m/s pour les ondes transversales. Il est nécessaire de prendre cela en compte lors de l'examen de matériaux ayant des vitesses de propagation différentes.
L'ISO 11320:2011 fait référence à la norme de base EN 583-6 et fournit des lignes directrices sur les possibilités et les limitations spécifiques de la méthode TOFD pour la détection, la localisation, le dimensionnement et la caractérisation des discontinuités dans les joints soudés par fusion. La méthode TOFD peut être utilisée de manière autonome ou en combinaison avec d'autres méthodes ou techniques de contrôle non-destructif, pour le contrôle de fabrication et pour le contrôle en cours de service.
L'ISO 11320:2011 spécifie quatre niveaux d'examen (A, B, C, D) conformément à l'ISO 17635, correspondant à des niveaux croissants de fiabilité de contrôle. Des lignes directrices relatives au choix des niveaux d'examen sont données.
L'ISO 11320:2011 permet l'évaluation des indications TOFD à des fins d'acceptation. Cette évaluation est basée sur l'appréciation des signaux ultrasonores transmis, réfléchis ou diffractés dans une image produite par la méthode TOFD.
L'ISO 11320:2011 ne comporte pas de niveaux d'acceptation pour les discontinuités.

Neporušitveno preskušanje zvarov - Ultrazvočna preiskava - Uporaba tehnike TOFD (ISO 10863:2011)

Ta dokument določa uporabo tehnike TOFD za delno ali popolnoma avtomatsko ultrazvočno preskušanje talilno zvarjenih zvarov v kovinskih materialih z debelino 6 mm in več. Uporablja se predvsem pri zvarih s popolno penetracijo na ploščah, ceveh in posodah s preprosto geometrijo, kjer sta zvar in matični material iz malo legiranega ogljikovega jekla. Kjer je določeno in primerno, se tehnika TOFD lahko uporabi tudi na drugih vrstah materialov z nizkim ultrazvočnim slabljenjem (predvsem slabljenjem zaradi razpršitve).
Kjer so v tem dokumentu določeni od materiala odvisni ultrazvočni parametri, temeljijo na jeklih, ki imajo hitrost zvoka (5920 ± 50) m/s za vzdolžne valove in (3255 ± 30) m/s za prečne valove. To je treba upoštevati pri preučevanju materialov z različno hitrostjo.
Ta dokument se sklicuje na osnovni predstandard ENV 583 6 in podaja vodilo o specifičnih zmogljivostih in omejitvah tehnike TOFD za zaznavanje, ugotavljanje lokacije in velikosti ter karakterizacijo prekinjenosti talilno zvarjenih zvarov. TOFD se lahko uporablja kot samostojna metoda ali v kombinaciji z drugimi metodami ali tehnikami neporušitvenega preskušanja za pregled proizvodnje (pred začetkom uporabe) ali za pregled med uporabo.
Ta dokument določa štiri ravni pregleda (A, B, C, D), ki pomenijo naraščajočo raven zanesljivosti pregleda. Podano je tudi vodilo za izbor ravni pregleda.
Ta dokument omogoča ocenjevanje indikacij za namene sprejemljivosti. Ta ocena temelji na vrednotenju presevanih, odbitih in lomljenih ultrazvočnih signalov v nastali sliki TOFD.
Ta dokument ne vključuje stopenj sprejemljivosti za neprekinjenosti.

General Information

Status
Withdrawn
Public Enquiry End Date
24-Mar-2010
Publication Date
06-Oct-2011
Withdrawal Date
09-Aug-2020
Technical Committee
Current Stage
9900 - Withdrawal (Adopted Project)
Start Date
22-Jul-2020
Due Date
14-Aug-2020
Completion Date
10-Aug-2020

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Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
01-november-2011
1DGRPHãþD
SIST-TS CEN/TS 14751:2005
1HSRUXãLWYHQRSUHVNXãDQMH]YDURY8OWUD]YRþQDSUHLVNDYD8SRUDEDWHKQLNH
72)' ,62
Non-destructive testing of welds - Ultrasonic testing - Use of time-of-flight diffraction
technique (TOFD) (ISO 10863:2011)
Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung von Schweißverbindungen - Ultraschallprüfung - Anwendung
der Beugungslaufzeittechnik (TOFD) (ISO 10863:2011)
Contrôle non destructif des assemblages soudés - Contrôle par ultrasons - Utilisation de
la technique de diffraction des temps de vol (méthode TOFD) (ISO 10863:2011)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 10863:2011
ICS:
25.160.40 Varjeni spoji in vari Welded joints
SIST EN ISO 10863:2011 en,fr
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011


EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 10863

NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2011
ICS 25.160.40 Supersedes CEN/TS 14751:2004
English Version
Non-destructive testing of welds - Ultrasonic testing - Use of
time-of-flight diffraction technique (TOFD) (ISO 10863:2011)
Contrôle non destructif des assemblages soudés - Contrôle Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung von Schweißverbindungen -
par ultrasons - Utilisation de la technique de diffraction des Ultraschallprüfung - Anwendung der
temps de vol (méthode TOFD) (ISO 10863:2011) Beugungslaufzeittechnik (TOFD) (ISO 10863:2011)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 27 August 2011.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.





EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 10863:2011: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
EN ISO 10863:2011 (E)
Contents Page
Foreword .3
2

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
EN ISO 10863:2011 (E)
Foreword
This document (ISO 10863:2011) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 121 “Welding”, the
secretariat of which is held by DIN, in collaboration with Technical Committee ISO/TC 44 "Welding and allied
processes".
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2012, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by March 2012.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes CEN/TS 14751:2004.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
3

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 10863
First edition
2011-09-01

Non-destructive testing of welds —
Ultrasonic testing — Use of time-of-flight
diffraction technique (TOFD)
Contrôle non destructif des assemblages soudés — Contrôle par
ultrasons — Utilisation de la technique de diffraction des temps de vol
(méthode TOFD)




Reference number
ISO 10863:2011(E)
©
ISO 2011

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
ISO 10863:2011(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT


©  ISO 2011
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56  CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland

ii © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
ISO 10863:2011(E)
Contents Page
Foreword . iv
1  Scope . 1
2  Normative references . 1
3  Terms and definitions . 2
4  General remarks on the capabilities of the technique . 2
5  Testing levels . 3
6  Information required prior to testing . 3
6.1  Items to be defined by specification . 3
6.2  Specific information required by the operator before testing . 4
6.3  Written test instruction or procedure . 4
7  Requirements for personnel and equipment . 4
7.1  Personnel qualifications . 4
7.2  Equipment . 5
8  Preparation for testing . 5
8.1  Volume to be inspected . 5
8.2  Setup of probes . 6
8.3  Scan increment setting . 6
8.4  Geometry considerations . 6
8.5  Preparation of scanning surfaces . 6
8.6  Temperature . 7
8.7  Couplant . 7
8.8  Provision of datum points . 7
9  Testing of base material . 7
10  Range and sensitivity settings . 8
10.1  Settings. 8
10.2  Checking of the settings . 8
10.3  Reference blocks . 9
11  Weld testing . 10
12  Interpretation and analysis of TOFD images . 10
12.1  General . 10
12.2  Assessing the quality of the TOFD image . 10
12.3  Identification of relevant TOFD indications . 11
12.4  Classification of relevant TOFD indications . 11
12.5  Determination of location and size . 12
12.6  Evaluation against acceptance criteria . 13
13  Test report . 13
Annex A (informative) Reference blocks . 15
Annex B (informative) Examples of TOFD scans . 20
Bibliography . 30

© ISO 2011 – All rights reserved iii

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
ISO 10863:2011(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 10863 was prepared by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee
CEN/TC 121, Welding, in collaboration with Technical Committee ISO/TC 44, Welding and allied processes,
Subcommittee SC 5, Testing and inspection of welds, in accordance with the Agreement on technical
cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
Requests for official interpretations of any aspect of this International Standard should be directed to the
Secretariat of ISO/TC 44/SC 5 via your national standards body. A complete listing of these bodies can be
found at www.iso.org.

iv © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 10863:2011(E)

Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Use of
time-of-flight diffraction technique (TOFD)
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the application of the time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) technique to the
semi- or fully automated ultrasonic testing of fusion-welded joints in metallic materials of minimum thickness
6 mm. It applies to full penetration welded joints of simple geometry in plates, pipes, and vessels, where both
the weld and parent material are low-alloyed carbon steel. Where specified and appropriate, TOFD can also
be used on other types of materials that exhibit low ultrasonic attenuation (especially that due to scatter).
Where material-dependent ultrasonic parameters are specified in this International Standard, they are based
on steels having a sound velocity of (5 920  50) m/s for longitudinal waves, and (3 255  30) m/s for
transverse waves. It is necessary to take this fact into account when examining materials with a different
velocity.
This International Standard makes reference to the basic standard EN 583-6 and provides guidance on the
specific capabilities and limitations of TOFD for the detection, location, sizing and characterization of
discontinuities in fusion-welded joints. TOFD can be used as a stand-alone method or in combination with
other non-destructive testing (NDT) methods or techniques, for manufacturing inspection, and for in-service
inspection.
This International Standard specifies four testing levels (A, B, C, D) in accordance with ISO 17635 and
corresponding to an increasing level of inspection reliability. Guidance on the selection of testing levels is
provided.
This International Standard permits assessment of TOFD indications for acceptance purposes. This
assessment is based on the evaluation of transmitted, reflected and diffracted ultrasonic signals within a
generated TOFD image.
This International Standard does not include acceptance levels for discontinuities.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 9712, Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel — General principles
ISO 17635, Non-destructive testing of welds — General rules for metallic materials
ISO 17640:2010, Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Techniques, testing levels, and
assessment
EN 473, Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel — General principles
EN 583-6, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic examination — Part 6: Time-of-flight diffraction technique as a
method for detection and sizing of discontinuities
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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
ISO 10863:2011(E)
EN 1330-4, Non-destructive testing — Terminology — Part 4: Terms used in ultrasonic testing
EN 12668 (all parts), Non-destructive testing — Characterization and verification of ultrasonic examination
equipment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 1330-4 and the following apply.
3.1
time-of-flight diffraction setup
TOFD setup
probe arrangement defined by probe characteristics (e.g. frequency, probe element size, beam angle, wave
mode) and probe centre separation
3.2
probe centre separation
PCS
distance between the index points of the two probes
NOTE The PCS for two probes located on a curved surface is the straight-line, geometric separation between the two
probe index points and not the distance measured along the surface.
3.3
beam intersection point
point of intersection of the two main beam axes
3.4
time-of-flight diffraction indication
TOFD indication
pattern or disturbance in the time-of-flight diffraction image which may need further evaluation
3.5
time-of-flight diffraction image
TOFD image
two-dimensional image, constructed by collecting adjacent A-scans while moving the time-of-flight diffraction
setup
NOTE The signal amplitude of the A-scans is typically represented by grey-scale values.
3.6
offset scan
scan parallel to the weld axis, where the beam intersection point is not on the centreline of the weld
4 General remarks on the capabilities of the technique
General principles of the TOFD technique are described in EN 583-6. For the testing of fusion-welded joints,
some specific capabilities and limitations of the technique have to be considered.
The TOFD technique is an ultrasonic image-generating technique, which offers the capability of detection,
location, and sizing. To a certain extent, characterization of discontinuities in the weld material as well as in
the adjacent parent material is also possible.
Compared with purely reflection-based techniques, the TOFD technique, which is based upon diffraction as
well as reflection, is less sensitive to the orientation of the discontinuity. Discontinuities oriented perpendicular
to the surface, and at intermediate angles of tilt, are detectable as well as discontinuities in the weld fusion
faces.
2 © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
ISO 10863:2011(E)
In certain circumstances (thickness, weld preparation, scope of testing, etc.) more than one single TOFD
setup is required.
A typical TOFD image is linear in time (vertical axis) and probe movement (horizontal axis). Because of the
V-configuration of the ultrasound paths, the location of a possible discontinuity is then non-linear. TOFD
testing has to be carried out in a correct and consistent way, such that valid images are generated which can
be evaluated correctly, e.g. coupling losses and data acquisition errors have to be avoided, see 12.2.
The interpretation of TOFD images requires skilled and experienced operators. Some typical TOFD images of
discontinuities in fusion-welded joints are provided in Annex B.
There is a reduced capability for the detection of discontinuities close to or connected with the scanning
surface or with the opposite surface. This has to be considered especially for crack-sensitive steels or at in-
service inspections. In cases where full coverage of these zones is required, additional measures shall be
taken, e.g. TOFD can be accompanied by other NDT methods or techniques.
Diffracted signals from weld discontinuities can have small amplitude responses. The grain scatter effect from
coarse-grained material can hinder the detection and evaluation of such responses. This shall be taken into
account whenever inspecting such material.
5 Testing levels
This International Standard specifies four testing levels (A, B, C and D, see Table 1). From testing level A to
testing level C an increasing reliability is achieved.
Table 1 — Testing levels
Reference block for Reference block for
Written
Testing level TOFD setup setup verification sensitivity settings Offset scan
test procedure
(see 8.2) (see 10.1.4)
This International
A As in Table 2 No No No
Standard
This International
B As in Table 2 No Yes No
Standard

a
C As in Table 2 Yes Yes Yes
As defined by

a
D Yes Yes Yes
specification
a
The necessity, number and position of offset scans have to be determined.

If the specified acceptance level requires detection of a certain size of discontinuity at both or one surface of
the weld (see Clause 4), this can necessitate the use of techniques or methods outside the scope of this
International Standard.
For manufacturing inspections (see also ISO 17635), all testing levels are applicable. Level A is only
applicable for wall thicknesses up to 50 mm. For in-service inspections, only testing level D shall be applied.
6 Information required prior to testing
6.1 Items to be defined by specification
Information on the following items is required:
a) purpose and extent of TOFD testing (see Clauses 5 and 8);
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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
ISO 10863:2011(E)
b) testing levels (see Clause 5), e.g.
1) whether a written test procedure is required,
2) whether reference blocks are required;
c) specification of reference blocks, if required (see 10.3);
d) manufacturing or operation stage at which the testing is to be carried out;
e) requirements for: temperature, access and surface conditions (see Clause 8);
f) reporting requirements (see Clause 13);
g) acceptance criteria;
h) personnel qualifications (see 7.1).
6.2 Specific information required by the operator before testing
Before any testing of a welded joint can begin, the operator shall have access to all the information as
specified in 6.1 together with the following additional information:
a) written test instruction or procedure (see 6.3), if required;
b) type(s) of parent material and product form (i.e. cast, forged, rolled);
c) joint preparation and dimensions;
d) welding procedure or relevant information on the welding process;
e) time of inspection relative to any post-weld heat treatment;
f) result of any parent metal testing carried out prior to and/or after welding;
g) defect type and morphology to be detected.
6.3 Written test instruction or procedure
For testing levels A and B, this International Standard satisfies the need for a written test procedure.
For testing levels C and D, or where the techniques described in this International Standard are not applicable
to the welded joint to be tested, a specific written test procedure shall be used.
When data collection is performed by personnel certified to level 1, a written test instruction shall be prepared.
The written test instruction shall contain as a minimum the information listed in Clause 13.
7 Requirements for personnel and equipment
7.1 Personnel qualifications
In addition to a general knowledge of ultrasonic weld inspection, all personnel shall be competent in TOFD
inspections. Documented evidence of their competence (level of training and experience) is required.
Preparation of written test instructions, final off-line analysis of data, and acceptance of the report shall be
performed by personnel certified as a minimum to level 2 in accordance with ISO 9712 or EN 473 or
equivalent in ultrasonic testing in the relevant industrial sector. In accordance with a written instruction and
under the supervision of level 2 or level 3 personnel, equipment setup, data acquisition, data storage, and
4 © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
ISO 10863:2011(E)
report preparation can be performed by personnel certified to a minimum of level 1 in accordance with
ISO 9712 or EN 473 or equivalent in ultrasonic testing in the relevant industrial sector.
For data acquisition, the level 1 personnel may be supported by an assistant technician.
In cases where the above minimum qualifications are not considered adequate, job-specific training shall be
carried out.
7.2 Equipment
7.2.1 Ultrasonic equipment and display. Ultrasonic equipment used for the TOFD technique shall, where
applicable, comply with the requirements of EN 12668.
The TOFD software shall not mask any problems such as loss of coupling, missing scan lines,
synchronization errors or electronic noise.
In addition, the requirements of EN 583-6 shall apply, taking into account the following:
a) the equipment shall be able to select an appropriate portion of the time base within which A-scans are
digitized;
b) it is recommended that a sampling rate of the A-scan of at least 6 times the nominal probe frequency be
used.
7.2.2 Ultrasonic probes used for the TOFD technique on welds shall comply with EN 583-6.
Adaptation of probes to curved scanning surfaces shall comply with ISO 17640.
A recommendation for the selection of probes is given in Table 2.
7.2.3 Scanning mechanisms. The requirements of EN 583-6 shall apply. To achieve consistency of the
images (collected data), guiding mechanisms may be used.
8 Preparation for testing
8.1 Volume to be inspected
Testing shall be performed in accordance with EN 583-6. The purpose of the testing shall be defined by
specification. Based on this, the volume to be inspected shall be determined.
The volume to be inspected is located between the probes. For testing levels A and B, the probes shall be
placed symmetrically about the weld centreline. For testing levels C and D, additional offset scans may be
required.
For manufacturing inspection, the examination volume is defined as the zone which includes weld and parent
material for at least 10 mm on each side of the weld or the width of the heat-affected zone, whichever is
greater. In all cases the whole examination volume shall be covered.
Normally these examinations are carried out in accordance with recognized standards applying acceptance
levels for quality assurance. If fitness-for-purpose methods are applied, then corresponding acceptance
criteria shall be specified.
For in-service inspections, the examination volume may be targeted to specific areas of interest, e.g. the inner
one-third of the weld body. The acceptance criteria and minimum size discontinuity to be detected in the area
of interest shall be specified.
© ISO 2011 – All rights reserved 5

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SIST EN ISO 10863:2011
ISO 10863:2011(E)
8.2 Setup of probes
The probes shall be set up to ensure adequate coverage and optimum conditions for the initiation and
detection of diffracted signals in the area of interest. For butt welds of simple geometry and with narrow weld
crowns at the opposite surface, the testing shall be performed in one or more setups (scans) dependent upon
the wall thickness (see Table 2). For other configurations, e.g. X-shaped welds, different base metal thickness
at either side of the weld, or tapering, Table 2 may be used as guidance. In this case, the effectiveness and
coverage of the setup shall be verified by the use of reference blocks. Selection of probes for full coverage of
the complete weld thickness should follow Table 2. Care should be taken to choose appropriate combinations
of parameters. For example, in the thickness range 15 mm to 35 mm a frequency of 10 MHz, a beam angle of
70° and an element size of 3 mm may be appropriate for a thickness of 16 mm but not for 32 mm.
For testing levels A and B, it is recommended that the TOFD setup be verified by the use of reference blocks.
For testing levels C and D, all the setups chosen for the test object shall be verified by use of reference blocks.
If setup parameters are not in accordance with Table 2, the capability shall be verified by the use of reference
blocks.
For in-service inspection the intersection point of the beam centrelines should be optimized for the specified
examination volume.
8.3 Scan increment setting
The scan increment setting shall be dependent upon the wall thickness to be examined. For thicknesses up to
10 mm, the scan increment shall be no more than 0,5 mm. For thicknesses between 10 mm and 150 mm, the
scan increment shall be no more than 1 mm. Above 150 mm the scan increment shall be no more than 2 mm.
8.4 Geometry considerations
Care should be taken when examining welds of complex geometry, e.g. welds joining materials of unequal
thickness, materials that are joined at an angle, or nozzles. As TOFD is based upon the measurement of time
intervals of sound waves taking the shortest path between the point of emission and the point of reception via
points of reflection or diffraction, some areas of interest can be obscured. Additional scans may in many cases
overcome thi
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