ASTM E317-21
Standard Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments

Standard No.

ASTM E317-21

Release Date

2021

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM E317-21

Scope

1.1 This practice describes procedures for evaluating the following performance characteristics of ultrasonic pulse-echo examination instruments and systems: Horizontal Limit and Linearity; Vertical Limit and Linearity; Resolution Entry Surface and Far Surface; Sensitivity and Noise; Accuracy of Calibrated Gain Controls. Evaluation of these characteristics is intended to be used for comparing instruments and systems or, by periodic repetition, 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 practice are expressed in terms that relate to their potential usefulness for ultrasonic testing. Instrument characteristics expressed in purely electronic terms may be measured as described in Guide E1324. 1.2 Ultrasonic examination systems using pulsed-wave trains and A-scan presentation (rf or video) may be evaluated. 1.3 The procedures are applicable to shop or field conditions; additional electronic measurement instrumentation is not required. 1.4 This practice establishes no performance limits for examination 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. 1.5 The specific parameters to be evaluated, conditions and frequency of test, and report data required must also be determined by the user. 1.6 This practice may be used for the evaluation of a complete examination system, including search unit, instrument, interconnections, fixtures and connected alarm and auxiliary devices, primarily in cases where such a system is used repetitively without change or substitution. This practice is not intended to be used as a substitute for calibration or standardization of an instrument or system to inspect any given material. There are limitations to the use of standard reference blocks for that purpose.2 1.7 Required test apparatus includes selected test blocks and a precision external attenuator (where specified) in addition to the instrument or system to be evaluated. 1.8 Precautions relating to the applicability of the procedures and interpretation of the results are included. 1.9 Alternate procedures, such as examples described in this document, or others, may only be used with customer approval. 1.10 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.11 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.12 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the 1 This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.06 on Ultrasonic Method. Current edition approved June 1, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E317 – 16. DOI: 10.1520/E0317-21. 2 Beck, K. H., “Limitations to the Use of Reference Blocks for Periodic and Preinspection Calibration of Ultrasonic Inspection Instruments and Systems,” Materials Evaluation, Vol 57, No. 3, March 1999. *A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 1 Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM E317-21 Referenced Document

• ASTM E114 Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Straight-Beam Examination by the Contact Method
• ASTM E127 Standard Practice for Fabricating and Checking Aluminum Alloy Ultrasonic Standard Reference Blocks
• ASTM E1316 Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations*， 2024-02-01 Update
• ASTM E1324 Standard Guide for Measuring Some Electronic Characteristics of Ultrasonic Testing Instruments

ASTM E317-21 history

• 2021 ASTM E317-21 Standard Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
• 2016 ASTM E317-16 Standard Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
• 2011 ASTM E317-11 Standard Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
• 2006 ASTM E317-06a Standard Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
• 2006 ASTM E317-06 Standard Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
• 2001 ASTM E317-01 Standard Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse- Echo Examination Instruments and Systems Without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
• 2001 ASTM E317-94 Standard Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse- Echo Examination Instruments and Systems Without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments