BRITISH STANDARD BS ISO

4992-2:2006

Steel castings —
Ultrasonic
examination —
Part 2: Steel castings for highly stressed
components

ICS 77.040.20; 77.140.80

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BS ISO 4992-2:2006

National foreword

This British Standard was published by BSI. It is the UK implementation of

ISO 4992-2:2006.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
ISE/6, Steel castings.
A list of organizations represented on ISE/6 can be obtained on request to its
secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.

This British Standard was Amendments issued since publication

published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee Amd. No. Date Comments
on 30 November 2006

© BSI 2006

ISBN 0 580 49669 4

 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 4992-2

First edition
2006-02-15

Steel castings — Ultrasonic

examination —
Part 2:
Steel castings for highly stressed
components
Pièces moulées en acier — Contrôle aux ultrasons —
Partie 2: Pièces moulées en acier pour composants fortement sollicités

Reference number
ISO 4992-2:2006(E)
 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Contents Page

Foreword............................................................................................................................................................ iv
1 Scope ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Normative references ........................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions........................................................................................................................... 2
4 Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 2
4.1 Order information ................................................................................................................................. 2
4.2 Extent of examination........................................................................................................................... 3
4.3 Maximum permissible size of discontinuities ................................................................................... 3
4.4 Personnel qualification ........................................................................................................................ 3
4.5 Wall-section zones................................................................................................................................ 4
4.6 Severity levels ....................................................................................................................................... 4
5 Examination........................................................................................................................................... 4
5.1 Principles ............................................................................................................................................... 4
5.2 Material .................................................................................................................................................. 4
5.3 Equipment, coupling medium, sensitivity and resolution of detection .......................................... 5
5.4 Preparation of casting surfaces for testing ....................................................................................... 6
5.5 Examination procedure ........................................................................................................................ 6
5.6 Examination report ............................................................................................................................... 9
Annex A (normative) Resolution of detection of the instrument/probe combination............................... 16
Annex B (informative) Sound-beam diameters ............................................................................................. 17
Annex C (informative) Types of indications .................................................................................................. 19
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................... 31

iii
BS ISO 4992-2:2006

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 4992-2 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 17, Steel, Subcommittee SC 11, Steel castings.

ISO 4992 consists of the following parts, under the general title Steel castings — Ultrasonic examination:

⎯ Part 1: Steel castings for general purposes

⎯ Part 2: Steel castings for highly stressed conponents

iv
 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Steel castings — Ultrasonic examination —

Part 2:
Steel castings for highly stressed components

1 Scope
This part of ISO 4992 specifies the requirements for the ultrasonic examination of steel castings (with ferritic
structure) for highly stressed components, and the methods for determining internal discontinuities by the
pulse echo technique.

This part of ISO 4992 applies to the ultrasonic examination of steel castings which have usually received a
grain-refining heat treatment and which have wall thicknesses up to and including 600 mm. For greater wall
thicknesses, special agreements apply with respect to the test procedure and recording levels.

This part of ISO 4992 does not apply to austenitic steels and joint welds.

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 5577, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic inspection — Vocabulary

ISO 7963, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic testing — Specification for calibration block No. 2

EN 583-1, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic examination — Part 1: General principles

EN 583-2, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic examination — Part 2: Sensitivity and range setting

EN 583-5,2005, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic examination — Part 5: Characterization and sizing of

discontinuities

EN 1330-4, Non-destructive testing — Terminology — Part 4: Terms used in ultrasonic testing

EN 12223, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic examination — Specification for calibration block No. 1

EN 12668-1, Non-destructive testing — Characterization and verification of ultrasonic examination

equipment — Part 1: Instruments

EN 12668-2, Non-destructive testing — Characterization and verification of ultrasonic examination

equipment — Part 2: Probes

EN 12668-3, Non-destructive testing — Characterization and verification of ultrasonic examination

equipment — Part 3: Combined equipment

1
BS ISO 4992-2:2006

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 5577, EN 583-1, EN 583-2,
EN 583-5 and EN 1330-4, and the following, apply.

3.1
reference discontinuity echo size
smallest indication to be recorded during the assessment phase of an ultrasonic examination, usually
expressed as an equivalent flat-bottomed hole diameter

3.2
point discontinuity
discontinuity, the dimensions of which are smaller than or equal to the sound-beam diameter

NOTE Dimensions in this part of ISO 4992 relate to length, width and/or dimension in the through-wall direction.

3.3
complex discontinuity
discontinuity, the dimensions of which are larger than the sound-beam diameter

NOTE Dimensions in this part of ISO 4992 relate to length, width and/or dimension in the through-wall direction.

3.4
planar discontinuity
discontinuity having two measurable dimensions

3.5
volumetric discontinuity
discontinuity having three measurable dimensions

3.6
special rim zone
outer rim-zone part with special requirements

NOTE Examples of special requirements are machined surfaces, higher stresses and sealing surfaces.

3.7
production welding
any welding carried out during manufacturing before final delivery to the purchaser

3.7.1
joint welding
production welding used to assemble components together to obtain an integral unit

3.7.2
finishing welding
production welding carried out in order to ensure the agreed quality of the casting

4 Requirements

4.1 Order information

The following information shall be available at the time of enquiry and order (see also EN 583-1):

⎯ the areas of the casting and the number or percentage of castings to which the ultrasonic examination
requirements apply;

⎯ the severity level to be applied to the various zones or areas of the casting;

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 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

⎯ requirements for a written examination procedure;

⎯ whether there are any additional requirements for the examination procedure, see also 5.5.1.

4.2 Extent of examination

The casting shall be examined so that the agreed areas are totally covered (insofar as this is possible from the
shape of the casting) by the use of the best applicable examination technique.

For wall thicknesses greater than 600 mm, agreement shall be made between the parties concerned on the
test procedure and also on the recording and acceptance levels.

4.3 Maximum permissible size of discontinuities

4.3.1 General

The purchaser shall specify the acceptance level according to the required severity level for planar and
volumetric discontinuities within each zone and in each specified area of the casting.

The wall section shall be divided into zones as shown in Figure 1. These sections relate to the sizes of
castings ready for assembly (finish machined).

4.3.2 Indications without measurable dimensions

In special rim zones and at weld preparation ends, indications without measurable dimensions are limited to a
maximum number of indications.

These indications shall not exceed the limits given in Table 1.

4.3.3 Indications with measurable dimensions

4.3.3.1 Planar discontinuities

Planar discontinuities shall not exceed the limits given in Figure 2.

The area of indication with measurable length, but with a non-measurable dimension in the through-wall
direction, shall be calculated in accordance with the formula given in Figure 2.

The sizing of small planar discontinuities, as given in Figure 2, becomes more difficult with increasing beam-
path length and sound-beam diameter. As a guide, these sizings are normally applied to a rim zone of 30 mm.
This makes the use of probes with focussed beams, such as twin-crystal probes, necessary.

4.3.3.2 Volumetric discontinuities

Volumetric discontinuities shall not exceed the sizes given in Figure 3 for the rim zone and Figure 4 for the
core zone. Indications with measurable dimensions are not permissible in severity level 1. The area of an
indication with measurable length but non-measurable width shall be calculated in accordance with the
formula given in Figures 3 and 4.

4.4 Personnel qualification

It is assumed that ultrasonic examination is performed by qualified and capable personnel. In order to prove
this qualification, it is recommended to certify personnel according to ISO 9712 or EN 473.

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BS ISO 4992-2:2006

4.5 Wall-section zones

The wall section shall be divided into zones as shown in Figure 1. These sections relate to the dimensions of
the casting ready for assembly (finish machined).

4.6 Severity levels

If the purchaser specifies different severity levels in different areas of the same casting, all of these areas shall
be clearly identified on the purchaser's drawing and shall include:

⎯ all necessary dimensions for accurate location of zones;

⎯ the full extent of all weld preparations and the thickness of any special rim zone.

Severity level 1 is only applied to weld preparations and special rim zones.

Unless other requirements have been agreed by the time of acceptance of the order, for finishing welds, the
requirements for the parent metal shall apply.

5 Examination

5.1 Principles
The principles of ultrasonic examination given in EN 583-1, EN 583-2 and EN 583-5 shall apply.

5.2 Material
The suitability of material for ultrasonic examination is assessed by comparison with the echo height of a
reference reflector (usually the first backwall echo) and the noise signal. This assessment shall be carried out
on selected casting areas which are representative of the surface finish and of the total thickness range. The
assessment areas shall have parallel surfaces.

The reference echo height according to Table 2 shall be at least 6 dB above the noise signal.

If the echo height of this smallest detectable flat-bottomed or equivalent side-drilled hole diameter at the end
of the test range to be assessed is less than 6 dB above the grass level, then the ultrasonic testability is
reduced. In this case, the flat-bottomed or side-drilled hole diameter which can be detected with a signal-noise
ratio of at least 6 dB shall be noted in the test report and the additional procedure shall be agreed between the
manufacturer and the purchaser.

NOTE For the definition of an adequate flat-bottomed hole size, the distance gain size system (DGS) or a test block
of identical material, heat treatment condition and section thickness containing flat-bottomed holes with a diameter
according to Table 2 or equivalent side-drilled holes, can be used. The following formula is used for converting the
flat-bottomed hole diameter into the side-drilled hole diameter:

4,935 × D FBH
4
DQ = (1)
λ2 ×s
where

DQ is the side-drilled hole diameter, in millimetres;

DFBH is the flat-bottomed hole diameter, in millimetres;

λ is the wave length, in millimetres;

s is the path length, in millimetres.

The formula is applicable for DQ W 2λ and s W 5 × near-field length and is only defined for single element
probes.

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 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

5.3 Equipment, coupling medium, sensitivity and resolution of detection

5.3.1 Ultrasonic instrument

The ultrasonic instrument shall meet the requirements given in EN 12668-1 and shall have the following
characteristics:

⎯ range setting, from at least 10 mm to 2 m continuously selectable, for longitudinal and transverse waves
transmitted in steel;

⎯ gain, adjustable in 2 dB maximum steps over a range of at least 80 dB with a measuring accuracy of
1 dB;

⎯ time-base and vertical linearities less than 5 % of the adjustment range of the screen;

⎯ suitability, at least for nominal frequencies from 1 MHz up to and including 6 MHz, in the pulse-echo
technique with single-crystal and twin-crystal probes.

5.3.2 Probes and transducer frequencies

The probes and transducer frequencies shall be as given in EN 12668-2 and EN 12668-3 with the following
exceptions:

⎯ nominal frequencies shall be in the range 1 MHz to 6 MHz;

⎯ for oblique incidence, angle probes with angles between 35° and 70° shall be used.

NOTE Normal or angle probes can be used for the examination of steel castings for highly stressed components. The
type of probe used depends on the geometry of the casting and the type of discontinuity to be detected.

For examining zones close to the surface, twin-crystal probes (normal or angle) should be preferred.

5.3.3 Checking the ultrasonic examination equipment

The ultrasonic examination equipment shall be checked regularly by the operator in accordance with
EN 12668-3.

5.3.4 Coupling medium

A coupling medium in accordance with EN 583-1 shall be used. The coupling medium shall wet the
examination area to ensure satisfactory sound transmission. The same coupling medium shall be used for
calibration and all subsequent examination operations.

NOTE The sound transmission can be checked by ensuring one or more stable backwall echoes in areas with
parallel surfaces.

5.3.5 Sensitivity and resolution of detection

The detection sensitivity of the instrument shall allow at least the setting of the sensitivity in accordance with
the requirements of 5.5.2.

The resolution of detection of the instrument/probe combination shall meet the requirements of Annex A.

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BS ISO 4992-2:2006

5.4 Preparation of casting surfaces for testing

For the preparation of casting surfaces for examination, see EN 583-1.

The casting surfaces to be examined shall be such that satisfactory coupling with the probe can be achieved.

In the case of single-crystal probes, satisfactory coupling can be achieved if the condition of the surfaces to be
examined corresponds at least to the limit comparator 4 S1 or 4 S2 according to EN 1370.

The roughness of any machined surface to be examined shall be Ra u 12,5 µm.

For special techniques, higher surface qualities such as 2 S1, 2 S2 (see EN 1370) and Ra u 6,3 µm can be
necessary.

5.5 Examination procedure

5.5.1 General

Because the choice of both the direction of incidence and suitable probes largely depends on the shape of the
casting, or on the possible casting discontinuities or on the possible discontinuities from finishing welding, the
applicable examination procedure shall be specified by the manufacturer of the casting. In special cases,
specific agreements can be made.

If possible, the areas to be tested shall be examined from both sides. When testing from one side only, short-
range resolving probes shall be used additionally for the detection of discontinuities close to the surface.
Testing with twin-crystal probes is only adequate for wall thicknesses up to 50 mm.

Additionally, when not otherwise agreed between the purchaser and the manufacturer, for all castings, twin-
crystal normal and/or angle probes shall be used to examine the following areas up to a depth of 50 mm:

⎯ critical areas, e.g. fillets, changes in cross-section, areas with external chills;

⎯ finishing welds;

⎯ weld preparation areas, as specified in the order;

⎯ special rim zones, as specified in the order, critical for the performance of the casting.

Finishing welds which are deeper than 50 mm shall be subject to supplementary examination with other
suitable angle probes.

For angle probes with angles over 60°, the sound beam path shall not exceed 150 mm.

Complete coverage of all areas specified for examination shall be conducted by carrying out systematically
overlapping scans.

The scanning rate shall not exceed 150 mm/s.

5.5.2 Range setting

Range setting shall be carried out in accordance with EN 583-2 on the screen of the test instrument, using
normal or angle probes in accordance with one of the three options given below:

⎯ with the calibration block No. 1 in accordance with EN 12223, or No. 2 in accordance with ISO 7963;

⎯ with an alternative calibration block made in a material exhibiting similar acoustic properties to those of
the material to be examined;

⎯ on the casting itself when using normal probes. In this case, the casting to be tested shall have parallel
surfaces, the distance between which shall be measured.

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 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

5.5.3 Sensitivity setting

5.5.3.1 General

Sensitivity setting shall be carried out after range setting (see 5.5.2) in accordance with EN 583-2. One of the
following two techniques shall be used:

⎯ Distance-amplitude correction curve technique (DAC)

The distance-amplitude correction curve technique makes use of the echo-heights of a series of identical
reflectors (flat-bottomed holes FBH or side-drilled holes SDH), each reflector having a different sound-
beam path.

NOTE A frequency of 2 MHz and a diameter of 6 mm for the flat-bottomed holes are most commonly used.

⎯ Distance gain size technique (DGS)

The distance gain size technique makes use of a series of theoretically derived curves which link the
sound-beam path, the apparatus gain and the diameter of a disc-shaped reflector which is perpendicular
to the beam axis.

5.5.3.2 Transfer correction

Transfer correction shall be determined in accordance with EN 583-2.

When calibration blocks are used, transfer correction can be necessary. When determining the transfer
correction, consideration shall be given not only to the quality of the coupling surface but also to that of the
opposite surface, because the opposite surface also influences the height of the backwall echo (used for
calibration). If the opposite surface is machined or complies at least to the limit comparator 4 S1 or 4 S2
according to EN 1370, this surface has a quality which is sufficient for transfer correction measurements.

5.5.3.3 Detection of discontinuities

For discontinuity detection, the gain shall be increased until the noise level becomes visible on the screen
(search sensitivity).

The echo heights of the flat-bottomed holes given in Table 2, or of the equivalent side-drilled holes, shall be at
least 40 % of the screen height at the end of the thickness range to be tested.

If, during testing, suspicion arises that the reduction of backwall-echo indication exceeds the recordable value
(see Table 3), testing shall be repeated using locally reduced test sensitivity and the reduction of
backwall-echo indication shall be determined quantitatively in decibels.

The sensitivity setting of angle-beam probes shall be such that the typical dynamic echo pattern of these
reflectors (see Figure 3) is clearly visible on the screen.

It is recommended that the sensitivity setting of angle-beam probes is verified on real (not artificial) planar
discontinuities (cracks with dimensions in the through-wall direction) or on walls perpendicular to the surface
and infinite to the sound beam. In these circumstances, the probe shoe should be contoured to fit the casting
shape (see EN 583-2).

5.5.4 Consideration of various types of indications

The following types of indications can occur separately or jointly during the examination of castings and shall
be observed and evaluated:

⎯ reductions of backwall echo which are not due to the casting shape or the coupling;

⎯ echo indications of discontinuities.

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BS ISO 4992-2:2006

The reduction of backwall echo is expressed in decibels as the drop of the backwall-echo height. The height of
the echo indication is given as the flat-bottomed or side-drilled hole diameter.

5.5.5 Recording and recording limits

5.5.5.1 Reduction of backwall echo

All backwall-echo reductions in excess of 12 dB (for a nominal test frequency of 2 MHz) shall be recorded.
The backwall-echo reductions to be recorded shall be marked and measured as indication areas.

5.5.5.2 Echo indications from discontinuities

The recording limit of an echo indication is defined by its signal amplitude according to a reference
discontinuity echo size.

All echo indications from discontinuities with measurable dimensions shall be recorded, when the signal
amplitude exceeds both the levels given in Table 3 and the criteria given in Figures 3 and 4.

Distinction shall be made between the different types of indications given in Table 4.

To identify the type of indication, the test sensitivity can be changed according to the distance from the test
surface, the geometrical shape and the surface finish of the test surface.

When using transverse wave probes, irrespective of amplitude, all indications which display travelling
characteristics or have an apparent dimension in the through-wall direction shall be recorded for subsequent
assessment in accordance with 5.5.7.3.

Each location, where indications to be recorded have been found, shall be marked and indicated in the test
report. The location of reflection points shall be documented, e.g. by a sketch or photograph.

5.5.6 Investigation of indications to be recorded

The locations where indications to be recorded have been found (see 5.5.5) shall be investigated more closely
with respect to their type, shape, size and position. This investigation can be achieved by altering the
ultrasonic test technique (e.g. changing the angle of incidence) or by additionally carrying out radiographic
examination.

5.5.7 Characterization and sizing of discontinuities

5.5.7.1 General

For characterization and sizing of discontinuities, see EN 583-5.

The ultrasonic determination of the dimensions of a discontinuity with an accuracy sufficient for engineering
applications is only possible under certain preconditions (e.g. knowledge of the type of discontinuity, simple
geometry of the discontinuity and optimum impact of the sound beam on the discontinuity).

The characterization of the type of discontinuities can be improved by using additional sound directions and
angles of incidence. For a simplification of the procedure, the following categorizations of discontinuities are
made:

⎯ discontinuities without measurable dimensions (point discontinuities);

⎯ discontinuities with measurable dimensions (complex discontinuities).

NOTE 1 Annex B gives information on sound-beam diameters in order to distinguish between discontinuities with or
without measurable dimensions.

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 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

NOTE 2 Annex C gives information on types of indications and on the determination of their dimensions. It also gives
information on range setting (see 5.5.2) and on sensitivity setting (see 5.5.3).

For the determination of the dimensions of discontinuities, it is recommended that probes having a sound-
beam diameter as small as possible at the location of the discontinuity are used.

5.5.7.2 Sizing of discontinuities mainly parallel to the test surface

The boundaries of any discontinuity shall be defined by the perimeter line at which the signal amplitude falls to
6 dB below the last maximum or at which, in the case of backwall-echo reduction, the echo is reduced by 6 dB
(2 MHz probe) below the height of the undisturbed backwall echo.

The dimension in the through-wall direction of the discontinuity should be measured according to Figure 5.

5.5.7.3 Sizing of discontinuities in the through-wall direction

The sizing of planar discontinuities and their assessment in relation to specified severity levels shall be carried
out by the probe movement in accordance with 5.5.7.1, but in this case, the echo is reduced by 20 dB
(see Figures C.7 and C.9).

5.6 Examination report

The examination report shall contain at least the following information:

⎯ a reference to this International Standard;

⎯ characteristic data of the examined casting;

⎯ extent of examination;

⎯ type of examination equipment used;

⎯ probes used;

⎯ the examination technique with reference to the examination area;

⎯ all data necessary for sensitivity setting;

⎯ information on all characteristic features of discontinuities to be recorded (e.g. backwall-echo reduction,

position and dimension in the through-wall direction, length, area and flat-bottomed hole diameter) and
the descriptions of their position (sketch or photograph);

⎯ date of the examination and name of the responsible person.

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BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Table 1 — Acceptance limits for discontinuities without measurable dimensions in special rim zones
and weld preparation ends (scanned by normal or angle probes)

Acceptance limitsc
for discontinuities in a frame
Smallest equivalent flat-bottomed or 100 mm × 100 mm
side-drilled hole diameter to be considered
number distance
Severity levela
max. min.
FBHb SDHb
mm mm mm

3 d, e
1 1,5 6 12
(with – 6 db on DAC)

3 d, e
2 1,5 12 10
(with – 6 db on DAC)
3 2 3d 12 8
a Severity level 1 generally applies to the complete wall thickness of weld preparation ends. The severity level for special rim zones
shall be specified by the purchaser.
b FBH = flat-bottomed hole, SDH = side-drilled hole.
c If the indications are more than 15 mm apart, they are acceptable, irrespective of their number.
d Applicable to angle probes (4 MHz, crystal diameter approx. 10 mm).
e A SDH of diameter 0,75 mm can be represented by a SDH of diameter 3 mm, if the distance-amplitude correction curve of a SDH
of diameter 3 mm is reduced by 50 %.

Table 2 — Ultrasonic testability requirements

Dimensions in millimetres

Smallest flat-bottomed
Wall thickness Tested area hole diameter detectable
according to 5.2
u 100 — 2
> 100 to u 300 — 3
> 300 to u 600 — 4
Special rim zone, weld
— 1,5
preparation ends

Table 3 — Recording levels

Smallest equivalent Reduction

Wall thickness flat-bottomed hole of backwall
diameter echo
min.
mm mm
dB
u 100 2
> 100 to u 300 3 12
> 300 to u 600 4

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 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Table 4 — Reference codes for types of indications

Reference codea Type of indication Figure

SDB Reduction of backwall echo C.2

II Individual indication without measurable dimension C.3, C.4
IIL Individual indication with one measurable dimension C.4, C.5
GIR Group of resolvable indications C.6
IIP/IID Individual indication with two dimensions C.5, C.7
NII Numerous indications without measurable dimensions C.8
NIP Numerous indications with dimensions in the through-wall direction C.9
GIN Group of non-resolvable indications C.10, C.11
a For characterization of indications see EN 583-5:2000, Annex B.

Key
1 Rim zone
2 Core zone
t Wall thickness
a t/3 × t (max. 30 mm)

Figure 1 — Division of wall section into zones

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BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Key
1 Severity level 2 3 Severity level 4
2 Severity level 3 4 Severity level 5
X Distance from test surface, in millimetres
Y Largest acceptable individual indication area, in square millimetres

Indications with measurable dimensions are not permissible as severity level 1.

The maximum dimension in the through-wall direction shall not exceed 10 % of the wall thickness, except
indications with a measurable length u 10 mm. Such indications shall not exceed a dimension in the through-
wall direction of 25 % of the wall thickness or 20 mm, whichever is the least.

The maximum distance between indications, as criterion for evaluation as an individual indication or indication
area in the through-wall direction or lateral to the surface, shall be 10 mm.

For an area with measurable length and non-measurable dimension in the through-wall direction, this non-
measurable dimension shall be taken as 3 mm and the area shall be calculated: A = 3 × L, where A is the area
of indication, in square millimetres: 3 is the defined width, in millimetres; L is the measurable length, in
millimetres.

Figure 2 — Acceptance limits for individual planar indications mainly orientated

in the through-wall direction (see also Figures C.8, C.9 and C.11) detected with angle probes

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 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Key
1 Severity level 2
2 Severity level 3
3 Severity level 4
4 Severity level 5
X Shortest distance from test surface or from backwall, in millimetres
Y1 Smallest indication area to be recorded, in square millimetres
Y2 Largest acceptable individual indication area, in square millimetres

Indications with measurable dimensions are not permissible as severity level 1.

The maximum acceptable dimensions of discontinuities or indication areas in the through-wall direction shall
be 15 % of the rim zone thickness.

The maximum distance between discontinuities, as a criterion for evaluation as an individual indication in the
through-wall direction or lateral to the surface, shall be 10 mm.

For an area with measurable length and non-measurable dimension in the through-wall direction, this non-
measurable dimension shall be taken as 3 mm and the area shall be calculated: A = 3 × L, where A is the area
of indication, in square millimetres; 3 is the defined width, in millimetres; L is the measurable length, in
millimetres.

Figure 3 — Recording and acceptance limits for volumetric indications with measurable dimensions
in the rim zone (see also Figures C.2, C.5 and C.10) detected with normal probes

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BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Key
1 Severity level 2
2 Severity level 3
3 Severity level 4
4 Severity level 5
X Shortest distance from test surface or from backwall, in millimetres
Y1 Smallest indication area to be recorded, in square millimetres
Y2 Largest acceptable individual indication area, in square millimetres

Indications with measurable dimensions are not permissible in severity level 1.

The maximum acceptable dimensions of discontinuities or indication areas in the through-wall direction shall
be 15 % of the wall thickness.

The maximum distance between discontinuities, as a criterion for evaluation as an individual indication in the
through-wall direction or lateral to the surface, shall be 20 mm.

For an area with measurable length and non-measurable dimension in the through-wall direction, this non-
measurable dimension shall be taken as 3 mm and the area shall be calculated: A = 3 × L, where A is the area
of indication, in square millimetres; 3 is the defined width, in millimetres; L is the measurable length, in
millimetres.

Unless otherwise agreed by the time of enquiry and order, when, after conducting the radiographic and the
ultrasonic examination in combination, it has been demonstrated that a discontinuity is situated in the core
zone, this additional information shall make the discontinuity acceptable at one level less severe, e.g. severity
level 3 instead of severity level 2 for radiographic examination, see EN 1559-2.

Figure 4 — Recording and acceptance limits for volumetric indications with measurable dimensions in
the core zone (see also Figures C.2, C.5 and C.10) detected with normal probes

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 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Key

a Scanning position “A”

b Scanning position “B”
c A-scan from scanning position “A”
d A-scan from scanning position “B”

Depth extension d = t − (s1 + s2)

where

t is the wall thickness;

s1, s2 are the lengths of the sound-beam paths.

Figure 5 — Measurement of the dimension of discontinuities in the through-wall direction

with normal probes

15
BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Annex A
(normative)

Resolution of detection of the instrument/probe combination

The resolution of detection of the instrument/probe combination shall be assessed by measuring the width of
the first backwall echo using the 25 mm thick section of the IIW A 2 steel reference block in accordance with
EN 12223. The echo amplitude shall be set at 80 % to 100 % of full screen height and the width of the echo
measured in millimetres of steel at a level of 10 % of the echo height. Typical values are given in Table A.1.

Table A.1 — Typical values of echo widths

Frequency Echo width

longitudinal waves (L) transverse waves (T)
MHz mm mm

1 15 —
2 or 2,25 9 5
4 5 3
5 4 2,5

16
 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Annex B
(informative)

Sound-beam diameters

This Annex gives information on sound-beam diameters in order to distinguish between discontinuities with or
without measurable dimensions.

Near-field lengths
Probe Near-field length in millimetres
crystal (approximate values)
transverse
dimension longitudinal waves (L)
waves (T)
mm 1 MHz 2 MHz 4 MHz 5 MHz 2 MHz 4 MHz
∅ 10 4,2 8,0 15,6 — — —
∅ 24 22,7 45 88 115 — —
8×9 — — — — 14 28
20 × 22 — — — — 75 150

Key
1 1 MHz, L, ∅ 10 4 2 MHz, T, 8 × 9 7 4 MHz, T, 8 × 9 10 5 MHz, L, ∅ 24
2 2 MHz, L, ∅ 10 5 4 MHz, L, ∅ 10 8 2 MHz, T, 8 × 9 11 4 MHz, T, 20 × 22
3 1 MHz, L, ∅ 24 6 2 MHz, L, ∅ 24 9 4 MHz, L, ∅ 24
X Sound-beam path, in millimetres
Y Sound-beam diameter (− 6 dB), in millimetres

Figure B.1 — Sound-beam diameters according to sound-beam path and near-field length
for various probes

17
BS ISO 4992-2:2006

The near-field length and the sound-beam diameter can be calculated using the following formulae:

D c2
N= (B.1)
4×λ

2× s
DF = (B.2)
Dc

where

N is the near-field length, in millimetres;

Dc is the crystal diameter, in millimetres;

λ is the wave length, in millimetres;

s is the sound-beam path, in millimetres;

DF is the sound-beam diameter, in millimetres, along the sound-beam path, where the decrease of the
sound pressure perpendicular to the central beam is 6 dB.

18
 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Annex C
(informative)

Types of indications

Figures C.1 to C.11 show possible distinctions between the different types of indications by echo-dynamics.

For the identification of the type of indication, the test sensitivities can be changed according to:

⎯ the distance from the surface to be examined;

⎯ the geometrical shape;

⎯ the surface finish of the surface to be examined.

19
BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Key
1 Range setting, e.g. with calibration block in accordance with EN 12223 or ISO 7963
2 Check of test equipment on side-drilled hole of calibration block, echo height of side-drilled hole 100 % of screen
height
3 Sensitivity setting in an area of the casting to be examined, free from discontinuities without reference reflector
4 Average height of noise level approximately 5 % to 10 % of screen height
5 Check of test sensitivity and test equipment by observation of the echo-dynamics of an as-cast surface in the through-
wall direction
6 A-scan
7 Typical echo dynamic
X Probe movement
Y Echo height
a As-cast surface.
b Echo dynamics.

Figure C.1 — Range setting and sensitivity setting of ultrasonic instrument with a twin-crystal angle
probe scan (4 MHz, 60° angle) to detect discontinuities mainly orientated in the through-wall direction
with a measurable dimension in the region of the rim zone

20
 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Typical indication:

Reduction of backwall echo by more than 12 dB. Indications from discontinuities frequently invisible.

Reason: spongy shrinkage, gas holes, inclusions or large inclined discontinuity.

∆ l > DF

where

DF is the sound-beam diameter;

∆l is the dimension of the discontinuity.

Key
∆H Reduction of backwall echo
X Probe movement
Y Echo height
a Echo dynamics.
b A-scan.

Figure C.2 — Reduction of backwall echo by more than 12 dB, measurable dimension
of indication range

21
BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Typical indication:

Individual indication, half-value dimension ∆l smaller than or equal to the sound-beam diameter DF.

Key
l Lateral extension of indication
H Maximum echo height of individual indication
X Probe movement
Y Echo height
a Echo dynamics.
b A-scan.

Figure C.3 — Individual indication without measurable dimensions

22
 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Typical indication:

Individual indication, half-value dimension ∆d equal to or less than sound-beam diameter DF at reflection point.

Key
d Dimension of indication in the through-wall direction
H Maximum echo height of individual indication
X Probe movement
Y Echo height
a Echo dynamics.
b A-scan.

Figure C.4 — Individual indication without measurable dimensions; individual indication with one
measurable dimension parallel to the test surface and without a measurable
dimension in the through-wall direction

23
BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Typical indication:

Individual indication(s), mainly in the same position in the through-wall direction.

Dimension of indication range larger than the sound-beam diameter DF.

Key
l Lateral extension of indication
∆l Half-value dimension of indication
H1, H2 Last maximum echo heights on opposite sides of indication
X Probe movement
Y Echo height
a Echo dynamics.
b A-scan.

Figure C.5 — Individual indication with measurable dimensions: measurable length, non-measurable
width; measurable length, measurable width

24
 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Typical indication:

Clustering of indications, mainly resolvable with non-measurable dimensions.

Dimension of indication range equal to or larger than the sound-beam diameter DF.

Key
l Lateral extension of indication
∆l Half-value dimension of indication
H1, H2 Last maximum echo heights on opposite sides of indication
X Probe movement
Y Echo height
a Echo dynamics.
b A-scan.

Figure C.6 — Group of resolvable indications with measurable dimensions of the indication range

25
BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Typical indication:

Individual echo with pronounced echo dynamics only in the through-wall direction (travelling indication), or
both in the through-wall direction and parallel to the test surface:

t = ∆s × cos α

where

t is the dimension in the through-wall direction;

∆s is the difference of sound paths from position 2 to position 1;

α is the angle of incidence.

Key
1 Probe position 1
2 Probe position 2
∆H Reduction of maximum echo height of indication
X Probe movement
Y Echo height
a Echo dynamics.
b A-scan.

Figure C.7 — Individual indication with measurable dimensions in the through-wall direction

26
 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Typical indication:

Numerous individual indications.

During probe movement the sound paths change, but all indications remain without measurable dimensions.

Key
X Probe movement
Y Echo height
a Echo dynamics.
b A-scan.

Figure C.8 — Numerous individual indications without measurable dimensions but with measurable
dimensions of the indication range

27
BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Typical indication:

Individual indications with measurable dimensions mainly in the through-wall direction:

t = ∆s × cos α

where

t is the dimension of the indication range in the through-wall direction;

∆s is the difference of sound paths from position 2 and position 1;

α is the angle of incidence.

Key
1 Probe position 1
2 Probe position 2
∆H Reduction of maximum echo height of indication
X Probe movement
Y Echo height
a Echo dynamics.
b A-scan.

Figure C.9 — Numerous planar indications with measurable dimensions in the through-wall direction

28
 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Typical indication:

Group of indications, mainly non-resolvable individual indication. Dimension of indication range equal to or
larger than sound-beam diameter DF.

This type of indication should only be evaluated if, due to geometrical reasons, a back-wall echo cannot be
obtained.

A simultaneous reduction of backwall echo should be evaluated in accordance with Figure C.2.

Key
l Lateral extension of indication
∆l Half-value dimension of indication
H1, H2 Last maximum echo heights on opposite sides of indication
X Probe movement
Y Echo height
a Echo dynamics.
b A-scan.

Figure C.10 — Group of non-resolvable indications with measurable dimensions of indication range
(normal probe)

29
BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Typical indication:

Group of mainly non-resolvable indications:

t = ∆s × cos α

where

t is the dimension of the indication range in the through-wall direction;

∆s is the difference of sound paths from position 2 and position 1;

α is the angle of incidence.

Key
1 Probe position 1
2 Probe position 2
∆H Reduction of maximum echo height of indication
X Probe movement
Y Echo height
a Echo dynamics.
b A-scan.

Figure C.11 — Group of non-resolvable indications with measurable dimensions of indication range
(angle probe)

30
 BS ISO 4992-2:2006

Bibliography

[1] ISO 9712, Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of personnel

[2] EN 473, Non destructive testing — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel — General
principles

[3] EN 1370, Founding — Surface roughness inspection by visualtactile comparators

[4] EN 1559-2, Founding — Technical conditions of delivery — Part 2: Additional requirements for steel
castings

31
BS ISO
4992-2:2006
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