ASTM E213-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E213-22 — Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Testing of Metal Pipe and Tubing. This practice defines procedures for volumetric ultrasonic examination of metal pipe and tubing using pulse‑reflection and angle‑beam techniques (contact, non‑contact, immersion, conventional and phased‑array) and the use of artificial reference reflectors for system standardization.

Abstract

This standard provides a procedural framework to detect and locate significant discontinuities in tubular products (pits, voids, inclusions, cracks, splits, etc.) using ultrasonic pulse‑reflection methods. It describes suitable examination techniques, calibration using longitudinal and optional transverse reference notches on a reference standard, and guidance on scan coverage and beam selection to achieve volumetric inspection of pipe and tubing. The practice does not establish acceptance criteria, which must be specified by the using parties.

General information

• Status: Active / Current (E213-22).
• Publication date: February 1, 2022.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 23.040.10 (Iron and steel pipes).
• Edition / version: E213-22 (designation E213, edition year 2022).
• Number of pages: 12 pages.

Scope

The practice covers procedures for detecting discontinuities in metal pipe and tubing during volumetric ultrasonic examinations. Techniques included are pulse‑reflection (contact and non‑contact), angle‑beam immersion (conventional and phased‑array), and related scanning methods (including helical scans where applicable). It is intended for tubular products having outside diameters of approximately 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) and larger when inspection parameters meet the requirements specified in the standard; smaller sizes may be examined by agreement between parties. The standard specifies calibration and reference‑reflector practices but does not set acceptance criteria.

Key topics and requirements

• Ultrasonic pulse‑reflection methods (contact and non‑contact) for volumetric pipe/tube inspection.
• Angle‑beam immersion techniques, including both conventional and phased‑array approaches.
• Use of artificial reflectors (longitudinal and optional transverse reference notches) on reference standards for calibration and standardization.
• Guidance on beam angle, beam shape, and scanning strategies to ensure full volumetric coverage (including helical scanning guidance).
• Requirement that acceptance criteria be defined by the using party; the practice provides procedural, not acceptance, requirements.
• Units: inch‑pound values are primary; SI conversions provided for information only.

Typical use and users

Used by nondestructive testing (NDT) technicians and inspectors, quality assurance engineers, pipe and tubing manufacturers, fabricators, purchasers and specifying engineers in industries such as petroleum, petrochemical, power generation, pressure equipment, and general fabrication where volumetric detection of longitudinal and other discontinuities in tubular products is required. It is applied during manufacturing quality control, incoming inspection, and periodic examination when volumetric ultrasonic methods are specified.

Related standards

Commonly referenced documents and related ASTM standards include Guide E1774 and Practice E1816 (specific ultrasonic techniques and phased‑array use), E543 (specification for agencies performing NDT), E1065 (evaluating ultrasonic search units), and E1316 (NDT terminology). Earlier and related editions: E213‑20, E213‑14 (previous revisions).

Keywords

ultrasonic testing, pipe, tubing, pulse‑reflection, angle beam, immersion, phased array, volumetric examination, nondestructive testing (NDT), reference notch, calibration, E213-22.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E213-22 is a practice that defines procedures for ultrasonic volumetric examination of metal pipe and tubing to detect and locate discontinuities using pulse‑reflection and angle‑beam methods.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers inspection techniques (contact/non‑contact pulse‑reflection, angle‑beam immersion, conventional and phased‑array), calibration using artificial reflectors on reference standards, scanning strategies for volumetric coverage, and procedural guidance. It does not set acceptance criteria.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: NDT technicians and supervisors, quality and inspection personnel, tube and pipe manufacturers, fabricators, purchasing/specifying engineers, and agencies performing ultrasonic inspection.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The E213-22 edition (approved/published in 2022) is the current published revision of ASTM E213 as of the date of publication. Users should confirm they hold the latest revision from ASTM International for any contract or regulatory requirement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: E213 is part of ASTM’s nondestructive testing (Committee E07) publications and is often used alongside related ultrasonic guides and practices (for example, Guide E1774, Practice E1816, E543, E1065, and E1316). It has prior revisions (E213‑20, E213‑14, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ultrasonic testing, pipe, tubing, pulse‑reflection, angle beam, immersion, phased array, calibration, reference notch, volumetric examination, nondestructive testing (NDT).