Eberswalde, 15.8.

2008

Explanations regarding the non-destructive weld-seam testing

The following explains the relation between quality levels, test categories and allowable limits of
the standards to be applied.
In the appendix, you will find the relevant standards in English as well as individual explanations
regarding test procedures; furthermore log templates and sample logs.

The basic standard for the weld seam quality levels is the DIN EN ISO 5817
(old DIN EN 25817) Welding – Fusion welded joints in steel – quality levels for imperfections.
The quality levels are defined by the designing engineer depending on the load and the quality rating of the
assembly.
The standard DIN EN 12062 Non-destructive testing of welds – general rules for metallic
materials was prepared in synergy with this standard. For the respective quality levels, this standard
defines the standards for the test techniques/test categories and allowable limits for the individual
test procedures.
The quality level to be applied is indicated in the text block of the drawing

RT- radiation test of weld seams

Test categories A according to DIN EN 1435
Allowable limits 1 according to DIN EN 12517
Quality level B according to DIN EN 5817

UT- weld seam test (ultrasound)

Test categories B according to DIN EN 1714
Allowable limit 2 according to DIN EN 1712
Quality level B according to DIN EN 5817

According to DIN EN 1714, 2 basic methods of the weld seam adjustment are described,
section 10.2
Method 1: Distance – amplitude correction (DAC)
for a cross hole of 3mm
Method 2: Distance – gain – size (DGS) method with circular disc-shaped reflectors

Regarding method 1
In case of the distance amplitude correction (DAC), the echo of a detected discontinuity will be
directly compared with the echo of a Ø 3mm cross hole.
The reference block should be made of the same type of material as the test object and
should have the same geometry.
If the material and the geometry is the same, an attenuation correction of the base line will
no longer be necessary.
The reference block, depending on the wall thickness, includes one or more cross holes which
are scanned by sound waves from different distances. The echo peaks are marked and
connected.
You can make the blocks yourselves from the material you use.
The evaluation will then be carried out according to DIN EN 1712 item 3.4 / 3.5 / 4 and figure A1
and/or
table A1 for the reference heights (observation threshold and registering threshold and
allowable limits).
In addition, items 4.1-4.6 are to be considered for the maximum lengths of the discontinuity.

Regarding method 2
The DGS method requires the DGS diagrams of the individual probes or the
DGS detachable scales for the testing device which are supplied by the manufacturer.
The reference height as a function of the wall thickness and the testing frequency is specified as a
function of a circular disc diameter (D krs). The reference height is adjusted on the calibration
body K1 and/or K2.
Table 3 and 4 EN 1714.
The evaluation will then be carried out according to DIN EN 1712 item 3.4 / 3.5 / 4 and figure A2
and/or
table A2 for the reference heights (observation threshold and registering threshold and
allowable limits).
In addition, items 4.1-4.6 are to be considered for the maximum lengths of the discontinuity.
.
For quality level B according to DIN EN 5817 (DIN EN 25817), the allowable limit 2 is to be
observed and the test is to be carried out according to test category B.

For further explanations, see quality manual part C

VT – Weld seam test visual inspection

Quality level B according to DIN EN ISO 5817

Lamination test of heavy plates D/UT

Overall ultrasound test (surface and edge zone) according to DIN EN 10160
Edge zone test (RZP) =E3 Surface test (FLP) = S 2

Use these standards, test procedures and allowable limits for the evaluation of the weld seams and
heavy plates, further instructions see quality manual.

Litka Wontroba
Quality assurance Welding supervision

Appendix:

DIN EN ISO 5817

DIN EN 1714
DIN EN 1712
DIN EN 1435
DIN EN 12517
KEN 12210
KEN12250
Log templates UT, RT, D, VT
Log samples UT, RT, D, VT
Explanation for the testing with DGS scales
Detachable scales example