ABS NDT Rules

ABS NDT Rules
General
1 Preparation for Inspection A visual inspection is to be conducted to the satisfaction of the Surveyor. 2 Methods used for preparing and cleaning welds and nondestructive test procedures are to be to the satisfaction of the Surveyor. 3 Methods of Inspection Inspection of welded joints is to be carried out by an approved nondestructive test method, such as radiography (RT), ultrasonic (UT), magnetic particle (MT) or liquid penetrant (PT). Radiographic or ultrasonic inspection, or both, is to be used for internal (subsurface) inspection. Magnetic particle or liquid penetrant inspection or other equivalent approved detection method is generally to be used for surface inspection of welds

.4The extent and location of inspection and choice of inspection method(s) are to be in accordance with the applicable Rules, the material and welding procedures involved, the quality control procedures employed, the results of the visual inspection, and are to be to the satisfaction of the Surveyor
.5 Personnel The Surveyor is to be satisfied that personnel responsible for conducting nondestructive tests are thoroughly familiar with the equipment being used and that the technique and equipment used are suitable for the intended application. NDT personnel are to be qualified by training and experience and certified to perform the necessary calibrations and tests and to interpret and evaluate indications in accordance with the terms of the specification. Personnel certified in accordance with the International Standard ISO 9712, Training, Qualification and Certification of Non-destructive Testing Personnel, shall be classified in any one of the following three levels
.Personnel who have not attained certification may be classified as trainees
.5.1 Other Recognized National Certifying Programs The requirements of other recognized national certifying programs will be specially considered
.5.3 NDT Trainee A trainee is an individual who works under the supervision of certified personnel but who does not conduct any tests independently, does not interpret test results and does not write reports on test results
.5.4This individual may be registered as being in the process of gaining appropriate experience to establish eligibility for qualification to Level 1 or for direct access to Level 2.
. 5.5 NDT Level 1 An individual certified to NDT Level 1 may be authorized to:
. i) set up the equipment;
. ii) carry out NDT operations in accordance with written instructions under the supervision of Level 2 or Level 3 personnel;
.iii) perform the tests;
.iv) record the conditions and date of the tests;
.v) classify, with prior written approval of a Level 3, the results in accordance with documented criteria, and report the results. An individual certified to Level 1 is not to be responsible for the choice of the test method or technique to be used

5.7 NDT Level 2 An individual certified to NDT Level 2 may be authorized to perform and direct nondestructive testing in accordance with established or recognized procedures
.This may include:
. i) defining the limitations of application of the test method for which the Level 2 individual is qualified; ii) translating NDT codes, standards, specifications and procedures into practical testinginstructions adapted to the actual working conditions;
. iii) setting up and verifying equipment settings;
.iv) performing and supervising tests;
.v) interpreting and evaluating results according to applicable codes, standards and specifications;
.vi) preparing NDT instructions;
.vii) carrying out or supervising all Level 1 duties;
. viii) training or guiding personnel below Level 2, and
. ix) organizing and reporting results of nondestructive tests. 5.9 NDT Level 3 5.9.1 An individual certified to NDT Level 3 may be authorized to direct any operation in the NDT method(s) for which he is certified
.This may include:
.i) assuming full responsibility for an NDT facility and staff;
.ii) establishing and validating techniques and procedures;
.iii) interpreting codes, standards, specifications and procedures;
.iv) designating the particular test methods, techniques and procedures to be used for specific NDT work;
. v) interpreting and evaluating results in terms of existing codes, standards and specifications;
.vi) managing qualification examinations, if authorized for this task by the certification body, and
.vii) carrying out or supervising all Level 1 and Level 2 duties
.5.9.2 An individual certified to Level 3 shall have:
.i) sufficient practical background in applicable materials, fabrication and product technology to select methods and establish techniques and to assist in establishing acceptance criteria where none are otherwise available;
. ii) a general familiarity with other NDT methods; and
.iii) the ability to train or guide personnel below Level 3. 7 NDT Procedures and Techniques Procedures and techniques shall be established and approved by personnel certified to NDT level 3 in the applicable inspection method. Techniques shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements stated in the applicable NDT section of this Guide. NDT inspection shall be performed by certified level 1, 2 or 3 personnel. Interpretation and evaluation of inspection results shall be performed by personnel certified to NDT level 2 or 3 in the applicable NDT inspection method
. Inspection for Delayed (Hydrogen Induced) Cracking
. 9.1 Time of Inspection Nondestructive testing of weldments in steels of 400 N/mm2 (41 kgf/mm2, 58,000 psi) yield strength or greater is to be conducted at a suitable interval after welds have been completed and cooled to ambient temperature. The interval is to be a minimum of 24 hours for steels 400 N/mm2 (41 kgf/mm2, 58,000 psi) yield strength and a minimum of 72 hours for steels greater than 400 N/mm2 (41 kgf/mm2, 58,000 psi) yield strength, unless specially approved otherwise
.9.2The Surveyor, at his discretion, may require a longer interval and/or additional random inspection at a later period. At the discretion of the Surveyor, the 72 hour interval may be reduced to 24 hours for RT or UT inspections, provided a complete visual and random MT or PT inspection to the satisfaction of the Surveyor, is conducted 72 hours after welds have been completed and cooled to ambient temperature.
. 9.3 Delayed Cracking Occurrences When delayed cracking is encountered in production, previously completed welds are to be reinspected for delayed cracking to the Surveyor’s satisfaction. The Surveyor, at his discretion, may require requalification of procedures or additional production control procedures to assure that production welds are free of delayed cracking
.11 Acceptance Standards Acceptance Standards specified herein are only applicable to inspections required by the Rules and by surveyor
.13 Documentation Adequate information as to the NDT methods, extent, location(s) and results of inspection shall be included in inspection records or reports so that conformity with the applicable NDT requirements is properly documented
.15 References International Standard ISO 9712, Training, Qualification and Certification of Non-destructive Testing personnelAmerican Bureau of Shipping
Incorporated by Act of Legislature of
the State of New York 1862
Copyright 2002