ASTM E3052-21 - Standard Practice for Examination of Carbon Steel Welds Using An Eddy Current Array

1.1 This practice covers the use of an eddy current array (ECA) or an eddy current sensor for nondestructive examination of carbon steel welds. It includes the detection and sizing of surface-breaking cracks in such joints, accommodating for nonmagnetic and nonconductive coating up to 5 mm thick between the sensor and the joint. The practice covers a variety of cracking defects, such as fatigue cracks and other types of planar discontinuities, at various locations in the weld (heat-affected zone, toe area, and weld cap, for example). It covers the length and depth sizing of such surface-breaking discontinuities. This practice can be used for flush-ground and not flush-ground welds. For specific ferrous alloys or specific welded parts, the user may need a more specific procedure.

1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 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.

1.4 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.