Designation: A388/A388M − 11 Used in USNRC-RDT standards

Standard Practice for

Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Forgings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A388/A388M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

2
1.1 This practice covers the examination procedures for the 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
contact, pulse-echo ultrasonic examination of steel forgings by A469/A469M Specification for Vacuum-Treated Steel Forg-
the straight and angle-beam techniques. The straight beam ings for Generator Rotors
techniques include utilization of the DGS (Distance Gain-Size) A745/A745M Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Aus-
method. See Appendix X3. tenitic Steel Forgings
1.2 This practice is to be used whenever the inquiry, E317 Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of
contract, order, or specification states that forgings are to be Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems
subject to ultrasonic examination in accordance with Practice without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
A388/A388M. E428 Practice for Fabrication and Control of Metal, Other
than Aluminum, Reference Blocks Used in Ultrasonic
1.3 Supplementary requirements of an optional nature are
Testing
provided for use at the option of the purchaser. The supple-
E1065 Practice for Evaluating Characteristics of Ultrasonic
mentary requirements shall apply only when specified indi-
Search Units
vidually by the purchaser in the purchase order or contract.
2.2 Other Document:
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in Recommended Practice for Nondestructive Personnel Quali-
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each fication and Certification SNT-TC-1A, (1988 or later)4
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance 3. Terminology
with the standard. 3.1 Definitions:
1.5 This specification and the applicable material specifica- 3.1.1 indication levels (clusters), n—five or more indica-
tions are expressed in both inch-pound units and SI units. tions in a volume representing a 2-in. [50-mm] or smaller cube
However, unless the order specifies the applicable “M” speci- in the forging.
fication designation [SI units], the material shall be furnished 3.1.2 individual indications, n—single indications showing
to inch-pound units. a decrease in amplitude as the search unit is moved in any
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the direction from the position of maximum amplitude and which
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the are too small to be considered traveling or planar.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.3 planar indications, n—indications shall be considered
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
continuous over a plane if they have a major axis greater than
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1 in. [25 mm] or twice the major dimension of the transducer,
whichever is greater, and do not travel.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
3
A01.06 on Steel Forgings and Billets. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2011. Published May 2011. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as A388/A388M – 10. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/A0388_A0388M-11. the ASTM website.
2 4
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specifi- Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box
cation SA-388/SA-388M in Section II of that Code. 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 A388/A388M − 11
3.1.4 traveling indications, n—inductions whose leading [13 mm] minimum to 1 in. [25 mm] maximum dimensions
edge moves a distance equivalent to 1 in. [25 mm] or more of shall be used for angle-beam scanning (see 9.3).
metal depth with movement of the transducer over the surface 6.2.1 Transducers shall be utilized at their rated frequencies.
of the forging. 6.2.2 Other search units may be used for evaluating and
pinpointing indications.
4. Significance and Use
6.3 Couplants, having good wetting characteristics such as
4.1 This practice shall be used when ultrasonic inspection is SAE No. 20 or No. 30 motor oil, glycerin, pine oil, or water
required by the order or specification for inspection purposes shall be used. Couplants may not be comparable to one another
where the acceptance of the forging is based on limitations of and the same couplant shall be used for calibration and
the number, amplitude, or location of discontinuities, or a examination.
combination thereof, which give rise to ultrasonic indications.
6.4 Reference Blocks, containing flat-bottom holes may be
4.2 The ultrasonic quality level shall be clearly stated as used for calibration of equipment in accordance with 6.1.2 and
order requirements. may be used to establish recording levels for straight-beam
5. Ordering Information examination when so specified by the order or contract.

5.1 When this practice is to be applied to an inquiry, 6.5 DGS Scales, matched to the ultrasonic test unit and
contract, or order, the purchaser shall so state and shall also transducer to be utilized, may be used to establish recording
furnish the following information: levels for straight beam examination, when so specified by the
5.1.1 Designation number (including year date), order or contract. The DGS scale range must be selected to
5.1.2 Method of establishing the sensitivity in accordance include the full thickness cross-section of the forging to be
with 9.2.2 and 9.3.3 (Vee- or rectangular-notch), examined. An example of a DGS overlay is found in Appendix
5.1.2.1 The diameter and test metal distance of the flat- X3.
bottom hole and the material of the reference block in 6.5.1 As an alternative to using DGS overlays, an ultrasonic
accordance with 9.2.2.2, instrument having integral decibel gain or attenuator controls
5.1.3 Quality level for the entire forging or portions thereof in combination with a specifically paired transducer and DGS
in accordance with 12.3, and diagram may be used to evaluate ultrasonic indications.
5.1.4 Any options in accordance with 1.5, 6.4, 6.5, 7.1, 8.1,
8.2, 9.1.11, 10.1, 10.2, and 12.2. 7. Personnel Requirements
7.1 Personnel performing the ultrasonic examinations to this
6. Apparatus practice shall be qualified and certified in accordance with a
6.1 Electronic Apparatus—An ultrasonic, pulsed, reflection written procedure conforming to Recommended Practice No.
type of instrument shall be used for this examination. The SNT-TC-1A (1988 or later) or another national standard that is
system shall have a minimum capability for examining at acceptable to both the purchaser and the supplier.
frequencies from 1 to 5 MHz. On examining austenitic
stainless forgings the system shall have the capabilities for 8. Preparation of Forging for Ultrasonic Examination
examining at frequencies down to 0.4 MHz. 8.1 Unless otherwise specified in the order or contract, the
6.1.1 Apparatus Qualification and Calibration—Basic forging shall be machined to provide cylindrical surfaces for
qualification of the ultrasonic test instrument shall be per- radial examination in the case of round forgings; the ends of
formed at intervals not to exceed 12 months or whenever the forgings shall be machined perpendicular to the axis of the
maintenance is performed that affects the equipment function. forging for the axial examination. Faces of disk and rectangular
The date of the last calibration and the date of the next required forgings shall be machined flat and parallel to one another.
calibration shall be displayed on the test equipment.
6.1.2 The ultrasonic instrument shall provide linear presen- 8.2 The surface roughness of exterior finishes shall not
tation (within 5 %) for at least 75 % of the screen height exceed 250 µin. [6 µm] unless otherwise shown on the forging
(sweep line to top of screen). The 5 % linearity referred to is drawing or stated in the order or the contract.
descriptive of the screen presentation of amplitude. Instrument 8.3 The surfaces of the forging to be examined shall be free
linearity shall be verified in accordance with the intent of of extraneous material such as loose scale, paint, dirt, and so
Practice E317. Any set of blocks processed in accordance with forth.
Practice E317 or E428 may be used to establish the specified
65 % instrument linearity. 9. Procedure
6.1.3 The electronic apparatus shall contain an attenuator 9.1 General:
(accurate over its useful range to 610 % (+1 dB) of the 9.1.1 As far as practicable, subject the entire volume of the
amplitude ratio) which will allow measurement of indications forging to ultrasonic examination. Because of radii at change
beyond the linear range of the instrument. of sections and other local configurations, it may be impossible
6.2 Search Units, having a transducer with a maximum to examine some sections of a forging.
active area of 1 in.2 [650 mm2] with 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] minimum 9.1.2 Perform the ultrasonic examination after heat treat-
to 11⁄8 in. [30 mm] maximum dimensions shall be used for ment for mechanical properties (exclusive of stress-relief
straight-beam scanning (see 9.2); and search units with 1⁄2 in. treatments) but prior to drilling holes, cutting keyways, tapers,

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 A388/A388M − 11
grooves, or machining sections to contour. If the configuration inspecting austenitic steel forgings due to attendant high level of “noise”
of the forging required for the treatment for mechanical or “hash” caused by coarse grain structure.
properties prohibits a subsequent complete examination of the 9.2.2.2 Reference-Block Calibration—The test surface
forging, it shall be permissible to examine prior to treatment for roughness on the calibration standard shall be comparable to,
mechanical properties. In such cases, reexamine the forging but no better than, the item to be examined. Adjust the
ultrasonically as completely as possible after heat treatment. instrument controls to obtain the required signal amplitude
9.1.3 To ensure complete coverage of the forging volume, from the flat-bottom hole in the specified reference block.
index the search unit with at least 15 % overlap with each pass. Utilize the attenuator in order to set up on amplitudes larger
9.1.4 For manual scanning, do not exceed a scanning rate of than the vertical linearity of the instrument. In those cases,
6 in./s [150 mm/s]. remove the attenuation prior to scanning the forging.
9.1.5 For automated scanning, adjust scanning speed or NOTE 2—When flat-surfaced reference block calibration is specified,
instrument repetition rate, or both, to permit detection of the adjust the amplitude of indication from the reference block or blocks to
smallest discontinuities referenced in the specification and to compensate for examination surface curvature (an example is given in
allow the recording or signaling device to function. At no time Appendix X1).
shall the scanning speed exceed the speed at which an 9.2.2.3 DGS Calibration—Prior to use, verify that the DGS
acceptable calibration was made. overlay matches the transducer size and frequency. Accuracy
9.1.6 If possible, scan all sections of forgings in two of the overlay can be verified by reference blocks and
perpendicular directions. procedures outlined in Practice E317. Overlays are to be
9.1.7 Scan disk forgings using a straight beam technique serialized to match the ultrasonic transducer and pulse echo
from at least one flat face and radially from the circumference, testing system that they are to be utilized with.
whenever practicable. 9.2.2.4 Choose the appropriate DGS scale for the cross-
9.1.8 Scan cylindrical sections and hollow forgings radially sectional thickness of the forging to be examined. Insert the
using a straight-beam technique. When practicable, also exam- overlay over the CRT screen, ensuring the DGS scale base line
ine the forging in the axial direction. coincides with the sweep line of the CRT screen. Place the
9.1.9 In addition, examine hollow forgings by angle-beam probe on the forging, adjust the gain to make the first back-wall
technique from the outside diameter surface as required in echo appear clearly on CRT screen. Using the Delay and
9.3.1. Sweep control, shift the screen pattern so that the leading edge
9.1.10 In rechecking or reevaluation by manufacturer or of the initial pulse is on zero of the DGS scale and the
purchaser, use comparable equipment, search units, frequency, back-wall echo is on the DGS scale value corresponding to the
and couplant. thickness of the forging. Adjust the gain so the forging
9.1.11 Forgings may be examined either stationary or while back-wall echo matches the height of the DGS reference slope
rotating in a lathe or on rollers. If not specified by the within 61 Db. Once adjusted, increase the gain by the Db
purchaser, either method may be used at the manufacturer’s shown on the DGS scale for the reference slope. Instrument is
option. now calibrated and flaw sizes that can be reliably detected can
9.2 Straight-Beam Examination: be directly read from the CRT screen. These flaw sizes are the
9.2.1 For straight-beam examination use a nominal 21⁄4- equivalent flat bottom reflector that can be used as a reference
MHz search unit whenever practicable; however, 1 MHz is the point.
preferred frequency for coarse grained austenitic materials and NOTE 3—The above can be utilized on all solid forgings. Cylindrical
long testing distances. In many instances on examining coarse hollow forgings, and drilled or bored forgings must be corrected to
grained austenitic materials it may be necessary to use a compensate for attenuation due to the central hole (see Appendix X4).
frequency of 0.4 MHz. Other frequencies may be used if 9.2.3 Recalibration—Any change in the search unit,
desirable for better resolution, penetrability, or detectability of couplant, instrument setting, or scanning speed from that used
flaws. for calibration shall require recalibration. Perform a calibration
9.2.2 Establish the instrument sensitivity by either the check at least once every 8 h shift. When a loss of 15 % or
reflection, reference-block technique, or DGS method (see greater in the gain level is indicated, reestablish the required
Appendix X3 for an explanation of the DGS method). calibration and reexamine all of the material examined in the
9.2.2.1 Back-Reflection Technique (Back-Reflection Cali- preceding calibration period. When an increase of 15 % or
bration Applicable to Forgings with Parallel Entry and Back greater in the gain level is indicated, reevaluate all recorded
Surfaces) —With the attenuator set at an appropriate level, for indications.
example 5 to 1 or 14 dB, adjust the instrument controls to 9.2.4 During the examination of the forging, monitor the
obtain a back reflection approximately 75 % of the full-screen back reflection for any significant reduction in amplitude.
height from the opposite side of the forging. Scan the forging Reduction in back-reflection amplitude may indicate not only
at the maximum amplification setting of the attenuator (attenu- the presence of a discontinuity but also poor coupling of the
ator set at 1 to 1). Carry out the evaluation of discontinuities search unit with the surface of the forging, nonparallel back-
with the gain control set at the reference level. Recalibration is reflection surface, or local variations of attenuation in the
required for significant changes in section thickness or diam- forging. Recheck any areas causing loss of back reflection.
eter.
9.3 Angle-Beam Examination—Rings and Hollow Forg-
NOTE 1—High sensitivity levels are not usually employed when ings:

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 A388/A388M − 11
9.3.1 Perform the examination from the circumference of 10.1.2 For indications that are planar, traveling, or clustered,
rings and hollow forgings that have an axial length greater than determine the location of the edges and the major and minor
2 in. [50 mm] and an outside to inside diameter ratio of less axes using the half-amplitude (6dB drop) technique and report:
than 2.0 to 1. 10.1.2.1 The variation in depth or planar area, or both, of
9.3.2 Use a 1 MHz, 45° angle-beam search unit unless traveling indications,
thickness, OD/ID ratio, or other geometric configuration results 10.1.2.2 The length of major and minor axes of planar
in failure to achieve calibration. Other frequencies may be used indications, and
if desirable for better resolution, penetrability, or detectability 10.1.2.3 The volume occupied by indication levels and the
of flaws. For angle-beam inspection of hollow forgings up to amplitude range.
2.0 to 1 ratio, provide the transducer with a wedge or shoe that 10.2 Angle-Beam Examination—Record discontinuity indi-
will result in the beam mode and angle required by the size and cations equal to or exceeding 50 % of the indication from the
shape of the cross section under examination. reference line. When an amplitude reference line cannot be
9.3.3 Calibrate the instrument for the angle-beam examina- generated, record discontinuity indications equal to or exceed-
tion to obtain an indication amplitude of approximately 75 % ing 50 % of the reference notch. These recordable indications
full-screen height from a rectangular or a 60° V-notch on inside do not constitute a rejectable condition unless negotiated as
diameter (ID) in the axial direction and parallel to the axis of such in the purchase order.
the forging. A separate calibration standard may be used;
however, it shall have the same nominal composition, heat 10.3 Report reduction in back reflection exceeding 50% of
treatment, and thickness as the forging it represents. The test the original measured in increments of 10%.
surface finish on the calibration standard shall be comparable 10.4 When recording, corrections must be made for beam
but no better than the item to be examined. Where a group of divergence at the estimated flaw depth (See Guide E1065).
identical forgings is made, one of these forgings may be used 10.5 Report indication amplitudes in increments of 10 %.
as the separate calibration standard. Cut the ID notch depth to
3 % maximum of the thickness or 1⁄4 in. [6 mm], whichever is 11. Report
smaller, and its length approximately 1 in. [25 mm]. Thickness
11.1 Report the following information:
is defined as the thickness of the forging to be examined at the
11.1.1 All recordable indications (see Section 10);
time of examination. At the same instrument setting, obtain a
11.1.2 For the purpose of reporting the locations of record-
reflection from a similar OD notch. Draw a line through the
able indications, a sketch shall be prepared showing the
peaks of the first reflections obtained from the ID and OD
physical outline of the forging including dimensions of all
notches. This shall be the amplitude reference line. It is
areas not inspected due to geometric configuration, the pur-
preferable to have the notches in excess metal or test metal
chaser’s drawing number, the purchaser’s order number, and
when possible. When the OD notch cannot be detected when
the manufacturer’s serial number, and the axial, radial, and
examining the OD surface, perform the examination when
circumferential distribution of recordable ultrasonic indica-
practicable (some ID’s may be too small to permit
tions;
examination), as indicated above from both the OD and ID
11.1.3 The designation (including year date) to which the
surfaces. Utilize the ID notch when inspecting from the OD,
examination was performed as well as the frequency used,
and the OD notch when inspecting from the ID. Curve wedges
method of setting sensitivity, type of instrument, surface finish,
or shoes may be used when necessary and practicable.
couplant, and search unit employed; and
9.3.4 Perform the examination by scanning over the entire
11.1.4 The inspector’s name or identity and date the exami-
surface area circumferentially in both the clockwise and
nation was performed.
counter-clockwise directions from the OD surface. Examine
forgings, which cannot be examined axially using a straight 12. Quality Levels
beam, in both axial directions with an angle-beam search unit.
12.1 This practice is intended for application to forgings,
For axial scanning, use rectangular or 60° V-notches on the ID
with a wide variety of sizes, shapes, compositions, melting
and OD for the calibration. These notches shall be perpendicu-
processes, and applications. It is, therefore, impracticable to
lar to the axis of the forging and the same dimensions as the
specify an ultrasonic quality level which would be universally
axial notch.
applicable to such a diversity of products. Ultrasonic accep-
10. Recording tance or rejection criteria for individual forgings should be
10.1 Straight-Beam Examination—Record the following in- based on a realistic appraisal of service requirements and the
dications as information for the purchaser. These recordable quality that can normally be obtained in the production of the
indications do not constitute a rejectable condition unless particular type forging.
negotiated as such in the purchase order or contract. 12.2 Austenitic stainless steel forgings are more difficult to
10.1.1 For individual indications, report: penetrate ultrasonically than similar carbon or low-alloy steel
10.1.1.1 In the back-reflection technique, individual indica- forgings. The degree of attenuation normally increases with
tions equal to or exceeding 10 % of a nominal back reflection section size; and the noise level, generally or in isolated areas,
from an adjacent area free from indications, and may become too great to permit detection of discrete indica-
10.1.1.2 In the reference-block or DGS technique, indica- tions. In most instances, this attenuation results from inherent
tions equal to or exceeding 100 % of the reference amplitude. coarse grained microstructure of these austenitic alloys. For

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 A388/A388M − 11
these reasons, the methods and standards employed for ultra- 12.3.1.3 No areas showing loss of back reflection larger
sonically examining carbon and low-alloy steel forgings may than some percentage of the reference back reflection.
not be applicable to austenitic steel forgings. In general, only 12.3.1.4 No indications per 12.3.1.1 or 12.3.1.2 coupled
straight beam inspecting using a back-reflection reference with some loss of resultant back reflection per 12.3.1.3.
standard is used. However, utilization of Practice A745/ 12.3.1.5 No indications exceeding the reference level speci-
A745M for austenitic steel forgings can be considered if flat fied in the DGS method.
bottom hole reference standards or angle beam examination of
12.3.2 Angle-Beam Examination—No indications exceed-
these grades are required.
ing a stated percentage of the reflection from a reference notch
12.3 Acceptance quality levels shall be established between or of the amplitude reference line.
purchaser and manufacturer on the basis of one or more of the
following criteria. 12.4 Intelligent application of ultrasonic quality levels in-
12.3.1 Straight-Beam Examination: volves an understanding of the effects of many parameters on
12.3.1.1 No indications larger than some percentage of the examination results.
reference back reflection.
12.3.1.2 No indications equal to or larger than the indication 13. Keywords
received form the flat-bottom hole in a specific reference block 13.1 angle beam examination; back-reflection; DGS;
or blocks. reference-block; straight beam examination; ultrasonic

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

The following supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by the purchaser in the
inquiry, contract, or order. Details shall be agreed upon by the manufacturer and the purchaser.

S1. Reporting Criteria S2. Use of Dual Element Transducers

S1.1 Reference block calibration shall be performed using S2.1 Dual-element transducers shall be used to inspect those
at least three holes, spaced to approximate minimum, mean, regions of a forging where the presence of a bore, taper or other
and maximum thickness as tested, and shall be used to generate feature prevents scanning the near field region, of the single
a distance amplitude correction (DAC) curve. The following element transducers used, from the opposite surface.
hole sizes apply:
S2.2 Dual-element transducers shall be used to inspect areas
1. 1⁄16 in. [1.5 mm] flat bottom holes (FBH) for thicknesses less
than 1.5 in. [40 mm] near the back-wall of forgings where indications caused by
2. 1⁄8 in. [3 mm] FBH for thicknesses of 1.5-6 in. [40-150 mm] noise exceed the reporting requirements shown in 10.5.
inclusive
3. 1⁄4 in. [6 mm] FBH for thicknesses over 6 in. [150 mm]
S1.2 Reporting criteria include: S3. Surface Finish
1. All indications exceeding the DAC curve S3.1 The surface finish shall not exceed 125 µin (3.17 µm).
2. Two or more indications separated by 1⁄2 in. [12 mm] or less

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 A388/A388M − 11

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. TYPICAL TUNING LEVEL COMPENSATION FOR THE EFFECTS OF FORGING CURVATURE

X1.1 The curve (Fig. X1.1) was determined for the follow-
ing test conditions:
Material nickel-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel
(Specification A469/A469M, Class 4)
Instrument Type UR Reflectoscope
Search unit 1 ⁄8-in. [30-mm] diameter quartz
1

Frequency 21⁄4 MHz

Reference block ASTM No. 3-0600 (aluminum)
Reflection area of refer- 0.010 in.2 [6.5 mm2] in nickel-molybdenum-vana-
ence curve dium alloy steel
Surface finish 250 µin. [6 µm], max, roughness

X1.2 To utilize curve, adjust reflectoscope sensitivity to

obtain indicated ultrasonic response on ASTM No. 3-0600
reference block for each diameter as shown. A response of 1 in.
[25 mm] sweep-to-peak is used for flat surfaces. Use attenuator
to obtain desired amplitude, but do testing at 1 to 1 setting.

FIG. X1.1 Typical Compensation Curve for Effects of Forging

Curvature

X2. INDICATION AMPLITUDE COMPENSATION FOR TEST DISTANCE VARIATIONS

X2.1 The curve (Fig. X2.1) has been determined for the
following test conditions:
Material nickel-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel
(Specification A469/A469M, Class 4)
Instrument Type UR Reflectoscope
Search unit 11⁄8-in. [30-mm] diameter quartz
Frequency 21⁄4 MHz
Couplant No. 20 oil
Reference block ASTM No. 3-0600 (aluminum)
Reflection area of refer- 0.010 in.2 [65 mm2] in nickel-molybdenum-vana-
ence curve dium alloy steel
Surface finish 250 µin. max, roughness

X2.2 To utilize curve, establish amplitude from ASTM

reference block to coincide with values from Appendix X1.
FIG. X2.1 Typical Distance-Amplitude Correction Curve

X3. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE DGS METHODS

X3.1 The overlay in Fig. X3.1 was designed for a 2.0 MHz, designated by the line being used. The RE + 20 line covers a
1 in. [25 mm] diameter probe and a maximum test distance of range to approximately 15.7 in. [400 mm] and the RE + 10 line
39.4 in. [1000 mm]. In order to use this overlay, the sweep time from 15.7 to 39.4 in. [400 to 1000 mm]. At this calibration
base must be accurately calibrated and aligned with the overlay level, the flaw size is read directly from the screen. Flaw sizes
being used. The back reflection is then adjusted to either the RE from 0.078 to 1 in. [2 to 25 mm] can be read directly from the
+ 10 dB line or the RE + 20 dB line, based on the thickness overlay.
being tested; additional gain (10 or 20 dB) is added as

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 A388/A388M − 11

FIG. X3.1 Example of DGS Overlay

X4. COMPENSATION FOR CENTER HOLE ATTENUATION ON CYLINDRICAL BORED OR HOLLOW FORGINGS UTILIZ-
ING THE DGS METHOD

X4.1 The hole in a cylindrical bored forging causes sound X4.1.1 Determine the correction value in dB from the
scatter. In these cases, a correction is required which depends Nomogram (Fig. X4.1). With the gain-dB control, proceed as
on the wall thickness and bore diameter. described in 9.2.2.4 reducing the flaw detector gain by the
correction value determined.

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 A388/A388M − 11

NOTE 1—Metric units are presented in this figure to be consistent with DGS scales presently available. Conversion to English units would also be
acceptable.
FIG. X4.1 The Influence of a Central Bore on the Backwall Echo Amplitude of Cylindrical or Plane Parallel Forgings

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A388/A388M – 10) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved April 1, 2011.)

(1) Added apparatus qualification and S3.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A388/A388M – 09) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved April 1, 2010.)

(1) Added supplementary requirement section S2.

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 A388/A388M − 11
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in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
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