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.

Designation: A578/A578M − 17

Standard Specification for

Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Rolled Steel Plates
for Special Applications1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A578/A578M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

2
1.1 This specification covers the procedure and acceptance 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
standards for straight-beam, pulse-echo, ultrasonic examina- A263 Specification for Stainless Chromium Steel-Clad Plate
tion of rolled carbon and alloy steel plates, 3⁄8 in. [10 mm] in A264 Specification for Stainless Chromium-Nickel Steel-
thickness and over, for special applications. The method will Clad Plate
detect internal discontinuities parallel to the rolled surfaces. A265 Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Base Alloy-Clad
Three levels of acceptance standards are provided. Supplemen- Steel Plate
tary requirements are provided for alternative procedures. E317 Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of
1.2 Individuals performing examinations in accordance with Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems
this specification shall be qualified and certified in accordance without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
with the requirements of the latest edition of ASNT SNT- E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
TC-1A or an equivalent accepted standard. An equivalent E2491 Guide for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of
standard is one which covers the qualification and certification Phased-Array Ultrasonic Testing Instruments and Systems
of ultrasonic nondestructive examination candidates and which 2.2 ANSI Standard:4
is acceptable to the purchaser. B 46.1 Surface Texture
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 2.3 ASNT Standard:5
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in SNT-TC-1A
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining 3. Terminology
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to nonde-
with the standard. structive examinations used in this specification, refer to
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the Terminology E1316.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 4. Ordering Information
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 The inquiry and order shall indicate the following:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1.1 Acceptance level requirements (Sections 8, 9, and 10).
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
Acceptance Level B shall apply unless otherwise agreed to by
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
purchaser and manufacturer.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1.2 Any additions to the provisions of this specification as
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
prescribed in 6.2, 14.1, and Section 11.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.3 Supplementary requirements, if any.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

1 3
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
A01.11 on Steel Plates for Boilers and Pressure Vessels. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally the ASTM website.
4
approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as A578/A578M – 07 Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
(2012). DOI: 10.1520/A0578_A0578M-17. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
2 5
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi- Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box
cation SA-578/SA-578M 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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 A578/A578M − 17
5. Apparatus side of a sound area of the plate from 50 to 90 % of full scale.
5.1 The ultrasonic instrument shall be a pulse echo type Minor sensitivity adjustments may be made to accommodate
instrument capable of addressing either a mono-element probe for surface roughness.
or a phased-array probe and shall be equipped with a standard- 6.6.3 When a discontinuity condition is observed during
ized dB gain or attenuation control stepped in increments of 1 general scanning adjust the instrument to produce a first
dB minimum. The system shall be capable of generating and reflection from the opposite side of a sound area of the plate of
displaying A-scans. 75 6 5 % of full scale. Maintain this instrument setting during
evaluation of the discontinuity condition.
5.2 Vertical and horizontal linearity and amplitude control
linearity shall be checked in accordance with Practice E317, 7. Recording
Guide E2491, or another procedure approved by the users of 7.1 Record all discontinuities causing complete loss of back
this specification. An acceptable linearity performance may be reflection.
agreed upon by the manufacturer and purchaser. 7.2 For plates 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] thick and over, record all
5.3 The transducer shall be 1 or 11⁄8 in. [25 or 30 mm] in indications with amplitudes equal to or greater than 50 % of the
diameter or 1 in. [25 mm] square. When phased-array systems initial back reflection and accompanied by a 50 % loss of back
are used, focal laws using an equivalent active aperture shall be reflection.
used. NOTE 1—Indications occurring midway between the initial pulse and
5.4 Other search units may be used for evaluating and the first back reflection may cause a second reflection at the location of the
first back reflection. When this condition is observed it shall be investi-
pinpointing indications.
gated additionally by use of multiple back reflections.

6. Procedure 7.3 Where grid scanning is performed and recordable con-

ditions as in 7.1 and 7.2 are detected along a given grid line, the
6.1 Perform the inspection in an area free of operations that entire surface area of the squares adjacent to this indication
interfere with proper performance of the test. shall be scanned. Where parallel path scanning is performed
6.2 Unless otherwise specified, make the ultrasonic exami- and recordable conditions as in 7.1 and 7.2 are detected, the
nation on either major surface of the plate. entire surface area of a 9 by 9-in. [225 by 225-mm] square
centered on this indication shall be scanned. The true bound-
6.3 The plate surface shall be sufficiently clean and smooth
aries where these conditions exist shall be established in either
to maintain a first reflection from the opposite side of the plate
method by the following technique: Move the transducer away
at least 50 % of full scale during scanning. This may involve
from the center of the discontinuity until the height of the back
suitable means of scale removal at the manufacturer’s option.
reflection and discontinuity indications are equal. Mark the
Condition local rough surfaces by grinding. Restore any
plate at a point equivalent to the center of the transducer.
specified identification which is removed when grinding to
Repeat the operation to establish the boundary.
achieve proper surface smoothness.
6.4 Perform the test by one of the following methods: direct 8. Acceptance Standard—Level A
contact, immersion, or liquid column coupling. Use a suitable 8.1 Any area where one or more discontinuities produce a
couplant such as water, soluble oil, or glycerin. As a result of continuous total loss of back reflection accompanied by con-
the test by this method, the surface of plates may be expected tinuous indications on the same plane (within 5 % of plate
to have a residue of oil or rust or both. thickness) that cannot be encompassed within a circle whose
diameter is 3 in. [75 mm] or 1⁄2 of the plate thickness,
6.5 A nominal test frequency of 21⁄4 MHz is recommended.
whichever is greater, is unacceptable.
When testing plates less than 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] thick a frequency
of 5 MHz may be necessary. Thickness, grain size or micro- 9. Acceptance Standards—Level B
structure of the material and nature of the equipment or method 9.1 Any area where one or more discontinuities produce a
may require a higher or lower test frequency. Use the trans- continuous total loss of back reflection accompanied by con-
ducers at their rated frequency. A clean, easily interpreted tinuous indications on the same plane (within 5 % of plate
A-scan display should be produced during the examination. thickness) that cannot be encompassed within a circle whose
6.6 Scanning: diameter is 3 in. [75 mm] or 1⁄2 of the plate thickness,
6.6.1 Scanning shall be along continuous perpendicular grid whichever is greater, is unacceptable.
lines on nominal 9-in. [225-mm] centers, or at the option of the 9.2 In addition, two or more discontinuities smaller than
manufacturer, shall be along continuous parallel paths, trans- described in 9.1 shall be unacceptable unless separated by a
verse to the major plate axis, on nominal 4-in. [100-mm] minimum distance equal to the greatest diameter of the larger
centers, or shall be along continuous parallel paths parallel to discontinuity or unless they may be collectively encompassed
the major plate axis, on 3-in. [75-mm] or smaller centers. by the circle described in 9.1.
Measure the lines from the center or one corner of the plate
with an additional path within 2 in. [50 mm] of all edges of the 10. Acceptance Standard—Level C
plate on the examination surface. 10.1 Any area where one or more discontinuities produce a
6.6.2 Conduct the general scanning with an instrument continuous total loss of back reflection accompanied by con-
adjustment that will produce a first reflection from the opposite tinuous indications on the same plane (within 5 % of plate
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 A578/A578M − 17
thickness) that cannot be encompassed within a 1-in. [25-mm] at the place of manufacture prior to shipment, unless otherwise
diameter circle is unacceptable. specified, and shall be conducted without interfering unneces-
sarily with the manufacturer’s operations.
11. Report
11.1 Unless otherwise agreed to by the purchaser and the 13. Rehearing
manufacturer, the manufacturer shall report the following data: 13.1 The manufacturer reserves the right to discuss reject-
11.1.1 All recordable indications listed in Section 7 on a able ultrasonically tested plate with the purchaser with the
sketch of the plate with sufficient data to relate the geometry object of possible repair of the ultrasonically indicated defect
and identity of the sketch to those of the plate. before rejection of the plate.
11.1.2 Test parameters including: Make and model of
instrument, surface condition, search unit (type and frequency), 14. Marking
and couplant.
11.1.3 Date of test. 14.1 Plates accepted according to this specification shall be
identified by stenciling (stamping) “UT A578—A” on one
12. Inspection corner for Level A, “UT A578—B” for Level B, and “UT
12.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have A578—C” for Level C. The supplement number shall be added
access at all times, while work on the contract of the purchaser for each supplementary requirement ordered.
is being performed, to all parts of the manufacturer’s works
that concern the ultrasonic testing of the material ordered. The 15. Keywords
manufacturer shall afford the inspector all reasonable facilities 15.1 nondestructive testing; pressure containing parts; pres-
to satisfy him that the material is being furnished in accordance sure vessel steels; steel plate for pressure vessel applications;
with this specification. All tests and inspections shall be made steel plates; straight-beam; ultrasonic examinations

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

These supplementary requirements shall apply only when individually specified by the purchaser.
When details of these requirements are not covered herein, they are subject to agreement between the
manufacturer and the purchaser.

S1. Scanning S5. Surface Finish

S1.1 Scanning shall be continuous over 100 % of the plate S5.1 The surface finish of the plate shall be conditioned to
surface along parallel paths, transverse or parallel to the major a maximum 125 µin. [3 µm] AA (see ANSI B 46.1) prior to test.
plate axis, with not less than 10 % overlap between each path.
S6. Withdrawn
S2. Acceptance Standard See Specifications A263, A264, and A265 for equivalent
S2.1 Any recordable condition listed in Section 7 that (1) is descriptions for clad quality level.
continuous, (2) is on the same plane (within 5 % of the plate
thickness), and (3) cannot be encompassed by a 3-in. [75-mm] S7. Withdrawn
diameter circle, is unacceptable. Two or more recordable See Specifications A263, A264, and A265 for equivalent
conditions (see Section 7), that (1) are on the same plane descriptions for clad quality level.
(within 5 % of plate thickness), (2) individually can be
encompassed by a 3-in. [75-mm] diameter circle, (3) are S8. Ultrasonic Examination Using Flat Bottom Hole Cali-
separated from each other by a distance less than the greatest bration (for Plates 4 in. [100 mm] Thick and Greater)
dimension of the smaller indication, and (4) collectively cannot S8.1 Use the following calibration and recording procedures
be encompassed by a 3-in. [75-mm] diameter circle, are in place of 6.6.2, 6.6.3, and Section 7.
unacceptable. S8.2 The transducer shall be in accordance with 5.3.
S2.2 An acceptance level more restrictive than Section 8 or S8.3 Reference Reflectors—The T/4, T/2, and 3T/4 deep flat
9 shall be used by agreement between the manufacturer and bottom holes shall be used to calibrate the equipment, where T
purchaser. is the thickness of the plate. The flat bottom hole diameter shall
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be in accordance with Table S8.1. The holes may be drilled in

S3. Procedure
S3.1 The manufacturer shall provide a written procedure in TABLE S8.1 Calibration Hole Diameter as a Function of Plate
accordance with this specification. Thickness (S8)
4–6 >6–9 >9–12 >12–20
S4. Certification Plate Thickness, in. [mm]
[100–150] [>150–225] [>225–300] [>300–500]

S4.1 The manufacturer shall provide a written certification Hole Diameter, in. [mm] ⁄ [16]
58 ⁄ [19]
34 ⁄ [22]
78 11⁄8 [29]
of the ultrasonic test operator’s qualifications.

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 A578/A578M − 17
the plate to be examined if they can be located without S9.4 Reference Reflectors—The T/4, T/2, and 3T/4 deep flat
interfering with the use of the plate, in a prolongation of the bottom holes shall be used to calibrate the equipment, where T
plate to be examined, or in a reference block of the same is the thickness of the plate. The flat bottom hole diameter shall
nominal composition, and thermal treatment as the plate to be be in accordance with Table S9.1. The flat bottoms of the holes
examined. The surface of the reference block shall be no better shall be within 1° of parallel to the examination surface. The
to the unaided eye than the plate surface to be examined. The holes may be drilled in the plate to be examined if they can be
reference block shall be of the same nominal thickness (within located without interfering with the use of the plate, in a
75 % to 125 % or 1 in. [25 mm] of the examined plate, prolongation of the plate to be examined, or in a reference

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whichever is less) and shall have acoustical properties similar block of the same nominal composition and thermal treatment
to the examined plate. Acoustical similarity is presumed when, as the plate to be examined. The surface of the reference block
without a change in instrument setting, comparison of the back shall be no better to the unaided eye than the plate surface to
reflection signals between the reference block and the exam- be examined. The reference block shall be of the same nominal
ined plate shows a variation of 25 % or less. thickness (within 75 % to 125 % or 1 in. [25 mm] of the
S8.4 Calibration Procedure: examined plate, whichever is less) and shall have acoustical
S8.4.1 Couple and position the search unit for maximum properties similar to the examined plate. Acoustical similarity
amplitudes from the reflectors at T/4, T/2, and 3T/4. Set the is presumed when, without a change in instrument setting,
instrument to produce a 75 6 5 % of full scale indication from comparison of the back reflection signals between the reference
the reflector giving the highest amplitude. block and the examined plate shows a variation of 25 % or less.
S8.4.2 Without changing the instrument setting, couple and S9.5 Calibration Procedure:
position the search unit over each of the holes and mark on the S9.5.1 Couple and position the search unit for maximum
screen the maximum amplitude from each hole and each amplitudes from the reflectors at T/4, T/2, and 3T/4. Set the
minimum remaining back reflection. instrument to produce a 75 6 5 % of full-scale indication from
S8.4.3 Mark on the screen half the vertical distance from the the reflector giving the highest amplitude.
A-scan base line to each maximum amplitude hole mark. S9.5.2 Without changing the instrument setting, couple and
Connect the maximum amplitude hole marks and extend the position the search unit over each of the holes and mark on the
line through the thickness for the 100 % DAC (distance screen the maximum amplitude from each of the holes.
amplitude correction curve). Similarly connect and extend the S9.5.3 Mark on the screen half the vertical distances from
half maximum amplitude marks for the 50 % DAC. the sweep line to each maximum amplitude hole mark.
Alternatively, when time-corrected gain (TCG) is used, the Connect the maximum amplitude hole marks and extend the
responses from the flat bottom holes shall be equalized at 75 % line through the thickness for the 100 % DAC (distance
screen height (65 %) and the half-amplitude noted. amplitude correction curve). Similarly connect and extend the
S8.5 Recording: half maximim amplitude marks for the 50 % DAC.
S8.5.1 Record all areas where the remaining back reflection Alternatively, when time-corrected gain (TCG) is used, the
is smaller than the highest of the minimum remaining back responses from the flat bottom holes shall be equalized at 75 %
reflections found in S8.4.2. screen height (65 %) and the half-amplitude noted.
S8.5.2 Record all areas where indications exceed 50 % S9.6 Scanning —Scanning shall cover 100 % of one major
DAC or 50 % TCG. plate surface, with the search unit being indexed between each
S8.5.3 Where recordable conditions listed in S8.5.1 and pass such that there is at least 15 % overlap of adjoining passes
S8.5.2 are detected along a given grid line, continuously scan in order to assure adequate coverage for locating discontinui-
the entire surface area of the squares adjacent to the condition ties.
and record the boundaries or extent of each recordable condi- S9.7 Recording—Record all areas where the back reflection
tion. drops below the 50 % DAC or 50 % TCG. If the drop in back
S8.6 Scanning shall be in accordance with 6.6. reflection is not accompanied by other indications on the
S8.7 The acceptance levels of Section 8 or 9 shall apply as screen, recondition the surface in the area and reexamine
specified by the purchaser except that the recordable condition ultrasonically. If the back reflection is still below 50 % DAC,
shall be as given in S8.5. the loss may be due to the metallurgical structure of the
material being examined. The material shall be held for
S9. Ultrasonic Examination of Electroslag Remelted (ESR) metallurgical review by the purchaser and manufacturer.
and Vacuum-Arc Remelted (VAR) Plates, from 1 to 16 S9.8 Acceptance Standards—Any indication that exceeds
in. [25 to 400 mm] in Thickness, Using Flat-Bottom the 100 % DAC or 100 % TCG shall be considered unaccept-
Hole Calibration and Distance-Amplitude Corrections able. The manufacturer may reserve the right to discuss

S9.1 The material to be examined must have a surface finish

of 200 µin. [5 µm] as maximum for plates up to 8 in. [200 mm] TABLE S9.1 Calibration Hole Diameter as a Function of Plate
thick, inclusive, and 250 µin. [6 µm] as maximum for plates Thickness (S9)
over 8 to 16 in. [200 to 400 mm] thick. 1–4 >4–8 >8–12 >12–16
Plate Thickness, in. [mm]
S9.2 Use the following procedures in place of 6.6.1, 6.6.2, [25–100] [>100–200] [>200–300] [>300–400]
6.6.3, and Section 7. Hole Diameter, in. [mm] ⁄ [3]
18 ⁄ [6]
14 ⁄ [10]
38 ⁄ [13]
12

S9.3 The transducer shall be in accordance with 5.3.

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 A578/A578M − 17
rejectable ultrasonically examined material with the purchaser,
the object being the possible repair of the ultrasonically
indicated defect before rejection of the plate.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A578/A578M – 07 (2012)) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 1, 2017.)

(1) Added Section 3, Terminology, and renumbered subsequent (2) Revised throughout to include phased array technology.
sections accordingly.

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of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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