Designation: E570 − 15´1

Standard Practice for

Flux Leakage Examination of Ferromagnetic Steel Tubular
Products1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E570; 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.

ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected 10.1.1 in March 2016.

1. Scope* E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive

1.1 This practice covers the application and standardization Testing
of equipment using the flux leakage test method for detection E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
of outer surface, inner surface, and subsurface discontinuities 2.2 Other Documents:
in ferromagnetic steel tubular products (Note 1) of uniform SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi-
cross section such as seamless and welded tubing. cation and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Person-
nel3
NOTE 1—The term “tube” or “tubular product” will be used to refer to ANSI/ASNT CP-189 ASNT Standard for Qualification and
both pipe and tubing.
Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel3
1.2 This practice is intended for use on tubular products NAS-410 NAS Certification and Qualification of Nonde-
having outside diameters from approximately 1⁄2 to 24 in. (12.7 structive Personnel (Quality Assurance Committee)4
to 610 mm) with wall thicknesses to 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm). These ISO 9712 Non-destructive Testing—Qualification and Cer-
techniques have been used for other sizes, however, and may tification of NDT Personnel5
be so specified upon contractual agreement between the
purchaser and the supplier. 3. Terminology
1.3 This practice does not establish acceptance criteria; they 3.1 Definitions of terms relating to flux leakage examination
must be specified by the using parties. are provided in Terminology E1316.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 4. Summary of Practice
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathemati-
cal conversions to SI units that are provided for information 4.1 This method consists of the following steps:
only and are not considered standard. 4.1.1 The tube wall is magnetized at the area under exami-
nation to a proper level approaching magnetic saturation.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address the safety
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility NOTE 2—Tubes subjected to magnetic inspections can retain various
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and strengths and configuration of residual magnetic fields depending upon the
magnetization technique. If the residual field resulting from a given
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory technique can interfere with subsequent applications of the tube, then a
limitations prior to use. supplemental demagnetization process may be required.

2. Referenced Documents 4.1.2 A flux sensor containing magnetic transducers is

2
placed on or above the outside surface of the tube in the
2.1 ASTM Standards: magnetized area.
4.1.3 Either the tube or the flux sensor is moved at a
1
constant speed in the direction of the magnetic field so that the
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde-
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.07 on sensor scans the entire surface of the tube.
Electromagnetic Method.
Current edition approved June 1, 2015. Published July 2015. Originally approved
3
in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as E570 - 09. DOI: 10.1520/E0570- Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box
15E01. 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc., 1250 Eye
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM St., NW, Washington, DC 20005.
5
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
the ASTM website. la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.

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

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 E570 − 15´1
4.1.4 Each magnetic transducer in the flux sensor is con- E543 shall be identified in the purchase specification or
nected to an electronic console which amplifies, filters, and contractual agreement between the using parties.
electronically processes the signals such that significant dis-
7. Interferences
continuities are indicated (visually, audibly), and marked with
paint, or automatically removed from the production line, or 7.1 There are some manufacturing processes that produce
both. tubing with surface conditions that could interfere with or
4.1.5 A suitable means for assuring near magnetic saturation obscure signals related to inner surface discontinuities. In the
of the product (subject to periodic check or calibration) must be examination of heavy-walled tubing having these conditions,
provided as part of the examination to verify the capability of the ability to examine reliably for inner surface discontinuities
detection of outside diameter and inside diameter discontinui- may be affected.
ties. 7.2 When examining tubes with large rapid surface
variations, false signals may be caused by the sensors bouncing
5. Significance and Use along the surface of the tubes.
5.1 This practice outlines a procedure for examining ferro- 7.3 For active pole magnetizing systems, a small air gap
magnetic tubular products using the flux leakage method. If between the magnetizing system and material under examina-
properly applied, this method is capable of detecting the tion could cause a heavy accumulation of scale buildup on the
presence and location of significant longitudinally or trans- pole pieces.
versely oriented discontinuities such as pits, scabs, slivers,
gouges, roll-ins, laps, seams, cracks, holes, and improper welds DETECTION OF LONGITUDINAL
in ferromagnetic tubes under inspection. In addition, the DISCONTINUITIES
severity of a discontinuity may be estimated and a rejection 8. Apparatus
level set with respect to the magnitude of the electromagnetic
indication produced by the discontinuity. 8.1 Rotary Mechanism—The rotary mechanism shall be
capable of rotating a magnetizing system or flux leakage
5.2 The response from natural discontinuities can be signifi- sensors, or both, in unison around tubing that is being
cantly different from the response for artificial discontinuities translated axially through the mechanism, thereby producing a
such as drilled holes or notches of equivalent depth. For this helical scan over the surface. Good examination practices
reason, sufficient work should be done to determine the require that the pole pieces of the magnetizing system rotate
conditions necessary to detect and mark natural discontinuities uniformly about the tube and that the flux sensor ride on the
whose characteristics will adversely affect the serviceability of tube or be spaced uniformly above the surface of the tube
the tube, in order to establish acceptance criteria between the during rotation.
supplier and purchaser.
8.2 Spin Feed Mechanism—The spin feed mechanism shall
6. Basis of Application be capable of positioning a magnetizing system or flux leakage
sensors, or both, on or near the surface of a translating rotating
6.1 The following criteria may be specified in the purchase tube such that there is a uniform spacing between the pole
specification, contractual agreement, or elsewhere, and may pieces of the magnetizing system and the tube. The flux
require agreement between the purchaser and supplier: leakage sensors shall ride on the surface of the tube or be held
6.1.1 Acceptance criteria. uniformly from the surface of the tube during examination.
6.1.2 Type, dimensions, location, and number of artificial 8.3 Magnetizing System:
discontinuities to be placed on the reference standard. 8.3.1 An active field magnetizing system consists of a
6.1.3 Size and type of tubing to be examined. suitable means of applying a strong adjustable transverse
6.1.4 Extent of examination (that is, full length, weld zone magnetic field to the region of the tube under the flux sensors
only if welded, etc.). and shall be capable of bringing that region of the tube to near
6.1.5 Disposition of material with discontinuity indications. saturation. Typical systems employ either permanent magnets
6.1.6 Methods of verifying dimensions of artificial discon- or controllable electromagnets. If permanent magnets are used,
tinuities and allowable tolerances. a means shall be provided to adjust the spacing of the pole
6.1.7 Time of inspection, that is, the point(s) in the manu- pieces in order to reach the proper magnetization level. Refer
facturing process at which the material will be inspected. to Section 13 for application of longitudinal magnetic fields.
6.1.8 Nondestructive testing (NDT) personnel shall be 8.3.2 A residual field magnetizing system consists of a
qualified in accordance with a nationally recognized NDT means of applying a circular residual magnetic field to an entire
personnel qualification practice or standard such as ANSI/ tube before the tube is inspected. Typical systems employ a
ASNT CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, ISO 9712 or a similar centrally positioned conducting rod through which a high
document. The practice or standard used and its applicable direct current is passed; alternatively, the current may be
revision shall be specified in the purchase specification or conducted through the tube itself. The current produces a
contractual agreement between the using parties. circular active magnetic field which is concentric with the
6.1.9 If specified in the purchase specification or contractual current distribution. When the current ceases, there remains a
agreement, NDT agencies shall be evaluated and qualified as residual magnetic field which is circular, concentric with the
described in Practice E543. The applicable edition of Practice tube, and wholly contained within the tube wall.

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 E570 − 15´1
8.4 Flux Leakage Sensors: 9.1.4 For active pole magnetization, rotation of the magne-
8.4.1 The flux sensor shall consist of magnetic field trans- tizing system about the tube results in transverse magnetization
ducers that respond to variations in magnetic flux density. of the tube wall that is periodically perpendicular to all radii of
These sensors generally consist of one of the following types: the tube (Fig. 2(a)). Rotation of the tube with the magnetizing
electromagnetic coils, Hall probes, magneto diodes, poles held stationary will also produce the same effect (Fig.
magnistors, or magnetoresistors. These sensors are normally 2(b)).
used to detect the flux leakage directly from the discontinuity 9.1.5 Relative motion between the flux sensor and the flux
in the tube; however, they may also be used to detect flux leakage field caused by the discontinuity is generally utilized to
leakage patterns that have been transferred from the tube to a generate a voltage in the flux sensor. The amplitude of the
strip of magnetic tape. The flux sensors should be of sufficient voltage generated by the sensor is generally indicative of the
number and length so as to provide 100 % coverage while severity of the discontinuity when all other factors are constant.
scanning the tube surface to be examined at the desired The flux leakage field measured at the outside surface of the
examination speed. Their location (with respect to the mag- tube resulting from an inside surface discontinuity is much
netic pole pieces and the tubular product) should result in broader than the leakage field from a discontinuity of equal
maximum response to the leakage field caused by a disconti- severity located on the outer surface of the tube, resulting in a
nuity in the tubular product. lower signal frequency for the inner surface discontinuity (Fig.
8.4.2 The depth and orientation of a discontinuity below the 3(a) and 3(b)). Several types of equipment utilize this infor-
outside surface will affect the magnitude of the signal received mation to determine whether the discontinuity is located on the
from it. Sensitivity decreases significantly as the distance inner or outer surface of the tube.
between the flux leakage sensor and the tube under examina- 9.1.6 Near saturation is required to provide repeatable and
tion is increased. Therefore, the sensors should remain clean reliable indications for the presence of outer surface, inner
and have uniform contact with the tube surface, or if air riding surface, or subsurface discontinuities. A suitable measuring
the sensors should be held at a uniform distance above the means or reference samples or both are required to properly
surface of the tube. adjust the equipment for operation at the required sensitivity
and magnetization level.
8.5 Electronic Instrumentation—The electronic apparatus
shall be capable of amplifying signals from the flux sensors and 9.2 The examination of tubular products for transverse
processing them for the operation of alarms. Multiple probes discontinuities utilizing a longitudinal magnetic field is dis-
may be used to increase the speed of examination. The signals cussed in Section 14.
may be processed in two separate channels to result in a
differentiation between inner and outer surface discontinuities. 10. Reference Standard
Each of the two sets of electronic channels should contain its 10.1 The tubes selected for reference standards should be
own sensitivity and threshold triggering controls for indepen- first examined to ascertain that they are free of interfering
dent setting of percentage of wall rejection levels. natural discontinuities prior to the introduction of artificial
8.6 Driving Mechanism—A mechanical drive mechanism defects. The standard tube shall have similar electromagnetic
shall be used which is capable of rigidly holding and passing properties but the same nominal dimensions as the tubes to be
the tube through the inspection apparatus at constant speed and examined on a production basis. The standard shall be of
concentric with the inspection apparatus. As required, the sufficient length to permit the required spacing of artificial
driving mechanism shall be capable of rotating and advancing, discontinuities and to be mechanically stable while in the
or just advancing the tube with a constant speed. examining position in the apparatus. Artificial discontinuities
placed in the tube shall be of the following types:
9. Principles of Examination 10.1.1 Notches—Longitudinal outside surface or inside sur-
face notches may be produced either by air abrasive, milling, or
9.1 Conduct the examination of tubular products for longi- EDM (Electric Discharge Machining). Notch depth is usually
tudinal discontinuities employing a transverse magnetic field specified as a percent of nominal wall thickness with typical
and flux leakage detectors using one or more of the following values being 5, 10, 121⁄2, or 20 %. Notch width shall be the
techniques: minimum practical but shall not exceed 0.040 in. (1 mm).
9.1.1 Obtain a transverse magnetic field by either (1) Notch width and geometry are relevant variables that can affect
positioning north and south poles of a magnet on opposite sides signal response and should be taken into consideration in
of a tube on a diameter or chord as shown in Fig. 1(a) and 1(b); applying this method. Maximum notch length shall be speci-
or (2) passing a high direct current through a conducting rod fied. Lengths of 1⁄4, 1⁄2, and 1 in. (6.3, 12.7, and 25.4 mm) are
centrally positioned in the tube under examination. typical. Notch orientation may be longitudinal or at an angle
9.1.2 Position a flux sensor (or sensors) containing magnetic that is typical of the discontinuities produced by the particular
field transducers on or near the tube surface and move at a manufacturing process. Refer to Section 15 for transverse
uniform speed over the area being magnetized. notches.
9.1.3 At a discontinuity in the tube wall, the flux lines are 10.1.2 Holes—When holes are used for calibration, they
distorted, producing a leakage field. The maximum flux leak- should be made through the tube wall without causing perma-
age for a discontinuity normally occurs when magnetization is nent distortion of the tube. The diameter of these holes may be
perpendicular to the discontinuity. specified based on factors involving intended service or other

3
 E570 − 15´1

(a)

(b)

FIG. 1 Transverse Magnetization

appropriate criteria. Typical hole diameters range from 1⁄32 10.2 In preparing a reference standard for welded tubes,
through 1⁄8 in. (0.79 through 3.2 mm), although a 1⁄16-in. artificial discontinuities should be placed in both the weld
(1.6-mm) diameter hole is specified for use with all sizes of metal and the parent metal, if both are to be examined. When
tube and tubing in one widely used industrial standard. It is inspecting only the weld area, the discontinuities need be
considered good practice to include holes with diameters placed only in the weld area of the reference standard.
greater and smaller than the reference size used to set the
rejection level, since these provide a useful means of verifying 11. Adjustment and Standardization of Apparatus
adequate dynamic response of the equipment. Sensitivity
10.1.3 Hole and Notch Combination—Hole size and notch 11.1 The procedure for setting up and checking the sensi-
configuration (type, orientation, and dimension, etc.) influence tivity of the apparatus is as follows:
the levels of flux leakage signal response. Correlation between 11.1.1 Fabricate the reference standard as specified in the
these signals plus the method and tolerances used in their agreement between purchaser and supplier.
measurement, shall be as specified in the agreement between 11.1.2 Adjust the magnetizing system for the size material
the supplier and the purchaser. to be inspected.

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 E570 − 15´1

FIG. 2 Rotational Transverse Magnetization

11.1.3 Center the sensing apparatus to properly receive the 11.1.5 Pass the tubes to be examined through the inspection
material to be examined. apparatus with the sensitivity adjusted as described above. Set
11.1.4 Scan the reference standard (containing reference aside tubes with discontinuity indications indicated by the
notches or holes or both) and adjust magnetization power, flaw apparatus. It is recommended that all such tubes be reexamined
channel sensitivity, and filter network as applicable for optimal in accordance with the purchase specification to determine the
signal-to-noise ratio. The tube is normally not translated acceptability of the tube under the applicable specifications.
(advanced) during standardization but all other conditions are 11.1.6 Standardize the examination apparatus at the start
identical to those used in production inspection of the tubular
and end of each examination run using the reference standard.
product. After standardization, pass the reference standard
Restandardize at least every 4 h, or whenever improper
through the inspection assembly at operating speed to demon-
functioning of the apparatus is suspected. Whenever improper
strate adequate performance.

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 E570 − 15´1

(a) Outer Surface Defect

(b) Inner Surface Defect

FIG. 3 External Flux Leakage for O.D. and I.D. Discontinuities

functioning is found, restandardize the apparatus and reexam- 13. Apparatus

ine all tubes examined during the period since the last proper
13.1 The magnetizing system shall consist of a suitable
standardization took place.
means of applying a strong adjustable longitudinal magnetic
11.1.7 Select the examination speed so as to provide assur-
field to the region of the tube under the flux sensors, and shall
ance of detecting the minimum length discontinuity prescribed
be capable of bringing that region of the tube to near saturation.
in the specification.
DETECTION OF TRANSVERSE DISCONTINUITIES 14. Principles of Examination
14.1 Conduct the examination of tubular products for dis-
12. Summary continuities employing a longitudinal magnetic field and flux
12.1 The following sections define and clarify portions of leakage detectors using one or more of the following tech-
Sections 8, 9, 10, and 11 in regard to the examination of tubular niques:
products for transversely oriented discontinuities by employing 14.1.1 Obtain a longitudinal field as shown in Fig. 4(a) by
a longitudinal magnetic field. either (1) positioning north and south poles of a magnet on a

FIG. 4 Longitudinal Magnetization

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 E570 − 15´1
sector of a tube; or (2) passing a direct current through 16. Adjustment and Standardization of Apparatus
encircling coils centrally positioned about the tube under Sensitivity
examination.
14.1.2 Position a flux sensor (or sensors) containing mag- 16.1 Select the proper coils, magnetizing yokes, or perma-
netic field transducers on or near the tube surface which is nent magnets where required and follow procedures in Section
magnetized as the tube moves through the magnetizing system. 11.
14.1.3 Passing the tube under examination through the
magnetizing system results in magnetization of the tube wall 17. Keywords
that is longitudinal to the axis of the tube under examination. 17.1 electromagnetic (eddy current) testing; ferromagnetic;
flux leakage; NDT; nondestructive testing; steel; tubular prod-
15. Reference Standard
ucts
15.1 Dimensions of notches and holes remain the same as
covered by Section 10; however, notches should be produced
transverse to the axis of the tube.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee E07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E570–09)
that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Editorial revisions were made throughout the document. (4) In 10.1.1, the maximum notch width was modified.
(2) In 2.2 and 6.1.8, changes such the addition of ISO 9712
were made to be consistent with Policy P-10.
(3) In 10.1, the reference standard material description was
revised to specify that the reference standard has similar
electromagnetic properties to the tubing being examined.

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