API Bull 587

The purpose of this publication is to provide owner/users with guidelines for developing basic in-house qualification programs to identify industryqualified UT angle beam examiners that are equivalent to those possessing an ultrasonic angle beam qualification from API (e.g. API QUTE/QUSE Detection and Sizing Tests) for inspection of pressure equipment and piping as required by API 510 and API 570. The availability of high-quality and accurate ultrasonic testing (UT) data is often the cornerstone for weld and base metal discontinuities detection and sizing for equipment integrity assessments. As a result, API has implemented several certification programs to assist in defining the minimum criteria for assessing the performance of UT technicians.

Examinations for these programs are administered differently than other Individual Certification Programs (ICP) certifications in that they are based on hands-on performance demonstration tests. It should be noted that UT certifications are governed by accredited NDE certification authorities, such as ASNT, and these API UT ICP certifications are considered performance demonstration qualifications by such NDE certification schemes.

This publication outlines the general guidelines for the development of owner/user ultrasonic examiner qualification programs that are consistent with API performance demonstration programs for both detection and characterization, and crack height sizing of weld discontinuities in weldments.