ASTM E 273 : 2025

1.1This practice2 covers general ultrasonic testing procedures for the detection of discontinuities in the weld and adjacent heat affected zones of welded pipe and tubing by scanning with relative motion between the search unit and pipe or tube. When contact or unfocused immersion search units are employed, this practice is intended for tubular products having specified outside diameters ≥2 in. (≥50 mm) and specified wall thicknesses of ¹/₈in. to 1¹/₁₆in. (3 mm to 27 mm). When properly focused immersion search units are employed, this practice may also be applied to material of smaller diameter and thinner wall. When contact or immersion phased array search units are employed, this practice may also be applied to material of above-mentioned outside diameters and wall thicknesses.

1.2All surfaces of material to be examined in accordance with this practice shall be clean from scale, dirt, burrs, slag, spatter, or other conditions that would interfere with the examination results. The configuration of the weld must be such that interfering signals are not generated by reflections from it. Treatment of the inner surface and outer surface weld beads such as trimming (“scarfing”) or rolling is often required to remove protuberances that could result in spurious reflections.

1.3This practice does not establish acceptance criteria; they must be specified by the using parties.

1.4Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5This 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.

1.6This 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.