Overview
EN ISO 10893-11:2011/A1:2020 is an amendment to ISO 10893-11:2011 published/endorsed by CEN in 2020. It covers automated ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) of the weld seam of welded steel tubes for the detection of longitudinal and/or transverse imperfections. The amendment updates ultrasonic test frequency ranges and modifies acceptance/retest criteria to align inspection practice with current ultrasonic probe capabilities and quality assurance needs.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) focused on the weld seam of welded steel tubes for detecting longitudinal and/or transverse imperfections.
- Amendment references:
- Section 5.5 (test frequencies):
- Shear waves: 1 MHz to 15 MHz (unchanged in range start, clarified for shear waves).
- Lamb waves: extended from 0.3 MHz–1 MHz to 0.3 MHz–5 MHz, allowing a broader selection of Lamb-wave probe frequencies depending on tube condition, thickness and surface finish.
- Section 8.2 (retest/acceptance procedure):
- Revised retest rule: one retest is now permitted - “If after one retest all signals are lower than the trigger/alarm level, the tube is deemed to have passed; otherwise it is designated as suspect.” (Previously two retests were specified.)
- Practical implication: inspectors and test engineers must select probe frequencies appropriate to material condition and geometry and apply the updated single-retest acceptance criterion in automated weld inspections.
- Administrative: Approved by CEN (EN ISO 10893-11:2011/A1:2020) and to be implemented as a national standard by CEN members.
Applications
- Quality control and production inspection of welded steel tubes used in:
- Pipes and pipelines
- Pressure vessel and boiler tubing
- Structural and mechanical tubing
- Automotive and mechanical components using welded tube assemblies
- Typical uses:
- Automated inline inspection during manufacturing
- Final acceptance testing prior to shipment
- Condition assessment of welded seams where longitudinal/transverse defects are a concern
Who should use this standard
- NDT engineers and technicians (ultrasonic testing specialists)
- Tube and pipe manufacturers and fabricators
- Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) managers
- Third‑party inspection bodies and certification agencies
- Procurement/specification authors and design engineers specifying weld seam inspection requirements
Related standards
- ISO 10893 series (other parts covering different NDT methods and tube types)
- Relevant ultrasonic testing and NDT practice standards (ISO/ASTM/EN UT guidance) - consult your national standards body for endorsed cross‑references.
Keywords: non-destructive testing, NDT, ultrasonic testing, weld seam, welded steel tubes, Lamb wave, shear wave, automated ultrasonic testing, acceptance criteria, EN ISO 10893-11:2011/A1:2020.
