Overview
EN ISO 19285:2017 - Non‑destructive testing of welds - Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) - Acceptance levels - specifies acceptance criteria for PAUT of full‑penetration welds in ferritic steels with a minimum thickness of 6 mm. The standard aligns PAUT acceptance levels with the quality levels of ISO 5817 and requires that indications be classified in accordance with ISO 13588.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Acceptance levels: Three acceptance levels are defined that correspond to ISO 5817 quality levels (mapping between ISO 5817 quality and PAUT acceptance levels is provided).
- Evaluation methods: Indications detected using PAUT (per ISO 13588) are evaluated either by:
- length and height (Clauses 7 and 9), or
- length and maximum amplitude (Clauses 8 and 10).
- Measurement techniques:
- Length measurement follows ISO 11666; when TOFD is used, length is measured per ISO 15626.
- Height determination can use diffracted signals, surface signals or known wall thickness where applicable.
- Assessment rules: Rules for single indications, grouping, cumulative lengths, point‑like indications, and combined set‑ups are included.
- Normative annexes: Annex A (Levels) and Annex B (Fixed amplitude level technique) provide mandatory detail for acceptance evaluation.
Practical applications
EN ISO 19285:2017 is intended for organizations and professionals involved in weld inspection and quality assurance where PAUT is used:
- NDT technicians and PAUT operators performing automated or semi‑automated weld scans.
- Welding inspectors and quality managers who must accept or reject welds based on standardized criteria.
- Fabricators and OEMs producing pressure equipment, pipelines, steel structures and heavy fabrication where ferritic weld integrity is critical.
- Third‑party inspection bodies and compliance auditors implementing inspection plans aligned with ISO 5817 quality levels.
The standard supports consistent decision‑making on weld acceptability and integration of PAUT into quality control programs.
Related standards
- ISO 13588 - Use of automated phased array technology (classification/technique)
- ISO 5817 - Weld quality levels (mapping to PAUT acceptance levels)
- ISO 11666 - UT length measurement methods
- ISO 15626 - TOFD acceptance levels / measurement
- ISO 17640, ISO 5577 - Ultrasonic testing techniques and vocabulary
EN ISO 19285:2017 is the CEN‑endorsed implementation of ISO 19285:2017 and is used across Europe to standardize PAUT acceptance practice for ferritic welds.
