Overview
ISO 16810:2012 - Non‑destructive testing (NDT) - Ultrasonic testing - General principles defines the minimum, general principles for performing ultrasonic examination of industrial products that permit transmission of ultrasound. It sets out the foundational requirements for ultrasonic testing (UT), including techniques (pulse‑echo and transmission), equipment and probe selection, calibration, examination setup, and reporting. Note: ISO 16810 does not prescribe scanning plans, extent of examination or acceptance criteria - those are specified in product standards, contract documents or written procedures.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Applies to industrial products that allow ultrasound transmission; minimum requirements stand unless superseded by referencing documents.
- Personnel qualification: Examinations shall be performed by personnel certified per ISO 9712.
- Ultrasonic techniques:
- Pulse‑echo technique - detection and location using reflections/diffractions; amplitude and time‑of‑flight used for sizing and positioning.
- Transmission technique - based on measuring attenuation of transmitted signals.
- Equipment & probes:
- Instruments must meet EN 12668‑1; probes per EN 12668‑2.
- Probe selection considerations: frequency and transducer dimensions, dead zone, damping, focusing (focal zone/diameter).
- Frequency trade‑off: higher frequency improves resolution but increases attenuation; typical UT frequencies are between 1 MHz and 10 MHz.
- Calibration and reference blocks: Use calibration blocks (see ISO 7963, ISO 2400) and reference reflectors for sensitivity setup and DAC/DGS methods.
- Coupling media: Water, gels, oils or pastes compatible with the test material and environment.
- Settings & procedure: Range, amplification, pulse repetition frequency, surface preparation, scanning overlap and speed, evaluation and recording levels.
- Reporting: Requirements for examination report content and recording of results.
Practical applications
ISO 16810 provides a generic framework for implementing reliable ultrasonic inspection across industries that use ultrasonic testing for quality control and in-service inspection. Typical uses include detection and characterization of discontinuities in components where ultrasound propagates, setting up UT procedures, selecting appropriate probes and instruments, and establishing calibration practices. It is essential when developing written UT procedures, training programs, and procurement specifications for ultrasonic equipment.
Who should use this standard
- NDT engineers and inspectors
- Quality assurance / control managers
- Procedure writers and technical authorities in manufacturing, oil & gas, aerospace, power generation and transport sectors
- Certification bodies and training providers
Related standards
- ISO 9712 (personnel certification)
- ISO 16811, 16823, 16826, 16827, 16828 (UT technique extensions)
- ISO 7963, ISO 2400 (calibration blocks)
- EN 12668 series (instrument/probe characterization)
Keywords: ISO 16810, ultrasonic testing, non‑destructive testing (NDT), ultrasonic examination, pulse echo, transmission technique, calibration blocks, UT probes, ISO 9712.
