Overview
EN ISO 10893-1:2011 - Non-destructive testing of steel tubes, Part 1 - defines requirements for automated electromagnetic testing of seamless and welded (except submerged arc-welded, SAW) steel tubes to verify hydraulic leaktightness. The standard applies to tubes (and applicable hollow sections) tested by eddy current (outside diameter ≥ 4 mm) or magnetic flux leakage (outside diameter > 10 mm). Note: magnetic flux leakage is not applicable to austenitic stainless steel.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test scope and timing
- Testing is normally performed after primary production operations (rolling, heat treatment, sizing, straightening).
- Tubes must be sufficiently straight and clean to ensure valid inspection.
- Applicable techniques
- Eddy current: concentric coil, segment coil, fixed or rotating probe/pancake coil.
- Magnetic flux leakage: fixed or rotating magnetic transducer, multiple concentric magnetic transducers.
- Dimensional and method limits
- Eddy current concentric-coil technique: recommended maximum OD for concentric coils is 250 mm (square/rectangular with diagonal ≤ 250 mm).
- Segment coil limits: ∅219.1 mm for 2 × 180° coils; ∅508.0 mm for 4 × 100° coils.
- For rotating/fixed probe or transducer techniques, no maximum OD restriction is specified (coverage is based on probe/transducer dimensions).
- Reference standards and calibration
- Use of calibrated reference tubes (with drill holes, notches, recesses) and routine equipment calibration and checks are required.
- Acceptance, reporting and personnel
- Defines requirements for equipment calibration, acceptance criteria and test reports.
- Operators must be trained and qualified per ISO 9712, ISO 11484 or equivalent; NDT authorization and supervision by competent personnel is required.
Applications and who uses this standard
- Primary users:
- Tube and pipe manufacturers and tube mills
- NDT service providers and inspection bodies
- Quality control and purchasing departments specifying acceptance testing
- Third-party auditors and project inspectors
- Typical uses:
- Verification of hydraulic leaktightness during production and final inspection
- Inline automated inspection on production lines for seamless and welded tubes (excluding SAW)
- Assessment of hollow sections where electromagnetic methods are applicable
Related standards
- ISO 10893 series (other NDT parts: eddy current detection, flux leakage detection, ultrasonic, radiographic, etc.)
- ISO 9712 - Qualification and certification of NDT personnel
- ISO 11484 - Employer’s qualification system for NDT personnel
EN ISO 10893-1:2011 is essential for specifying consistent, auditable procedures for automated electromagnetic NDT of steel tubes, ensuring reliable hydraulic leaktightness verification and clear criteria for equipment, calibration and operator competency.
