Overview
EN ISO 10893-9:2011/A1:2020 is a CEN-endorsed amendment to ISO 10893-9:2011 covering automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) for the detection of laminar imperfections in strip and plate used to manufacture welded steel tubes. The amendment (approved May 2020) changes the acceptance/retest criterion in clause 8.2, streamlining the procedure for declaring strip/plate as passed or suspect after alarm signals are detected.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Non-destructive testing (NDT) of strip/plate intended for welded steel tube production, focusing on laminar defects (dédoublures/laminations).
- Testing method: Automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) as the specified NDT technique for detecting through-thickness and planar discontinuities indicative of lamination.
- Acceptance criteria (amendment): The key change replaces the previous requirement of two consecutive retests with a single retest. Specifically:
- If, after one retest, all signals are lower than the trigger/alarm level, the strip/plate is deemed to have passed.
- If signals remain at or above trigger/alarm level after that retest, the strip/plate is designated as suspect.
- Trigger/alarm levels: The standard references trigger or alarm thresholds used to decide when retesting or further evaluation is required (users must consult the main Part 9 text for numeric/ procedural details).
- Conformance and implementation: This amendment is to be adopted as a national standard by CEN members and implemented by January 2021.
Applications and who uses it
- Steel strip/plate producers applying quality control to material intended for welded tube manufacture.
- Tube mills and welders ensuring feedstock is free from laminar imperfections that could compromise weld integrity or pipe performance.
- NDT service providers and inspection labs using automated ultrasonic systems for high-volume inspection.
- Quality managers and compliance officers who need to apply standardised acceptance/retest rules for incoming material.
- Standards bodies and auditors referencing harmonised European/ISO criteria for conformity assessment.
Practical value
- Faster decision-making: Reducing retests from two to one accelerates inspection throughput and reduces handling time while maintaining a consistent alarm-based evaluation.
- Clear pass/suspect rule: Simplifies post-alarm workflow-either pass after one successful retest or flag as suspect for further evaluation.
- Harmonisation: Aligns national practices across CEN members, facilitating trade and consistent NDT acceptance.
Related standards
- ISO 10893 series (other parts that cover NDT of steel tubes)
- National adoptions: EN ISO 10893-9:2011/A1:2020 (CEN adoption across EU/EEA countries)
Keywords: EN ISO 10893-9, ISO 10893-9:2011/Amd 1:2020, automated ultrasonic testing, AUT, laminar imperfections, laminations, non-destructive testing, NDT, welded steel tubes, acceptance criteria, retest.
