1.1 This guide describes procedures for evaluating some performance characteristics of phased-array ultrasonic examination instruments and systems.

1.2 Evaluation of these characteristics is intended to be used for comparing instruments and systems or, by periodic repetition, for detecting long-term changes in the characteristics of a given instrument or system that may be indicative of impending failure, and which, if beyond certain limits, will require corrective maintenance. Instrument characteristics measured in accordance with this guide are expressed in terms that relate to their potential usefulness for ultrasonic examinations. Other electronic instrument characteristics in phased-array units are similar to non-phased-array units and may be measured as described in E 1065 or E 1324.

1.3 Ultrasonic examination systems using pulsed-wave trains and A-scan presentation (rf or video) may be evaluated.

1.4 This guide establishes no performance limits for examination systems; if such acceptance criteria are required, these must be specified by the using parties. Where acceptance criteria are implied herein they are for example only and are subject to more or less restrictive limits imposed by customer’s and end user’s controlling documents.

1.5 The specific parameters to be evaluated, conditions and frequency of test, and report data required, must also be determined by the user.

1.6 This guide may be used for the evaluation of a complete examination system, including search unit, instrument, interconnections, scanner fixtures and connected alarm and auxiliary devices, primarily in cases where such a system is used repetitively without change or substitution. This guide is not intended to be used as a substitute for calibration or standardization of an instrument or system to inspect any given material.

1.7 Required test apparatus includes selected test blocks and position encoders in addition to the instrument or system to be evaluated.

1.8 Precautions relating to the applicability of the procedures and interpretation of the results are included.

1.9 Alternate procedures, such as examples described in this document, or others, may only be used with customer approval.

1.10 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.