scope:

This document specifies two ultrasonic acceptance levels known as acceptance level 2 (AL 2) and acceptance level 3 (AL 3) for full penetration welded joints in ferritic steels, which correspond to ISO 5817:2014, quality levels B and C. An acceptance level corresponding to ISO 5817:2014, quality level D is not included in this document, as ultrasonic testing is generally not requested for this weld quality.

These acceptance levels are applicable to testing carried out in accordance with ISO 17640.

This document applies to the testing of full penetration ferritic steel welds, with thicknesses from 8 mm to 100 mm. It can also be used for other types of welds, materials and thicknesses, provided the tests have been performed with necessary consideration of the geometry and acoustic properties of the component, and an adequate sensitivity can be employed to enable the acceptance levels of this document to be applied. The nominal frequency of probes used in this document is between 2 MHz and 5 MHz, unless attenuation or requirements for higher resolution call for other frequencies. It is important to consider the use of these acceptance levels in conjunction with frequencies outside this range carefully.