API RP 2X Standard for Exploration & Production

This recommended practice (RP) for nondestructive examination (NDE) of offshore structural fabrication and guidelines for qualification of personnel contains guidance on NDE methods which have evolved from fabrication experience with offshore structures. These methods are commonly used and have found acceptance due to their reliable detection of discontinuities. The five NDE methods routinely used in offshore structural fabrication are visual (VT), penetrant (PT), magnetic particle (MT), radiography (RT), and ultrasonic (UT) examinations. This recommended practice primarily addresses the MT and UT methods. Guidance on VT, PT and RT is incorporated by reference to ANSI/AWS D1.1. Further recommendations are offered for determining the qualifications of personnel using MT and UT techniques. Recommendations are also offered for the integration of these techniques into a general quality control program. The interrelationship between joint design, the significance of defects in welds, and the ability of NDE personnel to detect critical-size defects is also discussed.