This paper addresses implementation of ultrasonic (UT) process qualification by performance demonstration as imposed by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI, Appendix VIII. The intended audience for the present paper is an engineer with a good knowledge of NDE, but a limited knowledge of the ASME Codes and Standards. The starting point for application of UT performance demonstration is described in a paper published in this journal just over a decade ago by Cowfer and Hedden. That paper addressed the application of ultrasonic performance demonstration to qualify an examination process for ASME Code Section XI inservice inspection. The present paper provides a brief summary of papers specifically selected to provide the reader with a concise update of progress in UT performance demonstration since the earlier paper. Given that qualification, the reader should not expect new information in this present paper. The papers selected have been mostly selected from those presented at ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Conferences, from 1995 to 2002, addressing the subsequent development and application of the UT performance demonstration process. The emphasis is on work performed for nuclear utilities under the Performance Demonstration Initiative (PDI), for application to Section XI inservice inspection. However, material also is included describing parallel work in the European Community, and applications of UT performance demonstration in Sections I and VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, for use of UT in place of RT for new construction, are included.

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This chapter provides users of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section V, Nondestructive Examination (NDE), an insight into the significant Section V requirements, the NDE methods addressed therein, and the applicability of the ASME Code NDE methodology to Section V and other sections of the ASME book. It explains when and how to use the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Standards. The chapter traces the history of Section V and outlines its organization. It highlights the need for users to understand the relationship of Section V to other ASME Code sections to ensure that all contract requirements are satisfied. Section V is divided into two basic subsections. Subsection A contains Articles 1 through 19, including Mandatory and Nonmandatory appendices that address general requirements, test methods, and specific Code requirements. Subsection B contains the ASTM Standards (Articles 22 through 31 with Mandatory Appendix II – Standard Units Used in Equations and Nonmandatory Appendix A, Guidance for the Use of U.S. Customary and SI Units in the ASME). The chapter covers each of the 19 articles, including the various NDE techniques such as radiographic examination, ultrasonic examination for welds and materials, liquid penetrant examination, magnetic particle examination, eddy current examination, visual examination, and leak testing. Additional NDE techniques discussed in the chapter are acoustic emission examination for fiber-reinforced plastic vessels and metallic vessels, acoustic emission monitoring of pressure boundary components, alternating current field measurement, magnetic flux leakage examination, remote field testing examination, acoustic pulse reflectometry examination, and guide wave examination for pipe testing. Eddy current array examination methodology is being considered for incorporation into Section V.