Foreword

Publishing information

This British Standard is published by BSI and came into effect on 31 October 2011. It was prepared by Technical Committee WEE/46, Non-destructive testing. A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to its secretary.

Information about this document

The purpose of this document is to define a standard for non-destructive testing (NDT) using guided stress waves.

Guided stress waves used for NDT are sonic or ultrasonic waves which travel along an object and are guided by its surfaces or shape, and whose wavelength is large compared to a characteristic dimension such as wall thickness. NDT using guided waves offers the possibility of performing rapid testing of 100% of the volume of the components in which they can travel and is therefore particularly suited to elongated objects such as pipes, tubes and rails. The nature of guided waves differs substantially from the ultrasonic waves used in conventional ultrasonic testing (UT), and therefore it is necessary to define guided wave testing (GWT) as a method in its own right and manage this branch of inspection under its own standard.

The standard has been written to incorporate flexibility to include different applications of guided waves, by separate parts of the standard, as the capability and needs arise.

Currently, BS 9690, Non-destructive testing – Guided wave testing, comprises the following parts.

Part 1: General guidance and principles.

Part 2: Basic requirements for guided wave testing of pipes, pipelines and structural tubulars.

However, it is anticipated that further parts of the standard will be introduced to cover the interpretation of measurements; the testing of advanced cases of pipes, pipelines and structural tubulars; and the application of GWT to other structures and components.

Presentational conventions

As a guide, this part of BS 9690 takes the form of guidance and recommendations. It should not be quoted as if it were a specification or a code of practice and claims of compliance cannot be made to it.

Contractual and legal considerations

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

Date	Text affected

BS 9690-1:2011

Non-destructive testing. Guided wave testing - General guidance and principles

Current

Published:

31 Oct 2011