Seamless Steel Pipe Damage Detection Standard

Damage detection for seamless steel pipes relies primarily on various nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques to ensure that the pipes are free of internal and external defects that could affect their performance and safety. These inspection methods are governed by corresponding national and international standards to regulate their operation and determination of results. The following is a summary of some key seamless steel pipe damage detection standards and methods carefully summarized by Permanent Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
 
1. Ultrasonic testing
This is one of the most commonly used and effective non-destructive testing methods, used to detect defects such as cracks, slag inclusions, and delamination inside steel pipes.
 
National Standard (GB/T)
GB/T 5777-2019, "Full-Circumferential Automatic Ultrasonic Testing of Seamless and Welded (Except Submerged Arc Welded) Steel Pipes for Longitudinal and/or Transverse Imperfections": This standard specifies the method and technical requirements for full-circumferential automatic ultrasonic testing of steel pipes. It serves as an important basis for factory inspection of seamless steel pipes.
 
2. Eddy Current Testing
Eddy current testing is primarily used to detect defects such as small cracks and holes on or near the surface of steel pipes.
 
National Standard (GB/T)
GB/T 7735-2016, "Eddy Current Flaw Testing Method for Steel Pipes": This standard specifies the principles, equipment, operating procedures, defect determination, and quality grade classification for eddy current flaw testing of steel pipes.
 
3. Magnetic Particle Testing
Magnetic particle testing is primarily used to detect surface and near-surface cracks in steel pipes and is particularly suitable for ferromagnetic materials.
 
National Standard (GB/T)
GB/T 15822.3-2005, "Nondestructive Testing—Magnetic Particle Testing—Part 3: Equipment": Although not a specific standard for steel pipes, it specifies the technical requirements for magnetic particle testing equipment and can serve as a reference for steel pipe testing.
 
4. Nondestructive testing standards for pressure equipment
Seamless steel pipes used in pressure-bearing equipment are generally subject to stricter industry standards.
 
Industry Standards (NB/T)
NB/T 47013, "Nondestructive Testing of Pressure Equipment," is a comprehensive set of standards covering various nondestructive testing methods. Applicable to pressure-bearing equipment such as pressure vessels and pressure piping, this series of standards is divided into multiple sections, detailing the specific operations and assessment levels for various testing methods, including ultrasonic, radiographic, and magnetic particle testing.
 
5. International Standards
In international trade or specific industries, the testing of seamless steel pipes may also refer to international standards.
 
American Petroleum Institute (API) Standards
API 5L: This standard specifies the manufacturing and inspection requirements for steel line pipe used in the oil and gas industry, including detailed specifications for nondestructive testing.
 
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards
ASTM E-Series: The ASTM E-Series contains numerous standards for nondestructive testing methods, such as ultrasonic, eddy current, and radiographic testing.
 
Conclusion
In actual applications, specific testing standards are determined by the purpose, material, and contract requirements of the steel pipe. For example, seamless steel pipes used in oil and gas pipelines will strictly follow the API 5L standard, while those used for general mechanical structures may mainly refer to national standards such as GB/T 5777 and GB/T 7735. When purchasing or using seamless steel pipes, it is important to clearly understand the testing standards and quality grades that the products should follow, and require suppliers to provide corresponding quality certification documents.

Read more: Causes and Detection Methods of Common Failures of Seamless Steel Pipes