NDE2019, 054, v1: ’ASME Section - V Edition 2019 Code Changes’
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ASME Section - V Edition 2019 Code Changes
Diwakar Joshi1, Aditya Bhagwat2, Gajanan Joshi3
Insight Quality Services,
Office No. 507/508, 5th Floor,
Building No.1, Siddharth Towers,
Sr. No. 12/3B, Near Sangam Press,
Kothrud, Pune - 411 029,
Maharashtra, India
E-mail ID: diwakarj@gmail.com
E-mail ID: aditya.bhagwat@iqs-ndt.org
Email ID: gajanan.joshi@iqs-ndt.org
ABSTRACT
ASME (American Society for Mechanical Engineers) Codes are revised every 2 years (generally on 1 st July),
and the new edition is mandatorily applicable after six months (on subsequent 1st January onward). After
Edition 2017 (which is applicable up to 31 st December 2019), the new Codes are released on 1 st July, 2019
which are available all over now. ASME Code Section V, Nondestructive Examination, is a referenced Code
referred by many referencing Codes like ASME Section VIII Div. 1 (Pressure Vessel), ASME Section I
(Power Boilers), ASME Section III (Nuclear). The manufacturers having ASME Code certification, Owners,
Users, Consultants, Inspectors and the Fabricators need to know what are the changes in the new Code and
why are these changes made, to align themselves and act as per new Code.
This paper gives the Summary of major changes in ASME Section V - 2019 from the earlier Code Edition
2017, and discusses how to implement these changes.
Keywords: ASME, Manufacturer, Pressure Vessel, Nondestructive Examination, Changes
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NDE2019, 054, v1: ’ASME Section - V Edition 2019 Code Changes’
ASME Section V is a referenced Code which deals with NDE requirements like Personnel Qualifications,
Procedures, Equipment, Calibrations and Demonstration of the NDE procedures. It is to be referred to when
a Referencing Code (like ASME Section VIII Div. 1, ASME Section VIII Div. 2, ASME Section VIII Div.
3, ASME Section III, ASME Section I, ASME Section IV, ASME B31.1, ASME B 31.3, AWS D1.1 and so
on) directs you to refer to it. While directing you to Section V, the referencing Code always adds or deletes
the requirements of Section V before making the Procedures. The acceptance Standards are always given by
referencing Codes.
Some examples of such additions/deletions are
a)
b)
c)
UW-51 states that the requirements of T-274 (Geometric Unsharpness) is used as guide only.
In ASME Section III NB the requirements of penatrameter is not as per ASME Section V – T -276. We
have to refer Table NB 5111-1 which is stricter than ASME Section V- T - 276.
As per ASME Section I PW-51, the requirements of T-274 are to be used as a guide but not for the
rejection of radiographs unless the geometrical unsharpness exceeds 0.07 in (1.8 mm).
Why are changes made in Codes?
 It is to address new methods, new techniques, new equipment, like PAUT, DR, CR, FMC.
 To give more clarity on the practices followed and define the parameters and ranges of parameters within
which the procedure can be used, e.g. the essential variables were added in ASME Section V for all
methods (except radiographic testing) in ASME Section V Edition 2001 Addendum 2002.
 To correct the practices in NDE (wrong interpretations and unintended mistakes to be eliminated).
 To give more clarity to the Code requirements.
 To correct the grammatical and typographical errors.
 To clarify the conversion factors and units to be used.
The present ASME Section V Edition 2019 was released on 1st July 2019 and will be mandatorily applicable
from 1st January 2020.
All the changes listed in summary of changes can be divided into
 Major changes (wherein change of procedure, format, equipment and training is essential.)
 Changes which are for information only
 Changes initiated due to typographical errors, errata etc.
We are going to discuss only the major changes in the Code. Needless to say, one has to refer to the Original
Code to understand and implement the changes effectively.
Article 1
1.
The main change in ASME Section V Edition 2019 is the adopting of SNT-TC-1A Edition 2016 and
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Edition 2016. For implementation of this, ASME section V added Mandatory
appendix
III
and
IV
for
SNT-TC-1A
and
CP
–
189
respectively.
Major changes in recommendations of SNT – TC-1A


Review of 1000 radiographs is not required for demonstrating experience in limited
certification of Radiographic Examination Film Interpretation. The practical examination shall
consist of a sufficient number of radiographs to demonstrate satisfactory performance to the
certifying Level III or sufficient documented experience as deemed appropriate by the
certifying Level III.
Personnel being considered for initial certification shall complete sufficient organized training
to become thoroughly familiar with principles and practices of the specified NDE method
NDE2019, 054, v1: ’ASME Section - V Edition 2019 Code Changes’





related to the level of certification desired and applicable to the processes used and products to
be examined. Hours shall not be credited for “self-study” scenarios.
The Practical examination shall have a passing grade of at least 80 percent.
Near-Vision acuity examination shall be administered annually. The examination shall ensure
natural or corrected near-distance acuity in at least one eye such that the applicant is capable
of reading a minimum of Jaeger Number 1 or equivalent type and size letter at the distance
designated on the chart but not less than 12 in. (30.5 cm) on a standard Jaeger test chart or an
equivalent Ortho-Rater or similar test pattern.
The candidate shall detect at least 80% of discontinuities and conditions specified by the NDE
Level III.
Maximum recertification intervals shall be 3 years for Level I and Level II personnel, and 5
years for Level III personnel. Certifications expire 3 or 5 years from the date of the first
examination taken during initial or recertification activities for each method.
SNT –TC-1A Clause No. 8.7.3.2 shall not be allowed, which states that the employer may
delete the specific examination if the candidate has a valid ASNT NDT Level III or ACCP
Professional Level III certificate in the method and if documented evidence of experience
exists, including the preparation of NDT procedures to codes, standards, or specifications and
the evaluation of test results.
Major changes in requirements of CP - 189

2.
3.
4.
5.
Definition added - Personalized Instruction. Personal Instruction may consist of blended
classroom, supervised laboratory, and/or hybrid online competency-based course delivery.
Modular content is addressed through online presentations, in the classroom, and/or in small
groups. Personalized instruction also enables students to achieve competency using strategies
that align with their knowledge, skills and learning styles.
 As described in CP-189 paragraph 4.1.1.1, self-study as an acceptable form of training is
deleted.
 Removed the requirement for a Company Level III to be certified by ASNT for their Initial
Certification.
 Removed waiver of employer based Specific Examination for ASNT certified Level II.
 Removed waiver of employer based Specific Examination for ACCP certified Level II.
 Mandated that the candidate receive at least 80% in the Practical Examination.
 Added the requirement for the Level III to sign the candidate’s certification.
 Tied the expiration of a certification to when the examination was taken should it be taken
over successive days
 Clause 7.1.2: 5 years from the day of the first examination for each method NDE Level I,
NDE Level II and NDE Level III individuals;
T- 150 (d) is revised for clarity that where Procedure Qualification is required by the Referencing
Code, demonstration shall be performed prior to the acceptance of production examination.
In I-121 definition of foot candle (fc), lux (lx), unprocessed data, and visible light (white light) added.
In Table I-122.2, I-121-2 FMC Training hours added.
Mandatory Appendix III and IV added for Implementation of SNT-TC-1A and CP-189 Edition 2016.
Article 2
1.
2.
3.
T-223 revised to reflect a minimum dimension of 7/16 in. (11 mm) for the required height of a lead symbol
“B” for the determination of the presence of backscattered radiation.
T-262.1 revised for densitometer calibration - 90 days is replaced by 3 months for clarity.
T-283.1 revised to clarify that the essential wire shall be visible within the area of interest representing the
thickness used for determining the essential wire (inclusive of allowable density and brightness variations).
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NDE2019, 054, v1: ’ASME Section - V Edition 2019 Code Changes’
Article 4
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Consolidated the variables for phased array examinations in a user-friendly format. Added several variables
based on lessons learned, qualification experiences, and enhanced equipment capabilities. Clarified the need
for scan plans in Article 4.
Added T-420(e) to reference Article 4, Mandatory Appendix V.
Changed the reference in Figure T-434.3-2, Note (2) from “T-464.1.2” (incorrectly directing the user to the
paragraph for setting up a DAC curve with notches) to “T-464.1.3” (correctly directing the user to the
paragraph for setting up a DAC curve using side-drilled holes).
Added for personnel certification of those who approve setups and perform calibrations to VII-423 and
VIII-423.
Added additional reporting requirements and clarified the linkage to Appendix V requirements in VII-492.
Added the following sentence in VIII-410: “When fracture-mechanics-based acceptance criteria are used
with the full matrix capture (FMC) ultrasonic technique, Mandatory Appendix XI shall apply.”
Added “and shall comply with Article 1, T-150(d)” to the first sentence of VIII-421.2.
Article 5
1.
IV-531.2 - In table, title of first column revised from bolt size to bolt diameter.
Article 6
1. Added and revised several sections changing “black light” to “UV-A light” and revising various words to
make Article 6 have the same content except for references to other paragraphs. Added new paragraphs for
LED lights and revised the designations of those and old paragraphs that changed because of the insertions
(also for Article 7).
2. Revised T-676.3 to change the lx values for 100 fc to 1076 lx. Revised the value for 2 fc in T-676.4 to 21.5
lx. Deleted the definition for lux in Article 1, Appendix I, Visual Definitions and placed it in the General
Definitions and added a general definition for “footcandle.”
3. Revised thickness of Aluminum Comparator block from “9.5 mm” to “10 mm” in III-630.
Article 7
1. Revised T-710 to reflect the correct title i.e. Magnetic Particle Testing Instead of Examination.
2. Replaced “should” with “shall” in T-731(b). Added the following after “with” in T-731(b): “the applicable
specifications listed in SE-709, para. 2.2.”
3. Revised T-762 to clarify the intent of the maximum pole spacing and yoke contact for electromagnetic and
permanent yokes.
4. Revised T-777.1 to change the lx values for 100 fc to 1076 lx. Revised the value for 2 fc in T-777.3 to 21.5
lx. Deleted the definition of lux in Article 1, Appendix I, Visual Definitions and placed it in the General
Definitions and added a general definition for “footcandle.”
Article 9
1. Reclassified “personnel performance qualification requirements, when required” as a nonessential variable in
Table T-921.
2. Revised T-952 to change the lx values for 100 fc to 1076 lx.
3. T-953 revised to include light intensity along with resolution.
NDE2019, 054, v1: ’ASME Section - V Edition 2019 Code Changes’
4. T-955 added for the requirement of the calibration of light meters as required which states that light meters
shall be calibrated at least once a year or whenever they have been repaired. If meters have not been in use for
1 year or more, they shall be calibrated before they are used.
Article 10
1. Reclassified “personnel performance qualification requirements, when required” as a nonessential variable in
Table I-1021, Table II-1021, Table III-1021, Table IV-1021, Table V-1021, Table VI-1021, TableVIII-1021
2. Updated Mandatory Appendix IX with a substantial number of changes including, but not limited to, the
following: Revised text to acknowledge and set standards for the use of the multimode helium mass
spectrometers that are now the common design. Added an equation to calculate the instrument sensitivity (the
requirement is not new, but agreed means of calculating are now available). Improved system calibration
practices. Improved helium concentration measurement and use of that data. Revised text to address the use of
high-speed booster pumps (turbomolecular or diffusion pumps). Added other improved practices that have come
into use over the many years since this Appendix was last reviewed.
3. Added Mandatory Appendix XI to address the helium leak test of sealed objects that contain helium, such as a
package that is welded closed with helium as the gas portion of the package contents.
Summary:
1. The major change in ASME Sect. V 2019 is adopting SNT-TC-1A Edition 2016 which requires a lot of
changes in the NDE Personnel Qualifications to be implemented.
2. The additional detailed information on special new techniques like TOFD, DR and CR is another
change.
3. The remaining changes are of minor nature. However, they need to be incorporated in NDE procedures
to make them code compliant.
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