1.1 In the preferred embodiment, this practice examines immersed low carbon, forged piping being immersed in a water tank with the acoustic sensors permanently mounted on the tank walls rather than temporarily on the part itself. The pipes are monitored while being internally loaded (stressed) by hydrostatic means up to 1000 bar.

1.2 This practice examines either an immersed pipe, or non-immersed pipe being stressed by internal hydrostatic means to create acoustic emissions when cracks are present. However, the non-immersed method is time consuming, requiring placement and removal of sensors for each pipe inspected, while the immersed method has sensors permanently mounted, providing consistent sensor coupling to the tank-eliminating reinstallation. The non-immersed method is not recommended for the specified reasons and only the immersed method will be discussed throughout the remainder of the standard. This is similar to pressure vessel testing described in Practice E569, but uses hydrostatic means not included in that standard.

1.3 This Acoustic Emission (AE) method addresses examination for monitoring low carbon, forged piping systems being internally loaded (stressed) by hydrostatic means up to 1000 bar [15,000 psi] while being immersed in a water bath to facilitate sensor coupling.

1.4 The basic functions of an AE monitoring system are to detect, locate, and classify emission sources. Other methods of nondestructive testing (NDT) may be used to further evaluate the significance of acoustic emission sources.

1.5 This practice can be used to replace visual methods, which are unreliable and have significant safety risks.

1.6 This practice describes procedures to install and monitor acoustic emission resulting from local anomalies stimulated by controlled hydrostatic pressure.

1.7 Other methods of nondestructive testing (NDT) may be used to further evaluate the significance of acoustic emission sources.

1.8 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.