This document addresses ultrasonic test systems implementing array probes, for contact technique (with or without wedge) or for immersion technique, with centre frequencies in the range of 0,5 MHz–10 MHz.

It provides methods and acceptance criteria for determining the compliance of the combined equipment (i.e. instrument, probe, wedge and cables connected). Its purpose is for the verification of the correct operation of the system prior to testing or verification of the absence of degradation of the system.

The methods are not intended to prove the suitability of the system for particular applications but are intended to prove the capability of the complete system (used for an application) to operate correctly according to the settings used. Tests can be performed on individual ultrasonic beams (for phased array technique, see 9.4.4) or on resulting images (for phased array technique and total focusing technique, see 9.4.3).

The tests can be limited to the functions that are intended to be used for a certain application.

This document does not cover the calibration of the system for a specific application and the characterization and verification of the mechanical scanning equipment. It is intended that these items will be covered by the test operating procedure.

This document does not address the configurations of probes using the tandem technique.

The characterization of beams, as recommended for dead elements or for more in-depth knowledge of the beams, is presented in Annex A. It is not applicable for signal processing technology using arrays.