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The following terms are defined for use in this document.

2.1 Definitions

Non-destrucfive testing fNDT), non-destrucfive examination fNDEJ or

non-destructive inspection - the carrying out of inspection causing
little, if any, damage to the test item, usually by physical test methods
in conjunction with visual assessment, either at the worksite by the
inspector or via a remote telecommunications link. The words testing,
examination and inspection are thoughout this document regarded
synonymous, reflecting the common, and somewhat arbitrary
terminology used in the offshore inspection industry.

Non-destructive evaluation fNDq - the comprehensive assessment of

the results of NDT, including the assessment of any inspection
indications, which may comprise formal fracture mechanics analysis
and other engineering reliability studies. The overall results and
assessment will normally be drawn together in a formal report.

indication - a response from the inspection system suggesting the

existence of a flaw.

Flaw - an indication confirmed by use of two or more different

inspection techniques, including close visual inspection. A flaw is
usually, but not always, a crack. The term is used in preference to
'defect' in accordance with European Standards, the designation
'defect' being considered as connotating 'defective' or 'unfit for
purpose'. A flaw is a departure from perfection that does not
immediately condemn the article as unacceptable but that
nevertheless should be considered in an assessment of reliability.
Further information may be found in IIW documents.

Spuious indication or false call - a plausible, but discounted,

indication that has, on further investigation, been assessed as not
being a flaw. It would normally still be noted in the records of the
inspection.

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Probabfity of detection [POD) - a measure of the performance of an
non-destructive testing (NDT) system intended to detect flaws, in terms
of the chance of finding a flaw. It is a complicated variable,
depending on: NDE technique and equipment: skill of the operator:
the inspection conditions: the definition, nature, location, and size of
flaw and other factors. It is often presented in the form of a curve as a
function of flaw size (usually length). Considerable care should be
taken not to mis-apply such curves as their interpretation is far from
clear-cut and demands some knowledge of statistical methods.

Accuracy of s/ang lA0.J) - a measure of the performance of NDE

equipment in giving an estimate of the size of a flaw. In the important
case of surface-breaking flaws, the depth is quoted as being the
significant variable for causing brittle fracture. Accuracy of sizing is a
complicated concept, being heavily dependent on a number of
factors, some ill-defined. The concept of accuracy of sizing is less well
established than POD but includes systematic and random errors of
size estimates.

2.2 Glossary

Magnetic parfcle inspection fMPIJ or magnetic parfcle testing fMPTj

- a combined visual and electromagnetic technique relying on the
attraction of minute ferromagnetic particles to magnetic flux diverted
from an applied field by a flaw. The particles emphasise the length of
the defect rendering it more visible to the inspector. The method is
suitable for detecting surface-breaking flaws, but may also have a
limited capability for anomalies very near to the surface. The
magnetic field may be applied by permanent magnets or by
electromagnetic induction using coils, a yoke, or prods. In many
ways, MPI can be regarded as a quasi-standard method against
which other NDT methods are often compared, though it is known to
be very sensitive to the skill of the inspector.

Alternating current potential drop [Acpd) - a contacting

electromagnetic technique using the skin effect of the alternating
current from which an assessment of crack depth can be made on
surface breaking defects. ACPD is a sizing technique rather than a
detection method.

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Alternating current field measurement (ACFM) - a non-contacting
electromagnetic inspection technique developed from ACPD (qv)
and capable of detecting and sizing surface breaking flaws. A
uniform alternating current is induced into the material under test and
the disturbances in the surface magnetic field produce information,
which is collected using an inspection head, which may be a probe
or array. This is fed through an umbilical lead to a computer for data
recording and analysis which then produces data on the length and
depth of the defect. Because of its ability to produce length and
depth data from coated welds it has also been applied using ROVs to
deploy the technique.

Eddy current (EC) - a non-contacting electromagnetic inspection

technique relying on the perturbation by flaws of eddy currents
induced in a metal surface by a probe. Usually the same probe
induces the eddy currents and detects the perturbation signalling an
indication. EC is principally a detection technique for surface-
breaking flaws, although some depth penetration can be gained
depending on the frequency of the eddy current field and the metal,
and some systems can size indications. The recent trend in EC systems
has been broadly similar to that for ACFM, with often a high degree of
computerisation allowing data recording and analysis. A
computerised system has also been applied with an ROV.

Flooded member detection fFMD) - a generic term covering a

variety of approaches to detecting whether a tubular member has
been penetrated by a through-thickness crack and has then been
flooded with water. Two main types of FMD are used: systems using
ultrasonic techniques; and gamma-radiation methods. FMD differs
somewhat from the other NDT methods in that it is capable of
detecting flaws only once they have gone through-thickness, hence
giving only a short residual life for the affected component. Against
this, FMD is very fast and so tends to be used as a supplement for
other, slower, inspection methods, in order to cover a large amount of
the structure. The technique has been adapted for use with ROVs.

Radiography - various forms of this technique for buried flaws are

available, principally using X-rays and gamma-radiation sources. The
radiation hazard tends to restrict their use offshore, though they have
been used for some difficult applications unsuitable for other NDT
methods. The capability of detecting and sizing flaws is highly

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dependent on the skill of the inspector and on favourable flaw
orientation. Limited ROV applications have been carried out.

Ultrasonic inspection [UU or ultrasonic testing [UTj - use of ultrasonic

waves induced in a probe and transmitted across a narrow gap into
the steel. The term is general and may cover a variety of different
effects, but it commonly refers to pulse-echo systems using the
amplitude information of signals. A large variety of arrangements of
probes and systems is available, and they are principally used for
characterising (locating and sizing) deep flaws rather than those near
the surface and also for wall thickness measurement. See also TOFD
and UCW. ROVs have applied ultrasonic wall thickness measurement
for corrosion assessment.

firne-of-flight diffraction [TOFDj - a variety of ultrasonic detection

systems relying on the time taken for signals diffracted from a flaw to
extract information. TOFD systems tend to be heavily computerised
and appear to be capable of better quantitative flaw sizing than
conventional ultrasonic techniques under opportune circumstances.

Ultrasonic creeping wave [UCWj - a variety of US using a special

probe to generate longitudinal surface waves confined to a thin layer
of steel just under the steel/water interface and hence is well-suited to
detection of surface-breaking flaws. Other than the probe,
conventional US equipment can be used.

Close vkual inspection [CVV - detailed examination of a small area

from a short distance, usually carried out by a diver. CVI should
automatically accompany any other inspection method, for although
it is, on its own, of minimal reliability for detecting flaws very useful
supplementary information can be obtained by an experienced
inspector.

General visual inspection {GVV - the general inspection of the

condition of a structure, usually made by a 'flying eyeball' remotely-
operated vehicle (ROV), in which the aim is to gain an overall
appreciation of the state of the installation with respect to missing or
damaged members, the extent of marine growth, debris, and scour,
and suchlike.

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Diving inspector or NDT operator- a diver trained in the application
of non-destructive inspection techniques and reporting and
sometimes the interpretation of results obtained from the inspection.

Remotely-Operated Vehicle [ROW - an underwater vehicle of

various dimensions often used as a replacement for diving inspectors
which can be used to deploy non-destructive tools depending on the
complexity of the inspection required. Interpretation is carried out by
an ROV inspector.