ISO 18563-3:2024

Overview

ISO 18563-3:2024 - Non‑destructive testing - Characterization and verification of ultrasonic phased array equipment - Part 3: Complete systems provides methods and acceptance criteria to verify the correct operation of complete ultrasonic array-based test systems. It applies to contact (with or without wedge) and immersion techniques using array probes with centre frequencies from 0.5 MHz to 10 MHz. The standard is intended for verification prior to testing and for detecting system degradation; it does not set application-specific sensitivity settings nor cover mechanical scanner verification.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Verifies the complete system (instrument + array probe + settings) rather than individual components alone.
  • Covers phased array and signal‑processing imaging techniques including TFM (Total Focusing Technique) as referenced to ISO 23243.
• Reference and identical systems
  • Establish a reference system by performing all applicable tests and recording base values.
  • Define identical systems for comparison after maintenance, component replacement, or configuration changes.
• Verification methods
  • Tests may use individual ultrasonic beams (phased array) or resulting images (phased array and TFM).
  • Tests can be limited to only those functions or channels used in a given inspection application.
• Acceptance & record keeping
  • Acceptance criteria are provided for each test; results are recorded on a system record sheet to enable comparison with base values.
  • Periodic checks are required (frequency determined by the user procedure: e.g., daily, weekly, before/after testing).
• Additional considerations
  • Annex A provides beam characterization guidance (recommended for dead elements or deeper beam analysis).
  • The document excludes tandem phased‑array techniques and mechanical scanning equipment characterization.
  • Personnel qualifications and permitted modes of operation are defined to ensure reliable verification.

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 18563-3:2024:

• NDT managers and engineers responsible for ultrasonic phased array system commissioning and routine verification.
• Inspection service companies validating system integrity before in‑service inspections.
• OEMs and calibration labs setting up reference systems and generating system record sheets.
• Quality and compliance teams ensuring traceability of array-based ultrasonic inspections.

Practical benefits:

• Confirms system capability to operate correctly with chosen settings.
• Detects degradation (dead elements, channel issues, imaging anomalies) before production or critical inspections.
• Provides a structured approach to periodic verification and documentation for audit and quality control.

Related standards

• ISO 18563-1 (Instruments) and ISO 18563-2 (Probes) - component-level requirements.
• ISO 23243 - vocabulary and definitions for array ultrasonic testing and TFM.
• ISO 9712 - personnel qualification for NDT.