ISO 22232-2:2020

Overview

ISO 22232-2:2020 - Non-destructive testing - Characterization and verification of ultrasonic test equipment - Part 2: Probes - defines the characteristics and verification procedures for ultrasonic probes used in non‑destructive testing (NDT). It applies to single- and dual‑transducer contact probes (longitudinal or transverse waves) and single‑transducer immersion probes with centre frequencies from 0.5 MHz to 15 MHz. Where material-dependent values are given, they are referenced to steels with specified sound velocities. The document excludes phased‑array probes (see ISO 18563‑2) and routine on‑site verification, which is covered in ISO 22232‑3.

Key Topics

The standard provides technical requirements, test methods and reporting elements such as:

• Probe data sheet and probe test report requirements (manufacturer specs and individual probe test results).
• Test equipment: electronic measurement equipment, calibration blocks and bespoke fixtures.
• Performance requirements including:
  • Physical inspection criteria
  • Pulse shape, amplitude and duration
  • Frequency spectrum and bandwidth
  • Pulse‑echo sensitivity
  • Distance‑amplitude curves (DAC)
  • Beam parameters for immersion, straight‑beam and angle‑beam probes (divergence, focal distance, focal width, focal zone)
  • Crosstalk measurement and acceptance criteria
• Annexes: near‑field length calculation, angle‑beam calibration block guidance, and delay line/wedge delay determination.

Applications

ISO 22232‑2 is used to ensure reliable, reproducible performance of ultrasonic probes in industrial NDT workflows. Typical practical uses:

• Manufacturers - to specify probe performance, prepare data sheets and factory test certificates.
• Calibration laboratories - for probe characterization, acceptance testing and issuing probe test reports.
• NDT service providers and inspectors - to select appropriate probes and interpret probe performance for flaw detection, thickness measurement and weld inspection.
• Quality/asset managers and procurement - to set acceptance criteria when buying probes or qualifying suppliers.
• R&D and test engineers - to compare beam profiles, sensitivity and bandwidth for application-specific probe selection.

Related Standards

• ISO 22232‑1 - Instruments (characterization and verification of ultrasonic instruments)
• ISO 22232‑3 - Routine on‑site probe verification procedures
• ISO 18563‑2 - Ultrasonic phased‑array probe characterization (excluded from ISO 22232‑2)
• ISO 5577, ISO 7963 - Vocabulary and calibration block specifications referenced by the standard

ISO 22232‑2:2020 is essential for consistent, traceable ultrasonic probe performance in NDT, supporting accurate inspections, calibration and supplier conformity practices.