API 510 Non-Destructive Examination Methods 2

Question 1

When performing wet fluorescent magnetic particle testing (WFMT) on a pressure vessel weld, what is the primary advantage over dry magnetic particle testing?

Accepted Answer

Higher particle mobility allowing detection of fine, tight discontinuities

Answer

Wet fluorescent magnetic particle testing provides higher sensitivity for fine and tight discontinuities because liquid suspension allows particles to migrate more freely to weak leakage fields.

Question 2

In ultrasonic testing using the pulse-echo technique, what does a high-amplitude back-wall echo that suddenly disappears during scanning indicate?

Accepted Answer

A large planar discontinuity is reflecting the sound beam away

Answer

Loss of back-wall echo during UT scanning typically indicates a large planar discontinuity (such as a lamination or large crack) oriented perpendicular to the sound beam, redirecting energy away from the transducer.

Question 3

Per API 510, which NDE method is most appropriate for detecting subsurface hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) in pressure vessel shells?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasonic testing

Answer

Ultrasonic testing is most appropriate for detecting subsurface HIC because it can locate internal discontinuities, whereas PT and MT are limited to surface and near-surface indications.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the reference block (IIW block or equivalent) used during ultrasonic testing calibration?

Accepted Answer

To establish distance amplitude correction (DAC) curves and verify equipment sensitivity

Answer

Reference calibration blocks are used to establish DAC curves and verify that the UT instrument is set to the correct sensitivity level for the specific examination.

Question 5

During radiographic testing of a pressure vessel butt weld, the density of the radiograph is too low. What is the most likely corrective action?

Accepted Answer

Increase the exposure time or increase the kV/Ci

Answer

Low radiographic density means insufficient radiation reached the film; increasing exposure time or source strength (kV or Ci) will increase the density to the acceptable range.

(API 510) Certified Pressure Vessel Inspector Practice Test

(API 510) Certified Pressure Vessel Inspector Practice Test

API 510 Non-Destructive Examination Methods 2