The purpose of this standard is to describe the methods for conducting an acoustic emission (AE) examination of metallic pressure equipment during acceptance pressure testing using a zone location procedure. General principles of Acoustic Emissions are described in EN 13554.
The objectives of the AE testing are to provide 100 % volumetric testing to define and grade zones of the structure which are acoustically active with burst type AE. The method should be regarded as supplementary to planar location. Planar location provides the source identification and characterisation. Zone location may also be applied in such cases where location of AE sources by planar location procedures according to EN 14584 is not possible.
The method identifies the need for further evaluation or follow-up by other NDT in localized zones.