ASME Section V NDT Requirements: Complete Code Reference Guide [2026]

Introduction to ASME Section V

ASME Section V is the authoritative standard governing nondestructive testing methods, procedures, and acceptance criteria across all ASME pressure equipment applications. Understanding Section V is mandatory for anyone involved in NDT of ASME-constructed equipment including boilers, pressure vessels, piping systems, and reactor components. Compliance with Section V requirements ensures examination quality, reliability, and code-mandated safety margins.

This comprehensive guide covers all 12 Articles of Section V, differentiates mandatory from non-mandatory appendices, explains examination requirements by method, details acceptance criteria frameworks, and addresses common audit findings that repeatedly appear in facility inspections and regulatory reviews.

Structure of ASME Section V

ASME Section V is organized into 12 examination articles, each covering a specific NDT method or technique: Visual Examination (VT), Ultrasonic Examination (UT), Radiographic Examination (RT), Magnetic Particle Examination (MT), Liquid Penetrant Examination (PT), Eddy Current Examination (ET), Acoustic Emission Examination (AE), Leak Detection (LD), Thermal/Infrared Examination (TE), Ultrasonic Examination Alternative Methods, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT), and Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD).

The 2023 edition introduced expanded coverage of advanced techniques while strengthening fundamental requirements. Each Article follows a consistent structure: scope, applicable code references, personnel qualifications, equipment specifications, procedure requirements, examination setup, acceptance criteria, and reporting.

Article 1: Visual Examination (VT)

Visual examination is the foundation of all NDT programs. Section V recognizes three levels of visual examination. VT-1 is performed before fabrication, assembly, and heat treatment. VT-2 is conducted during fabrication stages. VT-3 is performed after all fabrication is complete but before service.

Section V mandates that Visual Examination personnel have documented training specific to their assigned VT level and the applicable Code section. Minimum illumination requirements are strictly specified. Documentation must include inspection date, inspector identification, defects noted, and acceptance/rejection determination.

Article 2: Ultrasonic Examination (UT)

Ultrasonic examination is the most widely applied NDT method in ASME applications, covering weld inspection, thickness measurement, and flaw detection in plate and forgings. Section V requires Level II or Level III certification per ASNT CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, or equivalent per ISO 9712. A certified Level III must approve all UT procedures before implementation.

Every UT examination must be performed to a written, approved procedure that documents applicable standards, equipment specifications, surface preparation, scanning patterns, calibration settings, acceptance criteria, and documentation requirements.

Articles 3-9: Additional NDT Methods

ASME Section V covers radiographic examination (RT) for detecting internal defects and providing independent confirmation of weld quality. Magnetic particle testing (MT) detects surface and near-surface ferrous material defects. Liquid penetrant examination (PT) detects surface-breaking defects in ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Eddy current examination (ET) detects surface and near-surface defects in electrically conductive materials. Acoustic emission (AE) detects stress waves from crack growth. Leak detection (LD) verifies pressure boundary integrity. Thermal imaging (TE) detects temperature variations indicative of defects.

Articles 11 and 12: Advanced UT Methods

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT, Article 11) uses multi-element probes to create steerable, focused ultrasonic beams. PAUT advantages include sector scanning without physical probe manipulation, improved defect characterization through multiple angles, and faster coverage than conventional UT. Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD, Article 12) provides excellent height measurement accuracy for detected defects, with height sizing accuracy approaching 0.5mm.

Mandatory vs. Non-Mandatory Appendices

Mandatory Appendices (must be complied with) include: Reference Standards for UT, MT, PT, ET; Radiographic Film and Digital Radiography Quality Criteria; and UT Calibration and Reference Standards. Non-Mandatory Appendices provide guidance documents, not required but recommended, such as Alternative UT Methods Guidance, Common Indications and Their Significance, and PAUT and TOFD Technical Guidance.

Common Audit Findings and Compliance Issues

Missing or expired Level II/III certifications for NDT personnel is the most frequent audit finding. Section V explicitly requires current certification for all individuals performing examinations. Written procedures lacking required detail or examining to generic procedures in non-standard applications violates Section V requirements. Using expired or incorrect reference standards compromises examination reliability. Missing calibration records for UT and ET equipment represents significant non-compliance.

Developing a Section V Compliance Program

Effective ASME Section V compliance requires systematic management: documenting all Level II and Level III certifications, creating application-specific procedures, maintaining calibrated NDT equipment with documented records, inventorying all reference standards, implementing quality audits, ensuring training and communication, and establishing systems for retaining examination reports.

Conclusion

ASME Section V is the foundation of safe, reliable pressure equipment operation. Compliance with its requirements ensures that NDT examinations detect defects reliably, characterize them accurately, and apply appropriate acceptance criteria. Organizations that maintain rigorous Section V compliance programs gain confidence in their equipment integrity while avoiding costly rework, audit non-compliance, and safety risks.

At Atlantis NDT, our Level III certified professionals have extensive Section V experience across fabrication quality assurance and in-service inspection. We develop application-specific procedures and conduct compliance audits.

Contact us to develop or audit your ASME Section V compliance program and ensure your NDT operations meet the latest Code standards.