This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: E243 − 24

Standard Practice for

Electromagnetic (Eddy Current) Examination of Copper and
Copper-Alloy Tubes 1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E243; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-

2
1.1 This practice covers the procedures that shall be dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
followed in eddy current examination of copper and copper- ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
alloy tubes for detecting discontinuities of a severity likely to Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
cause failure of the tube. These procedures are applicable for mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tubes with outside diameters to 31⁄8 in. (79.4 mm), inclusive, Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
and wall thicknesses from 0.017 in. (0.432 mm) to 0.120 in. 2. Referenced Documents
(3.04 mm), inclusive, or as otherwise stated in ASTM product
specifications; or by other users of this practice. These proce- 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
dures may be used for tubes beyond the size range B111/B111M Specification for Copper and Copper-Alloy
recommended, upon contractual agreement between the pur- Seamless Condenser Tubes and Ferrule Stock
chaser and the manufacturer. B395/B395M Specification for U-Bend Seamless Copper
and Copper Alloy Heat Exchanger and Condenser Tubes
1.2 The procedures described in this practice are based on B543 Specification for Welded Copper and Copper-Alloy
methods making use of encircling annular examination coil Heat Exchanger Tube [Metric] (Discontinued 2000)
systems. B0543_B0543M
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are Testing
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for E690 Practice for In Situ Electromagnetic (Eddy Current)
information only and are not considered standard. Examination of Nonmagnetic Heat Exchanger Tubes
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
NOTE 1—This practice may be used as a guideline for the examination,
by means of internal probe examination coil systems, of installations using
tubular products where the outer surface of the tube is not accessible. For
3. Terminology
such applications, the technical differences associated with the use of 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
internal probe coils should be recognized and accommodated. The effect 3.1.1 The following terms are defined in relation to this
of foreign materials on the tube surface and signals due to tube supports
are typical of the factors that must be considered. See Practice E690 for
standard.
additional details regarding the in-situ examinations using internal probes. 3.1.2 artificial discontinuity reference standard, n—a stan-
dard consisting of a selected tube with defined artificial
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
discontinuities, used when adjusting the system controls to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
obtain some predetermined system output signal level; this
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
standard may be used for periodic checking of the instrument
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
during an examination.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.3 electrical center, n—the center established by the
electromagnetic field distribution within the examination coil.
1
A constant-intensity signal, irrespective of the circumferential
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde-
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.07 on
position of a discontinuity, is indicative of electrical centering;
Electromagnetic Method.
Current edition approved June 1, 2024. Published June 2024. Originally
3
approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E243 – 18. DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/E0243-24. contact ASTM Customer Service at www.astm.org/contact. For Annual Book of
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Practice ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary
SE-243 in the Code. page on the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 E243 − 24
the electrical center may be different from the physical center shall be regarded as unacceptable until it is demonstrated by
of the examination coil. re-examination or other means to be irrelevant (see 10.3.2).
3.1.4 off-line examining/in-line, n—eddy current examina- 5.3 Eddy current testing systems are generally not sensitive
tions conducted on equipment that includes the examination to discontinuities adjacent to the ends of the tube (end effect).
coil and means to propel individual tubes under examination On-line eddy current examining would not be subject to end
through the coil at appropriate speeds and conditions. effect.
3.1.5 on-line examining, n—eddy current examinations con- 5.4 Discontinuities such as scratches or seams that are
ducted on equipment that includes the examination coil and continuous and uniform for the full length of the tube may not
means to propel tubes under examination through the coil at always be detected.
appropriate speeds and conditions as an integral part of a
continuous tube manufacturing sequence. 6. Basis of Application
3.1.6 percent maximum unbalance standardization 6.1 Personnel Qualification—Nondestructive testing (NDT)
standards, n—a method of standardization that can be used personnel shall be qualified in accordance with a nationally
with speed-insensitive instruments (see 3.1.7); the acceptance recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or standard.
level of the examination is established at the operating exami- The practice or standard used and its applicable revision shall
nation frequency as an accurate fraction of the maximum be specified in the purchase specification or contractual agree-
unbalance signal resulting from the end effect of a tube. Any ment between the using parties.
low-noise tube from the production run having a squared end 6.2 Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Agencies—If
may be used as this standard. This standard may be used for specified in the purchase specification or contractual
periodic checking of the instrument during an examination. agreement, NDT agencies shall be evaluated and qualified as
3.1.7 speed-sensitive equipment, n—examination equipment described in Practice E543. The applicable edition of Practice
that produces a variation in signal response with variations in E543 shall be identified in the purchase specification or
the examination speed; speed-insensitive equipment provides a contractual agreement between the using parties.
constant signal response with changing examination speeds.
7. Apparatus
3.2 Definitions of Terms—Refer to Terminology E1316 for
definitions of terms that are applicable to nondestructive 7.1 Electronic Apparatus—The electronic apparatus shall be
examinations in general. capable of energizing the examination coil with alternating
currents of suitable frequencies (for example, 1 kHz to
4. Summary of Practice 125 kHz), and shall be capable of sensing the changes in the
electromagnetic response of the coils. Electrical signals pro-
4.1 Examining is usually performed by passing the tube duced in this manner are processed so as to actuate an audio or
lengthwise through a coil energized with alternating current at visual signaling device or mechanical marker which produces
one or more frequencies. The electrical impedance of the coil a record.
is modified by the proximity of the tube, the tube dimensions,
electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability of the tube 7.2 Examination Coils—Examination coils shall be capable
material, and metallurgical or mechanical discontinuities in the of inducing current in the tube and sensing changes in the
tube. During passage of the tube, the changes in electromag- electrical characteristics of the tube. The examination coil
netic response caused by these variables in the tube produce diameter should be selected to yield the largest practical
electrical signals which are processed so as to actuate an audio fill-factor.
or visual signaling device or mechanical marker which pro- 7.3 Driving Mechanism—A mechanical means of passing
duces a record. the tube through the examination coil with minimum vibration
of the examination coil or the tube. The device shall maintain
5. Significance and Use the tube substantially concentric with the electrical center of
5.1 Eddy current testing is a nondestructive method of the examination coil. A uniform speed (65.0 % speed variation
locating discontinuities in a product. Signals can be produced maximum) shall be maintained.
by discontinuities located either on the external or internal 7.4 End Effect Suppression Device—A means capable of
surface of the tube or by discontinuities totally contained suppressing the signals produced at the ends of the tube.
within the walls. Since the density of eddy currents decreases Individual ASTM product specifications shall specify when an
nearly exponentially as the distance from the external surface end effect suppression device is mandatory.
increases, the response to deep-seated defects decreases.
NOTE 2—Signals close to the ends of the tube may carry on beyond the
5.2 Some indications obtained by this method may not be limits of end suppression. Refer to 9.4.
relevant to product quality; for example, a reject signal may be
caused by minute dents or tool chatter marks that are not 8. Reference Standards
detrimental to the end use of the product. Irrelevant indications 8.1 Artificial Discontinuity Reference Standard:
can mask unacceptable discontinuities. Relevant indications 8.1.1 The tube used when adjusting the sensitivity setting of
are those which result from nonacceptable discontinuities. Any the apparatus shall be selected from a typical production run
indication above the reject level that is believed to be irrelevant and shall be representative of the purchaser’s order. The tubes

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 E243 − 24
shall be passed through the examination coil with the instru- (d) Four round bottom transverse notches on the outside of
ment sensitivity high enough to determine the nominal back- the tube, all on the same element of the tube (Fig. 4).
ground noise inherent in the tubes. The reference standard shall
be selected from tubes exhibiting low background noise. For
on-line eddy current examining, the reference standard is
created in a tube portion existent in the continuous manufac-
turing sequence or in other forms as allowed by the product
specification.
8.1.2 The artificial discontinuities shall be spaced to provide
signal resolution adequate for interpretation. The artificial
discontinuities shall be prepared in accordance with one of the
following options: NOTE 1—A = Space to provide signal resolution adequate for interpre-
(a) A round bottom transverse notch on the outside of the tation.
FIG. 4 Reference Standard with Four Notches in Line
tube in each of three successive transverse planes at 0°, 120°,
and 240° (Fig. 1).
(e) Four holes drilled radially through the tube wall, all the
same element of the tube (Fig. 5).

FIG. 1 Reference Standard with Three Notches

NOTE 1—A = Space to provide signal resolution adequate for interpre-

(b) A hole drilled radially through the tube wall in each of tation.
FIG. 5 Reference Standard with Four Holes in Line
three successive transverse planes at 0°, 120°, and 240° (Fig.
2).
8.1.2.1 Round Bottom Transverse Notch—The notch shall
be made using a suitable device/jig with a 0.250 in. (6.35 mm)
diameter No. 4 cut, straight, round file. Any device/jig either
hand powered or electric powered capable of replicating the
0.250 in. (6.35 mm) diameter No. 4 cut straight round file is
acceptable. The outside surface of the tube shall be stroked in
a substantially straight line perpendicular to the axis of the
tube. The notch depth shall be in accordance with the ASTM
product specification or Appendix X1 if the product specifica-
FIG. 2 Reference Standard with Three Holes tion does not specify and shall not vary from the notch depth
by more than 60.0005 in. (60.013 mm) when measured at the
center of the notch (see Table X1.1).4
(c) One round bottom transverse notch on the outside of
the tube at 0° and another at 180°, and one hole drilled radially NOTE 3—Tables X1.1 and X1.2 may not be used for acceptance or
through the wall at 90° and another at 270°. Only one notch or rejection of materials.
hole shall be made in each transverse plane (Fig. 3). 8.1.2.2 Drilled Holes—The hole shall be drilled radially
through the wall using a suitable drill jig that has a bushing to
guide the drill, care being taken to avoid distortion of the tube
while drilling. The drilled hole diameter shall be in accordance
with the ASTM product specification or Appendix X1 if the
product specification does not specify and shall not vary by
more than +0.001, −0.000 in. (+0.026 mm) of the hole diam-
eter specified (see Table X1.2) (Note 3).4
8.1.2.3 Other Artificial Discontinuities—Discontinuities of
other contours may be used in the reference standard by mutual
agreement between supplier and purchaser.
NOTE 1—A = Space to provide signal resolution adequate for interpre-
tation. 4
FIG. 3 Reference Standard with Two Notches and Two Holes Tables X1.1 and X1.2 are extracted from Specifications B111/B111M, B395/
B395M, and B543.

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 E243 − 24
8.2 Other Reference Standards—Other reference standards successive discontinuities is uniform with a recording device
may be used by mutual agreement between supplier and such as a pen recorder or memory oscilloscope. Use a signal
purchaser. suppression method (photo relay, mechanical switches, or
proximity devices are commonly used) to permit examining
NOTE 4—Artificial discontinuities and the percent of maximum unbal-
ance are not intended to be representative of natural discontinuities or only when the length of tubing exhibiting uniform signals is
produce a direct relationship between instrument response and disconti- within the examination coil. The section of tube passing
nuity severity; they are intended only for establishing sensitivity levels as through the examination coil during end effect suppression is
outlined in Section 9. The relationship between instrument response and not examined in accordance with 9.2.
discontinuity size, shape, and location is important and should be
established separately, particularly as related to examination frequency.
9.4.1 As an option to 9.4, when a recording device is not
available, the length of tubing requiring end suppression may
9. Adjustment and Standardization of Apparatus be determined by selecting a tube of low background noise and
Sensitivity making a reference hole or notch at 6 in. to 8 in. (152 mm to
203 mm) from the tube end. Pass the tube through the
9.1 The tube manufacturer shall select equipment, reference examination coil at the production examination speed with the
standard, and examination parameters consistent for the artificial discontinuity end first and then with the artificial
product, unless otherwise agreed upon between manufacturer discontinuity end last. If the artificial discontinuity is not
and purchaser. detected, another artificial discontinuity should be made further
9.2 When using the artificial discontinuity reference from the end. If it is detected, cut off 0.5 in. (12.7 mm)
standard, prepared in accordance with one of the five options, increments from the end of the tube until the artificial discon-
adjust the apparatus to the lowest sensitivity required to detect tinuity is no longer detected. The shortest distance from the end
the following: that the artificial discontinuity can be detected is that length of
9.2.1 For Figs. 1-3, all artificial discontinuities in the tube which shall require end effect signal suppression.
standard. The tube speed maintained during standardization 10. Procedure
shall be the same as the speed used in production testing. If
speed-insensitive equipment is used, the speed maintained 10.1 Electrically center the tubing in the examination coil at
during standardization may not necessarily be the same as used the start of the examination run, if such a feature is available in
in production testing. the test instrument. The tube manufacturer may use the
9.2.2 For Figs. 4 and 5, a minimum of two of the four artificial discontinuity reference standard or prepare a separate
artificial discontinuities as the tube is rotated by 120° intervals tube for this purpose in accordance with 8.1. Pass the tube
through 0°, 120°, and 240°, or by 90° intervals through 0°, 90°, through the examination system and mechanically adjust its
180°, and 270° on successive passes. The tube speed main- position in the examination coil such that the requirements of
tained during standardization shall be the same as the speed 9.2 are satisfied.
used in production testing. If speed-insensitive equipment is 10.2 Standardize the examination system at the start of the
used, the speed maintained during standardization may not examination run and at periodic intervals (for example, every
necessarily be the same as used in production testing. 2 h) of continuous operation or whenever improper functioning
NOTE 5—Sensitivity control settings are usually indicated by arbitrary
of the system is suspected.
numbers on the control panel of the testing instruments. These numerical 10.3 Pass the tubes through the examination system stan-
settings differ among instruments of different types. It is, therefore, not dardized as described in Section 9.
proper to transfer numerical settings on one instrument to those of another
instrument, unless the percent maximum unbalance reference standard is
10.3.1 Accept those tubes that produce output signals con-
used. Even among instruments of the same design and from the same forming to the limits in the applicable ASTM product specifi-
manufacturer, sensitivity control settings may vary. Undue emphasis on cation.
the numerical value of sensitivity control settings is not justified and shall 10.3.2 Tubes that produce output signals not conforming to
not be used unless referenced accurately to the maximum unbalance the limits in the applicable ASTM product specification may, at
signal.
the option of the manufacturer, be set aside for re-examination
9.3 Discard and replace the tube used as the reference (see 5.2). Upon re-examination, accept the tubes if the output
standard when erroneous signals are produced from signals are within acceptable limits (10.3.1) or demonstrated by
mechanical, metallurgical, or other damage to the standard. other re-examination to be irrelevant.
9.4 Determine the length of tubing requiring suppression of 10.4 Tubes may be examined at the finish size after the final
end effect signals by selecting a tube of low background noise anneal or heat treatment, or at the finish size prior to the final
and making a series of reference holes or notches at 0.5 in. anneal or heat treatment unless otherwise agreed upon between
(12.7 mm) intervals near the end of this special tube. Pass the the supplier and the purchaser.
tube through the examination coil at the production examina-
tion speed with the artificial discontinuities end first, and then 11. Keywords
with the artificial discontinuities end last. Determine the 11.1 copper; electromagnetic (eddy current) testing; NDT;
distance from the tube end at which the signal response from nondestructive testing; tubing

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 E243 − 24
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. TABLES

TABLE X1.1 Notch Depth

Tube Outside Diameter, in.
Tube Wall
Thickness, in. Over 1 ⁄4 to Over 3⁄4 to Over 11⁄4 to
3⁄4, incl 11⁄4, incl 31⁄8, incl
Over 0.017–0.032 0.005 0.006 0.007
Incl 0.032–0.049 0.006 0.006 0.0075
Incl 0.049–0.083 0.007 0.0075 0.008
Incl 0.083–0.109 0.0075 0.0085 0.0095
Incl 0.109–0.120 0.009 0.009 0.011

Tube Outside Diameter, mm

Tube Wall
Thickness, mm Over 6 to Over 19 to Over 32 to
19, incl 32, incl 79, incl
Over 0.43–0.61 0.13 0.15 0.18
Incl 0.81–1.3 0.15 0.15 0.19
Incl. 1.3–2.1 0.18 0.19 0.20
Incl. 2.1–2.8 0.19 0.22 0.24
Incl. 2.8–3.0 0.23 0.23 0.28

TABLE X1.2 Diameter of Drilled Holes

Tube Outside Diameter Diameter of Drilled Holes
Drill No.
in. in.
⁄ – ⁄ , incl
14 34 0.025 72
Over 3⁄4 –1, incl 0.031 68
Over 1–11⁄4, incl 0.036 64
Over 11⁄4 –11⁄2, incl 0.042 58
Over 11⁄2 –13⁄4, incl 0.046 56
Over 13⁄4 –2, incl 0.052 55
Tube Outside Diameter Diameter of Drilled Holes
Drill No.
mm mm
6.0–19.0, incl 0.635 72
Over 19.0–25, incl 0.785 68
Over 25–32, incl 0.915 64
Over 32–38, incl 1.07 58
Over 38–45, incl 1.17 56
Over 45–50, incl 1.32 55

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee E07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E243 – 18)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved June 1, 2024.)

(1) Revised subsection 6.1 to be consistent with Policy P-10 (3) Added sentence 2 in 8.1.2.1 to allow for additional flex-
and removed references in previous subsections 2.2 and 2.3. ibility for manufacturing a reference standard.
(2) Deleted previous Note 2 to be consistent with Policy P-10
and updated numbering of notes throughout document.

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 E243 − 24
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