ASME Section V, Article 9 establishes the mandatory requirements for Visual Examination (VT), a critical non-destructive testing method used to detect surface flaws, misalignment, and signs of leaking in boilers and pressure vessels. Unlike other NDT methods, Article 9 is a reference code; it defines the "how-to" for the inspection, while the specific acceptance or rejection criteria are found in the referencing code section (e.g., Section VIII or B31.3). Core Requirements #welding #ndt #asme #visualinspection | Ahmed Zaghloul
Summary Checklist
To comply with Article 9, an inspector needs:
Crucial detail: This test must be administered annually.
Acceptance Criteria (Table T-921)
Article 9 provides standard acceptance limits for visual examination, including:
3. Key Requirements
3.1. Equipment and Lighting
The code mandates strict control over the visual environment to ensure reliability.
The "Human Variable": Because the inspector is the instrument, they must pass annual vision tests using standard tools like Jaeger or Snellen charts to prove their visual acuity. Why It Matters