ISO 16811-2025 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 16811:2025 — Non‑destructive testing — Ultrasonic testing — Sensitivity and range setting. This international standard specifies general rules for setting the time‑base (range) and sensitivity (gain) of a manually operated ultrasonic instrument with A‑scan display so that reproducible determinations can be made of the location and echo height of a reflector.

Abstract

The document provides procedures and requirements for adjustment of the instrument time‑base and sensitivity for contact ultrasonic techniques using a single contact probe (single transducer or separate transmitter/receiver). It explicitly excludes immersion techniques and multi‑probe arrangements. The emphasis is on producing reproducible location and echo‑height measurements from A‑scan instruments.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 05 March 2025
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 19.100 — Non‑destructive testing
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2025)
• Number of pages: 41 (ISO English edition)

General information (status, date, edition and page count) as published by ISO for ISO 16811:2025.

Scope

ISO 16811:2025 applies to contact ultrasonic testing techniques using a single probe (either a single transducer or separate transmitter and receiver). It sets out rules for setting the A‑scan time‑base (range) and the instrument sensitivity (gain) to allow reproducible determination of reflector position and echo amplitude. The standard does not apply to immersion testing or techniques using more than one probe.

Key topics and requirements

• Procedures for setting time‑base (range) on manually operated A‑scan ultrasonic instruments.
• Requirements and recommended practice for sensitivity (gain) adjustment to achieve reproducible echo‑height measurements.
• Guidance specific to contact probe techniques using single or dual transducers (single probe only).
• Clarification of exclusions (immersion methods and multi‑probe/array arrangements are not covered).
• Operator procedures and documentation to support reproducible measurements and traceability of adjustments.

Core topics and applicability are taken from the ISO 16811:2025 scope and abstract.

Typical use and users

This standard is used by: NDT/UT technicians and inspectors performing manual A‑scan ultrasonic inspections; calibration and test laboratories that set up or verify instrument settings; manufacturers of ultrasonic flaw detectors (for guidance on user controls and specifications); training organisations and certification bodies preparing procedures and teaching materials; and specifiers or clients who need to define reproducible UT measurement practices in procurement or inspection contracts.

Related standards

ISO 16811:2025 revises and replaces ISO 16811:2012. It sits within the ISO ultrasonic testing family and is commonly referenced alongside general principles and application standards such as ISO 16810 (ultrasonic testing — general principles), ISO 17640 (ultrasonic testing of welds — techniques, testing levels and assessment) and personnel qualification standards such as ISO 9712. These related documents cover broader UT principles, specific testing applications (e.g. weld inspection) and personnel certification.

Keywords

ultrasonic testing, UT, A‑scan, sensitivity, gain, time‑base, range setting, non‑destructive testing, NDT, contact probe, transducer, calibration, echo height, reproducibility.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16811:2025 is an international standard that specifies rules for setting the time‑base range and sensitivity (gain) of manually operated A‑scan ultrasonic instruments used in contact ultrasonic testing.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures and requirements for adjusting instrument range and sensitivity to achieve reproducible determinations of reflector location and echo height when using a single contact probe (single transducer or transmitter/receiver). It excludes immersion techniques and methods employing more than one probe.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: NDT/UT technicians and inspectors, calibration labs, instrument manufacturers, training organisations, certification bodies and clients/specifiers that require standardized, reproducible UT measurement practice.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 16811:2025 is the current published edition (Edition 2, published 05 March 2025) and supersedes ISO 16811:2012.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO family of ultrasonic testing standards (ISO 16810 series and related UT documents) and is commonly used alongside application and personnel standards such as ISO 16810 (general principles), ISO 17640 (weld UT) and ISO 9712 (qualification and certification of NDT personnel).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ultrasonic testing, A‑scan, sensitivity, gain, time‑base, range setting, contact probe, transducer, reproducibility, NDT.