Analysis and comparison on the standards for phased array ultrasonic testing of pressure pipelines

The GB/T 34275—2024 and GB/T 20801—2020 standards specify the inspection and testing requirements for long-distance pipelines and industrial pipelines, respectively. Among them, nondestructive testing for long-distance pipelines follows the SY/T 4109 standard, while industrial pipelines follow the NB/T 47013 standard. Since long-distance pipeline station pipelines include GA and GC class pipelines, there is inconsistency in the execution standards for nondestructive testing at different stages of the full life cycle: the SY/T 4109 standard is followed during the construction period, and the NB/T 47013 standard is followed during the operation and maintenance period. The two standards differ in aspects such as scope of application, testing equipment and performance, testing technology levels, test block requirements, testing sensitivity, defect quantification, and quality evaluation. The phased array ultrasonic testing requirements in the SY/T 4109 and NB/T 47013 standards were analyzed and compared to provide references for relevant units and inspectors to more deeply understand and implement the standards.