The key requirements of ASME Section V Article 9 are:
| Discontinuity Type | Acceptance Limit (Illustrative) | |------------------|--------------------------------| | Cracks | Not allowed | | Incomplete fusion or penetration | Not allowed | | Undercut | ≤ 1/32 in. deep (except where larger is permitted by referencing code) | | Porosity | Size and distribution per code case | | Surface roughness | No sharp notches (smooth blend required) |
ASME V Article 9: Visual Examination Guide | PDF | Lighting - Scribd
Practical tip: Never inspect to “Article 9” alone. You must open the governing construction code for the “what is acceptable.”
Visual examination is often the first line of defense. According to Scribd's VT guide , it is one of the most cost-effective NDT methods but requires the highest level of inspector skill to interpret what is seen. Without Article 9’s standardized written procedures , a "clean weld" to one person might be a "ticking time bomb" to another.