Procedure For Radiography Testing

Procedure For Radiography Testing

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 Procedure For Radiography Testing

1. Scope

Interpretation of radiograph is the analysis of the shadow image formed on the film by
radiation transmission pattern of the test specimen. The image is evaluated in terms of
internal and external discontinuities of the specimen. Supporting information such as
radiography test parameters, part geometry etc. and good knowledge about metallurgy,
manufacturing process and flaw detection capability of radiographic technique is
required for proper interpretation. Competence in interpretation is acquired gradually
by experience and critical analysis of the indications, sometimes supported by other
NDT methods or metallographic. Though training cannot replace the experience but it
can act as catalyst and considerably accelerate the learning process .

2. NDT Services

2.1 Radiographic Film of weldment

2.2 Radiographic Film of Casting or Forging

Provides personnel for Radiographic Film Interpretation .

3. Applicable Code/Standard used for Radiographic Testing and Film

Interpretation 1.0 ASME Section I, Boilers

1.1 ASME Section VIII, Pressure Vessels

1.2 ASME B31.1, Power Piping
1.3 ASME B31.3, Petrochemical Piping
1.4 API 6A
1.5 AWS D1.1
1.6 API 5L
1.7 API 1104

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 Procedure For Radiography Testing

4. Application of Radiographic Testing

4.1 Industries * Nuclear Industries * Ship Building Industries * Oil Industries * Refinery
and Petrochemical Industries * Steel Industries * Aerospace Industries 4.2 Equipment
which are tested by Radiographic Testing * Off - shore platforms * Construction and
maintenance of pipelines * Pressure vessels * Bridges * Cranes Tanks and tankers *
Aerospace vehicles * Power generation equipment * Research facility.

4. RT Film Interpreter

1.0 Radiographic Interpreter shall possess a current certificate of Proficiency in Radiography

Level II, Level III or Radiographic Interpreter to a recognized qualification and certification
scheme from approved training centers

6. Preparation

Radiographic Inspection shall only be carried out on weldment which has visually inspected and
any remedial work necessary is completed and accepted by the customer. In addition, the
Radiographer inspects the weld surface for any irregularities that may mask or confuse
interpretation of the final radiograph

7. Location of Datum

All weld will be positively marked datum and each portion under examination shall be positively
identified by marking along the length of the weld. This may be achieved by taking
measurements along the length of the weld from an agreed datum. For tubular structure, the
‘clock face’ method shall be employed and the datum line shall be positioned, as follows: -

7.1 For horizontal and inclined tubular structure, the datum is the highest point in the joint
when viewed from the lower numbered joint
7.2 For vertical tubular structure, the datum is north when the joint is viewed vertically
downwards

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 Procedure For Radiography Testing

8. Justification

In all cases the datum shall be indelibly marked on the welds. A meter band incorporating lead
numerals along the welds shall be utilized to allow positive location of any discontinuity

9. Film

9.1 Type of film

Radiographs shall be made using industrial radiographic film and shall be selected from Table 1
below.
Table 1: Selection of Radiographic Film

Films shall have sufficient length and shall be placed to produce at least 13mm of film exposed
to direct radiation beyond each free edge where the weld is terminated.

9.2 Overlap

If more than one films are required in single exposure, overlapping cassettes shall be used.
Radiographs shall have 25mm overlap at each end to ensure that no portion of the joint remains
unexamined. There shall be a specific lead marker visible on both radiographs in overlap.

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 Procedure For Radiography Testing

10. Screens

Lead intensifying screens shall be used. The front screen thickness shall normally be 0.125mm
and the rear will normally be 0.125mm
Screen shall be examined on a regular basis for dirt or blemishes which may transfer onto the
film thus causing confusion with and masking of defect images

11. Geometric Relationships

11.1 The geometric unsharpness is calculated as follows: -

11.2.1 Geometric Unsharpness of the radiograph shall not exceed the Ug value in Table 2 below:
-

Table 2: Maximum Geometric Unsharpness

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 Procedure For Radiography Testing

Material thickness is the thickness on which the penetrameter is based. This shall be the base
metal or parent metal plus the maximum allowable reinforcement. For welds at transition
thickness, material thickness shall be the thinner base metal.

12. Image Quality Indicators (IQI)

12.1 Selection of IQI

The IQI provides a guide to the quality of radiographs produced and shall be appropriately
chosen from one of the types recommended in DIN 54109 (Table 3)
Table 3: DIN 54109 Wire Type IQI Designation

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12.2 Source Side Penetrameter(s)

12.3 Film Side Penetrameter(s) 12.3.1 Radiography shall be performed with a technique of
sufficient sensitivity to display the penetrameter image and the designated or smallest wire for
required sensitivity which are essential indications of the image quality of the radiograph. The
radiographs shall also display the identifying number and letters

The penetrameter(s) shall be placed on the source side of the part being examined
Where inaccessibility prevents, hand placing the penetrameter(s) on the source side it shall be
placed on the film side in contact with the part being examined. A lead letter ‘F’ at least as high
as the penetrameter identification number(s) shall be placed adjacent to the penetrameter(s)

13. Number of Penetrameter

IQI shall show clearly on each radiograph. For a radiograph represents 255mm or greater of
weld length, two IQI shall be placed; one at each end of the weld length. For radiograph
represents less than 255mm of weld length, one IQI shall be placed at any end of the weld
length. IQI shall be perpendicular to the joint with the smallest wire on the outer edge of the
area being radiographed
Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate the arrangement of IQI(s) locations.
For tubular structure, the following exception minimum number and required locations of IQI
shall be followed: -

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13.1 Where the source is located at the center of the tubular structure and one or more film
holders are used for a single exposure of complete circumference (Panoramic Technique), at

13.2 Where the source is placed at the center of the component (Single-Wall Single-Image
Viewing) and four or more film holders are used for a single exposure of a section of the
circumference, at least three penetrameter shall be used. One penetrameter shall be in the
approximate center of the section exposed and one at each end .

13.3 Where the source is located on the axis of the object (Double-Wall Single-Viewing
Technique) and four or more film holders are used for an exposure of a circumferential weld, at
least three penetrameter shall be used. One penetrameter shall be in the approximate center of
the section exposed and one at each end .

14. Sensitivity
The required sensitivity for each radiograph using DIN 54109 Wire IQI is as per ASME V Table T-
276. DIN 54109 Wire Type IQI Sensitivity is calculated using the following formula: -

15. Film Density

For each radiograph made, film Density will be measured in interest and shall be not less than
1.8 and not greater than 4.0 in density
16. Viewing Conditions

The radiographs shall be examined in a darkened room. The radiograph viewer shall provide a
light source sufficient for the essential IQI wire/hole to be visible for the specific density range.
The light from around the outer edges of the radiographs will be masked .

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17. Interpretation of Radiographs

A calibrated densitometer or calibrated density strip will be kept near the viewer and a ‘spot’
high density illuminator will be available. All comments about film quality and interpretation will
be recorded on the film folder and on the radiographic report form
The density of density strips and densitometer calibration shall be verified by comparison with a
calibrated step wedge film traceable to a national standard. The densitometer shall be
calibrated in accordance with paragraph 5 of ASTM E-1079, Calibration of Transmission
Referencing Code section.

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