1/28/13 Radiographic Film

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Radiography

Introduction
Radiographic Film History
Pre se nt State
Future Dire ction
X-ray films for general radiography consist of an emulsion-gelatin
containing radiation sensitive silver halide crystals, such as silver Physics of Radiography
Nature of Pe ne trating
bromide or silver chloride, and a flexible, transparent, blue-tinted R adiation
X-rays
base. The emulsion is different from those used in other types of Gam m a R ays
photography films to account for the distinct characteristics of Activity
De cay R ate
gamma rays and x-rays, but X-ray films are sensitive to light. -C arbon 14 Dating
Usually, the emulsion is coated on both sides of the base in layers Ionization
Inve rse Square Law
about 0.0005 inch thick. Putting emulsion on both sides of the Inte raction of R T/Matte r
Atte nuation C oe fficie nt
base doubles the amount of radiation-sensitive silver halide, and Half-Value Laye r
Source s of Atte nuation
thus increases the film speed. The emulsion layers are thin enough -C om pton Scatte ring
so developing, fixing, and drying can be accomplished in a reasonable time. A few of the films Ge om e tric Unsharpne ss
Filte rs in R adiography
used for radiography only have emulsion on one side which produces the greatest detail in the Scatte r/R adiation C ontrol
image. R adiation Safe ty

Equipment & Materials

When x-rays, gamma rays, or light strike the grains of the sensitive silver halide in the emulsion, X-ray Ge ne rators
R adio Isotope Source s
some of the Br- ions are liberated and captured by the Ag+ ions. This change is of such a small R adiographic Film
Ex posure Vaults
nature that it cannot be detected by ordinary physical methods and is called a "latent (hidden)
image." However, the exposed grains are now more sensitive to the reduction process when Techniques & Calibrations
Im aging C onside ration
exposed to a chemical solution (developer), and the reaction results in the formation of black, C ontrast
metallic silver. It is this silver, suspended in the gelatin on both sides of the base, that creates an De finition
R adiographic De nsity
image. See the page on film processing for additional information. C haracte ristic C urve s
Ex posure C alculations
C ontrolling Q uality
Film Selection Film Proce ssing
Vie wing R adiographs
The selection of a film when radiographing any R adiograph Inte rp-W e lds
R adiograph Inte rp -
particular component depends on a number of C astings
different factors. Listed below are some of the
A dvanced Techniques
factors that must be considered when selecting a R e al-tim e R adiography
film and developing a radiographic technique. C om pute d Tom ography
XR SIM

1. Composition, shape, and size of the part R e fe re nce s

being examined and, in some cases, its

Quizzes
weight and location. -

2. Type of radiation used, whether x-rays

from an x-ray generator or gamma rays
from a radioactive source.
3. Kilovoltages available with the x-ray
equipment or the intensity of the gamma radiation.
4. Relative importance of high radiographic detail or quick and economical results.

Selecting the proper film and developing the optimal radiographic technique usually involves
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1/28/13 Radiographic Film
Selecting the proper film and developing the optimal radiographic technique usually involves
arriving at a balance between a number of opposing factors. For example, if high resolution and
contrast sensitivity is of overall importance, a slower and finer grained film should be used in
place of a faster film.

Film Packaging
Radiographic film can be purchased in a number of
different packaging options. The most basic form is as
individual sheets in a box. In preparation for use, each
sheet must be loaded into a cassette or film holder in the
darkroom to protect it from exposure to light. The sheets
are available in a variety of sizes and can be purchased
with or without interleaving paper. Interleaved packages
have a layer of paper that separates each piece of film.
The interleaving paper is removed before the film is loaded into the film holder. Many users find
the interleaving paper useful in separating the sheets of film and offer some protection against
scratches and dirt during handling.

Industrial x-ray films are also available in a form in which each sheet is enclosed in a light-tight
envelope. The film can be exposed from either side without removing it from the protective
packaging. A rip strip makes it easy to remove the film in the darkroom for processing. This
form of packaging has the advantage of eliminating the process of loading the film holders in the
darkroom. The film is completely protected from finger marks and dirt until the time the film is
removed from the envelope for processing.

Packaged film is also available in rolls, which allows the radiographer to cut the film to any
length. The ends of the packaging are sealed with electrical tape in the darkroom. In
applications such as the radiography of circumferential welds and the examination of long joints
on an aircraft fuselage, long lengths of film offer great economic advantage. The film is wrapped
around the outside of a structure and the radiation source is positioned on axis inside, allowing
for examination of a large area with a single exposure.

Envelope packaged film can be purchased with the film sandwiched between two lead oxide
screens. The screens function to reduce scatter radiation at energy levels below 150keV and as
intensification screens above 150 keV.

Film Handling
X-ray film should always be handled carefully to avoid physical strains, such as pressure,
creasing, buckling, friction, etc. Whenever films are loaded in semi-flexible holders and external
clamping devices are used, care should be taken to be sure pressure is uniform. If a film holder
bears against a few high spots, such as on an un-ground weld, the pressure may be great
enough to produce desensitized areas in the radiograph. This precaution is particularly important
when using envelope-packed films.

Marks resulting from contact with fingers that are moist or contaminated with processing
chemicals, as well as crimp marks, are avoided if large films are always grasped by the edges
and allowed to hang free. A supply of clean towels should be kept close at hand as an incentive
to dry the hands often and well. Use of envelope-packed films avoids many of these problems
until the envelope is opened for processing.

Another important precaution is to avoid drawing film rapidly from cartons, exposure
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1/28/13 Radiographic Film
Another important precaution is to avoid drawing film rapidly from cartons, exposure holders,
or cassettes. Such care will help to eliminate circular or treelike black markings in the
radiograph that sometimes result due to static electric discharges.

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