TASK 70-34-00-260-001
RADIOGRAPHIC INSPECTION
1. General.
A. The radiographic inspection process is a nondestructive
method of detecting flaws, cracks, corrosion, defects,
wear, deformation, relative position, and presence of
foreign bodies in an inspected part. The radiographic
process employs X-rays, which are projected through the
inspection part, forming an image on photographic film
R (radiograph) or captured as an image on filmless electronic
R imaging equipment which will show defects, etc...
B. Radiographic inspection complements other methods of
nondestructive inspection but does not replace them.
C. Only experienced, certified inspectors shall be authorized
to accept or reject parts on the basis of radiographic
inspection.
2. Equipment.
Because of the hazardous nature of X-rays, all equipment must
be approved and certified by an approved agency for
radiographic inspection. Maintenance and replacement of parts
must be performed in accordance with instructions provided by
the equipment manufacturer. Equipment that requires
calibration or safety checks shall not be used when the
calibration or safety tag is exposed, illegible or missing.
R NOTE: Filmless electronic imaging equipment may be used in
R place of film provided all equipment of the 4. Quality
R Assurance section are met.
A. An X-ray generating unit of 300 KVCP (Kilo Volt Constant
Potential) is required to inspect 1.25 inch (31,8 mm)
thick steel. Greater thickness will require more powerful
equipment.
B. Lead cones and filters made of various materials are used
to vary X-ray exposure to produce the sharpest
radiographic image under a variety of conditions.
C. The film holder holds a piece of film and protects it from
light exposure. The film holder also holds optional lead
screens in uniform contact with the film when specified.
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D. The film viewer is used to examine the processed
radiograph. The developed film is mounted on a
translucent lighted surface which projects light through
the film allowing it to be examined. The light intensity
is adjustable and evenly diffused over the viewing surface.
E. The densitometer, the radiographic density step tablet,
and the radiographic density comparator are used to
establish the density of the inspection part and
consequently help to determine accurate exposure and
development time.
F. Penetrameters, image quality indicators, (IQI), and wire
gages are used to measure image quality of radiographs.
The material designated for the penetrameters, IQI, and
wire gages are radiographically similar to the material
being inspected and have approximately the same
densities. Radiographically similar material refers to
materials or alloys which have approximately the same
radiation absorption. The identical alloy is not required.
(1) Penetrameters and IQI are blocks of specified
materials and thicknesses containing holes of
specified sizes.
(2) Penetrameters are manufactured to the requirements
shown in figure 1. The IQI are manufactured to the
requirements of figure 2.
(3) The wire gage contains 7 wires of specified material
and sizes and is manufactured to the requirements of
figure 3.
3. Procedure.
A. Film must be stored in a cool, dry area which is free from
penetrating radiation.
CAUTION: DO NOT SUBJECT FILM TO TEMPERATURES HIGHER THAN 85°F
(29°C) BEFORE PROCESSING. PROCESSED FILM SHOULD BE
KEPT IN AN AREA IN WHICH THE TEMPERATURE DOES NOT
EXCEED 100°F (38°C), BUT IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE
PROTECTED FROM PENETRATING RADIATION.
B. Film must be handled by its edges, with clean, dry hands
to avoid finger marks. Unexposed and unprocessed film
shall be handled only in a dust-free photographic
darkroom. An approved safelight may be used if desired.
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Penetrameters (Inches)
Figure 1 (Sheet 1 of 2)
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Penetrameters (Millimeters)
Figure 1 (Sheet 2 of 2)
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Image Quality Indicator
Figure 2
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Wire Gage
Figure 3
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WARNING: X-RAYS ARE HAZARDOUS AND THEIR EFFECT IS CUMULATIVE.
THEY CANNOT BE DETECTED BY ANY OF THE HUMAN SENSES.
MAKE SURE THAT PROPER SHIELDING IS USED AND THAT
EQUIPMENT IS OPERATED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH
APPROVED SAFETY PRACTICES AND PERSONNEL PROTECTION
DEVICES.
C. Film Exposure.
(1) Settings for parts are obtained by estimate, trial,
and correction until a satisfactory radiograph is
obtained. These particulars are recorded on
technique charts and filed by part identification
for future reference.
(2) The technique chart should include the following
information:
(a) Part number
(b) X-ray unit identification
(c) Milliamperage
(d) Film exposure time
(e) Cone
(f) Angle
(g) Kilovoltage
(h) Filter
(i) Screen remarks, sketches, etc.
(j) Film size
(k) Film type
(l) Film focal distance: at last 36 inches
(914,4 mm)
(m) Focal spot size
(n) Setup (cutting of film for separate exposures)
(o) Cassette
(p) Number of film frame
(q) Identification of the film for part number and
location of film on part
(r) Penetrameter, IQI, or wire gage used (identity,
size, and material)
(s) Film processing time - temperature
(t) Distance of film from inspection surface: must
not exceed 1.5 inch (38 mm)
(u) Specific remarks, sketches, etc.
R (3) Select the proper penetrameter, IQI, or wire gage
based upon the material and thickness of area of
part to be inspected. The penetrameter, IQI, or
wire gage is then placed on the X-ray source side of
the part to be inspected at the outer edge of the
cone of radiation.
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WARNING: X-RAYS ARE HAZARDOUS, AND THEIR EFFECT IS
CUMULATIVE. MAKE SURE THAT PROPER SHIELDING AND
MASKING ARE USED, AND THAT EQUIPMENT IS OPERATED
ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPROVED SAFETY PRACTICES
AND PERSONNEL PROTECTION DEVICES.
D. Film Processing - Following exposure, the film is
developed, fixed, and washed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instruction sheet. Accurate control of
time and temperature is essential and all solution
temperatures, including that of the wash-water, should be
as near equal as practical. After removal of excess
water, the film is dried rapidly in a well ventilated
dust-free area.
E. Density - Density of the radiograph should be within a
R range of 1.5-4.0 in the area being interpreted, as read on
the densitometer for radiographic density comparator.
F. Interpretation - Processed radiographic films are examined
in a viewing room in which the light is subdued and
shielded so that glare or reflections are not cast on the
radiograph being examined. The screen of the viewer is
shaded or masked so that direct light cannot shine around
the radiograph and into the inspector’s eyes. Films with
a density of 2.2 or greater should be interpreted under
high-intensity viewing illumination. Radiographs that
show handling marks in the area of the part image should
be discarded and remade.
4. Quality Assurance.
A. The penetrameter thickness and hole size defines the
sensitivity or quality of the radiograph. The
penetrameter used must have a thickness no greater than
2 percent of the thickness of the part being radiographed
to a minimum penetrameter thickness of 0.005 inch
(0,13 mm). The quality level of inspection must be 2-2T
which means that the image of the hole of 2T (twice the
thickness of the penetrameter) and the outer edge of the
penetrameter panel with a thickness of 2 percent of the
part must be visible on the radiograph. The 2 percent
refers to the first number in the quality level
designation.
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B. The IQI is used in a similar method to define radiographic
quality. The determination of the visibility index is
obtained by counting the number of holes (a) visible on
the radiograph, and by using the formula N = a - b. In
this formula, b represents the number of holes which would
be visible in all the steps with a thickness equal to or
greater than 5 percent of the thickness being examined.
The value of N can be negative, zero or positive. The
sensitivity improves as the positive value of N
increases. It should be noted that each group of small
holes counts as only one unit in determining (a) and (b).
N = value of 1.25 is approximately equivalent to a quality
level of 2-2T when penetrameters are used.
C. For the inspection of welds, it is sometimes preferable to
use wire gages. The image quality is given by the
thinnest wire still distinguishable on the radiograph,
assuming that the indicator was placed during the
exposure, between the source of radiation and the object
being inspected and in close contact with the latter. The
number of this wire is the measure of the image quality,
which is preceded by the letters BZ.
D. For inspection of electronic beam welds, the X-ray
techniques shall recognize the weld preparation angles and
have the capability to accurately control that angle
during inspection. To establish the best possible angle
for exposure during X-ray inspection, a part tacked,
clamped or similarly assembled and ready to weld shall be
X-rayed to determine what angle shows the non-fused joint
the sharpest, commonly referred to as "Black Line" X-ray.
This angle ± 2 degrees shall then be used after welding
for inspection.
E. If filmless imaging equipment is used in place of
conventional film, the results of the 2 methods must
correlate. Record retention of the correlation must be
maintained. Image processing capabilities such as frame
averaging. Substraction, summing, filtering, etc... may
be used. When permanent records are required, a back-up
copy saved on a different system or media shall be
maintained.
R F. Unless otherwise specified in the process document,
R penetrameters are not required for the inspection of braze
R joints where the purpose of the inspection is to determine
R the presence or absence of materials.
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