Radiography Testing

RADIOGRAPHY TESTING
• Radiography or Radiographic Testing (RT) or industrial radiography, is a non

destructive testing (NDT) method of welding inspection or inspecting
materials for hidden flaws by using the ability of short wavelength
electromagnetic radiation (high energy photons) to penetrate various
materials.
• Radiography uses penetrating radiation that is directed towards a

component.
• The component stops some of the radiation. The amount that is stopped or
absorbed is affected by material density and thickness differences.
• These differences in “absorption” can be recorded on film, or electronically.

Electromagnetic Radiation
The radiation used in Radiography testing is a higher energy
(shorter wavelength) version of the electromagnetic waves
that we see every day. Visible light is in the same family as x-
rays and gamma rays.
General Principles
of Radiography
The part is placed between the radiation source
and a piece of film. The part will stop some of the
radiation. Thicker and more dense area will stop
more of the radiation.
The film darkness (density) will

vary with the amount of
radiation reaching the film
through the test object.
X-ray film
= less exposure
= more exposure
Top view of developed film
General Principles
of Radiography
• The energy of the radiation affects its penetrating power.

Higher energy radiation can penetrate thicker and more
dense materials.
• The radiation energy and/or exposure time must be
controlled to properly image the region of interest.
Thin Walled Area
Low Energy Radiation High energy Radiation

Radiation Sources
Two of the most commonly used sources of radiation in
industrial radiography are x-ray generators and gamma ray
sources. Industrial radiography is often subdivided into “X-
ray Radiography” or “Gamma Radiography”, depending on
the source of radiation used.
Gamma Radiography
• Gamma rays are produced by
a radioisotope.
• A radioisotope has an
unstable nuclei that does not
have enough binding energy
to hold the nucleus together.
• The spontaneous breakdown
of an atomic nucleus
resulting in the release of
energy and matter is known
as radioactive decay.
Gamma Radiography (cont.)
• Most of the radioactive material
used in industrial radiography is
artificially produced.
• This is done by subjecting stable
material to a source of neutrons
in a special nuclear reactor.
• This process is called activation.
Unlike X-rays, which are produced
by a machine, gamma rays cannot
be turned off. Radioisotopes used
for gamma radiography are
encapsulated to prevent leakage of
the material.
The radioactive “capsule” is attached to

a cable to form what is often called a
“pigtail.”
The pigtail has a special connector at
the other end that attaches to a drive
cable.
A device called a “camera” is used to store, transport and
expose the pigtail containing the radioactive material. The
camera contains shielding material which reduces the
radiographer’s exposure to radiation during use.
A hose-like device called

a guide tube is connected
to a threaded hole called
an “exit port” in the
camera.
The radioactive material

will leave and return to
the camera through this
opening when
performing an exposure!
A “drive cable” is connected to the
other end of the camera. This
cable, controlled by the
radiographer, is used to force the
radioactive material out into the
guide tube where the gamma rays
will pass through the specimen and
expose the recording device.
X-ray Radiography
Unlike gamma rays, x-rays are produced by an X-ray
generator system. These systems typically include an X-ray
tube head, a high voltage generator, and a control console.
X-ray Radiography (cont.)
• X-rays are produced by establishing a very high voltage
between two electrodes, called the anode and cathode.
• To prevent arcing, the anode and cathode are located inside a
vacuum tube, which is protected by a metal housing.
Image Quality
• Image quality is critical for accurate assessment of a test specimen’s
integrity.
• Various tools called Image Quality Indicators (IQIs) are used for this
purpose.
• There are many different designs of IQIs. Some contain artificial
holes of varying size drilled in metal plaques while others are
manufactured from wires of differing diameters mounted next to one
another.
Image Quality (cont.)
• IQIs are typically placed on
or next to a test specimen.
• Quality typically being
determined based on the
smallest hole or wire
diameter that is
reproduced on the image.
RADIOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION
Weld flaw image reveal

in Radiographic film
Radiation Safety
Use of radiation sources in industrial
radiography is heavily regulated by state and
federal organizations due to potential public and
personal risks.
Radiation Safety (cont.)
There are many sources of radiation. In general, a person receives
roughly 100 mrem/year from natural sources and roughly 100
mrem/year from manmade sources.
X-rays and gamma rays are forms of ionizing radiation, which
means that they have the ability to form ions in the material that is
penetrated. All living organisms are sensitive to the effects of
ionizing radiation (radiation burns, x-ray food pasteurization, etc.)
X-rays and
gamma rays have
enough energy to
liberate electrons
from atoms and
damage the
molecular
structure of cells.
This can cause
radiation burns or
cancer.
Technicians who work with radiation must wear monitoring devices

that keep track of their total absorption, and alert them when they
are in a high radiation area.
Survey Meter Pocket Dosimeter Radiation Alarm Radiation Badge

There are three means of protection to help reduce
exposure to radiation:
Advantages of Radiography
• Technique is not limited by material type or density.
• Can inspect assembled components.
• Minimum surface preparation required.
• Sensitive to changes in thickness, corrosion, voids,
cracks, and material density changes.
• Detects both surface and subsurface defects.
• Provides a permanent record of the inspection.
Disadvantages of Radiography
• Many safety precautions for the use of high
intensity radiation.
• Many hours of technician training prior to use.
• Access to both sides of sample required.
• Orientation of equipment and flaw can be critical.
• Determining flaw depth is impossible without
additional angled exposures.
• Expensive initial equipment cost.

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RADIOGRAPHY TESTING

• Radiography or Radiographic Testing (RT) or industrial radiography, is a non

• Radiography uses penetrating radiation that is directed towards a

• These differences in “absorption” can be recorded on film, or electronically.

The film darkness (density) will

• The energy of the radiation affects its penetrating power.

Thin Walled Area

Low Energy Radiation High energy Radiation

The radioactive “capsule” is attached to

A hose-like device called

The radioactive material

Weld flaw image reveal

Technicians who work with radiation must wear monitoring devices

Survey Meter Pocket Dosimeter Radiation Alarm Radiation Badge

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