Radiography Testing - NDT Inspection - TWI Global

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Radiography Testing - NDT Inspection

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In this section Back to Non-Destructive Testing Alternating Current Field Measurement - ACFM - Electromagnetic NDT Digital Radiography - X-Ray Radiation Advanced NDT Eddy Current Testing - Electromagnetic NDT Inspection Full Matrix Capture Guided Wave Technology Laser Ultrasonic Testing - advanced NDT Long Range Ultrasonic Testing Manual Ultrasonic Testing - NDT Inspection Micro-Focus X-Ray - Advanced NDT Technique Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing - PAUT - NDT Technique Radiography Testing - NDT Inspection Robotic Automated Inspection - Advanced NDT Thermography - Infrared Imaging - NDT Technique Time of Flight Diffraction - TOFD - NDT for weld inspection Computed Tomography Visual Inspection Services

Radiographic testing (RT) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method which uses either X-rays or gamma radiation to examine the internal structure of manufactured components, identifying any flaws or defects.

In radiography testing, the test-part is placed between the radiation source and film (or detector). The material density and thickness differences of the test-part will attenuate (i.e. reduce) the penetrating radiation through interaction processes involving scattering and/or absorption. The differences in absorption are then recorded on radiographic film(s) or through an electronic means as a latent image. In industrial radiography there are several imaging methods available; techniques to display the final image, i.e. film radiography, real time radiography (RTR), computed tomography (CT), digital radiography (DR), and computed radiography (CR).

There are two different radioactive sources available for industrial use; X-rays and gamma-rays. These radiation sources use higher energy level, i.e. shorter wavelength, versions of the electromagnetic waves. Because of the radioactivity involved in radiography testing, it is of paramount importance to ensure that the Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017) and site specific local rules are strictly adhered to during operation to ensure radiation safety.

Computed tomography (CT) is one of the lab-based advanced NDT methods that TWI offers to industry. CT is a radiographic based technique that provides both cross-sectional and 3D volume images of the object under inspection. These images allow the internal structure of the test object to be inspected without the inherent superimposition associated with 2D radiography. This feature allows detailed analysis of the internal structure of a wide range of components.

TWI Projects

We have completed a range of projects related to radiographic testing on behalf of our Industrial Members. Past radiographic testing-related projects, include:

AutoInspect

The development of two different radiography inspection applications aimed at different industry sectors.

Failure Investigation of Welded Moulded Plastic Components

Using radiographic testing to improve the weld quality of moulded plastic components for the automotive industry.

Fillet Weld Porosity Investigation

Using radiography to solve porosity dispute related to structural steel fabrication.

NDT Press Releases

Find out more about NDT at TWI:

TWI Invests in Cutting Edge NDT Equipment

Further investment in cutting edge NDT equipment has enhanced TWI’s offering in advanced ultrasonic inspection.

CoCaCO2la: Carbon Capture and Conversion for Net Zero Goals

A joint collaborative project (CoCaCO2la) which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help meet international net zero targets.

Watch: Machine Learning, AI and NDT Webinar

Over 500 participants registered for a two-hour webinar on May 7, 2024, to explore the impact of machine learning and artificial intelligence on non-destructive testing.

Core Research

Each year the TWI Core Research Programme (CRP) addresses challenges on behalf of our Industrial Members, as well as developing specific technologies and processes. Each of the projects under the CRP is focussed on engineering, materials or manufacturing technologies, including radiographic testing. Past radiography CRP research includes, ‘Feasibility of Using Laser Profiling for Image Enhancement of Digital Radiographs,’ which addressed the opportunity to improve analysis through automated defect recognition (ADR) software.You can see more about this project here (Industrial Members can login and view the full report):

The use of polyethylene (PE) has increased in the water and gas industries over the past two decades. This article explains why, and highlights the need and development of reliable NDT techniques.

Joint Industry Projects

We also conduct Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) that bring together groups of Industrial Members to share the cost of research activities in areas of mutual industrial interest, gaining exclusive access to the outcomes. These project cover a broad range of topics, including the use of radiographic testing to help assess the adoption of handheld laser welding technology by industry. You can see more about this project, here:

IntACom 4.0 aims to revolutionise inspection methods, particularly for composites and thin metals.

To find out more about NDT services at TWI, email:

[email protected]

Radiography Testing at TWI

TWI provides a range of radiography testing and support services for our Industrial Members, both in the UK and overseas. Our facilities include the following radiography equipment, with the capability to cater for film radiography, real time radiography (RTR), computed tomography (CT), digital radiography (DR) and computed radiography (CR) for industrial needs:

• Comet MXR-451/26 450kV system
• GemX-160 160kV portable system
• X-Tek Industrial 450 kV micro-focus system
• X-Tek Industrial 450 kV micro-focus system
• NSI X5000 240kV micro-focus CT system
• Nikon 450kV micro-focus CT system
• Nikon HMX-225 micro-focus CT system

Benefits

As a testing technique, radiography provides a number of benefits for industry, such as:

• Can inspect assembled components
• Minimum surface preparation required
• Potential to detect both surface and subsurface defects
• Provides permanent records of the inspection
• Able to verify internal flaws on complex structures
• Capability to isolate and inspect internal components
• Automatically detect and measure internal flaws
• Measure dimensions and angles within the sample without sectioning
• Sensitive to changes in thickness, corrosion, flaws and material density changes

Applications

Radiographic testing is widely used for a range of inspection tasks, including weld inspection, for:

• Aerospace industries
• Military defence
• Offshore industries
• Marine industries
• Power-gen industries
• Petrochem industries
• Waste management
• Automotive industries
• Manufacturing industries
• Transport industries

We also offer training in radiographic testing.

For more information about TWI's radiography testing services, please email [email protected].

For more information please email:

[email protected]