Issue 07.

98

Radiographic Examination
of Piping Welds
According to EN

LINDE AG
Process Engineering and
Contracting Division
Orig.: TAW/Reiche

Checked: TAW/Mei.

LINDE STANDARD

Appr.: TAN/Hent.

LS-Class: EM, BM
Descriptors: Examination, Radiographic, Welding, Piping EN

135-05
Total 6 Pages

Replaces
Issue 06.98

Table of Contents
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Page
Scope ............................................................................1
Purpose.........................................................................1
Reference Documents .................................................1
Requirements to be met by the NDT-Agency............1
Surface Preparation .....................................................2
Technique of Testing ...................................................2
Extent of Testing ..........................................................3
Evaluation and Test Report ........................................4
Number of films............................................................5

Test Report Radiographic Examination RT see LS 135-05 F1

Scope

This standard covers workshop and field welds and contains basic requirements for the radiographic
examination of circumferential and branch welds of piping with wall thicknesses 40 mm in process plants
according to EN regulations 1). Where ever project- and component-specific requirements/specifications are
more stringent, they shall have priority over those of this standard.

Purpose

This standard is addressed to the NDT-Agency and specifies technical details for the radiographic examination
of piping welds, on the basis of the below listed standards.

Reference Documents

EN 444

General - principles for the radiographic examination of metallic materials using X-rays and
gamma-rays.
EN 462-1/2/3 Image quality of radiographs.
EN 473
Qualification and certification of NDT personnel.
EN 584-1/2 Industrial radiographic film classification of film systems.
EN 1435
Non-destructive examination of welds; radiographic examination of welded joints.
EN 12062
Non-destructive examination of welds; general rules for metallic materials.
EN 12517
Radiographic examination of welded joints (acceptance levels).
EN 25580
Industrial radiographic illuminators; minimum requirements.
EN 25817
Arc - welded joints in steel (quality levels).
EN 26520
Classification of imperfections in metallic fusion welds, with explanations.
EN 30042
Guidance on quality levels for imperfections.
When using ionizing radiation local or national or international safety precautions shall be strictly adhered to.

Requirements to be met by the NDT-Agency

The NDT-Agency shall fulfill the requirements according to EN 12062 para. 6 and 7.

___________
1) The extent of testing for piping according to Pressure Vessel Regulation/TRR 100 is included.

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LS 135-05

Issue 07.98

LINDE AG Process Engineering and Contracting Division

Surface Preparation

The surface of weld and heat affected zone on both sides of the weld shall be free from discontinuities, which
could either conceal defects or lead to false interpretations. See requirements of EN 1435 para. 5.2 and EN
12062 para.10.3.

Technique of Testing

6.1 Evaluation of the Radiographs

For purposes of ensuring a correct correlation of film and welding seam to be tested each radiograph and
welding seam shall be marked unambiguously and durably, namely:
Marking of welding seam by stamping, engraving or durable colour marking with test No., zero point, direction
of measuring;
Film identification by exposed lead letters with consecutive test No., film No., special code letters (F = tracer
shot, K = control shot, N = completely rewelded, R = repair weld) and marking of the area to be interpreted
(by means of an exposed lead measuring tape for welds > DN 50 mm, for welds DN 50 mm lead letters are
to be used), for heat treated welding seams the date of testing in addition;
Test numbers shall be used once only for a project!
6.2 Evaluation of the Radiographs
Requirements see EN 1435 para. 6.7 and 6.8.
6.3 Arrangement of Exposures, Number of Films
Requirements see EN 1435 para. 6.6. Table 4 shows a recommendation for the number of films.
Double-wall exposures shall be made with collimator only.
6.4 Selection of Film/Screens
Film size preferable 10 x 12 cm, 10 x 24 cm or 10 x 48 cm.
Correlation of a few manufacturer trademarks of film types to the classification according to EN 584 part 1,
see Table 1.
Table 1: Types of Films and Classification acc. to EN 584 Part 1
Classification
Agfa Gevaert
C1
Structurix D2
C3
Structurix D4
C4
Structurix D5
C5
Structurix D7
1) Manual development
2) Automatic development
Fluorescent screens are not permitted.
6.5 Image Quality Indicators (IQI)
Requirements see EN 1435 para. 5.7.

Fuji
IX 50
IX 80
IX 100 1)
IX 100 2)

Kodak
Industrex DR
Industrex MX
Industrex T
Industrex AX

LINDE AG Process Engineering and Contracting Division

Issue 07.98

LS 135-05

Page 3

6.6 Gammagraphy of Steel

Requirements see EN 1435 para. 6.2.2 Table 1 (thickness range).
The exception rule in para. 6.2.2 which give the option to reduce the minimum penetrated thickness to 10 mm
for Ir 192 and 5 mm for Se 75 will be accepted, if all of the following conditions have been fulfilled:

Minimum image quality values acc. to EN 1435 appendix B;

Source dimensions max. 2,0 x 2,0 mm;
Film class C 3, films shall be vacuum-packed;
Film screens for wall thicknesses 10 mm: Pb 0,1/0,1 mm; for wall thicknesses > 10 mm: Pb 0,02/0,02 mm;
Exposure time 30 s.

6.7 Gammagraphy of Aluminium

Requirements see EN 1435 para. 6.2.2 Table 1 (thickness range).

Extent of Testing

Minimum extent of testing (with concentration on assembly welds) acc. to Table 2, material groups see
Table 3.
For site welds the first three welds of each welder shall be radiographed 100 %, in addition to the
requirements specified in Table 2.
Extent of testing for dissimilar welds between different types of material 100 % for piping > DN 25.
Extent of random testing for circumferential and branch welds at proportional coverage of the welders
involved.
At detection of unacceptable imperfections, for DN 300 two further welds welded by the same welder shall
be completely tested for each weld to be repaired (for > DN 300 only one spot film on two further welds). If
unacceptable imperfections are found again double extent of testing is required. At a new defective weld(s)
every weld of the welder involved shall be tested.
Repetition of radiographic testing after performed repair of welds.
Extent of testing prior to pneumatic test:
Acc. to table 2, but at least 10 % or more shall be tested depending on the applicable national safety
regulations.
In case of manufacturers with well established safety procedures and proven safety records, the extent of
testing may be reduced for work shop fabrication, in compliance with the national safety authorities, but not
less than specified in table 2.
T-joints with longitudinal welds shall be tested 100 % (not applicable to longitudinal welds which have been
already non-destructively examined or pressure tested at the manufacturers work shop).
Extent of testing for underground piping, which cannot be subjected to a hydrostatic testing prior to filling of
the pipe trench: at least 25 % shall be tested.
Table 2: Extent of Testing for circumferential and branch welds
Fluid Properties 1)

Piping Parameter 2)

Testing
Group 1)

Extent of Testing %
for Material Group 3)
I
II
III
5
10
25
10
25
100
10
25
100
5
10
25
10
25
100

Combustible, toxic or caustic

C1
> DN 25 and p DN 2000
Combustible, toxic or caustic
A1
> DN 25 and p DN > 2000
Extremely toxic
> DN 25
A2
C3
Liquid gas plants with pressure vessel 3 t 4) all DN, all p
Liquid gas plants with pressure vessel > 3 t 4) all DN, all p
A3
or conveying of liquid gas or several pressure
vessels
All the other fluids, e.g. air, water, vapor,
> DN 25 and p < 63
D
5
gases contained in air(O2, N2, Ar, He)
D
10
> DN 25 and p 63
1) Classification is made by LINDE.
2) DN = nominal size, p = max. allowable working pressure (bar); DN 25 corresponds to NPS 1.
3) See Table 3.
4) Capacity.

10
25

25
100

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LS 135-05

Issue 07.98

LINDE AG Process Engineering and Contracting Division

Table3: Material Groups

Material Group

II

III

Type of Materials
Unalloyed C-steels
Fine grain steels (C-Mn-steels) with a minimum yield strength < 370 N/mm2
Heat-resisting Mo-steels ( 0,65% Mo)
Cr Ni steels with a ferrite content in the weld deposit > 3 %
AlMg 4,5 Mn (5083)
Fine grain steels with a minimum yield strength 370 to < 430 N/mm2
Heat-restisting Cr-Mo-steels < 5% Cr
Ni-steels for low temperature service 3,5% Ni
Ferrite-free austenitic steels with 3% deltaferrite in the weld deposit
Duplex steels (50 % ferrite - 50 % austenite)
Other aluminium alloys than listed under I
Fine grain steels with a minimum yield strength 430 N/mm2
Heat-resisting Cr-Mo-(V)-alloyed steels 5% Cr
Copper and copper alloys
Ni-steels for low temperature service > 3,5% Ni
Titanium and titanium alloys, Ni-basis alloys (e.g. Inconel 625)

Evaluation and Test Report

Evaluation of radiographs acc. to:

EN 12517 - Radiographic examination of welded joints (acceptance levels).
EN 25817 - Arc - welded joints in steel (quality levels).
EN 30042 - Guidance on quality levels for imperfections
The consideration of higher requirements e.g. quality level B can be convenient, e.g. to prevent repeated
pressure tests because of leakage (porosity).
Test report according to LS 135-05 F1 (example; the use of own forms with comparable content is permissible).

LINDE AG Process Engineering and Contracting Division

Issue 07.98

LS 135-05

Page 5

Number of films

For branch welds the number of films shall be selected as a function of the diameter ratio, but at least 2 films.
Table 4: Recommendation for the number of films per circumferential weld
Pipe Dimensions
Diameter

NPS

Outside
diameter
mm

0,5 - 2
3

21,3-60,3
88,9

114,3

168,3

219,1

10

273,0

12

323,9

continued

Double-Wall Exposure
Wall Thickness
Range

mm
0,5 - 8,7
0,5 - < 5,5
5,5 - 20
0,5 - 19,5
0,5 - < 11
11 - 26
0,5 - < 2,6
2,6 - < 20
20 - 30
0,5 - < 10
10 - < 21,7
21,7 - 30
0,5 - 29
0,5 - 36
0,5 - < 8,5
8,5 - 35
0,5 - < 11
11 - 21,9
0,5 - 40
0,5 - 36
0,5 - < 19,4
19,4 - 40
0,5 - < 4,4
4,4 - 38
0,5 - 40
0,5 - 40
0,5 - < 30
30 - 40
0,5 - < 15
15 - 40
0,5 - < 11
> 11 - 40
0,5 - < 6,5
6,5 - 40
0,5 - 40
0,5 - < 23
23 - 40

Radiation source: Isotope

Focus-Film Distance:
Pipe outside diameter
+ 20 mm (Collimator)

Central
Exposure
Radiation source: X-ray tube
Focus-Film Distance:
Pipe outside diameter
+ 100 mm

Number of films/ film length 1) Number of films/ film length 1) Number of

films/ film
Test Categ.A Test Categ. B Test Categ. A Test Categ. B length 1)
EN 1435 2)
EN 1435 3)
EN 1435 2)
EN 1435 3)
2/12 cm 4)
2/12 cm 4)
2/12 cm 4)
2/12 cm 4)
2/12 cm 4)
2/12 cm 4)
2/12 cm 4)
2/12 cm 4)
3/12 cm 5)
3/12 cm 5)
3/12 cm 5)
3/12 cm 5)
4/12 cm
1/48 cm
5/12 cm
6/12 cm
4/12 cm
5/12 cm
6/12 cm
6/12 cm
7/12 cm
8/12 cm
4/24 cm
2/48 cm
5/24 cm
4/24 cm
5/24 cm
5/12 cm
6/12 cm
4/24 cm
2/48 cm
5/24 cm
4/24 cm
5/24 cm
5/24 cm
6/24 cm
4/48 cm
2/48 cm
5/24 cm
4/24 cm
5/24 cm
5/24 cm
6/24 cm
3/48 cm
3/48 cm
4/48 cm
4/48 cm
5/24 cm
4/48 cm
5/24 cm
6/24 cm

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LS 135-05

Issue 07.98

LINDE AG Process Engineering and Contracting Division

Table 4 (concluded)
Pipe Dimensions
Diameter

Double-Wall Exposure
Wall Thickness
Range

Radiation source: Isotope

Focus-Film Distance:
Pipe outside diameter
+ 20 mm (Collimator)

Radiation source: X-ray tube

Focus-Film Distance:
Pipe outside diameter
+ 100 mm

Number of films/ film length 1) Number of films/ film length 1) Number of

films/ film
mm
Test Categ.A Test Categ. B Test Categ. A Test Categ. B length 1)
EN 1435 2)
EN 1435 3)
EN 1435 2)
EN 1435 3)
14
355,6
0,5 - < 10,5 3/48 cm
3/48 cm
10,5 - 40
4/48 cm
0,5 - < 9
4/48 cm
9 - 40
5/48 cm
0,5 - 40
4/48 cm
0,5 - < 32,5
5/24 cm
32,5 - 40
6/24 cm
16
406,4
0,5 - 20
3/48 cm
4/48 cm
5/48 cm
3/48 cm
0,5 - < 12
4/48 cm
12 - 40
5/48 cm
18
457,0
0,5 - 40
4/48 cm
4/48 cm 6)
4/48 cm
5/48 cm
4/48 cm
20
508,0
0,5 - 40
4/48 cm
4/48 cm 7)
4/48 cm
5/48 cm
4/48 cm
24
609,6
0,5 - 40
5/48 cm
26
660,0
0,5 - 40
5/48 cm
28
711,0
0,5 - 40
5/48 cm
30
762,0
0,5 - 40
6/48 cm
32
813,0
0,5 - 40
6/48 cm
36
914,0
0,5 - 40
7/48 cm
40
1016,0
0,5 - 40
8/48 cm
42
1067,0
0,5 - 40
8/48 cm
48
1219,0
0,5 - 40
10/48 cm
52
1321,0
0,5 - 40
10/48 cm
56
1420,0
0,5 - 40
11/48 cm
60
1524,0
0,5 - 40
12/48 cm
64
1620,0
0,5 - 40
13/48 cm
68
1727,0
0,5 - 40
13/48 cm
72
1820,0
0,5 - 40
14/48 cm
76
1930,0
0,5 - 40
15/48 cm
80
2020,0
0,5 - 40
15/48 cm
1) The number of the films has been determined according to EN 1435 and shall be the basis for the account
on film price, under the condition that 100% of the weld length is evaluable.
2) "Increase in wall thickness" by a not vertical exposure 20 %.
3) "Increase in wall thickness" by a not vertical exposure 10 %.
4) Elliptical imaging, staggered by 90.
5) Elliptical imaging, staggered by 60
6) Only for wallthickness up to 16 mm.
7) Only for wallthickness up to 20 mm.
NPS

Outside
diameter
mm

Central
Exposure

Revision: Completely revised.

Previous Issues: 03.71; 06.83; 08.84; 10.84; 10.87; 07.89 , 03.95
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