BSI B S * Z b O O P A R T * L 83 L b 2 4 b b ï 005719L 8 W

BS26ûû:Partl:1983
UDC 669.146:621.791.053.6:620.179.15

of this publication may be photocopied

or otherwise reproduced without the
prior permission in writing of BSI.

British Standard
Radiographic examination of fusion welded
butt joints in steel
Part 1. Methods for steel 2 mm up to
and including 50 mm thick

Examen radiographiquedes joints bout-à-bout soudés par fusion dans l'acier

Partie 1. Aciers d'épaisseur comprise entre 2 et 50 mm inclus

Durchstrahlungsprüfung von schmelzgeschweißten Stumpfnähten an Stahl

Teil I . Verfahren bei Stahl von 2 mm bis einschließlich 50 mrn Dicke

British Sta ndards Instit u t ion

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 BS 2600 : Part I : 1983

Contents
Page Page
Foreword Inside front cover 19.3 Technique 3. X-rays using medium-speed
Committees responsible Back cover direct-type film 3
19.4 Technique 6. Gamma-rays using
Method ultra-fine-graindirect-type film 3
1. Scope 1 19.5 Technique 7. Gamma-raysusing fine-grain
2. Techniques 1 direct type film 3
3. Gamma-ray sources 1
4. Protection 1 Appendix
5. Surface condition 2 A. Explanatory information on the techniques 5
6. Weld image location 2
7. Indentification of radiographs 2 Tables
8. Marking 2
1. Individual techniques 1
9. Density of radiograph 2
2. Minimum thicknesses for gamma-ray sources 1
10, Image quality indicators 2 3. Intensifying screens 2
11.. Intensifyingscreens 2
12. Cassettes 2 Figures
13. Obiect-film distance 2
14. Alignment of X-ray or gamma-ray beam 2 1. Minimiim values of focus-to-filmdistance
15. Overlap of film 2 calculated for a 4 mm focal spot 7
16. Interceptionof unwanted and scattered 2. Minimum values of source-to-filmdistance 8
radiation 3 3. Alignment diagram for choosing length of film
17. Processing 3 with source on convex side of circumferential
18. Viewing 3 weld and with limiting variation in thickness
19. Individual techniques 3 of 6 % 9
19.1 Technique I.X-rays using ultra-fine-grain 4. Alignment diagram for choosing length of film
direct type film 3 with source on convex side of circumferential
19.2 Technique 2. X-rays using fine-grain direct weld and with limiting variation in thickness
type film 3 of 1 0 % 10
5. Maximum X-ray tube voltage 11

Foreword
This Part of BS 2600 has been prepared under the direction
of the Welding Standards Committee. It is a revision of
BS 2600 : Part 1 : 1973, which is withdrawn. It is essential
to quote the technique number in addition to the ES
number whenever this standard i s used.
The standard i s divided into two Parts, not only to align
with the thickness division adopted in the I S 0 recommen-
dations, but also to allow more definite requirements to
be given in BS 2600 : Part 2 for the greater thicknesses.
The same number of techniques has been maintained,
the methods being suitable for all types of application,
but no mandatory direction is given of when a particular
technique should be used. As so many factors affect the
exposure time, minimum values have not been made
mandatory but are merely included as guidance. The extent
of radiographic examination that should be applied and
standards of acceptance are not specified as both of these
aspects should be covered in the appropriate application
standard or be agreed between the contracting parties.
The explanatory information in appendix A has been
retained to amplify and, in some instances, to give the
reasons underlying what is stated in this standard.
This edition introduces Ytterbium 169 and Thulium 170
for the first time as gamma-ray sources, thus reducing the
lower limit of the thickness range covered by the standard
to 2 mm for both X-rays and gamma-rays.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself
confer immunity from legal obligations.

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 B S I BS*ZbOO PART*L 8 3 W L b 2 4 b b î 0 0 5 7 3 4 3 3

BS 2600 : Part 1 : 1983

British Standard
Radiographic examination of fusion welded butt joints in steel
Part 1. Methods for steel 2 m m up to and including 50 m m thick

1. Scope Table I.Individual techniques

This Part of this British Standard describes methods for Radiation Technique Type of film 5lm density of
the radiographic examination of fusion welded butt joints number* Meld area under
in steel 2 mm up to and including 50 mm thick. 3xamination
The techniques have many features in common and the
major differences l i e in: X-rays 1 UItra-fine-grain
high-contrast
(a) whether X-rays or gamma-raysare used, direct-type
(b) the type of film used. 2 Fine-grain
Because several techniques with differing sensitivities are high-contrast
detailed, it is necessary to specify for each particular direct-type
application which technique is required to be used. It i 5 3 Medium-speed 2.0 to 3.0
insufficient merely to state that BS 2600 :Part 1 be direct-type
followed without specifying the technique number (see
table 11. Gamma-rays Ultra-fine-grain
No attempt is made to define which technique should be high-contrast
used for any particular application because this is a matter direct-type
for agreement between the contracting parties. Fine-grain
NOTE 1, BS 291O details the radiographicexamination of butt high-contrast
welds in steel pipes.
direct-type
NOTE 2. The titles of the publications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside back cover.
*There are fewer techniques than in earlier editions, but established
technique numbers have been retained.
2. Techniques
NOTE 1. The type of film used with lead screens is known both
The techniques to be used shall be one of those given in as ‘non-screen’ and as ‘direct-type’ film.
table 1, fuller details of which are given in clause 19 and NOTE 2. BS 5230 explains how industrial film speed and contrast
appendix A. are measured. Until measurements based on that standard are
available the type of film should be agreed between the contracting
parties.
3. Gamma-ray sources NOTE 3. A density higher’than 3.0 can be used, provided the film
The gamma-ray source to be used shall be one of those i s examined on a high intensity illuminator.
given in table 2 according to the thickness of steel to be
penetrated.
Table 2. Minimum thicknesses for
4. Protection gamma-ray sources
Exposure of any part of the human body to X-rays or
gamma-rays can be injlirious. It is essential that whenever
X-ray equipment or radioactive sources are in use,
adequate precautions shall be taken to protect the
Gamma-ray
source
1
Minimum thickness
of steel l
I
Maximum thickness
of steel

radiographer and others in the vicinity.

I I mm
Iridium 192 10 above 50
NOTE. It should be noted that the use of X-ray equipment and
gamma radiography in factories, on sites and in certain other Caesium 137 25 above 50
premises and works coming within the scope of the Factories Ytterbium 169 2 10
Act 1961 is currently controlled by the lonising Radiations Thulium 170t 2 IO
(Sealed Sources) Regulations 1969 and RadioactiveSubstances I I
Act, 1960.
In the near future, the 1969 Regulations will be replaced by tThulium gives inferior results t o ytterbium and the latter should
lonising Radiations Regulations which will control all uses of be used when available.
X-rays and gamma rays for radiographic purposes. In addition NOTE. It is emphasized that the minimum thicknesses on which
there may be local regulationsand requirements which need t o gamma rays may be used, as given in table 2, should not be inter-
be taken into consideration. preted as implying that on these thicknesses the flaw sensitivity
Some radiographic equipment recommendationsare specified with gamma-rays is equivalent t o the flaw sensitivity with X-rays.
in BS 5650. Gamma-rays should be used only on the understanding that
Advice on radiation safety may be obtained from the National apart from geometric considerations the flaw sensitivity will be
Radiological Protection Board, Harwell, Didcot, Oxon, OX1 1 ORQ. inferior to that of a good X-ray technique.

1
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 E S 1 BS*2bOO P A R T 8 1 83 IL b 2 4 b b î 0 0 5 7 1 4 4 3

BS 2600 : Part 1 : 1983

5. Surface condition 1I. Intensifying screens

I n order to obtain maximum flaw sensitivity, the part of Intensifying screens shall be used in all the techniques
the work t o be examined shall be smooth and free from except where otherwise indicated. The material of which
irregularitiessuch as weld ripples and grinding or chipping they are to be made and their thickness ranges shall be in
marks..The contour of the weld surface shall be smooth accordance with the details given in table 3 (see also A.5).
and any change in section shall be gradual,
Temporary backing shall be removed prior to radiography. Table 3. Intensifying screens
NOTE 1, If the above conditions cannot be met the expedients
described in A,Z may be used by agreement between the contracting
parties. Radiation Screen Front screen Back screen
material thickness thickness
NOTE 2. By agreement between the contracting parties, the weld
may be examined in the as-welded condition.
mm mm
6. Weld image location X-rays:
Markers, usually in the form of lead arrows or other below 120 kV Lead None 0.1 min.
symbols, shall be placed alongside, but clear of, the outer X-rays:
edges of the weld to identify i t s position. 120-250 kV Lead 0.01 to 0.1 25 0.1 min.
X-rays:
7. Identification of radiographs 250-400 kV Lead 0.05 to O. 16 0.1 min.
Each section of weld radiographed shall have suitable
Gamma-rays:
symbols affixed uniquely to identify:
Ir. l3'cs Lead 0.05 to 0.16 0.16 min.
(a) the job or workpiece; Gamma-rays:
(b) the joint; 169yb 1 7 0 ~ ~
Lead 0.05 to 0.16t 0.1 t min.
I

(c) the section of the joint.

The symbols, usually consisting of lead letters or numerals,
shall be positioned so that their images appear in the
radiograph to ensure unequivocal identification of the
section,
Radiographs of weld repairs shall be appropriately
identified.
A written record detailing the identification of the
radiograph shall be made.
8. Marking
In general, permanent marking of the workpiece shall be
used to provide reference points for the accurate
re-location of the position of each radiograph. Where the
nature of the material and i t s service conditions render
stamping undesirable, other suitable means of marking
shall be used.
9. Density of radiograph
In the image of the length of weld under examination,
the film density corresponding to the sound weld metal
shall be not less than 2.0 and not greater than 3.0,
unless special arrangements are made for the adequate
viewing of higher density film.
NOTE, These values are inclusive of the fog density" of not
greater than 0.3 (see also A.3).
10. Image quality indicators
In order to provide a guide to the quality of the radio-
graphic technique used, an Image Quality Indicator (lai),
otherwise known as a penetrameter, of one of the types
recommended in BS 3971 shall be used, with dimensions
appropriate to the thickness of the weld.
The method of assessing the radiographic sensitivity
shall be that described in BS 3971 (see also A.4).
tBelow 5 mm weld thickness image quality is improved at the
expense of exposure times by the omission of the lead screens.
12. Cassettes
In all cases precautions shall be taken to ensure good
film-screen contact irrespective of whether rigid cassettes,
which are recommended, or flexible cassettes are used.
NOTE. When appropriate and agreed between the contracting
parties, long lengths of film in commercial packs, with integral
metal intensifying screens, may be used.
13. Object-film distance
The distance between the film and the adjacent weld
surface shall be as small as possible.
Where a gap between the surface of the weld and the
cassette is unavoidable, the minimum focus or source-to-
film distance as derived from figure 1 or 2 shall be
increased in the ratio (a + b)/a where a is the thickness
of the metal immediately adjacent to the film and b
is the gap.
14. Alignment of X-ray or gamma-ray beam
The beam of radiation shall be directed to the middle of
the section under examination and shall be normal to the
material surface a t that point, except in a special examina-
tion for certain defects which it i s known would be best
revealed by a different alignment of the beam, e.g. defects
a t a fusion face when the exposure may be made with the
beam directed along the fusion face.
15. Overlap of film
The separate radiographs of a welded joint shall overlap
sufficiently to ensure that no portion of the joint remains
unexamirisd (see also A.6).

'Density of a processed unexposed film.

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16. Interception of unwanted and scattered
radiation
In cases where no back intensifying screen is used, the film
shall be shielded from back-scattered radiation by lead
sheet a t least 1 mm thick placed behind the film-screen
combination, except when using Ytterbium-I 69 radiation
when the backing shall be aluminium or other low-2
material,
In order to reduce the effects of scattered radiation,
both on the radiograph and for personnel protection
purposes, the beam of radiation from the source shall be
collimated to approximately the size of the radiograph
to be covered and if the specimen has a smaller area than
the radiation field, adequate masking shall be provided
so as to limit the area irradiated, as far as possible, t o the
section being radiographed (see also A.11).
17. Processing
The film shall be processed in accordance with recognized
good practice using either manual or automatic equipment.
A standard type of X-ray developer shall be used and the
processing solutions shall be maintained in good working
condition. In manual development the film or the
processing solution, or both, shall be agitated during
development. The development time and temperature
shall be in accordance with the film manufacturer's
recommendations.
NOTE. Extended development may be used to increase radiographic
contrast and effective film speed, but such an extension should be
within the limits recommended by the manufacturer.
The radiographs shall be free from imperfections due to
processing, or other defects which would interfere with
interpretation.
18. Viewing
The radiograph shall be examined by diffused light in a
darkened room and the illuminated area shall be masked
to the minimum required for viewing the radiographic
image; the edges of the radiograph shall always be masked.
The luminance (or brightness) of the illuminated radio-
graph shall be not less than 30 cd/m2 and whenever
possible approximately 300 cd/m2 (see also A.7).
Sufficient time shall be allowed for the film reader's eyes
to become adapted t o the lighting conditions in the viewing
room before radiographs are examined.
The film reader shall have his eyes tested annually for
ability to see small detail a t the normal film viewing
distance. This film viewing distance should be about
400 mm and the film reader shall be able to read a good
print type of 0.5 mm letter height a t this distance.
NOTE. The use of a low power magnifying lens ( X 2 or X3) of
reasonable area is recommended.
19. individual techniques
19.1 Technique 1. X-rays using ultra-fine-grain
direct-type film
19.1.1 Type of film. The film shall be of the ultra-fine-
grain high-contrast direct-type.
19.1.2 Focus-to-film distance". For a focal spot with a
maximum effective dimension of 4 mm the minimum
focus-tofilm distances for different thicknesses of
material shall be determined from curve A of figure 1.
*See also A.8.
+See also A.lO.
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BS 2600 : Part 1 : 1983
19.1.3 Diagnostic film length. The length of weld under
examinetion a t each exposure shall be such that the
thickness of the material a t the extremities of the
exposed area, measured in the direction of the incident
beam a t that point, does not exceed by more than 6 %
the actual thickness a t that point (see also figure 3).
19.1.4 X-ray tube voltagef. The voltage values for
different thicknesses of material obtained from curve R
of figure 5 shall not be exceeded.
19.2 Technique 2. X-rays using fine-grain direct-type film
19.2.1 Type of film. The film shall be of the fine-grain
highcontrast direct-type.
19.2.2 Focus-to-film distance*. For a focal spot with a
maximum effective dimension of 4 mm the minimum
focus-to-film distances for different thicknesses of
material shall be determined from curve A of figure 1.
19.2.3 Diagnostic film length. The length of weld under
examination a t each exposure shall be such that the
thickness of the material a t the extremities of the
exposed area, measured in the direction of the incident
beam a t That point, does not exceed by more than 6 %
the actual thickness a t that point (see also figure 3).
19.2.4 X-ray tube voltage?. The voltage values for different
thicknesses of material obtained from curve S of figure 5
shall not be exceeded.
19.3 Technique 3. X-rays using medium-speed direct-type
film
19.3.1 Type of film. The film shall be of the medium-speed
direct-type.
19.3.2 Focus-to-film distance*. For a focal spot with a
maximum effective dimension of 4 mm the minimum
focus-to-film distances for different thicknesses of
material shall be determined from curve B of figure 1.
19.3.3 Diagnostic film length. The length of weld under
examination a t each exposure shall be such that the
thickness of the material a t the extremities of the
exposed area, measured in the direction of the incident
beam a t that point, does not exceed by more than 1O %
the actual thickness a t that point (see also figure 4).
19.3.4 X-ray tube voltagef. The voltage values for
different thicknesses of material obtained from curve T
of figure 5 shall not be exceeded.
19.4 Technique 6. Gamma-rays using ultra-fine-grain
direct-type film
19.4.1 Type of film. The film shall be of the
ultra-fine-grain high-contrastdirect-type.
19.4.2 Source-to-film distance. The minimum
source-to-film distances for different thicknesses of
material shall be determined from figure 2.
19.4.3 Diagnostic film length. The length of weld under
examination a t each exposure shall be such that the
thickness of the material a t the extremities of the
exposed area, measured in the direction of the incident
beam a t that point, does not exceed by more than 1O %
the actual thickness a t that point (see also figure 4).
19.5 Technique 7. Gamma-rays using fine-grain
direct-type film
19.5.1 Type of film. The film shall be of the fine-grain
high-contrast direct-type.
3
 BSI BS*2bOO PART*l"3 Il b 2 q b b î O 0 5 7 l 4 b 7

BS 2600 : Part 1 : 1983

19.5.2 Source-to-film distance*. The minimum
source-to-filmdistances for different thicknesses of
material shall be determined from figure 2.
19.5.3 D/agnost;c /en&, The length of weld under
examination a t each exposure shall be such that the
thickness of the material a t the extremities of the
exposed area, measured in the direction of the incident
beam a t that point, does not exceed by more than 10 %
the actual thickness a t that Point (see also figure 4).

*See also A.8.

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Appendix A
Explanatory information on the techniques
A.l General. While some latitude may be permissible in
the techniques described, it will be found that an alteration
in any one factor will, in general, involve changes in other
factors such that the overall result may be worse than .
before. The techniques represent the best balance between
the many factors.
The flaw-detectioncapability of a radiographic technique
increases as the graininess of the film is reduced and is also
dependent upon the film-screen combination. The basic
philosophy of weld radiography is to recommend a
technique which gives the best possible chance of detecting
small planar flaws such as cracks.
In general, any gamma-ray technique will be less sensitive
than an X-ray technique on thicknesses of material less
than 50 mm. The thinner the material, the larger the
difference between radiographs taken with X-rays and
gamma-rays. On steel welds 50 mm thick, the difference
in sensitivity i s not so marked if the correct gamma-ray
techniques are used.
A.2 Surface condition. Excess weld metal and weave
marks can produce sudden changes of film density,
particularly in thin sections, which may obscure flaws in
the deposited weld metal and a t the junctions of weld
and parent metal,
For critical examination, excess weld metal should be
either removed or ground to a smooth contour merging
into the parent metal a t the weld boundaries. An increase
of up to 10 % in the weld throat thickness will not
seriously reduce the flaw sensitivity.
Where excess weld metal is not removed, the permissible
coverage, ¡.e. length of weld per exposure, may be reduced,
but where the coverage is to be maintained, radiographs
may be obtained in one of the following ways:
(al make separate exposures, each to cover part of the
range of thickness;
(b) simultaneously expose films of different speeds
interpreting the fastest film for the maximum thickness;
(cl increase the X-ray energy slightiy and use a filter
on the X-ray tube. (The resulting flaw sensitivity may
be appreciably reduced by this method.)
It is emphasized that the above techniques are expedients
only and are not included, therefore, in the special
techniques.
A.3 Density of radiograph*. Optical density, D ,
is expressed as:
where
I,, i s the intensity of the incident light;
IT is the intensity of the transmitted light.
With films of density 2.0 or 3.0 the transmitted light has
an intensity of 1/100 or 1/1000 respectively of its original
value. Densitometers are available commercially for density
measurement; alternatively a visual comparison can be
made using a calibrated density step-wedge.
Routine checks should be made to ensure that the fog
level of the film used is within the limit quoted.
*See BS 1384.
5
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With direct-type film the contrast increases with film
density up to very high densities. A maximum density
of 3.0 has been quoted as this represents the usual limit
of most film viewing equipment, but higher densities
may be used with advantage where the viewing light is
sufficiently bright to permit adequate interpretation
(see also A.7).
A.4 Image quality indicators. If the surface of the weld
facing the source of radiation i s inaccessible for placement
of an 101 the following procedure may be used.
Place the IQI on the film side of the specimen and place
the letters 'F.S' next to it. Set up a test weld of the same
dimensions as the weld to be examined and on which IQls
can be placed on both source and film sides. Take a
reference radiograph of this test weld using the same
technique as will be used on the production weld.
Use the source side IQIto achieve the contractual sensitivity
and, for correlation with the radiographic sensitivity for
production welds, record the corresponding sensitivity on
the film side 101.
When the 101 i s on the film side, the sensitivity data given
in BS 3971 do not apply and the 101readings are of l i t t l e
value in checking the quality of the radiographic technique.
NOTE 1. With identical radiographic techniques the numerical
value of the IO1 sensitivity will generally be different for different
types of 101.
NOTE 2. IQI sensitivity is a means by which the quality of
radiographic techniques may be compared and is not a measure of
flaw sensitivity. The latter is a complex function o f the geometry,
absorption and location of the flaw.
A.5 Intensifying screens. With X-ray energies below about
120 kV, the absorption of the front screen i s greater than
the intensifying action produced if lead screens of the usual
thickness are employed. For this reason a front screen of
tin is sometimes recommended for use a t low X-ray energies.
In general the thickness of lead intensifying screens to be
employed is not critical within the ranges given in table 3.
A thicker front screen tends to absorb more scattered
radiation but gives a smaller intensifying factor. This addi-
tional filtration i s sometimes employed with advantage
on material of irregular section.
The thickness of the back screen also is not critical,
provided it exceeds 0.1 mm. There seems to be no
deleterious effect from using a very thick back screen
within the X-ray energies covered by this standard.
A.6 Overlap of film, The requirements of this standard
can be met by the careful positioning of identification
markers a t the end of each section of every seam to be
radiographed. To ensure adequate overlap, markers should
be placed a t each end of the section to be examined.
Whenever possible they should be placed on the source
side of the weld.
A.7 Viewing. The conditions under which radiographs
are viewed are very important. To achieve a luminance of
the illuminated radiograph of 30 cd/m2 minimum,
the luminance of the illuminator needs to be:
3 O00 cd/m2 for a film density of 2.0;
30 O00 cd/m2 for a film density of 3.0.
The brightness (luminance) of a viewing screen can be
checked with some ordinary photographic exposure meters
if a suitable light meter i s not available. The exposure
meter should be set for a film speed of 100 I S 0 with i t s
sensitive element close to the screen; then a meter reading
 B S I BS*Zlb00 P A R T * % 83
BS 2600 : Part I : 1983
of an exposure of 1/100 s a t f:10 corresponds to a screen
brightness of 1000 cd/m2.
The radiograph should be examined in a darkened room or
enclosure, with care being taken that as little light as
possible is reflected off the film surface directly towards
the film reader.
A.8 Focus-to-film distance (source-to-film distance).
The distances quoted in the techniques have been chosen
bearing in mind the related factors of definition, film grain,
exposure time and the size of the field irradiated.
To obtain the best definition, the geometric unsharpness
should be as small as possible, but in any case it is
desirable that it should not exceed the inherent unsharp-
ness of the film-screen combination. The latter condition
is fulfilled in gamma-radiographyby the requirements of
the appropriate clauses, but an improvement in sharpness
may result from the use of larger source-to-film distances
than those calculated from these clauses.
With X-rays the inherent unsharpness of direct-type films
is much smaller than for gamma rays, For some X-ray
techniques the focus-to-film distances calculated to satisfy
the above criterion are so large that to use them without
very long exposure times would require such an increase
in voltage that the loss in contrast may completely offset
the gain in definition. Accordingly, a compromise has been
made in some cases between the desirable focus-to-film
distance and exposure time, (See figures 1 and 2.)
For the calculation of the desirable focus-to-film distance
or source-to-film distance, the following values of inherent
film unsharpness have been used:
Radiation Inherent unsharpness
X-rays mm
100 kV 0.05
200 kV 0.09
300 kV 0.12
400 kV 0.15
Gamma rays:
137 cs 0.27
ir 0.17
16’Yb 0.07 t o 0.1 3
170 Tm 0.1 to 0.2
The geometric unsharpness is calculated as follows:
T 3
Geometric unsharpness = s x -
F- T
where
s is the maximum effective focal spot size (or maxiinum too high. This will be confirmed if the radiographic
effective source diameter);
Tis the thickness of metal penetrated;
F is the focus-to-film distance (or source-to-film distance). voltage has to be increased. The loss in contrast owing to
I f the film i s not close t o the weld surface, the thickness of the increased voltage is more than counter-balanced,
metal penetrated plus the gap thickness should be taken
instead of T (see also clause 13).
The use of a greater distance than the recommended
minimum may often be more convenient, since a larger area check if back scatter is reaching the film is t o place a lead
can thereby be examined in one exposure. On the other
hand, in gamma-radiographythe total time of examination
can often be reduced appreciably by examining shorter
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lengths of weld a t each exposure, and using a correspond-
ingly shorter source-to-film distance.
A.9 Effective focal spot size. The application of the
recommended distances depends on the knowledge of the
effective size of the focal spot or source of radiation
which should be taken as the greatest projected
dimension. The radiographer should determine the size,
therefore, of the focal spot of each new X-ray tube when
installed and periodically throughout i t s life.
For a focal spot of maximum effective dimension,
s (other than 4 nim), the focus-to-film distance Fz should
be equal to or greater than the value calculated from the
following formula:
?2 = -
SF1
4
where F 1 is the focus-to-film distance for a 4 mm
effective focal spot.
There i s no British Standard on the measurement of focal
spot size for industrial X-ray tubes but reference may be
made to BS 5269 : Part 1 for medical X-ray tubes.
A.10 Tube voltage and exposure. The X-ray tube voltage
used depends on such factors as the thickness of material
to be penetrated, type of film and screens, focus-to-film
distance and exposure time.
The maximum recommended voltages given in figure 5 are
intended to serve as a guide to the rating of the X-ray
equipment required.
An improved radiographic sensitivity can usually be
obtained by reducing the X-ray tube voltage, but this
entails an increase in exposure time, assuming that other
conditions are maintained constant. Conversely,
the exposure time can be reduced by increasing the X-ray
tube voltage, but this will usually result in an inferior
radiographic sensitivity owing to the lower image contrast.
As so many factors, including the type of electrical
circuit, affect the exposure time, the following average
exposures are quoted as a guide in order to achieve the
film density specified,
Technique number Exposure
mA*min
1 30
2 20
15
Exposures shorter than these may indicate that either the
focus-to-film distance is too short or the tube voltage i s
sensitivity obtained does not meet the specified value.
Ultra-fine-grain and fine-grain high-contrast films are slower
than other types and therefore for the same exposure the
however, by the higher contrast of these films compared
with other types.
A . l l Back scattered radiation. A convenient way to
letter on the back of the film holder. I f the image of the
letter appears on the film then further precautions are
necessary to remove back scatter.
 BS 2600 : Part 1 : I983

-
v)
al
L
4-
al
.-E
.-
L
d

E
CI 700
al
U
e
U 600
+
.-
VI
U
500
d
.-E
Y-

O
I 400
4-
I
VJ
I
3 O0
uO
Y-
Ultra-fine-grain film
E 200 Fine - g r a i n f i l m
a
.-&c
.-
E

'O0 5
O 10 20 30
B Medium-speed f i I m

M a t e r i a l thickness (millimetres)
40 50

NOTE. For a focal spot of maximum effective dimension,s (other than 4 mm) the focus-to-film distance i,
should be equal t o or greater than the value calculated from the following formula:
F, = SF,14
where f is the focus-to-film distance for a 4 mm effective focal spot.

Figure 1. Minimum values of focus-to-film distance calculated for a 4 mm focal spot

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards

7
Licensed by Information Handling Services
 BSI B S * Z b O O P A R T * 3 83 L b ï 4 b b 9 0 0 5 7 3 5 0 7’ W

BS 2600 : Part 1 : 1983

800

;x 4
ridium
700
-
IA
W
L
t
QI
.-E 600
.-
d
d

E
v
<u
U 2x2
C
d
Iridium
t 500
.-U
v)

E 2x2
.-

f
d

\e Caesium
I
t
O 400
I
W
U
L
a
O
w
E
3 300 1X I
.-E Iridium
C
,-
E

200

100

1O0
/
IxlYb
O

/”’ M a t e r i a l thickness ( m i l l i m e t r e s )

50

O
0.6 xO.6Tm
i
Figure 2. Minimum values of source-to-film distance

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and 8

Standards
Licensed by Information Handling Services
 BSI BS*K2600 P A R T * L 8 3 W L b 2 4 6 6 9 0057LSL O

BS 2600 : Part 1 ; 1983

L e n g t h of f i l m
mm F
D i amet e r 6 O0 Ratio
mm -4
1800 -
-- -3
-- 450
1500 --
14 00-- 375 -2
350
1300--
1200-- 325
300
27 5 -1.5
1100--
25C
1000--
225 - 1.2
goo--
200
800--
17 5 -1.0
750--
70&- 150 - 0.9

600-- 125 - 0.8

100 -0.7
soo--
450--
- 0.6
75
400-

50
300 -- -0.5

2 5 O--
225--

200 --

175

150-
--
+? Diameter

L e n g t h ’L I -to-film
Focus
Focus - t o - f i l m
distance F
.0.4

.0.3

NOTE. Join given diameter and ratio of focus-to-film distance to diameter. Read off length of film at
intersection with middle line.

Figure 3. Alignment diagram for choosing length of film with source on convex side of
circumferential weld and with limiting variation in thickness of 6 %

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and 9

Standards
Licensed by Information Handling Services
 BSI B S * 2 b 0 0 P A R T 8 3 83 L b 2 4 b b 7 0057352 2 m '

BS 2600 : Part 1 : 1983

L e n g t h of f i l m
Di ameter

60(t
mm 750 F
Ratio
1800 -
-4

1500 - -3
1400 -
1300 - 45
-2
1200 -
1100- 375
- 1.5
1000 - -1.4
900 - - 1.3
800 - 25 - 1.2
750 - 22 5 - 1.1
700 - 200 - 1.0

175 - 0.9
600-
- 0.0

500- - 0.7
450 -

400- - 0.6

75
300- -0.5

250 -
50
225 - Diameter

200 - - 0.4

175 -
Length L ' I
Focus - to- f i l m
150 - distance F - 0.3

NOTE, Join given diameter and ratio of focus-to-film distance to diameter. Read off length of film at
intersection with middle line.

Figure 4. Alignment diagram for choosing length of film with source on convex side of
circumferential weld and with limiting variation in thickness of 10 %

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and 10

Standards
Licensed by Information Handling Services
 E S 1 BS*2600 P A R T 8 1 83 W 1624669 0057353 4

BS 2600 : Part 1 : 1983

400

300 /
/
>
Y

W
m
d
f

7L
O
>
n
(Y 200
5)
+
%
d
L
I
X

1O0

R = Ultra-fine-grain f i l m
S = Fine - g r a i n f i l m
T = Medium -speed f i l m

O 10 20 30 40 50
M a t e r i a l thickness ( m i l l i m e t r e s )

Figure 5. Maximum X-ray tube voltage

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 I
BSI B S * 2 b 0 0 P A R T * 1 83 W 1 6 2 Y 6 b ï 005715Li b W

Publications referred to
BS 1384 Measurement of photographic transmission density
BC 2600' Radiographic examination of fusion welded butt joints in steel
Part 2 Methods for steel over 50 mm up t o and including 200 mm thick
BS 2910 Methods for radiographic examination of fusion welded circumferential butt-joints in steel pipes
BS 3971 Specification for image quality indicators for industrial radiography (including guidance on their use)
BS 5230 Method for the measurement of speed and contrast of direct-type films for industrial radiography
BS 5269 Medical electrical and radiological equipment
Part 1 Measurement of the dimensions of focal spots of diagnostic X-ray tubes using a pinhole method
BC 5650 Specification for apparatus for gamma radiography

*Referred t o in the foreword only.

For information about BSI services relating to third patty certificationto suitable British Standard product specifications, schemes
for the registration of firms of assessed capability, testing and inspection facilities, please contact the Director, Quality Assurance
Division, BSI, MaylandsAvenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 4SQ Tel. Hemel Hempstead 3111. ~ -%
COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards
Licensed by Information Handling Services
 ~~ -
BSI BS*2bOO P A R T * L 83
Thls British Standard, having been prepared under the direction
of the Welding Standards Committee, was published under the
authority of the Board of BSI and comes into effect on
31 October 1983.
0 British Standards Institution, 1983
First published, March 1955
First revision, December 1962
Second revision, October 1973
Third revision, October 1983
ISBN O 580 13465 2
British Standards Institution
Incorporated by Royal Charter, BSI is the independent national
body for the preparation of British Standards. It is the UK member
of the International Organization for Standardization and UK
sponsor of the British National Committee of the International
Electrotechnical Commission.
Copyright
Users of British Standards are reminded that copyright subsists in
ail BSI publications. No part of this publication may be reproduced
In any form without the prior permission in writing of BSi. This
does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the
standard, of necessary details such as symbols and size, type or
Committees responsible for this British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the
Welding Standards Committee (WEE/ - ) to Technical Committee
WEE/34 upon which the following bodies were represented:
Associated Offices Technical Committee
British Constructional Steelwork Association
British Institute of Non-destructiveTesting
British Shipbuilders
Control and Automation Manufacturers' Association (BEAMA)
Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users' Association
Health and Safety Executive
Institute of Physics
Amendments issued since publication
Arnd. No. ~ û a t i o f issue Text affected
. .
British Standards Institution 2 Park Street London W I A 2BS Telephone 01-629 9000 Telex 266933
8310-6-3 k-B
COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards
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162qbb9 0 0 5 7 1 5 5 8
BS 2600: Part. 1 : 1983
grade designations. Enquiries by post should be addressed t o the
Publications Manager, British Standards Institution, Linford Wood,
Milton Keynes MK14 6LE. The number for telephone enquiries is
01-8378801 and for telex 23218.
Contract requirements
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users of British Standards are responsible
for their correct application.
Revision of British Standards
British Standards are revised, when necessary, by the Issue either
of amendments or of revised editions. It is important that users of
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the latest amendments or editions. Information on ail BSI
publications is in the BS Yearbook, supplemented each month by
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Institution and gives details of new publications, revisions,
amendments and withdrawn standards, Any person who, when
making use of a British Standard, encounters an inaccuracy or
ambiguity, is requestedt o notify BSI without delay in order that
the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.
The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:
Committee reference WEE/34 Draft for comment 82/74649 DC
Institution of Production Engineers
Ministry of Defence
National Coal Board
National Radiological Protection Board
Power Generation Association (BEAMA)
Process Plant Association
Society of British Aerospace Companies Limited
Society of Motor Manufacturersand Traders Limited
Welding Institute
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Water-tube Boilermakers Association
..
-
WEE134