RTFI Q&E (CTMS 308196) PARTICIPANT INFORMATION INTRODUCTION Radiography is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that is used for volumetric testing of components. Radiography uses x-rays or gamma rays to produce a latent image of a test specimen on a radiographic film. Prior to radiography, each component should be visually inspected to determine if it meets the requirements of the applicable code or standard. A radiographic film interpreter is an experienced and knowledgeable individual who can judge the quality of a radiograph, identify discontinuities on a radiograph and evaluate if these discontinuities meet the applicable code or standard. This module will describe the terms and applications that will enable the interpreter to evaluate film quality and component integrity.RTFI Q&E (CTMS 308196) PARTICIPANT INFORMATION RADIATION SOURCES The two types of radiation sources are x-rays and gamma rays. They are similar in characteristics and differ in their source of origin X-rays are produced in a vacuum tube when high energy electrons produced by a cathode filament interact with an anode target that emits x-rays. The production of x-rays is stopped as soon as the x-ray machine is switched off Figure 1 shows an x-ray tube CATHODE FOCUSING FILAMENT ; \ a ee | (GLASS ENVELOPE: Figure 1. Basic x-ray tubeRTFI Q&E (CTMS 308196) PARTICIPANT INFORMATION RADIATION SOURCES (CONT’D) Gamma rays ate produced by the nuclei of radioisotopes which are undergoing disintegration because of their instability. The two types of gamma fay sources used in Saudi Aramco are Iridium-192 and Cobalt-60. Ir-192 is used for radiography of steel and similar materials of up to 3 inches in thickness and Co-60 has a thickness range of up to 8 inches. A gamma ray source is constantly emitting radiation and cannot be turned off. When the source is stored inside the exposure device, the surrounding areas are shielded from the source. Figure 2 shows a gamma ray source exposure device. a SHIELD PIG "STORED" ‘SOURCE STORED IN SHIELDED PIG SOURCE CRANKED PARTLY OUT. SOURCE NO LONGER SHIELDED. wy. i oT SOURCE ALL THE WAY OUT TO EXPOSURE POSITION. "ON" SITCHIN TIP TS ACTIVATED. Figure 2.RTFI Q&E (CTMS 308196) PARTICIPANT INFORMATION RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES Source Positioning The radiation source should be positioned where the radiation beam is as close to being perpendicular to the test specimen and film being radiographed. See Figure 3 below. specimen Figure 3, Location Markers Location markers (normally lead letters) are used to identify the location of the film positioning on the test specimen. They shall be placed on the test specimen and not on the film cassette. The location of the markers shall be permanently identified on the test specimen with a permanent marker or low stress metal stamp. The required number of markers varies with the exposure arrangement and test specimen size. The requirements for location marker placement is listed in SAEP-1143 par. 7.3 and also covered later in this course in the section on interpretation. Film Identification Each radiograph shall be permanently identified by lead letters or with a light flash technique. The requirements for film identification is listed in SAEP-1143. par. 7.4 and also covered later in this course in the section on interpretation.RTFI Q&E (CTMS 308196) PARTICIPANT INFORMATION RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES (CONT’D) Image Quality Indicator (IQI) Placement A source side IQI shall be used at all times unless it is not physically possible to place the IQI on the source side, in which case a film side [QI shall be used. When a film side IQ! is used, a lead letter ‘F’ at least as high as the IQ! identification numbers shall be placed adjacent to a block-type IQI and on a wire-type IQI. When using a wire type IQ], it shall be placed perpendicular across the weld. When using a block-type 1Q|, a shim of similar material approximately as thick as the weld crown shall be placed under the IQI. The block-type IQI shall be placed adjacent to the weld. Each radiograph shall have an IQI, except when using exposure arrangement ‘A’ (panoramic) in which case there shall be four IQIs placed equally around the circumference of the weld. Film Placement The radiographic film shall be placed as close as possible to the back of the test specimen and as close to perpendicular to the radiation source. Detection of Backscatter Each film cassette shall have a lead letter ‘B’ which is 1/2” in height and 1/16” in thickness attached to the back of the cassette to detect any backscatter.