Procedure

For

Radiography Testing

Note:- This Procedure provides general information. This procedure for a project shall be valid only
when reviewed and modified as per specific project requirements and approved by authorized
person.

Job
Document No Revision Number
Number
2 Q M 0 0 J E P M E 0 0 3 00 01 02

Date 〉 20/03/2002 16.02.2007 01.01.2008

RELIANCE
ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES (P) LIMITED Prepared By SNS/TSR PKD MSS

Department/
Quality Management Reviewed By DSK RKG PKD / RKG
Division
Location: Jamnagar Approved By SCG AJV AJV
 RELIANCE ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES (P) LIMITED

CONTENTS
1. INRODUCTION

2. PURPOSE

3. SCOPE

4. ABBREVIATIONS & DEFINITIONS

5. RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY

6. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

7. SURFACE PREPARATION / JOINT IDENTIFICATION

8. PROCEDURE

9. RECORD

10. ATTACHMENTS

 Radiography Report – Form 2QM00 FMT ME 027

(single page)

 Sensitivity Requirements-Table T- 276 (single page)

 Wire type IQI designation and wire diameters, T-233.2 (single page)

 Radiography Technique – Article 2, Appendix A of ASME sec V (two pages)

 Sample format for recording the qualification of Radiography technique

– as a guideline (three pages)

• Radiography film length coverage for various sizes of pipes (one page)

Procedure for Radiography Testing 22 of 19 Quality Management

Doc. No.: 2QM00JEPME003, Rev. No.: 02, Dt.: 01.01.2008
1. INTRODUCTION
Non destructive testing is an effective tool for monitoring and evaluation of quality of welded
joint in construction projects without damaging the integrity of materials being subjected to
test. Because of many variables in a Radiography testing, this procedure is developed to
introduce an uniform approach for conducting Testing (RT) so that the radiographs are meeting
the requirement of specification.

2. PURPOSE
This procedure provides step by step instructions on requirements, performance and
documentation of radiography testing applicable to materials & welded joints in fabricated
vessels, piping and structurals.

3. SCOPE

This procedure covers the requirements for radiography testing and the scope is limited to
radiography of welded joints and material, employing gamma ray & X-ray.

4. ABBREVIATIONS & DEFINITIONS

NDT Non Destructive Testing

RT Radiography Testing

QMD Quality Management Division

TPI Third Party Inspection

BARC Bhabha Atomic Research Center

TLD Thermo luminescent Dose

5. RESPONSIBILITY & AUTHORITY

• Construction Managers/Engineer In Charges are responsible for implementing this
procedure in their area.

• HOD, QMD is responsible for maintaining this procedure.

6. REFERENCE
ASME Sec V- Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code-Non Destructive Examination

ASME Sec VIII-Div. I - Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code

ASME Sec VII-Div. 2 - Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code

ASME B31.3- Process piping

7. SURFACE PREPARATION/ JOINT IDENTIFICATION 2

Any surface irregularities, valleys, ridges etc, both inside & outside of test material that may
interfere with the interpretation of the radiograph shall be removed prior to the exposure. The
starting point ( 0 degree ) of the segment (AB) shall be marked on the top of the joint by low
stress punch, V letter in 90 degree showing the direction of radiography of the joint. The repair
joint may be tied with red ribbon to ensure that the proper joint is to be repaired & identified
during radiography.

8. PROCEDURE

8.1 Personnel Qualifications

All personnel involved in radiographic testing and evaluation of exposed films shall be
qualified in accordance with a recognized National / International Standard or as desired by the
referencing code section. For those code sections that directly reference Article 1 of ASME Sec.
V, the qualification of personnel shall be in accordance with SNT-TC-1A.

The assistance radiographer shall have TLD badges, issued by BARC registered in their own
name.
2
Development technician shall be ASNT II and minimum 3 years experience

Development assistance shall be ASNT II with sufficient experience

The certification of personnel shall be verified by NDT/QMD Engineers prior to

commencement of work.

8.2 Radiation Source/Equipment & safety requirements

All equipment shall be of a recognized manufacturer and shall meet the statutory requirement
and specification. It shall be ensured that all the safety precautions as stipulated by BARC are
followed while carrying out radiographic examination
 The intensity of gamma rays / X-rays shall be selected in accordance with the thickness of the
material to be radiographed.

8.3 Radiography Work Procedure

All Contractors are to submit their RT working procedure if any, to QMD for approval prior to
the qualification of their radiography technique / exposing production joints.

All the contractor shall qualify the radiography technique in line with their RT working
procedure and in the absence of RT working procedure the contractor shall qualify the
radiography technique in line with clause No. 8.4 & 8.5 of this procedure as a minimum, prior
to the production welding to avoid the accumulation of joints for exposure. Sample format for
recording the “ Qualification of Radiographic Technique” is enclosed as attachment 5.

8.4 Radiography examination

(Gamma Ray / X-ray Technique)
8.4.1 Single-wall viewing

An adequate number of exposure shall be made to demonstrate that the required coverage has
been obtained. When complete coverage is required for circumferential welds (materials), a
minimum of three exposures taken 120 deg. to each other shall be made.

8.4.2 Double-wall viewing

For welded pipes having a nominal diameter of 3½ inch. or less, a technique may be used in
which the radiation passes through two walls and the weld (material) in both walls is viewed for
acceptance on the same radiograph. For double-wall viewing, only a source side IQI (Image
Quality Indicator) shall be used. Care should be exercised to ensure that the required geometric
sharpness is achieved.

For welds , the radiation beam may be offset from the plane of the weld at an angle sufficient to
separate the images of the source side and film side portions of the weld so that there is no
overlap of the areas to be interpreted. When complete coverage is required, a minimum of two
exposures taken 90 deg. to each other shall be made for each joint.

As an alternative, the weld may be radiographed with the radiation beam positioned so that the
images of both walls are superimposed. When complete coverage is required a minimum of
three exposures taken at 120 deg. apart shall be made for each joint.

Radiography technique and placement of penetrameter depending on the technique is enclosed

as attachment - 4 for ready reference.
8.4.3 Weld Coverage

When more than one film is used to cover single weld, then the films will have at least ¾”
overlap to ensure full coverage of the weld area.

8.4.4 Geometric unsharpness

The geometric unsharpness of the radiograph shall be determined in accordance with :

Ug = Fd/D Where,

Ug = geometric unsharpness

F = source size

D = distance from source of radiation to weld or object being radiographed.

d = distance from source side of the weld or object being radiographed to the film.

The value of geometric unsharpness shall not exceed the following unless stringent requirement
is specified.

Material thk in inch Ug, maximum in inch

Under 2 0.020

2 through 3 0.030

Over 3 through 4 0.040

Greater than 4 0.070

The Contractor shall demonstrate / qualify the methods and techniques meeting the specified
parameters of his work procedure for radiography.

8.4.5 Films / Screens / Processing

Type of film, screens and process controls are to be specified in the Contractors working
procedure. Films used shall be of Industrial Radiography, KODAK, AGFA, INDU or
equivalent brand. The quality / grade of film within the brand is with reference to the qualified
radiography technique, where the film is meeting the requirement of quality / sensitivity.
 Front and back Lead Screen thickness shall be 0.125 mm and above, the exact thickness and the
brand to be used is as specified in the qualified radiography technique document.

The film manufacturers recommendations shall be adhered to particularly in respect to

processing. All the variables/data like development time & temperature, stop bath type and
time, fixer details shall be recorded in radiography technique documents.

Films shall be washed in running water and shall be dried completely prior to interpretation.

Developer solution shall be replenished/replaced on a regular basis as the developer retards its
activity due to change in concentration.

Quality Management Dept. (QMD) shall arrange for the regular audit of the Contractors film
processing environment, to ensure the compliance of the requirement.

8.4.6 Scattered radiation

A lead symbol “B” with minimum dimensions of ½” (13mm) in height and 1/16” (1.6 mm) in
thickness shall be attached to the back of each film holder during each exposure to determine if
back scatter radiation is exposing the film.. If a light image of the “B” appears on a darker
background of the radiograph, protection from back scatter is insufficient and the radiograph
shall be considered unacceptable.

Where back scatter is suspected, lead sheet should be placed below the test piece so that
radiation is absorbed and not scattered back on to the film.

8.4.7 Image Quality Indicators (IQI) / Penetrameters

Desired IQI’s shall be used to ensure that the required sensitivity is achieved. Selection of
penetrameters shall be as per T-276 of ASME Sec. – V, unless stringent requirement is
specified. Thickness 1/4" (Approx.6 mm) and below ,DIN ISO wire type IQI may be used. 2

As far as possible IQI’s shall be located on the source side of the weld. Where this is not
practical the IQI’s may be placed on the film side for single wall viewing. In this case, a lead
marker “F” shall be placed adjacent to the penetrameter. For use of IQI / penetrameter, T-277
of ASME Section V and/or any other stipulated specification shall be followed.

8.4.8 Film identification

Film shall be adequately identified to maintain full traceability of the weld being radiographed.
The following information shall appear on each radiographic film

• Date
 • Welder No.

• Isometric/spool number/drg. No.

• Weld No.

• Package No.

• Film segment marking

st
To identify the 1 repair of welds, the letter “R1” shall be used on the film and “R2” for second
repair.

This identification shall be of a permanent nature by using lead letter (6mm height and 1.5 mm
thk.). Lead marker during radiography shall be positioned so that they do not interfere with
film interpretation.

8.5 Evaluation of Films and Documentation

8.5.1 Viewing requirements

Films shall be examined under subdued background light, using a high intensity variable type
of film viewer capable of viewing density within the range of 1.8 to 4.0. Dimmed diffused
lighting, rather than total darkness, is preferable in the viewing room. Room illumination / film
interpretation shall be arranged such that there is no reflections of light from the surface of the
film under examination.

8.5.2 Quality of Radiograph

All the radiographs shall be free from mechanical, chemical or other blemishes like - fogging,
processing defects (streaks, water marks, chemical stains), scratches, finger/nail marks, crimps,
dirtiness, static marks, smudges, tears and screen marks etc, which can mask and can be
confused with the image of any discontinuity

8.5.3 Density requirements

The transmitted film density through the radiographic image of the body of the appropriate IQI
and the area of interest (weld + HAZ on either side) shall be 2.0 to 3.5. The acceptable limit of
variation in density with in the area of interest shall be as per ASME Section V (T-282.2)
and/or any other applicable specification.
8.5.4 Sensitivity requirements

Radiography shall be performed with a technique of sufficient sensitivity to display the

penetrameter image and the specified hole or the designated wire of a wire penetrameter. The
designated essential hole or wire diameter of a penetrameter shall be as specified in table T- 276
of ASME SEC V or as specified by the referencing specification. For ASTM hole type
penetrameter shim plate shall be used as per the requirement of ASME Sec. V.

Table T- 276 and Table T- 233.2 for wire IQI designation of ASME SEC V is enclosed as
attachment 2 & 3 respectively for ready reference. The attachments and the requirement of this
radiography procedure need to be revised with reference to the revision in governing
specification.

8.5.5 Acceptance criteria

Acceptance criteria of weld defects shall be as specified in the applicable codes.

Radiographic inspection reports and interpretation of radiographs shall be done by the

contractors QC personnel with a qualification not less than ASNT Level 2, prior to the
certification of TPI / QMD.

8.5.6 Documentation

The evaluation/interpretation finding of the radiographed films and all details of radiography
work shall be recorded on the Radiography Inspection Report Form 2QM00 FMT ME 027.

The inspection report shall include the information like,- client, identification of site, W.O. No./
Report No., date of test, project identification, RT technique, IQI detail, film type and screen,
density, radiation source and strength, exposure time, S F D, Sensitivity, welding details, weld
id, welder id, pipe dia & thk, RT result, radiographers and contractors name, signature with date
and stamp.

8.5.7 Film Coverage

Considering the standard size (12”x15”) of the radiography film available in the market, the
coverage length of Radiography film for a specific pipe size and number of exposures are
established for Double Wall Double Image and Double wall single Image techniques of pipe
weld joints and incorporated as an attachment-6 to this procedure. In case of panoramic
 exposure the number of segments and film length shall be viewed case to case basis. This shall
be taken as guideline for carrying out radiography on pipe circumferential weld joints.

9. RECORD

Nil

10. ATTACHMENT

1. Radiography Report – Form 2QM00 FMT ME 027

(single page)

2. Sensitivity Requirements-Table T- 276 (single page)

3. ASTM wire type IQI designation and wire diameters (single page)

4. Radiography Technique – Article 2, Appendix A of ASME sec V (two pages)

5. Sample format for recording the qualification of Radiography technique

– as a guideline (three pages)

6. Radiography film length coverage for various sizes of pipes (one page)
 ATTACHMENT 2 – (SINGLE PAGE) TABLE T-276

TABLE T-276 ASME SEC. V

IQI Selection

Nominal Penetrameter
Single wall
Material thickness Source Side Film Side
Range in inches Hole Type Essential Wire dia. Hole Type Essential Wire dia.

Designation Hole in inches Designation Hole in inches

Up to 0.25, incl. 12 2T 0.008 10 2T 0.006

Over 0.25 to 0.375 15 2T 0.010 12 2T 0.008

Over 0.375 to 0.50 17 2T 0.013 15 2T 0.010

Over 0.50 to 0.75 20 2T 0.016 17 2T 0.013

Over 0.75 to 1.00 25 2T 0.020 20 2T 0.016

Over 1.00 to 1.50 30 2T 0.025 25 2T 0.020

Over 1.50 to 2.00 35 2T 0.032 30 2T 0.025

 RELIANCE ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES (P) LIMITED

ATTACHMENT – 3 (SINGLE PAGE)

ASTM Wire type IQI designation, and wire diameters, in inches and mm

ASTM Wire Wire

Set Diameter in inches Diameter in mm.

0.0032
0.004 0.08
0.1
A 0.005 0.13
0.0063 0.16
0.008 0.2
0.010 0.25

0.013 0.33
B 0.016 0.4
0.020 0.51
0.025 0.64
0.032 0.81

0.040 1.02
C 0.050 1.27
0.063 1.6
0.080 2.03
0.100 2.5

0.126 3.2
0.160 4.06
D 0.200 5.1
0.250 6.4
0.320 8.0

Procedure for Non Destructive Testing 1313 of Quality Management

Doc. No.: 2QM00JEPME003, Rev. No.: 01, Dt.: 16.02.2007 19
ATTACHMENT 4- (2 PAGES)

RADIOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES

DOUBLE & SINGLE WALL

 ATTACHMENT-5-(3 PAGES) sample format for guidelines

Qualification of Radiography Technique

Contractor :
Radiography Agency :
Project :
Client :
Procedure No. :
Rev. No. & Date :
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Date of qualification test :

2) Material specification :

3) Dia &Thickness :

4) Reinforcement :

5) Effective Thickness (3+4) :

6) Groove geometry :

7) Welding process :

8) Radiography Equipment/ :
Radiography source

9) Activity :

10) Source Size in mm. :

11) Filter detail if any :

12) Intensifying Screen : Lead Screen

Front :
Back :

13) Radiography technique :

14) Film type & brand :

15) No. of exposure/segment :

16) Length & width of film :

17) Film Factor :

18) Safety Accessories :

19) Applicable specification :

20) IQI Selection calculation :

a) DIN Penetrameter/ASTM Wire penetrameter

Effective thickness, say 18mm.

2% of Effective thickness-18x 2% = 0.36 mm.

Hence select DIN 6 ISO 12 for job.

b) ASTM-Hole Type.
(As per ASME Sec V Article 2, T-276)

Placement of IQI : Source Side./ Film side

21) Geometric unsharpness :

Calculation : Ug = F { t / (SFD – t)}
Where, t - thickness of the job (object film distance)
F - Source size in mm.
Ug – Geometric unsharpness.
Ug shall be within the limit.

22) Source film distance : SFD

Calculation SFD (Minimum) = t ( 1 + F/Ug )

23) Exposure Time :

Exposure Time Calculation
Exposure Time in minutes.
:
2 n 2
(FF x SFD x 2 x 60) / (100 x Ci x R.H.M.)
Where, FF - Film factor 1.1 R.
SFD = source to film distance
N = thickness / HVT
Where HVT – Half value thickness.
Ci = source strength
RHM (Rountgen hour per meter.)

24) Processing details

Dark room/developer temperature :

Development time & agitation :

Details

Stop bath time & details :

Fixer time & agitation :
Details

Film washing time & other :

Details like wetting agent

Film drying details :

25) Measured Density

Least density :
Maximum density :
Instrument details :

26) Measured Sensitivity

DIN/ASTM wire Penertrameter :
ASTM Hole Penetrameter :
 Required Radiography Films on Pipe sizewise. (For guide line only)
Required film size Required film size
Pipe size for below 20 mm for above 20 mm Length of Films required in
in inches Thk. Thk. No. of Exposures inches.

0.5 4" x 4" 3 Per exposure

0.75 4" x 4" 3 Per exposure
1 4" x 4" 3 Per exposure
1.5 5" x 3" / "4" x 4" 3 15 / 12

2 5"x3" 3 15
3 6" x 3" 3 18

4 7.5 x 3" 3 22.5

6 9" x 3" 3 27
8 12" x 3" 3 36
10 15" x 3" 15" x 4" 3 45
12 12" x 3" 12" x 4" 4 48
14 15" x 3" 15" x 4" 4 60
16 15" x 3" 15" x 4" 4 60

18 15" x 3" / 12" x 3" 15" x 4" / 12" x 4" 5\6 75 / 72

20 15" x 3" 15" x 4" 5 75
24 15" x 3" 15" x 4" 6 90
30 15" x 3" 15" x 4" 8 120
36 15" x 3" 15" x 4" 9 135
48 15" x 3" 15" x 4" 12 180
Attachment – 6

Radiography film length coverage for various sizes of pipes