You are on page 1of 35

Wireless Digital Radiography

Complex

TSIFRAKON
OPERATION
MANUAL

Saint Petersburg 2021


Table of contents
01 ─────── 08 ───────
Purpose 3 Obtained image viewing tools 27

09 ───────
02 ─────── Operation in cold weather 28
Specifications and 3
metrological characteristics
of complex 10 ───────
Data saving and 28
detector turning off
03 ───────
Component
parts
7 11 ───────
Quality assessment 30
and viewing of obtained
images on laptop
04 ───────
Equipment installation 9
and connection 12 ───────
Maintenance 33
and setting

05 ─────── 13 ───────
Setting 18
of communication modes Transportation and 34
storage

06 ─────── 14 ───────
Image 19 Regular 35
obtaining repairs

16 ───────
07 ─────── Disposal 35
Setting up and entering of 24 of complex
electronic marking

2
01
Purpose
The TSIFRAKON complex is a flat-panel X-ray detector installed in one housing with a battery, built-in
memory, a wireless communication unit, a data transfer and wired power connector, as well as a wireless
communication unit, a charger, a tablet and/or a laptop for a flaw detector operator.

Radiographic images obtained using the detector are transmitted to the flaw detector operator’s tablet in real
time, if there is a wireless connection between the detector and the tablet, or accumulated in the detector
memory and can be transferred to the operator’s tablet when a wireless connection is established.

02
Specifications and metrological
characteristics of complex
The general view of the detector is shown in Fig. 2. 1.

Fig. 2.1. General view of detector (with handle, without handle)

3
The basic technical parameters and specifications of the Complex are given in
Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 - Basic parameters and characteristics of Complex

Detector

Model Tsifrakon 2532

Detector type Photodiode with TFT

Scintillator type Gadox

Pixel size 124 μm

Basic spatial resolution as per ISO 130 μm


17636-2

Number of pixels 2048 x 2560

Matrix size 253.95 mm х 317.44 mm

ADC bitness 16 bit

X-ray energy range 40 kV - 450 kV

Exposure time 0.1 - 180 sec

Radiation source interaction Automatic start of exposure when X-ray is turned on. Manual
interface start of exposure using a tablet

Data transmission interface Wired: Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T)


Wireless: IEEE802.11n/ac (2.4GHz, 5GHz)

Data transfer time Via wired interface: 1.5 sec


Via wireless interface: 3 sec

Detector dimensions 322 mm x 355 mm x 17 mm

Detector weight 3.4 kg

Operating conditions Ambient air temperature from -40 °C to + 40 °C


Short-term installation of the detector in a protective cover on
objects with temperatures up to 100 °C is allowed. It is
recommended to use additional thermal insulation products
Short-term installation of the detector without a protective cover
on objects with temperatures up to 50 °C is allowed.*
When installing on hot objects, ensure that the internal
temperature of the detector does not exceed 60 °C (see Fig.
4.4.)

Battery life At 25 °C:

4
up to 8 hours (shooting mode)
up to 9 hours (standby mode)
At 0 °C:
up to 4 hours (shooting mode)
up to 5 hours (standby mode)
At a temperature of -20 °C when using a detector heated to
25 °C:
up to 1.5 hours (in shooting mode)
up to 1.5 hours (in standby mode)

Detector ingress protection rating IP67

Blind space 8.5 mm on both sides

Detector power consumption with AC 110-250 V, 1.2 A


wired power supply

Mechanical strength The permissible pressure evenly distributed over the detector
surface is no more than 300 kg
The permissible pressure in the central part of the detector in an
area with a diameter of 40 mm is no more than 150 kg.
It is allowed to hit the detector against walls and steel structural
elements when carrying and installing.
Avoid dropping the detection unit from a height over 30 cm.
When working in difficult conditions, use a protective cover that
dampens impacts from the corners and edges of the detection
unit (supplied as part of delivery package)

Data transfer from detecting unit to Preset band - 5 GHz


operator’s tablet (can be changed using manufacturer’s utility)
Connectivity - 2.4 GHz
Wi-Fi - range up to 80 m with line of sight

DiSoft software Ability to process, enhance and archive images


Ability to carry out comparative analysis of digital X-ray images
DICONDE information storage format with support for BMP,
JPEG and TIFF formats for data exchange with other applications

Table 2.1 - Basic parameters and characteristics of Complex

5
Operator tablet

Model Cyberbook T116

Screen diagonal 10.1 "

Screen resolution 1280 х 800

Installed processor Intel Atom Z8350, 1.44 GHz

RAM 4 GB

Built-in memory 64 GB

I/O Interfaces COM port RS-232 - 1, USB port - 1, Ethernet port RJ-45 - 1

Wi-Fi standard 802.11ac/a/b/g/n

Power adapter AC/DC 100-240 V, output: 5V, 3A

Battery capacity 10,000 mAh, 8 h

Installed operating system Windows 10

Operating temperature -20 ... 40 °C

Storage temperature -20 ... 40 °C

Operator laptop

Screen diagonal 15.6 " or more

Screen resolution 1920 х 1080 or more

RAM 4 GB or more

Video card nVidia, min. 2GB

Hard drive 512 GB or more, SSD

Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac/a/b/g/n

Cable network (RJ-45) 10/100/1000 (Gigabit Ethernet) Mbps

Table 2.1 - Basic parameters and characteristics of Complex

6
03
Component parts
The delivery package is shown in Table 3.1.

Component Number of components in


delivery package

Detector

Flat panel detector 1 pc.

Shockproof detector cover with slings attached to it for mounting on a 1 pc.


pipe

Removable handle 1 pc.

Battery charger 1 pc.

Detector batteries 4 pcs

Wireless communication unit 1 pc.

220V mains power supply unit 1 pc.

Heater with 220V power cable 1 pc.

Heater power cable assembly 1 pc.

Detector power cable with power connector 1 pc.

Detector data and power cable, 7 m 1 pc.

Power cable (220V) 2 pcs

AC/DC power adapter, 24V, 2.7A 2 pcs

Magnetic holders for vertical mounting of detector 4 pcs

Filter plate for detector gain calibration 1 pc.

Transportation case 1 pc.

7
Tablet

Tablet with pre-installed DiSoft software 1 pc.

Tablet charger (power supply unit with power cable) 1 pc.

Leather carrying case and strap for tablet 1 pc.

Stylus for tablet 1 pc.

Laptop

Laptop with pre-installed DiSoft software 1 pc.

Laptop charger (power supply unit with power cable) 1 pc.

Mouse pointing device 1 pc.

Wi-fi adapter 1 pc.

Documentation

Complex Datasheet 1 pc.

Complex Operation Manual 1 pc.

Verification Certificate 1 pc.

Verification Procedure (COPY) 1 pc.

Table 3.1 - Delivery package

8
04
Equipment installation and connection
4.1 Take the detector, tablet, charger, and two charged batteries out of the package. When powered by
mains, use an AC adapter connected to the detector’s power cable via the power connector.
4.2 If necessary, attach a handle to the detector. Fully lock the handle latch to the LOCK position to
prevent the handle from accidentally detaching and causing the detector to fall.
4.3 Insert two batteries into the detector in any order. The detector is powered only by two charged batteries
(connected in series). Close and latch the detector battery cover.
4.4 Connect the charger to the mains. Place the remaining batteries to be charged in the charger. The
charger has 2 charging channels that work independently of each other. Time to fully charge the battery
is 2.5 hours. After the charging process is complete, the LED of the corresponding charger channel
lights up green, which means that the battery can be disconnected from the charger. Connecting a
previously charged battery to a charger usually results in a short-term (several minutes) additional
charge.
4.5 Turn on the detector by pressing the POWER button on its body. When the mains power supply unit is
connected, the detector will turn on automatically when the unit is plugged into the mains.
After loading the processor, the Power lamp will light green, the BATTERY lamp will show the battery
charge level (green - 61-100%, yellow - 41-60%, red - 21-40%, flashing red - 0-20%).
When the device is disconnected from the mains, it will continue to operate on batteries.
4.6 When plugged back in, the batteries will be automatically recharged.
Check the status of the detector’s wireless communication system: AP MODE lamp:
- yellow or green - the detector’s wireless communication is turned off,
- flashing blue - wireless communication is in the process of being turned on,
- blue - wireless communication is turned on - the communication system status required for operation.
- By default, the detector is configured to operate in field conditions, so that when turned on, it
automatically switches to operating mode with the creation of the detector wireless network
Cifracon_AP (AP MODE blue lamp).
4.7 Turn on the tablet, wait until the Windows operating system starts (account “admin”, no password),
launch the program by clicking the DiSoft64 shortcut on the desktop.
4.8 If you need to work with a stylus, change the settings in the TouchControl program on your desktop to
STILUS MODE. When operating in FINGER MODE, the tablet reacts less to water getting on the
screen.

9
4.9 Make sure the tablet is connected to the detector.

Fig. 4.1. The main menu of the DiSoft program installed on the operator’s tablet.

If the connection is not established:


Make sure the tablet is in close proximity and line of sight to the detector. In addition to the distance
from the antenna to the detecting unit, the operation of wireless communication may be affected by
other wireless communication devices operating nearby, microwave ovens, and obstacles that
interfere with signal propagation. The location of the antennas in the detector is three sections of the
body, to the right and left of the unit handle; if possible, keep the antennas exposed to an open space.

Make sure the tablet is connected to the wireless network created by the detector. To do this, go
to the WI-FI PARAMETERS menu, select the Cifracon_ap network, click CONNECT, OK.

Fig. 4.2. Wi-Fi


Parameters menu.

10
If communication is not established, close the
And open it again:
communication window with the detector
SCAN
CLOSE WINDOW

4.10
Check if there are previously recorded files in the detector memory.
To do this, go to the LOAD IMAGES menu.

Fig. 4.3. Load Images menu.

The detector memory capacity is 200 images. The image name contains the date and time it was taken.
If there is no connection with the tablet, the detector saves the obtained images into its own memory. Files
recorded in the detector memory can be transferred to the tablet by pressing the LOAD button.

4.10 Check device status:

Fig. 4.4. Detector status indicators.

Connection established Detector battery level Detector in wireless access point mode Detector
between detector and tablet temperature

Data transfer between Charging detector batteries via power


Wi-Fi signal strength
detector and tablet cable

11
4.11 Check and set detector exposure modes

Exposure mode 100/3000

Hide detector communication window


to view images

Exposure per frame (s)

Number of frames accumulated to


create image

Detector gain

Fig. 4.5. Detector exposure mode selection buttons.

Exposure per frame (s) - exposure time from 100 (3000) ms to 180 sec. Increasing or decreasing the exposure
time increases or decreases the level of gray obtained with the given shooting parameters.
The full dynamic range of gray level for the detector is 0-60,000. The recommended gray level range for work is
1,000-50,000. Check the gray level of obtained images by moving the mouse over different areas of the image
and checking the gray level values.

Fig. 4.6. Image on the tablet screen. Gray level indication.

12
If the gray level is too high or low, adjust the exposure time as needed.
Gray level can also be adjusted by the anode current of the radiation source, the distance from the detector to
the radiation source, the anode voltage of the radiation source, or the detector gain level (see below).
Detector gain allows to increase or decrease the received signal in the range from 20% to 100% of the
maximum. Recommended gain level is 100%. Lower gain levels are recommended when it is necessary to avoid
oversaturation of the gray level, and there is no way to reduce the exposure time of the frame (mode 3000, see
below).
Number of frames. Increasing or decreasing the number of frames taken to form one image does not affect the
signal level, but allows to obtain an image of higher or lower quality. At the same time, increasing the number of
frames increases the total inspection time and the time the radiation source is turned on.
Exposure mode. The detector has two exposure modes: 100 and 3000.
In mode 100, the exposure time can vary from 100 ms to 180 sec; in mode 3000, the exposure time varies from
3 sec to 180 sec.
Mode 3000 allows to accumulate frames in the detector memory and obtain a high-quality image without
communication with the tablet.
In mode 100, frames are transferred to the tablet only one at a time. Accumulation of frames is possible only if
there is a communication between the detector and the tablet and is made only in the tablet.

X-ray sensor ON/OFF

Accumulation of specified
number of frames BY TIME / BY
TRIGGER

Dark current detector calibration

Manual start of exposure (trigger)

Fig. 4.7. Image on the tablet screen. Setting shooting modes.

Wait for the X-ray to turn ON - the radiation sensor is turned on, the exposure will begin after the
radiation power exceeds a certain threshold and stops raising, which corresponds to the X-ray
device turning on and entering the operating mode. This option is very convenient for regular use
and allows to start shooting immediately after turning on the X-ray radiation in the absence of any
means of synchronizing the detector with the radiation source and without using a tablet.

In some rare cases, the X-ray sensor triggers falsely, resulting in unnecessary images. To avoid
this, change the radiation sensor setting Bounce = 20 in the settings menu (see Fig. 4.9).

13
Wait for X-ray to turn on OFF turns off the radiation sensor, only manual start of exposure is
possible.

Manual start of exposure (trigger) - start of frame exposure. The button can be used in all
modes, including X-ray standby mode. In some cases, when the radiation is turned on, the
exposure does not automatically turn on (for example, when the radiation level is very low or in
the case when the radiation sensor located in the center of the detector is covered with a

material opaque to radiation). In these cases, use the button.

Accumulation of specified number of frames BY TIME - accumulation of frames will occur


automatically, one after another.

Accumulation of specified number of frames BY TRIGGER - accumulation of frames will


occur manually; to start the exposure of each frame, either turn on the radiation again (when

working in STANDBY MODE), or start the exposure manually with the button.

Offset calibration - the detector will be calibrated by offset.


Detector calibration should always be repeated after changing the frame exposure time.
Calibration should also be carried out only if you are not satisfied with the image quality (stripes characteristic
of the detector are visible in the image). This may happen immediately after turning on the detector.

Fig. 4.8. Image on the tablet screen. Offset calibration is required.

14
4.13
Check the detector settings
by pressing the button

Fig. 4.9. Menu for additional detector settings.

Binning - combining 4 or 16 neighboring pixels into one pixel. Using binning significantly reduces the file size,
but at the same time degrades the detector resolution.
Divider - dividing the total signal obtained by adding several adjacent pixels during binning by 2, 4, 8 or 16.
Offset calibration - turning on and setting the number of frames that will be accumulated for calibration by
offset. (The recommended number of frames is not less than the number of frames accumulated when obtaining
an image of the item under inspection).
Offset calibration (dark current calibration) is the most commonly required and easiest detector calibration to
perform. Offset calibration is performed only when X-ray is turned off.
Offset calibration should be repeated whenever the frame exposure time changes and whenever there is a
possible significant change in detector temperature.
When the detector operates for a long time, as a result of which it heats up, the signal from the detector, received
in the absence of X-ray radiation, increases. By using offset calibration, it is possible to subtract this signal and
make the resulting image better.
To perform offset calibration, make sure that X-ray is turned off, set the Exposure value required for subsequent
shooting, and click the Measure button for Offset Calibration. Wait for the calibration to complete.
Gain. Gain calibration is more complex than offset calibration, but is required much less frequently. Gain
calibration is carried out with the X-ray radiation on and the radiation source installed in a special way.

15
Perform gain calibration only if you are not satisfied with the resulting image quality and were unable to
achieve the required quality by offset calibration and increase in the number of captured frames.
Unlike offset calibration, gain calibration does not need to be carried out again when the exposure time is
changed.
Gain calibration takes into account changes in the detector sensitivity when the energy spectrum of the X-ray
radiation arriving at it changes significantly.
It is recommended to repeat gain calibration only if, after the last gain calibration, the anode voltage of the
radiation source has changed significantly (by more than ±30% in the range up to 120 kV and by more than
±100% in the range above 120 kV) or the type of item under inspection has changed significantly (electronic
devices, building walls, steel products).
Gain calibration should be performed immediately after offset calibration.
To perform gain calibration, install the radiation source at a distance of 0.7-1.0 m from the detector. Select the
source anode voltage required for operation. When operating within a certain voltage range, select the highest
voltage within the range. Position the detector perpendicular to the beam connecting the source focal spot and
the center of the detector receiving area, so that the radiation on the detector is as uniform as possible over its
entire surface. Cover the source output window with a flat, uniform steel plate or stack of plates with a total
thickness of 3 to 15 mm, depending on the source voltage (80 to 300 kV). Place the plate close to the source
output window.

Sensor
Filter made of 10 mm steel
X-ray tube

X-ray tube axis must pass through


center of sensor

700-1000 mm

Fig. 4.10. Correct detector gain calibration scheme.

Perform offset calibration with the radiation source turned off.


Turn on the radiation source and wait until the radiation reaches constant mode.
Click the MEASURE button for Gain Calibration. Wait for the calibration to complete.

16
Dead pixels. Calibration for bad (dead) pixels can be carried out simultaneously with gain calibration
immediately after it. Bad pixel calibration replenishes the image of pixels that fail during operation. It makes
sense to calibrate by bad pixels when characteristic defects (bright lines or single bright dots) appear in the
image. In other cases, it is recommended to use the calibration provided by the manufacturer.
To perform bad pixel calibration, immediately after performing the gain calibration described above, and without
changing the relative position of the radiation source and detector, reduce the anode current of the radiation
source by half, set the number of frames used in calibration, and click the MEASURE button for Bad Pixel
Calibration.
Manufacturer gain calibration data is stored directly in the detector. The operator can use factory calibration. To
do this, cancel the Local Calibration mode in the detector’s additional settings window. When using factory
calibration, dead pixels are corrected, but the dead pixel map is not shown on the monitor.
If it is necessary to perform, save and load any number of your own “local” calibrations, the results of which will
be saved in the tablet or laptop with which the calibration was made, make sure that the Local Calibration mode
is selected and checked in the detector’s advanced settings menu. The calibration control buttons will become
active:

Load the calibration saved in the detector memory into a tablet or laptop and use it as the current
calibration. The loaded calibration will not be factory calibration. The local calibration previously
stored in the detector memory by the user will be loaded. The factory calibration is stored
separately in the detector memory.

Load the current local calibration into the detector memory. The calibration loaded into the
detector memory will not replace the factory calibration. To update the factory calibration, first
exit the Local Calibration mode.

Open a list of local calibrations saved in the tablet or computer memory. The desired calibration
can be used as the current one (Restore). Unused calibrations can be deleted.

Save the current local calibration to the tablet or


computer memory with a custom name.

17
Flip vertically, Flip horizontally, Rotate 90°.
Changing the image orientation on the screen.
Apply filter. Automatic filtering of the image displayed on the tablet screen after shooting. Used for convenient
image preview.
WiFi only. Configuring communication between the detector and a tablet or laptop in wireless mode only (see
Cl. 5 of the Manual).
Lower threshold/upper threshold - lower and upper limits of the signal level displayed on the tablet screen
and saved to a file.
Crop by X/Crop by Y - excludes from the final image the edges of the detector, the signal at which may differ
slightly from the signal in the center of the detector.
Reset - set Crop by X/Y to default.
Bounce - adjust the radiation sensor sensitivity.
Bounce = 20 - standard setting, the setting ensures that the sensor does not trigger repeatedly when working
with constant potential devices. The sensor will not operate when pulsed radiation is turned on.
Bounce = 3 The sensor operates reliably when all types of radiation sources (constant, half-wave, pulsed) are
turned on. Individual repeated triggering of the sensor is possible.

05
Setting of communication modes
5.1 The main default mode for communication between the detector and a laptop/tablet is wireless mode,
in which the detector serves as a Wi-Fi access point, creating a network called Cifracon_AP, and the laptop or
tablet connects to this network.
For work on the shop floor, the detector can be configured to operate in two other modes at the operator’s
discretion:

5.2 Wired network communication


To communicate via a wired network, connect the operator’s laptop to the signal processing unit
(PORT1 connector) with an Ethernet cable, connect the signal processing unit to 220 V mains
and to the detector using power and data cable. In the detector settings, cancel the WiFi Only
setting and restart the program.

On the detector, press the AP MODE button for 5 seconds so that the AP MODE lamp turns green. To return
to wireless operating mode, again select WiFi Only in the detector settings and restart the program.

18
5.3 Communication via a wireless network created by a signal processing unit.
Connect the signal processing unit to a 220 V mains. A wired connection between the signal processing unit
and a laptop or detector is not necessary.
Press the AP MODE button for 5 seconds so that the AP MODE lamp turns green. Install the signal
processing unit at a midpoint between the detector and the operator in an open area.
Connect the operator’s tablet/laptop to the Cifracon network.

5.4 If you encounter connection problems when switching from one connection type to another, first restart
the DiSoft program, then, if this does not solve the problem, reboot the detector.

06
Image obtaining
6.1 Install the detector at the inspection site. The optimal detector position is as close as possible to the
item under inspection. It is allowed to place heavy (up to 100 kg) items under inspection on the detector
surface, but avoid scratching the surface or applying strong pressure to a small area of the detector
surface.
6.2 When working in the field, use a protective cover and plate to mount the detector on the pipe.
Figure 5.1 shows the installation of the detector on a pipe using slings. Insert the loose ends of the buckles into
the loops on one side of the sling. Loop the sling around the pipe once or twice. Insert the buckles into the loops
on the other side. Tighten the slings.

ATTENTION. THE MAGNETS ON THE PLATE ARE DESIGNED ONLY FOR CONVENIENT FIXATION
OF THE SLINGS. THE MAGNETS ARE NOT ENOUGH FOR A RELIABLE FIXATION OF THE
DETECTOR ON THE PIPE. DO NOT LEAVE THE DETECTOR ON THE PIPE WITHOUT SLINGS.

Fig. 6.1. Detector installation on pipe. Fig. 6.2. Correct fixation of self-resetting buckle.

6.3 When working on smooth magnetic surfaces, use magnetic holders.

19
CAUTION. MAXIMUM FORCE OF PRESSING THE MAGNETIC HOLDER TO THE STEEL SURFACE
IS 112 KGF. INSTALL THE MAGNETS ON THE SURFACE AT AN ANGLE, HOLDING THE MAGNET
BY THE HANDLE.

Two holders are enough to securely attach the detector to a flat and clean steel surface. Use additional
holders if necessary.

Fig. 6.3. Installation of detector on magnetic holders.

6.4 Install the source of ionizing radiation at a distance of 0.2-1.5 m from the detector. The choice of distance
from the source to the item under inspection is determined based on the size of the item under
inspection, the power of the source, and the convenience of placement. Prepare the source for turning
on.
6.5 Select the operating parameters of the ionizing radiation source. When working with a detector, the
anode voltage of the radiation source may vary within wider limits than when working with film. Figure
5.4 shows the estimated image contrast curves for various radiation thicknesses depending on the
anode voltage of the source.

20
Image contrast

Anode voltage, kV
Fig. 6.4. Estimated radiographic image contrast depending on radiation thickness and anode voltage of
ionizing radiation source for detector with Gadox scintillator.

6.6 Ensure radiation safety of the inspection site in accordance with existing standards.

6.7 Obtain an image by selecting one of the possible operating modes of the detector.
See recommendations for mode selection in Table 6.1.

21
Table 6.1. Recommended detector operating modes under various inspection conditions
Item Inspection conditions Recommended detector operating mode
No.
1 Work without the need/opportunity to
use a tablet (for example, inspection of 5..10 sec
a large number of similar items).
Low or medium power constant anode
depending on quality requirements
potential device.

100%

2 Same as Cl. 1 Same as Cl. 1.


High power device
20-50%

3 High power constant anode potential


device.
0.1..5 sec
Very high requirements for image
quality.
depending on quality requirements

100%

Can only be used with a tablet.


4 Work with a tablet (for example,
inspection of items of different types or
complex shapes with the need to check 5..10 sec
the correctness of shooting after each
exposure).
depending on quality requirements
Low or medium power constant anode
potential device.
100%

press every time you are ready to obtain an


image

5 Same as Cl. 4 Same as Cl. 4.


High power device
20-50%

22
6 Operation with high-power pulsed
radiation source. 5.180 sec

100%

Bounce = 3

Can only be used with a tablet.


7 Operation with low-power pulsed
radiation source.
0.1..180 sec

depending on quality requirements

100%

Bounce = 3

Can only be used with a tablet. To obtain one


image, it is necessary to turn on and off the radiation
as many times as frames are accumulated.
The operating time of the radiation source each time
it is turned on must be less than the frame exposure
time by at least 2..3 seconds.
8 Operation with high-power pulsed
radiation source.
0.1..180 sec

depending on quality requirements

100%

Turn on the X-ray. Then start the exposure


manually by pressing the button
Can only be used with a tablet.

23
07
Setting up and entering of
electronic marking
7.1 In accordance with Clause 7.1.2.8, approved by Gazprom, PJSC procedure for conducting
radiographic testing of the quality of welded joints of pipelines using the digital radiography
complex Tsifrakon, it is allowed to use software for identifying a welded joint (instead of
markings). Thus, when working at facilities of Gazprom, PJSC, it is permitted to replace
standard lead markings with electronic markings.

Important. Permission to use electronic marking instead of standard marking at the facilities of
Transneft, PJSC has not yet been received, but the use of electronic marking along with standard
marking is allowed.
Important. The text of the electronic marking is set in the DiSoft program before X-raying the item
under inspection. Once the digital image is X-rayed and obtained, the electronic marking is applied
to the image as part of the image. There is no possibility of any adjustment to the previously set
marking of the item under inspection.

7.2 Marking shall be made on the resulting digital image, in an place within the detector area.
The default marking position setting is in the lower right corner of the image. The marking
position can be changed during setup.

7.3 To perform basic settings for marking welded


joints in the DiSoft program, click Marking
Settings in the Image Analysis and Flaw
Detection tab.
To avoid typos in the marking, it is
recommended to prepare in advance the text
of the electronic marking for the items under
inspection that are planned to be checked
during the next work shift.
To do this, use a file in Microsoft Excel format.
A file named protocol.xlsx copied to the
tablet will be automatically used by the
program as a marking text file.
An example protocol.xlsx file is placed on
the desktop of a tablet and laptop.

Fig. 7.1. Default position of electronic marking on image.


To open the marking settings menu, click Marking Settings in the Image Analysis and Flaw Detection tab.

24
Fig. 7.2. Example of electronic marking setting.

In the settings menu, select Lead Set-Up to apply electronic markings directly to the image.
Select the file from which the marking text will be inserted. Add the @F symbol to the marking list by clicking the
From File button.
If necessary, add additional symbols to the marking list, for example, @D - current date in DDMMYYYY format
or @1 image number - image number during the work shift.
The coordinates of the upper left corner of the marking on the image can be specified in the settings window or
set by clicking on any previously obtained image.
To rotate the marking image, check the box next to Rotate by 90°.
Set the font height. (According to GOST 15846, the font height can be 5 or 8 mm).
Additional marking symbols can be entered manually in the main window using the Keyboard button; the
keyboard can be enlarged to the required size by dragging the cursor over the edge of the window.
To check the content and position of the marking, click the Apply button.
After checking the markings, click OK and exit the menu.

25
After setting up markings, when each new file is opened using the
New File button before shooting, the selected file with markings will
automatically open.

It is possible to select a line in the file corresponding to the current item under inspection and specify the
columns from which information should be plotted on the image.

Fig. 7.3. Selecting an item under inspection from a file for applying electronic marking.

To break a line after entering information from To enter information without a


the selected column, select subsequent line break, select

To prevent information from this column from


being displayed as a marking, select

When the box next to Edit Columns is checked,


select the names of the columns that will go into
the name of the saved file (they will be marked
in green, the rest - in yellow).
To confirm your selection, click OK; to refuse to
enter electronic markings for this image, click
Cancel.
If there is no need to enter electronic markings in
the future, go to the Marking Settings menu and
remove all symbols from the marking list by
clicking the Clear button.
Check that the list is empty by clicking the Apply
button and making sure that there is nothing in
the text box.

Fig. 7.3. Cancellation of marking.

26
08
Obtained image viewing tools
To view a list of images, click the button To return to the menu, click
HIDE DETECTOR COMMUNICATION MENU. the SCAN button.

Table 7.1. Image viewing tools.

Setting up the color table by rectangle. The image on your computer monitor will be optimized to
display the most contrasting details within the rectangle. Areas of the image outside the
rectangle may be shown as black or white.

Switch between the filtered and original view of the image, if the APPLY FILTER option was
selected.

Setting up gamma correction of the image.


Changing the relationship between the signal levels displayed on the tablet screen and
the brightness of the monitor.
Adjusting the gamma correction allows to see lighter or darker areas of the image
better.
Gamma correction is not a filter and does not change the image.

Entering markers

Click the button.


In the window that appears, enter service information. The inscription that appears can be moved around the
image, deleted by moving it off the edge of the image, or hidden by clicking the button to the right of the image.

Gray level check

Hover the cursor over the image. The gray level value
will be shown in the window to the left of the image.
Enabling the filter does not affect the output data. The
gray values in the original image are output.

27
09
Operation in cold weather
When working at ambient temperatures below 0 °C, artifacts (spots, blurry stripes) may appear on the image.
Such artifacts become visible especially when shooting items under inspection with a large radiation thickness,
when the radiation flux forming the image is weak. In order to avoid the appearance of the detector artifacts in
cold weather, it is necessary to use the heater included in the delivery package.
The heater shall be installed on the rear side of the detector inside the protective case. The heater power is 100
W, it is powered only from the mains power supply also included in the delivery package. To connect the heater,
connect the heater power cable assembly (tee) to the power supply unit.

Fig. 9.1. Heater connection.


The heater automatically maintains the
detector temperature in the range of 20-25
°C. To obtain optimal image quality, detector
calibration should be carried out at room
temperature.

10
Data saving and detector turning off
10.1
Save the data by clicking the button. By default, the image file will be saved with the name
rrrrMM,nfl_44MMCC.DCM in the folder where the file was last saved. Use your keyboard to
change the file name or create a new folder to save your data. After saving the data, a new empty
file will be opened automatically.

10.2
If you need to open a new file without saving previously obtained data, click the button and
confirm not to save the file.

28
10.3
If you need to open other programs on the tablet, press the button on the tablet or hide the
DiSoft application by clicking the Hide Application button in the shutdown menu (see Fig. 7.1.).

10.4
Turn off the detector by turning off the mains power supply and then pressing the TURN OFF
button in the SETTINGS menu or pressing the POWER button on the detector for 5 seconds.

10.5
Turn off the operator’s program/tablet. To do this, click the button and slide your finger to the
side.

In the menu that appears, click the EXIT PROGRAM or TURN OFF COMPUTER button.

Fig. 10.1. Menu for turning off


DiSoft program, detector, tablet.

10.6 To conveniently view images and copy files from the tablet to an external drive, use a mouse connected
to the tablet’s USB connector.

10.7 To transfer data from a tablet to a laptop without intermediate copying to flash memory or an external
drive, use the Disender program installed on the tablet and laptop. To do this:

Launch the Disender program on your laptop and


tablet by clicking on the icon on your desktop.
Select the Send mode on the tablet and
the Download mode on the laptop;

29
Clear the sending list on your tablet by clicking Clear and
add the necessary files (Add File) or folders (Add Folder);
Select the folder on your laptop where the files should be
saved (Save to: Open);
Wait for the connection to be established automatically (the
text Network Scanning will be replaced with Found
192.168.***.* in the program menu on the tablet);

Click the Send button in the program menu on the tablet and wait for the files to be copied
(Loading complete);
Close Disender on your laptop and tablet.

11
Quality assessment and viewing
of obtained images
on laptop
11.1 Images copied to the operator’s laptop can be assessed for compliance
with standards in the DiSoft program:
Measurement of normalized signal-to-noise ratio SNRN
For the convenience of measurements, the procedure for calculating SNRN, which meets the specified
standards, is built into the DiSoft program.

To measure SNRN, click the button from the program toolbox.


Select SNR measurement as per ISO 17636-2 20x55. Hover the mouse over the image and click
the mouse button. A 20 x 55 pixel rectangle appears with the
SNRN measurement result. It is possible to measure SNRN both directly on the image
of the weld reinforcing bead and in the heat-affected zone or on the base metal.
If SNRN is not measured at the weld reinforcing bead, the requirements for
minimum SNRN values increase by a factor of 1.4.

30
Fig. 11.1. Example of using software tool for measuring normalized signal-to-noise ratio.

When calculating SNRN, the value of the detector’s basic spatial resolution SRb, which is equal to 130 μm for
this detector, is taken into account.
It is possible to move the measuring rectangle around the image to obtain the maximum SNRN value.
Do not place the measuring rectangle on areas of the image with large grayscale differences (for example, at
the edge of the standard or on a defect). Changes in the gray level will be taken into account by the program as
noise and the calculated SNRN value will be underestimated.

Measurement of basic spatial resolution for SRbimage image.


The basic spatial resolution should be measured in accordance with Appendix C of GOST ISO 17636-2 using a
duplex sensitivity standard (see Fig. 8.2.). The standard should be located on the pipe to the side of the weld
reinforcing bead at an angle of approximately 2° to 5° to the weld direction. The basic spatial resolution shall be
determined using the “Measurement Rectangle” and “Density Profile” tools. The rectangle must be oriented
along the image of the duplex standard and occupy at least 21 pixels (at least 20% of its transverse dimension).
The basic spatial resolution of the image is equal to the distance between the largest pair of wires, the signal
modulation on which will be less than 20% of the maximum.

31
Fig. 11.2. Example of using software tool to measure basic spatial resolution on two-wire standard.

11.2 Image viewing tools in DiSoft program.

Move the image on the monitor to


Move the image on the monitor to the right.
the left.

Image rotation to correctly display the marking belt numbers.

Setting up the color table by rectangle. The image on your computer monitor will be optimized to display
the most contrasting details within the rectangle. Areas of the image outside the rectangle may be
shown as black or white.

Filters. The image will be transformed so that its small details (standards, defects) will be
visible with the most contrast. Applying a new filter overrides the previously applied filter.

Filter “Alignment min.” performs minimal image processing. Slow changes in gray level
between different areas of the image will be smoothed out so that fine elements, including
defects, are better visible in the filtered image. The image looks close to the film image.

Filter “Alignment max.” performs strong image processing. Gray level differences between
different parts of the image are equalized as much as possible. Small image elements are
seen most sharply so that the smallest defects in the image can be detected. The image is
significantly different from the image on film.
Filters 1 and 2 are used to facilitate the detection of discontinuities and external defects in the
welded joint.

32
To return to the original image and back to the filtered one.

Profile. A graph will be generated showing the change in grayscale along the line selected in the image.
The tool is convenient for image analysis (checking the overall image uniformity, assessing the image
quality of standards).

Histogram. The grayscale distribution of image pixels will be shown. Using the histogram, you can
transform the image on the monitor for the most contrasting image of its individual sections, similar to
the > button.

Ruler. The ruler allows to measure the transverse linear dimensions of the found defects. The correct
measurement will be taken as long as the image is size calibrated.

Size calibration. A tool that allows to calibrate the image for the correct measurement of the transverse
linear dimensions of defects. Click the “Size Calibration” button, then select an object in the image
whose dimensions are precisely known (for example, a groove or wire standard), enter its actual
dimensions in the dialog box and click “OK”.

Display in 1:1 scale. The image on the monitor will be shown in a scale corresponding to the actual
size of the defect (as on film). The function will work in case of correct size calibration.

Pointer arrow. Convenient for quickly marking image areas that require attention.

Right mouse button - Text markers - Add marker.

12
Maintenance and setting
12.1 Organization of remote access for the manufacturer to control the detector.

Switch the detector to access point


mode. Connect to the Cifracon AP
network on the laptop.

Connect an external Wi-Fi adapter to


the laptop connector and connect to
the Internet through it. You can also
use a wired Internet connection.

33
Launch the TeamViewer
program (pre-installed by the
manufacturer) on the laptop. Inform the
technical support service specialist of
the manufacturer’s company about the
ID and password displayed in the
TeamViewer program window.

12.2 During the work, monitor the integrity of the detector unit housing, the integrity of the external insulation
of the batteries, power and communication cables.

12.3 During work, monitor the integrity and cleanliness of the detector input window. Dirt and damage on the
input window may be visible on radiographic images.

13
Transportation and storage
13.1 The complex must be stored and transported inside a transport case.
13.2 The case position during transportation is with the cover up. The case can be transported on built-in
wheels with the cover on the side.

13.3 No additional packaging materials are required.


13.4 The complex contains 4 lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 23.6 watt-hour each, which is less than
the limit of 100 watt-hour established by air transportation rules.
When transporting by air, place two batteries in the detector’s battery compartment and the remaining two
batteries in the charger. This prevents the risk of the battery terminals accidentally coming into contact with a
foreign metal object. In this case, the batteries are classified as “Contained in Equipment” and can be carried
both in hand luggage and in the hold of both passenger and cargo aircraft. Battery discharge, additional
packaging or labeling are not required under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Lithium Battery Guidance
Document
www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dgr/Documents/lithium-battery-guidance-document-2017-en.pdf).

34
Fig. 10.1 Batteries classification diagram as per IATA rules

14
Routine repairs
The complex does not require routine repairs, which could be carried out by the operating organization. If the
equipment fails, it must be handed over to the manufacturer for subsequent warranty or post-warranty repair.

15
Disposal of complex
The complex must be returned to the manufacturer for disposal.
Batteries that are not suitable for use must be returned to the manufacturer.

35

You might also like