Inspection of Materials for Hidden Flaws Using Radiography

Radiographic Testing (RT), or industrial radiography, is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method of inspecting materials for hidden flaws by using the ability of short wavelength electromagnetic radiation to penetrate various materials.

INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHY

Manufacturers use industrial radiography to ensure that their products are not damaged before the products are sold. Just like medical x-rays are used to find breaks or cracks in bones, industrial radiography uses x-rays or gamma rays to take pictures of products because they can show problems that are not visible to the naked eye. Pictures can also be taken from the inside of an object to make sure that there are no cracks that would be impossible to see from the outside. Radiography is useful because it does not damage or change the item being tested. It can also be used when it is difficult or not practical to access the material being inspected.

For example, industrial radiography is used to test:

⦁     Gas and oil pipelines

⦁     Metal welding

⦁     Boilers

⦁     Vehicle parts

⦁     Aircraft parts

GAMMA RADIOGRAPHY – HOW IT WORKS !!

The Gamma rays used in radiography come from radioactive material inside the radiography device. Gamma ray devices do not need electricity. They are smaller than x-ray devices. Their small size makes them useful for checking inside pipes, ships and other small spaces. However, they cannot be turned off like an x-ray device. The radio nuclides in the device always produce gamma rays. The only way to block a gamma radiation from a radiography device is to interrupt the beam with a heavy metal plate. The metal plate will not allow the gamma rays to pass. Workers must be careful to close the shield when the gamma device is not in use to protect others from radiation exposure. In Gamma ray Radiography we can test any materials like metals, ceramics, wood, glass, plastics etc.

• Inspect assemblies without dismantling the components.
• Detect surface and internal discontinuities
• Negligible to minimal surface preparation
• Detect internal flaws on complex structures
• Direct access to surface not required to inspect hidden areas
• Permanent record of inspection
• Angles, dimensions can be measured