Radiographic
Inspection of
Materials

Radiographic Inspection of Materials

Since the discovery of X-Rays by Professor W. C. Röntgen on November 8th 1885, radiography has made a lot of strides. In addition to the development of X-Ray machines and Gamma Radiography devices, the imaging sensors have also improved tremendously. From imaging on a barium platinocynide paper to film radiography to the modern film-less digital imaging, the science has improved tremendously, facilitating very high resolution images that can be further enhanced using specialized digital software.


The principles of radiography are relatively simple:

The X-Ray machine or Gamma Radiation is the source of the rays and transmits penetrating X or Gamma Rays. The object being radiographed partially absorbs these rays. In areas where there are flaws or breaks, a greater or smaller number of rays are able to penetrate.

Because X and Gamma Rays are invisible, a detecting agent is required to produce a visible picture. This detecting agent can be the radiographic film in light proof wrapping or a Digital image sensor. The areas where the film/ sensor has been exposed to more rays show up dark when developed.

In the example shown here, a lack of root penetration in a weld is pictured. In the area of lack of penetration, more rays pass through the metal compared to the adjacent areas and so show up as a darker image on the developed film.

Inadequate or Lack Of Penetration 1 Inadequate or Lack Of Penetration 2

AEIS can perform industrial radiography on a very large variety of materials from metals, plastics, PVC, rubber, composites and concrete. We are ISO 17025 compliant for performing NDT and our personnel have ASNT/ ACCP NDT Level III and Level II certifications in Radiographic Testing.

Film Image showing Shrinkage in a Casting
Film Image showing Shrinkage in a Casting

Gamma Radiographic Testing can be utilized to detect density or thickness variation up to 2 percent of the material thickness under evaluation. Some of the standards utilized at AEIS for Radiographic Testing are ASTM E-1030, E-1032, E-1161, E-1079, E-1817, E-801, E-2104, E-1742, E-1734, E-999, 1390, E-94, E-1254, E-689, E-1648, E-802, E-186, E-280, E-272, E-155, E-505, E-446, E-390, E-431.

We maintain a complete updated library and understanding of all relevant major codes such as ASME Section I, V, VIII Div 1/ 2, IX, B31.1, B31.3; API 620, 650, 1104; AWS D1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, Indian Boiler Regulations, NYSSCM.

With X-ray equipment, Ir-192 and Co-60 available for field radiography, we can image a very wide range of thicknesses in a variety of materials. Our crews are available for both routine radiography and planned/ emergency shut-down work.

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