LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Document No.

: WTM-046

RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION Issue No. : V01 Page : 1/16

AWS D 1.1 Date of Issue : 01 / Nov / 2011

RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION

PROCEDURE

AWS D 1.1

Prepared by Approved Approved

Revision
Description (Client’s
No. Date Representative)
Review /
Approved for V01 01-11-11
Application

Mr.Surasak Phoomool Dr.Asa Prateepasen

NDE Level II NDE Level III

Total page in this procedure ( Including cover ) 14

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AWS D 1.1 Date of Issue : 01 / Nov / 2011

CONTENTS

1. Objective ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3

2. Scope ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3

3. Reference Document ………………………………………………………………………………… 3

4. NDE Personnel Qualification ……………………………………………………………………….. 3

5. Equipment and Materials ……………………………………………………………………………. 4

6. Surface Preparation ………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

7. Identification, Marking and Overlap of Film ……………………………………………………… 5

8. Examination …………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

9. Film Processing ………………………………………………………………………….…………… 8

10. Evaluation ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 9

11. Acceptance Criteria …………………………………………………………………………………. 10

12. Reporting and Record Retention ………………………………………………………………….. 10

13. Radiation Safety …………………………………………………………………………………….. 10

14. Table 2: Quantity of Film Required for Tubular Member/Piping ………………………………. 11

15. Table 3: Wire Image Quality Indicator (IQI) Requirements (Table 6.5 of AWS D1.1) ………. 12

16. Table 4: Wire IQI Designation and Wire Diameter (ASTM E 747, DIN 54109) ………………. 12

17. Form 1: Typical Form of Radiographic Examination Report …………………………………... 13

18. Form 2 : Typical Form of Radiographic Examination Technique Sheet ………………………. 14

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RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION PROCEDURE (RT)

1. Objective :

This procedure provides the general conditions that normally required by the project general
specification and specific instructions on radiographic examination using conventional gamma projector
with Ir-192 source or portable X ray machine for the NDE personnel performing examination on materials
& welds of welded steel structure that required to complying with AWS D1.1 and project specifications.
LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Apply this NDE procedure in conjunction with
corresponding project NDE specifications for the project after obtaining client’s approval.

2. Scope :

This document contains the operation procedure for Radiographic Testing for examining the
materials and groove welds in butt joint in steel plates, shapes and bars, carbon and alloy steel, 4mm to
65 mm thickness range in accordance with AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code- Steel (Edition 2010).
Additional specific procedure/technique sheets shall also be implemented for examining materials and
any structural welds as and where required.

3. Reference Document :

3.1 International Codes and Standards

 AWS D.1.1 : Structural Welding Code-Steel (Edition 2010)
 ASTM E 94 : Standard Recommended practice for Radiographic Testing
 ASTM E 747 : Standard Practice for Design Manufacture and Material Grouping
Classification of wire IQI Used for Radiography
 ASTM E 1032 : Radiographic Examination of Weldments
 ASME BPVC Sec V : Nondestructive Testing (Edition 2010)

3.2 Project Specifications

 Applicable project specifications and relevant information such as weld joint geometry,
material thickness and welding process used shall be available prior to commencement of
the project and examination.

3.3 Written Practice and Recommended Practice for NDE Certification

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 ASNT Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Edition 1992, 1996, 2001,2008)

4. NDE Personnel Qualification :

4.1 NDE Personnel carrying out Radiographic Testing shall be qualified as NDE Level II in
Radiographic Testing Method. However, under the direct supervision from NDE level II, NDE
level I personnel shall be qualified to perform specific calibrations, specific tests and record test
results following specific written instructions provided.
4.2 Radiographic interpretation and evaluation shall be done by the personnel qualified to minimum
NDE Level II in Radiographic Testing Method.

4.3 All NDE personnel shall be given annual vision examinations and far vision acuity and capable of
reading Jaeger Number 1 or equivalent letters at not less than 30 cm for near vision acuity and
20/40 for far vision acuity or better with one or both eyes, either corrected or natural.
4.4 All NDE personnel shall be certified in accordance with company which meets the ASNT
Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A, current code accepted edition and/or approved equivalent
by the applicable specification

5. Equipment and Materials :

5.1 Radiation Source(Gamma Ray)

Isotope : Ir. 192
Activity : As per limitations of project requirements (maximum: 100 Ci)
Physical Size : 3.0 x 3.0 mm. (maximum)

5.2 Source Projector And System Equipment (Gamma Ray)

Model : Sentinel 880 / Delta
Type : Portable Gamma Ray Field System
Capacity : 100 Curie of Ir-192

5.3 X-Ray Equipment

Model : GE ERESCO 42 MF 4 or equivalent
Capacity : 5-200 kV, 0.5-10.0 mA
Focal size : 3.0 mm

5.4 Film
Size : 3.5 x 17 in. (89 x 432 mm.)
4.5 x 17 in. (144 x 432 mm.)
3.5 x 8.5 in. (89 x 216 mm.)
4.5 x 8.5 in. (144 x 216 mm.)
Type : ASTM Class I/II
Brand : Kodak M/AA or Agfa D4/D7
Film type selection shall be based on type of radiation source and thickness of the
material to be radiographed. Generally ASTM Class I will be used on wall thickness 13 mm. or
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thinner, and ASTM Class II (I.e. Kodak AA or Agfa D7) will be used on wall thickness greater 13
mm. Other appropriate types and sizes of the film will also be used as required.

5.5 Intensifying Screen

Type : Lead Foil Screen
Thickness : 0.125 mm.(Front and Back) for Gamma-Ray
0.05 mm (Front) and 0.125 mm (Back) for X-Ray
Damage or defective intensifying lead screen shall not be used

5.6 Cassette
Material : PVC Sheet
Type : Flexible and Re-loadable
Damaged or leaked cassette shall not be used.

5.7 Image Quality Indicator (IQI)

Type : ASTM/DIN Wire Type
Inspection Level : As per Table T 6.5 of AWS D.1.1

5.8 Facilities for Viewing Radiographs

Viewer : Illuminator with brightness-adjuster
Intensity : Intensity of light shall be sufficient for the essential IQI wire
to be visible for the density range specified.
Background : Subdued lighting of an intensity that would not cause trouble
some reflections, shadows, or glare on the radiograph.
Densitometer : Konica PDA-85/81/100, Digit-X or equivalent

5.9 Processing Chemical

Developer : Kodak Industrex Manual Developer & Replenisher
Fixer : Kodak Rapid Fixer
Stop Bath : Kodak Indicator Stop Bath
Wetting Agent : Kodak Photo-Flo 600 Solution

6. Surface Preparation :

6.1 Welds will be radiographed in “as weld” condition with spatter removed if other specific
requirements are not stated in project specifications. But weld tabs, material and weld surface
irregularities such as excessive ripples, humps or creaters of which image could interfere with
proper interpretation shall be ground to a smooth counter. The finished surface of all butt weld
joints shall have reasonably uniform crowns with reinforcement not to exceed that specified in
the code.
6.2 If the steel backing is required to be removed, surface shall be finished flush by grinding prior to
radiographic Testing.
6.3 If the removal of weld reinforcement is required, the reinforcement shall be blend smoothly in to
plate surface with transition area free from undercut and not reduce the thickness of thinner
base metal or weld metal by more than 1 mm or 5 % of metal thickness, whichever is less.
6.4 All welds and materials shall be visually examined for surface discontinuities prior to radiographic
Testing.
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7. Identification Mark and Overlap of Film :

7.1 Alphabetical lead letters and numerals are used to be affixed on the film to facilitate unique
identification for each examined weld/material and radiograph.

7.2 The area of interest on the radiograph shall be accurately traceable to its location on the surface
of the part to be examined. Radiographic identification mark and two location identification
marks (or marker band) , which are appear as image on the radiograph, shall be placed on the
part adjacent to the weld at the solid-marked location.

7.3 Additional identification information such as job number/contract identification, initial of

radiographic examination company, initial of fabricator, fabricator shop order number, weld/part
number and weld/part section (as applicable), thickness, welder or welding operator
identification, Reshot (RS), Shot after repaired identification (R1, R2, etc.), Reweld (RW), date
of radiographic testing will be placed no less than 20 mm from the edge of the weld.

7.4 The separate radiographs of a welded joint shall overlap sufficiently to ensure that no portion of
joint remains unexaminied. The overlapped portion of the radiograph for the weld should be at
least 1 in. (25 mm.). Each effective area mark should be placed at 1 in. (25 mm) minimum
distance from the edge of the film.

8. Examination :

8.1 Energy of Radiation and Its Direction

8.1.1 Gamma radiation by an Iridium 192 radiation source or X radiation by an X-ray
Equipment is used for examination.
8.1.2 Direction of the centre beam of the ray should be centered on the area of interest and
perpendicular to the surface of the material whenever it is practical.

8.2 Back Scatter Symbol "B"

8.2.1 The lead letter symbol "B" with minimum dimensions of 1/2 inch (12 mm) in height and
1/16 inch (2.0 mm) in thickness shall be attached to the back of each film holder for
each exposure to determine the protection against back scatter radiation is sufficient.
8.2.2 If a light image of “B” appears on a darker back ground, protection from backscatter is
insufficient and radiograph is unacceptable; additional shielding such as an adequate
thickness of the lead sheet shall be placed behind the film will be provided.
8.2.3 A dark image of the “B” on a lighter background is not cause for rejection.

8.3 Extent of Examination & Number of Films

8.3.1 Extent of Examination & Numbers of films shall be as per requirements of applied code
and project specifications..
8.3.2 For full radiography of circumferential joint, number of films to be taken per each weld
shall be equivalent to peripheral length of the weld with overlap of 25 mm or more at
each end of the film. Both film Sizes 3.5 x 17 in. (89 x 432 mm.) and 3.5 x 8.5 in. (89 x
216 mm.) shall be used as appropriate.
8.3.3 If the wall thickness doesn't allow proper film coverage, more exposures (films) may be
required.
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8.3.4 The number of spot/partial radiographs and their locations to be in accordance with the
drawings and specifications. For spot radiographic examination, film size 3.5 x 8.5 in.
(89 x 216 mm.) shall be used. Each spot test shall cover at least 4 in. (100 mm) of the
weld length. If the spot radiograph is rejected, two additional spots in the same segment
of the joint shall be taken at location away from the original spot. If the weld involves
more than one segment, two additional spots in each segment shall be examined.
When either of the two additional spots shows defects that require repair the entire
segment of the weld shall be completely examined.

8.4 Exposure Technique

8.4.1 Single Wall Exposure/Single Wall Viewing Technique will be used whenever it is practical.
Exposure technique for tubular connection shall be as per Clause 6.18, Fig 6.16,
Fig.6.17, Fig 6.18 and Fig.6.19 of AWS D1.1 as appropriate.
8.4.2 Where accessibility or pipe size prohibits using Single Wall Exposure/Single Wall Viewing
Technique, Double Wall Exposure/Single Wall Viewing or Double Wall Exposure/Double
Wall Viewing will be used as appropriate.
8.4.3 For pipe or tube diameter 12 in or smaller, one film per exposure shall be used.
8.4.4 Following table of “Exposure Technique for Tubular Member“will be used as a guide for
selecting exposure technique and viewing image for tubular weld-size range.

8.4.5 For pipe or tube diameter 12 in. and above, if accessible for technique of Single Wall
Exposure/Single Wall Viewing, panoramic technique in which source is placed on the
axis of the pipe and multiple films is used for single exposure of complete circumference
could be applied when Geometric Unsharpness is within the allowable limitation.

8.5 Geometric Unsharpness and Source to Subject Distance

8.5.1 Geometric Unsharpness of radiograph shall be determined using the following formula:

8.5 Geometric Unsharpness and Source to Film Distance

8.5.1 Geometric Unsharpness of radiograph shall be determined using the following formula:

Ug = Fd/D
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Where
Ug = geometric unsharpness
d = thickness of object
(ie. distance from source side of the weld/subject to the film)
F = Max size of radiation source
D = Source to subject distance (source side surface)
8.5.2 Source to subject (weld) distance to be used in each exposure necessary to reduce
Geometric Unsharpness within the limitation of ASME V Article 2 as indicated below.

Material Thickness Maximum Ug

inch (mm) Inch (mm)
Under 2 (50) 0.020 (0.51)
2 though 3 (50-75) 0.030 (0.76)

8.5.3 The source-to-subject distance shall not be less than the total length of film being
exposed in a single plane and seven times the thickness of the weld plus reinforcement
and backing except for the case of panoramic exposure.
8.5.4 Regarding to the inspection angle of radiation for single plane, the angle at which
inspecting radiation penetrate any portion of the weld represented in the radiograph shall
not be greater than 26.5 deg. from a line normal to the weld surface.
8.5.5 For Double Wall Exposure/Double Wall View for the pipe, source to subject distance shall
be at least seven times the outside diameter.

8.6 IQI Set Selection

8.6.1 The suitable wire type IQI number (series of wire) made with same alloy material group
or grade shall be selected as per sensitivity requirements as per Table 6.5 of AWS. D1.1
with reference to ASTM E 747. For the welds with reinforcements, the thickness on
which IQI is based is the actual nominal single wall thickness plus estimated weld
reinforcement permitted by the applied code.
8.6.2 For the welds without reinforcements, the thickness on which IQI is based is the actual
nominal single wall thickness.
8.6.3 For the welds joining dissimilar materials or welds with dissimilar filler metal, IQI with
alloy material group or grade with less radiation absorption shall be used.
8.6.4 Backing rings or strips shall not be considered as part of the weld thickness.

8.7 Number of IQIs

8.7.1 Two IQIs for each film size “3.5 x 17 in. (89 x 432 mm.)” and one IQI for each film size
3.5 x 8.5 in. (89 x 216 mm) shall be used for single film holder/exposure.
8.7.2 For the cylindrical component where the source is placed on the axis or at the center of
the component and one or more film holders are used for single exposure of a complete
circumference at least three IQIs shall be spaced approximately 120 deg. Apart.
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8.8 Placement and Location of IQI

8.8.1 The IQIs should be placed on the source side of the part being examined.
8.8.2 If placing the IQI on the source side is impractical, the IQIs may be on film side of the
part.
8.8.3 When the radiographic technique demonstrated with the applicable set placed on source
side and film side indicates the required sensitivity, film side IQI can be used.
8.8.4 Lead letter "F" shall be put adjacent or on the IQI to identify the film side IQI.
8.8.5 The letter “F” shall not be in the area of interest except when geometric configurations
make it impractical or producing radiographs for the materials other than welds.
8.8.6 The IQI shall be placed in contact with the weld and perpendicular to the length of the
weld. Thinner wire of IQI shall be placed at the least advantage side.

8.9 Exposure Time

Exposure time shall be calculated using gamma exposure slide calculator or exposure
table/chart which based on the radiographic parameters such as tubular/pipe diameter, material
thickness, type of material, type of film exposed, type and intensity of the radiation source, and
source-to-film-distance.

9. Film Processing :

9.1 Films shall be developed manually and processed according to the directions of the
manufacturer with reference to ASTM E-94-00: Standard Guide for Radiographic Testing.

9.2 The processing solution shall be maintained in good working condition at a stable temperature.
The processing solution shall be agitated prior to processing and the film shall be agitated during
processing (developing, stop-bath and fixation).

9.3 Processing time shall be in accordance with manufacturer's Time Temperature Development
Chart.

9.4 Adherence to recognized good practice in the processing of films is essential and the
requirements of Good Darkroom Practice in Film Handling and Processing are mandatory.

9.5 The following processing and handling parameters shall be applied as a general guide.
a) Approximately 5-8 minute at between 20 deg. C. to 24 deg. C of developing shall be
applied when using Kodak Industrex or equivalent manual developer. The level and
activity of developer shall be maintained by adding small amount of replenisher at
frequent intervals. Developer solution shall be renewed when the replenisher used equal
to the 2 or 3 times the original quantities of developer or after one month, whichever is
sooner.
b) Stop bath (Refer to manufacture recommendation) or running water for minimum 1
minute.
c) The fixation time shall be approximately twice the clearing time for Kodak industrex fixer
or equivalent.
d) Final wash shall be done for 10 minutes minimum in clean running water.
e) Rinse in clean water with Photo-flo or similar product.
f) Drying in dryer cabinet or hang dry in ambient room temperature.
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g) Processing area and all accessories shall be kept clean all times.
h) All unexposed film shall be stored in the clean, dry place.

10. Evaluation :

10.1 Radiographic Viewing & Density

10.1.1 Whether interpretation of radiographs is by company NDT Level II, the client, or a third
party, radiographs produced by the company will always be initially previewed by
company technicians appropriately qualified and experienced ensuring all radiographs
shall be with correct
identifications and free from artifacts that mask and make confused with image of
discontinuities in the area of interest of the object.
10.1.2 The radiograph will be examined on a viewer provided specifically for that purpose in a
darkened room. The radiographic viewing screen shall be masked to prevent
extraneous light from around the edge of a radiograph or light coming through low
density portion of the radiograph from interfering with the interpretation.
10.1.3 Density of Radiograph is measured by means of a digital display or analoge
densitometer.
10.1.4 Density of radiograph through the weld shall be minimum of 2.0 and maximum of 4.0 for
single film viewing. For composite viewing of multiple film exposures, each film of
composite set shall have a minimum density of 1.3 and maximum density of composite
set shall be 4.0
10.1.5 When weld transitions in thickness are radiographed and ratio of thickness of thicker
section to the thickness of the thinner section is 3 or greater, radiographic density of
thinner section should be 3.0 to 4.0 and minimum density requirements mentioned
above shall be waived for thicker section unless it is specified.

10.2 Radiographic Sensitivity

10.2.1 Sensitivity of radiograph shall be as per Table 6.5 of AWS. D1.1

10.2.2 If the conditions do not make it practical to perform radiography using gamma ray within
the specified sensitivity requirements especially for the case of thin-wall small diameter
pipe weld inspection, radiographic test with X ray using ASTM Class I Film shall be used
after getting client’s approval.

11. Acceptance Criteria :

11.1 All radiographs, spot, full or otherwise shall be in accordance with applicable project
specifications.

11.2 The following acceptance standards shall be applied as appropriate except where requirements
are specified for specific materials or applications
 Section 6.12 Part C of AWS D1.1
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12. Reporting and Record Retention :

12.1 All examinations carried out in accordance with this procedure shall be the subject of written
reports which will be completed on the approved form and shall include all relevant information
such as Component ID, Number of radiographs (exposures), Radiation Source, Source (focal)
size, Base material/weld type and thickness, Reinforcement size, Minimum source to subject
distance, Maximum distance from source side of subject to the film, Exposure technique, etc.

12.2 The report shall be submitted to the designated personnel as soon as possible after inspection
is completed.

12.3 Repaired area shall be noted on the report and the results of the re-examination for the repaired
area shall be recorded. All the restrictions that limit the effectiveness of the examination shall be
noted on the report. Where necessary these reports shall be accompanied by a sketch or
drawing.

12.4 All the radiographs shall be appropriately packaged or stored in the original film boxes with
interleaved treated paper or as required. All inspection documents and full set of radiographs
for welds, including radiographs of unacceptable welds prior to repair shall be submitted to
client or owner upon completion of the work.

13. Radiation Safety :

13.1 Adherence to the applicable regulations, the radiation safety procedure was developed
separately as in “Safety Procedure in Radiographic Work “ (WTM-053).

13.2 All radiographic work carried out by radiographer/s on site shall strictly follow site safety
requirements, “Safety Procedure in Radiographic Work”, and local statutory safety
requirements. Those regulations appropriate to the country of operation are mandatory.

13.3 Personnel found not adhering to the standard safety procedures and regulatory requirements
shall be subjected to disciplinary action.

14. Table 2 :
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15. Table 3 :

16. Table 4 :
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Form 1: Typical Form of Radiographic Examination Report

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Form 2 : Typical Form of Radiographic Examination Technique Sheet

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