IJSTE - International Journal of Science Technology & Engineering | Volume 3 | Issue 08 | February 2017

ISSN (online): 2349-784X

Testing by Radiography on Welded Mild Steel

(NDT Method)
Mohammed Anwar Mohd Yousuf Ahmed
Assistant Professor Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering
Lords Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad, Lords Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad,
India India

Mohammed Riyaaz Md Shoaib Siddiqui

B. Tech. Student B. Tech. Student
Department of Mechanical Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering
Lords Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad, Lords Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad,
India India

Syed Abubaker Pasha

B. Tech. Student
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Lords Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad, India

Abstract
This abstract gives a clear info about the Radiographic Testing which is the common NDT methods used in the construction and
fabrication industries for oil & gas sectors using welding, gas/liquid transmission pipelines, casting foundries, and condition
monitoring in existing oil & gas refineries and facilities. Radiographic Testing (RT) is widely used in industries, airport for
security checks, medical applications etc. to detect anomalies in materials and human bodies. This paper will discuss
radiographic testing sensitivity using industrial X-ray films mainly on welds and castings. No in-depth discussion in related
science and physics, merely the perspective of an industrial radiographer based on his experience. This group of information can
provide a simple analysis about the radiography and its testing in the real world.
Keywords: Geometric Un-Sharpness, Quantitative, Qualitative, Radiography, Sensitivity
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I. INTRODUCTION

The basic principle for the detection of discontinuity using radiographic testing method is the difference in radiation absorption
coefficients properties exhibits by different materials like density, thickness, atomic number of the material. The images are
captured in a recording medium. The recording medium used may be X-ray film, phosphorous imaging plates, diodes etc..,
Industrial X-ray films are the common recording medium used for these applications. In most instances, the electronic image that
is viewed, results from the radiation passing through the object being inspected and interacting with a screen of material that
fluoresces or gives off light when the interaction occurs. The fluorescent elements of the screen form the image much as the
grains of silver form the image in film radiography. The image formed is a positive image since brighter areas on the image
indicates where higher levels of transmitted radiation reached the screen. The below image is the view of the wave producing
with different rays ex: Microwave, IR rays, UV, X-ray and Gamma ray, the wave can be seen with its spline nature and size
wavelength.

Fig. 1: Electromagnetic Waves

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 Testing by Radiography on Welded Mild Steel (NDT Method)
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II. RADIOGRAPHIC TESTING SENSITIVITY

Like all other NDT methods, certain detection sensitivity is required for the technique to ensure detect ability of desired
anomalies. In industrial radiography, Radiographic Sensitivity is a QUALITATIVE term referring to the size of the smallest
detail that can be recorded and discernible on the film/radiograph, or to the ease with which the images of small details can be
recorded. Image Quality Indicator (IQI) which provides QUANTITATIVE measurement is used to determine the adequacy of a
radiographic technique, but not intended to determine the smallest flaw that can be detected.

Fig. 2: Radiographic Testing

Gamma Ray Sources

Cobalt-60: It consists of two energy levels 1.17Mev and 1.33Mev. It disintegrates to nickel 60 steel components from
25mm to 200mm can be radiograph, half life is of 5.3years.
Iridium-192: Its principle used in radiography for steel up to 75mm thickness generally, half life is 74.2 days.
Caesium-137: Used for radiography of steel thickness ranging from 40mm to 100mm. Only one gamma energy level exist
that is 0.66Mev, half life is 30years.
Thilium-170: This can be used for very low thickness as low as 0.8mm of steel and has energy levels of 0.084 and
0.052Mev, half-life is 129days.

Equipments
The ray equipment is shown in the below point,
Camera
Guide tube
Crank cable
Ultrasonic Transducer
Black Light

Fig. 3: Gamma Ray Source

Working of Iridium-192
As the gamma ray sources emit harmful radiation in all direction, it is necessary to contain them when not in use. To do so a
radiographic camera is utilised which is made up of shielding material. E.g.: lead and depleted uranium
Procedure
To remotely operate the Iridium-192 and to protect the radiographer a crank cable is used which drives the source in and
out of the camera. The crank cable is connected to one end of the camera and guide tube is connected to other which is
utilised to guide the source at a desired location.
The gamma ray equipment is more portable as it does not require any electricity, therefore it can used on sites without such
facility.

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 Testing by Radiography on Welded Mild Steel (NDT Method)
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The equipment is more durable and rugged as compared to an x ray tube. It is principle used in radiography for steel up to
thickness of 75mm. The Half life is about 74.2 days.

Advantages of Iridium-192
The main use of iridium is as a hardening agent for platinum alloys.
With osmium, it forms an alloy that is used for tipping pens, and compass bearings.
Iridium is used in making crucibles and other equipment that is used at high temperatures.
It is also used to make heavy-duty electrical contacts.
Iridium was used in making the international standard kilogram which is an alloy of 90% platinum and 10% iridium.
Radioactive isotopes of iridium are used in radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer.

III. UNSHARPNESS OF IMAGE

The unsharpness is denoted by Ug,

Ug = F X T/SOD
Where,
F= focal spot size
T=thickness of component
SOD=source to object distance
SFD=SOD+T
SFD=source to film distance
Table 1
Unsharpness of Image
Ug Thickness
0.01 0<T<1
0.02 1<T<2
0.03 2<T<3
0.04 3<T<4
0.05 4<T<5

IV. STRUCTURE OF RADIOGRAPHIC FILM

Radiographic film consists of the following layers,

Film base
Emulsion layer
Super coating/protective layer

Fig. 4: Radiographic Film

X-ray Films
X-ray film is a gelatin-covered polyester base. An emulsion coating both sides of the film contains ting silver halide crystals that
are sensitive to such things as visible light X-rays, gamma rays, heat, moisture and pressure. X-ray film should not be used if
outdated as it may fog and markedly compromise its diagnostic usefulness.
The composition of x-ray film is similar to that of a photographic film. Radiation sensitive emulsion is coated on both sides
of a transparent base (double emulsion film).
A thin layer of adhesive is used to achieve firm attachment between the emulsion and base.
The emulsion is protected from scratches, pressure or contamination during use by a thin layer of gelatin called super
Coating. Thickness of a radiographic film is about 0.25mm.

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 Testing by Radiography on Welded Mild Steel (NDT Method)
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The Structure of the X Ray Film

If an undeveloped X-ray film is examined in daylight it will be found to consist of a flexible base of either cellulose acetate or
polyester plastic coated on both sides with thin layers of apple-green photographic emulsion.
Film Base
Firm film base provides supported to fragile.
Film Emulsion
Emulsion is composed of a homogenous mixture of gelatin and silver halide crystals.
Film Speed
Speed of an x-ray film refers to the relative sensitivity to a given amount of radiation. Unlike photographic camera films, no
numbers are given to indicate speed of x-ray film.

Fig. 6: Radiographic Image Quality

V. EXPOSURE CALCULATION

Table 2
Exposure Calculation
Inches mm Thickness Factor
6.35 4
12.7 5
19.05 6
1 25.4 8
5/4 31.75 11
3/2 38.7 15

Exposure Formulae
SFD2xFFxTF/Cix1000
Where,
FF=Film factor
TF=Thickness factor
Ci=Curie
SFD=Source to film distance

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 Testing by Radiography on Welded Mild Steel (NDT Method)
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VI. CONCLUSION

Non-destructive testing is a technique for damage assessment, disaster prediction and quality control, to detect the defects
without affecting the internal structure. This thesis present and proposes some novel techniques for weld flow classification from
industrial radiography for improving the safety of nuclear power plant. To cluster the grainy size weld and to radiograph
different metals this technique helps to define such an above clarification. Many industries adopt such experimentation and
results can be given according to the metal used.
1) Gamma ray radiography is possible to study concrete reinforcement with unprecedented detail and accuracy.
2) It gave the powerful technique as it enables us to look inside the structure literally.
3) Applications fall outside the scope of the routine inspection of reinforcement concrete beams columns and slabs.
4) Safety issues are there which needs to be taken care of properly, by installing good apparatus.
5) Radiographic testing requires radioactive materials this can cause environmental problems.
6) Standard NDT requires relatively heavy and large devices.
The below is the original experimented report that clarifies the radiographic test by NDT method.

Fig. 5: Inspection Report of Material Welded (Radiographic Test Report)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It gives us immense pleasure to present our research paper Testing by Radiography on Welded Mild Steel (NDT Method). We
are very thankful to the honourable Mechanical Department HOD Dr. Syed Azam Pasha Quadri and Asst. Professor Mohammed
Anwar, LORDS Institute of Engineering and Technology.

REFERENCES
[1] The MFL Compendium Articles on Magnetic Flux Leakage. The Compendium is one of the references used in the development of the ASNT NDT Level
III examination for magnetic flux leakage and it is also cited as a training reference in the 2011 edition of ANSI/ASNT American National Standard CP-
105.
[2] Hogan, Hank (Summer 2015). "Non-destructive Technology". Aviation Aftermarket Defence. 11: 35.
[3] Alain Biau Radiation protection of the workers in industrial radiography: the point of view of the regulatory body in France. Office de Protection contre les
Atonements Ionisants.
[4] Loughborough University Library Spotlight Archive. Lboro.ac.uk (2010-10-13). Retrieved on 2011-12-29.
[5] J. Magill, P. Peerani, and J. van Geel Basic aspects of sub-critical systems using thin fissile layers. European Commission, Institute for Trans uranium
Elements, Karlsruhe, Germany.
[6] Radiation protection and safety in industrial radiography. Safety reports series No. 13. IAEA, Austria, January 1999 ISBN 92-0-100399-4.

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