Radiography
Radiography, a cornerstone of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), offers a powerful tool for inspecting materials. It acts like a powerful light that penetrates deep beneath the surface, revealing cracks, voids, and other imperfections invisible to the naked eye. This technique utilizes radiation to detect internal flaws and hidden defects in various materials.
Applications and Industries of Use
Radiography is a versatile NDT technique used across numerous industries:
Weld Inspection: Ensures the integrity of welds by detecting internal defects like cracks, incomplete fusion, and porosity.
Casting and Forging Inspection: Identifies internal defects like cracks, shrinkage cavities, and inclusions in castings and forgings before they are put into service.
Composite Material Inspection: Inspects composite materials for internal delaminations, voids, and fibre misalignment, ensuring structural integrity and performance in critical applications like aircraft.
Corrosion Detection: Assesses the extent of corrosion in pipes, pressure vessels, and other structures, allowing for informed decisions on repairs or replacements
Limitations of Radiography
Safety Considerations: Radiography utilizes ionizing radiation, which can be harmful if not handled properly. Trained and certified personnel must conduct inspections following strict safety protocols.
Conclusion
Radiography plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and reliability of components across various industries. By revealing hidden flaws and defects, radiography empowers professionals to make informed decisions regarding material suitability, weld integrity, and the overall health of critical infrastructure. Contact us today to learn how our radiographic inspection services can help you ensure the quality and safety of your materials and components.
How Radiography Works
There are two main types of radiography used for industrial applications:
X-ray Radiography: Uses an X-ray machine as the radiation source.
Gamma-ray Radiography: Uses a radioactive isotope (like Cobalt-60) as the source.
Both methods share the same core principle:
Radiation Source: The radiation beam is directed at the material being inspected.
Material Penetration: A portion of the radiation passes through the material, while some is absorbed.
Image Formation: A detector (film or digital sensor) captures variations in transmitted radiation. Denser areas absorb more radiation, appearing darker on the image. Less dense areas (cracks, voids) allow more radiation to pass through, appearing lighter.
Benefits of Radiography
Internal Flaw Detection: Reveals internal defects invisible on the surface.
Permanent Record: Provides a permanent inspection record for future reference.
Versatility: Can inspect various materials like metals, composites, and plastics.
Quantitative Analysis: Radiographic images can sometimes be used to measure the size and depth of internal defects.
