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: WTM-045
RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
PROCEDURE
ASME V
CONTENTS
1. Objective ………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
2. Scope ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
6. Calibration ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
9. Examination ……………………………………………………………………………………… 6
• Table 5: Wire IQI Designation and Wire Diameter - ASTM E 747 ……………………. 14
• Table 6: Wire IQI Designation and Wire Diameter (DIN 54109) ………………………. 14
LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Document No. : WTM-045
1. Objective :
This procedure provides the general conditions that normally required by the project genera
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 boilers, pressure vessels, tank and piping that required to complying with ASME BPVC
Section V and project specifications. LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. will apply this
NDE procedure in conjunction with corresponding project NDE specifications, if applicable, for the
project after obtaining client’s approval.
2. Scope :
This document contains the operation procedure for Radiographic Testing for examining the
materials and welds of carbon and alloy steel, 4 mm to 65 mm thickness range in accordance with ASME
BPVC Section V (Edition 2010). Additional specific procedure/technique sheets shall also be
implemented for examining materials and any welds as required.
3. Reference Document :
4.1 NDE Personnel carrying out Radiographic Testing shall be qualified as at least NDE Level I in
Radiographic Testing Method.
4.2 Radiographic interpretation and evaluation shall be done by the personnel qualified to minimum
NDT Level II in Radiographic Testing Method.
4.3 All NDE personnel shall be given annual vision examination for near-distance acuity and capable
of reading Jaeger Number 1 or equivalent letters at not less than 30 cm with one or both eyes,
either corrected or natural.
4.4 All NDE personnel shall be certified in accordance with company written practice which meets the
ASNT Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A, current code accepted edition and/or approved
equivalent by the applicable code.
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.)
LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Document No. : WTM-045
5.6 Cassette
Material : PVC Sheet
Type : Flexible and Re-loadable
Damaged or leaked cassette shall not be used.
6. Calibration :
6.1 Actual or maximum source size or focal spot shall be verified by decay chart, manufacture’s
technical literature.
6.2 If decay chart of the gamma ray source is not available, source size will be determined in
accordance with SE 1114.
LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Document No. : WTM-045
6.3 If the technical manual is not available for X-ray equipment, focal spot size will be determined
pinhole method or in accordance with SE 1165.
6.4 The periodic calibration verification check of the densitometer shall be performed by means of a
reference film (step-wedge comparison film) at the beginning of each shift, after 8 hours of
continuous operation or after change of operators which ever occur first.
6.5 Densitometer shall be calibrated at least every 90 days during use according to established in
accordance with T-262 of ASME BPVC Sec.V Article 2 and ASTM E 1079. The reading results
shall also be recorded.
7. Surface Preparation :
7.1 Material and weld surface irregularities, on both the inside (if accessible) and outside, of which
image could interfere with proper interpretation shall be eliminated by any suitable process.
7.2 Welds may be radiographed in “as weld” condition with spatter removed. But the weld surface
irregularities such as excessive ripples, humps or creaters 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.
7.3 All welds and materials shall be visually examined for surface discontinuities prior to radiographic
examination.
8.1 Alphabetical lead letters and numerals are used to be affixed on the film to facilitate unique
identification for each examined weld/material and radiograph.
8.2 Identification shall contain Manufacturers Symbol/Name, Date of radiographic testing. It also may
contain Job Number, Weld/Part Number and Weld/Part Section (as applicable), thickness, film
interval number, location marker, welder or welding operator identification, Re-shot (RS), Shot
after repaired identification (R1, R2, etc.), Reweld (RW).
8.3 ASME V Article 2 Clause T-224 states that the 'identification system does not necessarily require
that the information appear as radiographic images. Permanent identification systems other than
that referenced above may be used. In any case, the information shall not obscure the area of
interest.
8.4 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.
LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Document No. : WTM-045
9. Examination :
9.1.1 Gamma radiation by Iridium 192 or X-radiation by X-ray Equipment is used for
examination.
9.1.2 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.
9.2.1 The lead letter symbol "B" with minimum dimensions of 1/2 inch (13 mm) in height and
1/16 inch (1.6 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.
9.2.2 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.
9.2.3 A dark image of the “B” on a lighter background is not cause for rejection.
9.3.1 The area of interest on the radiograph shall be accurately traceable to its location on the
surface of the part to be examined. Marking for the datum/location/film-interval marks
shall be done on the surface near the weld at the film intervals using permanent (solid)
marker.
9.3.2 Lead location or film interval markers/marker band incorporating lead numerals, which
are appear as image on the radiograph, shall be placed on the part adjacent to the weld
at the solid-marked location.
9.3.3 Placement of Location Markers in details shall be as per Clause T-275 and Fig.T-275 of
ASME BPVC Sec. V.
9.3.4 A dimensioned map showing the actual position of the datum/location markers shall
accompany the radiographs when inaccessibility or other limitations prevent the
placement of markers.
9.4.1 Extent of Examination & Numbers of films shall be as per requirements of applied
codeand specifications.
9.4.2 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.), 4.5 x 17 in. (144 x 432
mm.), 3.5 x 8.5 in. (89 x 216 mm.) and 4.5 x 8.5 in. (144 x 216 mm.) shall be used as
appropriate.
9.4.3 If the wall thickness doesn't allow proper film coverage, more exposures (films) may be
required.
9.4.4 The number of spot 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.
LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Document No. : WTM-045
(89 x 216 mm.) and and 4.5 x 8.5 in. (144 x 216 mm.)” will be used and the minimum
effective length of film shall be 6" (150 mm).
9.5.1 Single Wall Exposure/Single Wall Viewing Technique will be used whenever it is
practical. Exposure technique for tube and pipe welds shall be as per A210 of ASME V:
“Sketches for Pipe or Tube Weld” as appropriate.
9.5.2 Table 1: “Exposure Technique for Tubular Member” will be used as a guide for selecting
exposure technique and viewing image for pipe and tubular weld-size range.
9.5.3 For pipe or tube diameter 12 in or smaller, one film per exposure shall be used.
9.5.4 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.
Ug = Fd/D
Where
Ug = Geometric Unsharpness
d = thickness of object (ie. distance from source side of the weld or
object to the film)
F = max. size of radiation source
D = source to object distance (source side surface)
Source to weld distance to be used in each exposure is necessary to reduce Geometric
Unsharpness within the limitation of T-274, ASME V Article 2 as shown below.
9.7.1 The suitable wire type IQI number (series of wire) made with same alloy material
group or grade shall be selected as per sensitivity requirements with reference to Table T-
233.2 & T-276 of ASME V Article 2.
9.7.2 For the welds with reinforcements, the thickness on which IQI is based is the nominal
single wall thickness plus estimated weld reinforcement permitted by the applied code.
9.7.3 For the welds without reinforcements, the thickness on which IQI is based is the nominal
single wall thickness.
9.7.4 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.
9.7.5 Backing rings or strips shall not be considered as part of the weld thickness.
LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Document No. : WTM-045
9.8.1 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.
9.8.2 For the cylindrical or spherical component where the source is placed on the axis or at
the center of the component respectively and one or more film holders are used for
single exposure of a complete circumference or section/s of circumference which is 240
deg or more, at least three IQIs shall be spaced approximately 120 deg. apart.
9.8.3 For the cylindrical or spherical component where the source is placed on the axis or at
the center of the component respectively and one or more film holders are used for
single exposure of a section/s of circumference which is less than 240 deg, at least
three IQIs shall be used for each section, one placed at each end of span and one in
approximate center of span.
9.8.4 When complete or section/s of other welds in spherical component that adjoining the
circumferential weld are radiographed simultaneously with the circumferential weld, an
additional IQI shall be placed on each other weld.
9.8.5 When complete or section/s of longitudinal welds in cylindrical component that adjoining
the circumferential weld are radiographed simultaneously with the circumferential weld,
an additional IQI shall be placed on longitudinal weld at the end of each section most
remote from the Junction with the circumferential weld being radiographed.
9.8.6 When array of the parts in a circle is radiographed, at least one IQI shall be placed on
each part.
9.8.7 If the density variation (through the area of interest) is by more than minus 15% or plus
30% from the density adjacent to the designated wire of IQI, the density of radiograph is
within the density limitation specified, then an additional IQI shall be used for each
exceptional area or areas and the radiograph retaken.
9.8.8 For parts of widely varying thickness and irregular geometry, the first unit of the given
design should be radiographed to determine number of IQIs and proper placement of
IQIs for subsequent radiography.
9.9.1 The IQIs shall be placed on the source side of the part being examined.
9.9.2 If inaccessibility prevents hand placing the IQI on the source side, the IQIs may be on
film side of the part.
9.9.3 Lead letter "F" shall be put adjacent or on the IQI to identify the film side IQI.
LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Document No. : WTM-045
9.9.4 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.
9.9.5 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.
10.1 Films shall be developed manually and processed according to the directions of the
manufacturer with reference to ASTM E-94: Standard Guide for Radiographic Testing.
10.2 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).
10.3 Processing time shall be in accordance with manufacturer's Time Temperature Development
Chart.
10.4 Adherence to recognized good practice in the processing of films is essential and the
requirements of Good Darkroom Practice in Film Handling and Processing (GDRP-RT) are
mandatory.
11. Evalution :
11.1.1 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.
11.1.2 The radiograph will be examined on a viewer with variable light source 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.
11.1.3 Density of Radiograph is measured by means of a digital display or analogue
densitometer.
LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Document No. : WTM-045
11.1.4 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. Variations between densitometer readings shall not be more than
tolerance of 0.05 in density.
11.2.1 Sensitivity of radiograph shall be as per Table T-276 “IQI selection” of ASME BPVC Sec.
V Article 2.
11.2.2 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.
All radiographs, spot, full or otherwise shall be in accordance with the requirements of applicable
code and project specification.
The following acceptance standards shall be applied as appropriate except where requirements
are specified for specific materials or applications.
13.1 All examinations carried out in accordance with this procedure shall be the subject of written
reports which will be completed on the approved form. The technique document, review form or
report 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 object distance, Maximum distance from source side of
object to the film, Exposure technique.
13.2 The report shall be submitted to the designated personnel as soon as possible after inspection
is completed. Spot radiography and 100% radiography shall be recorded on separate report
forms. The results of the re-examination for the repaired area shall be listed on the report as R1,
LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Document No. : WTM-045
13.3 Obligation of retaining the radiographs shall be transferred to the client’s designated personnel
upon delivery of the radiographs to the client or as otherwise specified in the contract.
13.4 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 radiographs should be
retained for minimum period of 5 years except where requirements are specified in the applicable
specifications.
Adherence to the applicable regulations, the radiation safety procedure was developed separately as
in “Safety Procedure in Radiographic Work”(WTM-053). 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. Personnel found
not adhering to the standard safety procedures and regulatory requirements shall be subjected to
disciplinary
action.
LPN Metallurgy Research center (Thailand) Ltd. Document No. : WTM-045