Radiography

Computed Radiography (CR)

Computed radiography (CR) technology is portable and can be used in almost any environment. CR uses X-rays or Gamma rays on a flexible phosphor Imaging Plate (IP) which is then used to capture digital images as opposed to conventional photographic film.

The CR method is mainly used to inspect forged parts, castings, welds and to check the integrity of piping for corrosion and erosion.

Advantages:

  • Portability

  • More cost-efficient than conventional radiography

  • No need for a dark room or any chemical processing

  • Plate exposure times are typically lower leading to quicker imaging

  • Accurate sizing, improved imaging and faster analysis with the help of software tools

  • Data is in digital format allowing quick and easy sharing

  • All information can be acquired from a single position, even with complex geometries;

  • Weaker X-rays or Gamma rays needing a smaller safety perimeter.

  • Phosphor Imaging Plates are reusable

Digital Radiography

Digital radiography uses x-ray sensitive plates to directly capture data onto a digital image capture device. This has advantages similar to digital photography like immediate image preview and availability, elimination of costly film processing steps, a wider dynamic range making it more forgiving for over and under exposed images as well as the ability to apply digital image processing techniques that enhance overall display quality of the image.

Advantages:

  • High quality image in a few seconds for on site analysis

  • Accurate sizing, improved imaging and faster analysis with the help of software tools

  • Data is in digital format allowing quick and easy sharing

  • The customer does not need specialized equipment or software to visualize data

  • All information can be acquired from a single position, even with complex geometries

  • No need for a dark room or any chemical processing

  • Weaker X-rays or Gamma rays for a smaller safety perimeter.

Conventional Radiography (RT)

Conventional Radiography (RT) is an extremely popular non-destructive testing method, thanks to its versatility in detecting a wide range of defects on multiple materials that involves the use of either x-rays or gamma rays to view the internal structure of a component. RT is often used to inspect machinery, such as pressure vessels and valves, to detect for flaws. RT is also used to inspect weld repairs.
Compared to other NDT techniques, radiography has several advantages. It is highly reproducible, can be used on a variety of materials, and the data gathered can be stored for later analysis. Radiography is an effective tool that requires very little surface preparation. Many radiographic systems are portable which can be used in the field and at elevated positions.
Conventional radiography uses a sensitive film which reacts to the emitted radiation to capture an image of the part being tested. This image can then be examined for evidence of damage or flaws. The biggest limitation to this technique is that films can only be used once and they take a long time to process and interpret.