ASTM E1255-23

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1255 − 16 E1255 − 23
Standard Practice for
Radioscopy
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1255; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers application details for radioscopic examination using penetrating radiation using an analog component
such as an electro-optic device (for example, X-ray image intensifier (XRII) or analog camera, or both) or a Digital Detector Array
(DDA) used in dynamic mode radioscopy. Radioscopy is a radiographic technique that can be used in (1) dynamic mode
radioscopy to track motion or optimize radiographic parameters in real-time, or both (25 to 30 frames per second), near real-time
(a few frames per second), or high speed (hundreds to thousands of frames per second) or (2) static mode radioscopy where there
is no motion of the object during exposure as a filmless recording medium. This practice is not to be used for static mode
radioscopy using DDAs. If static radioscopy using a DDA (that is, DDA radiography) is being performed, use Practice E2698.
1.1.1 This practice also may be used for Linear Detector Array (LDA) applications where an LDA uses relative perpendicular
motion of either the detector or component under examination to build an image line by line.
1.1.2 This practice may also be used for “flying spot” applications where a pencil beam of X-rays rasters over an area to build
an image point by point.
1.2 This practice provides application details establishes the minimum requirements for radioscopic examination using penetrating
radiation. This includes dynamic radioscopy and for the purposes of this practice, radioscopy where there is no motion of the object
during exposure (referred to as static radioscopic imaging) both using an analog component such as an electro-optic device or
analog camera.of metallic and non-metallic materials using X-ray or gamma radiation. Since the techniques involved and the
applications for radioscopic examination are diverse, this practice is not intended to be limiting or restrictive, but rather to address
the general applications of the technology and thereby facilitate its use. Refer to Guides E94 and E1000, and Terminology E1316,
Practice E747, Practice E1025, Practice E2698, and Fed. Std. Nos. 21 CFR 1020.40 and 29 CFR 1910.96 for a list of documents
that provide additional information and guidance.
1.3 Basis of Application:
1.3.1 The requirements of this practice and Practice E1411 shall be used together. The requirements of Practice E1411 will provide
the performance qualification and long-term stability test procedures for the radioscopic system. The user of the radioscopic system
shall establish a written procedure that addresses the specific requirements and tests to be used in their application and shall be
approved by the Cognizant Radiographic Level 3 before examination of production hardware. There are areas (listed below 1.3.1.1
– 1.3.1.14) in this practice that may require agreement between the cognizant engineering organization and the radioscopy supplier,
or specific direction from the cognizant engineering organization. These items should be addressed in the purchase order or the
contract.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.01 on Radiology (X and
Gamma) Method.
Current edition approved June 1, 2016Dec. 1, 2023. Published July 2016January 2024. Originally approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 20092016 as
E1255 - 09.E1255 – 16. DOI: 10.1520/E1255-16.10.1520/E1255-23.
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Practice SE-1255 in Section II of that code.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1255 − 23
1.3.1.1 Systems, equipment, and materials that do not comply with this Practice (1.5);
1.3.1.2 Modified tests and/or gauges when using a gamma source or radiation energy above 320 kV (1.6);
1.3.1.3 Personnel qualification and certification (5.8);
1.3.1.4 Qualification of the NDT supplier (5.9);
1.3.1.5 Alternate image displays (6.1.3.1);
1.3.1.6 Alternate image quality indicator (IQI) types (6.1.6.5);
1.3.1.7 Non-requirement for IQI (8.9.7);
1.3.1.8 Examination record archiving, hard copy, and recording (6.1.10);
1.3.1.9 Radioscopic quality levels (8.8.1.16);
1.3.1.10 Total image unsharpness (8.8.1.15);
1.3.1.11 Performance verification (9.3);
1.3.1.12 Interpreter duty and rest periods (10.2);
1.3.1.13 Examination report (11.1);
1.3.1.14 Retention and storage of radiographs (6.1.10, 8.16, and 11.1);
1.3.2 Appendix X1 may be used to fulfill existing contracts that use Appendix X1 or the former Annex A1. The former mandatory
Annex A1 “DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACTS, SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS” was deleted and the detailed
requirements are appended now in the non-mandatory Appendix X1.
1.4 This practice also requires the user to perform a technique qualification suitable for its intended purpose and to issue a system
qualification report (see 9.7). Additionally, the user shall develop part specific inspection procedures (see Section 8).
1.5 Compliance—Systems, equipment, and materials that do not comply with this practice shall require approval from the
Cognizant Engineering Organization (CEO).
1.6 The general principles discussed in this practice apply broadly to penetrating radiation radioscopic systems. However, this
document is written specifically for use with X-ray and gamma-ray systems. Other radioscopic systems, such as those employing
neutrons, will involve equipment and application details unique to such systems.
1.3 The former mandatory Annex “A1. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACTS, SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS”
was deleted and the detailed requirements are appended now in the non-mandatory Appendix X1. Appendix X1 may be used to
fulfill existing contracts.
1.7 The user of this practice shall note that X-ray energies higher than 320keV320 keV may require modified or different methods
other than those described within this practice.
1.8 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from
the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Where applicable, SI units are shown in brackets [xx].
E1255 − 23
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety statements, see Section 97 and Fed. Std. Nos. 21 CFR
1020.40 and 29 CFR 1910.96.
1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination Using Industrial Radiographic Film
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
E746 Practice for Determining Relative Image Quality Response of Industrial Radiographic Imaging Systems below 4 MeV
E747 Practice for Design, Manufacture and Material Grouping Classification of Wire Image Quality Indicators (IQI) Used for
Radiology
E801 Practice for Controlling Quality of Radiographic Examination of Electronic Devices
E1000 Guide for Radioscopy
E1025 Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Material Grouping Classification of Hole-Type Image Quality Indicators (IQI)
Used for Radiography
E1161 Practice for Radiographic Examination of Semiconductors and Electronic Components
E1165 Test Method for Measurement of Focal Spots of Industrial X-Ray Tubes by Pinhole Imaging
E1255 Practice for Radioscopy
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E1411 Practice for Qualification of Radioscopic Systems
E1416 Practice for Radioscopic Examination of Weldments
E1453 Guide for Storage of Magnetic Tape Media that Contains Analog or Digital Radioscopic Data
E1475 Guide for Data Fields for Computerized Transfer of Digital Radiological Examination Data
E1647 Practice for Determining Contrast Sensitivity in Radiology
E1734 Practice for Radioscopic Examination of Castings
E1742 Practice for Radiographic Examination
E1817 Practice for Controlling Quality of Radiological Examination by Using Representative Quality Indicators (RQIs)
E2002 Practice for Determining Image Unsharpness and Basic Spatial Resolution in Radiography and Radioscopy
E2339 Practice for Digital Imaging and Communication in Nondestructive Evaluation (DICONDE)
E2445 Practice for Performance Evaluation and Long-Term Stability of Computed Radiography Systems
E2698 Practice for Radiographic Examination Using Digital Detector Arrays
E2903 Test Method for Measurement of the Effective Focal Spot Size of Mini and Micro Focus X-ray Tubes
2.2 ASNT Department of Defense Standard:
SNT-TC-1ADOD-STD-2167 Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive TestingDe-
fense Systems Software Development
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
2.3 Federal Standards:
21 CFR 1020.40 Safety Requirements of Cabinet X-Ray Systems
29 CFR 1910.96 Ionizing Radiation
2.4 Health Physics Society Standard:
ANSI/HPS N43.3 Radiation Safety for Installations Using Non-Medical X-Ray and Sealed Gamma-Ray Sources, Energies up
to 10 MeV
2.5 National Conference of Standards Laboratories (NCSL) Standard:
ANSI Z540-3 Requirements for the Calibration of Measuring and Test Equipment
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org. U.S.
Government Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401, http://www.gpo.gov.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://www.dodssp.daps.mil.
http://www.dodssp.daps.mil or https://www.ecfr.gov/
Available from HIS Markit, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112
Available from National Conference of Standards Laboratories (NSCL) International, 5766 Central Ave, Boulder, CO 80301, https://ncsli.org/.
E1255 − 23
2.6 National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement (NCRP) Standard:Standards:
NCRP 49 Structural Shielding Design and Evaluation for Medical Use of X Rays and Gamma Rays of Energies Up to 10 MeV
NCRP 61 Radiation Safety Training Criteria for Industrial Radiography
NCRP 116 Limitation of Exposure to Ionizing Radiation
NCRP 147 Structural Shielding Design for Medical X-ray Imaging Facilities
2.7 National Aerospace Standard:ISO Standards:
NAS-410ISO 10012 NAS Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive Test PersonnelRequirements for measurement
processes and measuring equipment
ISO 19232-1 Part 1: Determination of the image quality value using wire-type image quality indicators
ISO 19232-2 Part 2: Determination of the image quality value using step/hole-type image quality indicators
2.8 Other Standards:
ISO 9712 Nondestructive Testing—Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
SMPTE RP 133 Specifications for Medical Diagnostic Imaging Test Pattern for Television Monitors and Hard-Copy Recording
Cameras
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: For definitions of terms used in this practice, see Terminology E1316.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 basic detector spatial resolution—half the value of unsharpness measured as described in 7.2.5.3 with magnification 1 (IQI
in contact to surface of the active area of the detector). The value is given in [μm] or Line/mm (L/mm).
3.2.2 basic system spatial resolution—half the value of system unsharpness measured as described in 7.2.5.3. The value is given
in μm or lines/mm (L/mm).
3.2.1 camera spatial resolution—resolution, n—an expression for the resolution of thea camera inside the image intensifier.an
image intensifier or viewing a fluorescent screen.
3.2.4 system unsharpness—the unsharpness of the system with given magnification measured as described in 7.2.5.3. The value
is given in μm or line pairs/mm (LP/mm). Practice E2002 shows a conversion between both values in Table 1.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 Visual evaluation as well as computer-aided automated radioscopic examination systems are used in a wide variety of
penetrating radiation examination applications. A simple visual evaluation radioscopic examination system might consist of a
radiation source, a fluorescent screen viewed with an analog camera, suitably enclosed in a radiation protective enclosure, and a
video display. At the other extreme, a complex automated radioscopic examination system might consist of an X-ray source, a
robotic examination part manipulator, a radiation protective enclosure, an electronic image detection system with a camera, a frame
grabber, a digital image processor, an image display, and a digital image archiving system. All system components are supervised
by the host computer, which incorporates the software necessary to not only operate the system components, but to make
accept/reject decisions as well. Systems having a wide range of capabilities between these extremes can be assembled using
available components. Guide E1000 lists many different system configurations.
4.2 This practice provides details for applying radioscopic examination with camera techniques; however, supplemental
examination. Supplemental requirements are necessary to address areas that are application and performance specific.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 As with conventional radiography, radioscopic examination is broadly applicable to any material or examination object
through which a beam of penetrating radiation may be passed and detected including metals, plastics, ceramics, composites, and
other nonmetallic materials. In addition to the benefits normally associated with radiography, radioscopic examination may be
Available from NCRP Publications, 7010 Woodmont Ave., Suite 1016, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Available from Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc. (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-3928, http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Standardization, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 8 CP
401-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.https://www.iso.org/home.html.
Available from the Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers. (SMPTE), 3 Barker Ave., 5th Floor, SMPTE, White Plains Plaza, 445 Hamilton Ave, Suite 601,
White Plains, NY 10601, https://www.smpte.org.10601
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either a dynamic, filmless technique allowing the examination part to be manipulated and imaging parameters optimized while the
object is undergoing examination, or a static, filmless technique wherein the examination part is stationary with respect to the X-ray
beam. The differentiation to systems Systems with digital detector arrays (DDAs) is the use of or an analog component such as
an electro-optic device or an analog camera. Recent technology advances in the area of projection imaging, camera techniques,
and digital image processing provide acceptable sensitivity for a wide range of applications. If normalcamera may be used in
dynamic mode. If achievable video rates are not adequate to detectexamine features of interest in dynamic mode then averaging
techniques with no movement of the test object shall be used – in this case, if using a DDA, Practice E2698used. shall be used.
If used with a high speed camera system, the user must be aware of the various image conversion materials decay time such that
the converter signal can change as fast or faster than the frame rate. Linear Detector Arrays (LDAs) and flying spot systems may
be considered radioscopic configurations as they are included in as shown in Guide E1000.
5.2 This practice establishes the basic parameters for the application and control of the radioscopic examination method. This
practice is written so it can be specified on the engineering drawing, specification, or contract.
5.3 Weld Examination—Additional information on radioscopic weld examination may be found in Practice E1416.
5.4 Casting Examination—Additional information on radioscopic casting examination may be found in Practice E1734.
5.5 Electronic Components—Radioscopic examination of electronic components shall comply with Practice E1161.
5.6 Explosives and Propellants—Radioscopic examination of explosives/propellant components shall comply with Practice E1742
Annex A3.
5.7 Part-Specific Examination Technique—A detailed written procedure including a part-specific examination technique shall be
prepared for each part, or group of parts, and shall be approved by the Cognizant Radiographic Level 3.
5.8 Personnel Qualification—Personnel performing radioscopic examinations and interpretations to this practice shall be qualified
in accordance with a nationally or internationally recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or standard and certified by the
employer or certifying agency as applicable. Other equivalent qualification documents may be used when specified on the contract
or purchase order. The applicable revision shall be the latest unless otherwise specified in the contractual agreement between
parties.
5.9 Agency Evaluation—If specified in the contractual agreement, the NDT supplier shall be qualified and evaluated in accordance
with Practice E543. The applicable revision of Practice E543 shall be specified in the contractual agreement.
6. Apparatus
6.1 System Configuration—Many different radioscopic examination systems configurations are possible, and it is important to
understand the advantages and limitations of each. It is important that the radioscopic examination system be selected for each
examination requirement through an analysis of the benefits and limitations of the available system components and the chosen
system configuration. The CEO and NDT supplier of radioscopic examination services shall agree upon the system configuration
to be used for each radioscopic examination application under consideration, and how its performance is to be evaluated; see
Section 9.
6.1.1 The minimum radioscopic examination system configuration will include:
6.1.1.1 An appropriate source of penetrating radiation,
6.1.1.2 A radiation protective enclosure with appropriate safety interlocks and a radiation warning system or other appropriate
radiation safety in accordance with local regulations,
6.1.1.3 A means for positioning the examination object within the radiation beam,
6.1.1.4 An image detection system (for example, fluorescent screen viewed by a video camera, a dynamic rate capable DDA, an
LDA with linear motion of either the detector or component under examination, or a radiation detector with X-ray flying spot),
and
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6.1.1.5 An image display.
6.1.2 A more complex system might include the following additional components:
6.1.2.1 Image Detector:
(1) An Image Intensifier/Camera system to intensify the photon detection from a bare fluorescent screen image detector, or
(2) An X-ray Image Intensifier (XRII) tube and camera image detector.
6.1.2.2 Radiation Source—A micro- or mini-focus X-ray tube (can be used with magnification to facilitate higher-resolution
projection imaging).
6.1.2.3 Manipulation System—A multiple axis examination part manipulation system to provide full volumetric examination part
manipulation under operator manual control or automated program control.
6.1.2.4 Information Processing System:
(1) The function of the information processing system is to take the output of the detection system and present a useful image
for display and operator interpretation, or for automatic evaluation. The information processing system may take many different
forms, and may process analog or digital information, or a combination of the two.
(2) The information processing system includes all of the electronics and interfaces after the detection system including the
image display and automatic evaluation system. Information system components include such devices as frame grabbers, image
processors, and in general any device that processes radioscopic examination information after the detection system.
(3) A digital image processing system warrants special attention, since it is the means by which radioscopic examination
information may be enhanced. Care shall be exercised in determining which image processing techniques are most beneficial for
the particular application. Directional spatial filtering operations, for example, must be given special attention as certain feature
orientations are emphasized while others are suppressed. While many digital image processing operations occur sufficiently fast
to follow time-dependent radioscopic system variables, others do not. Some image processing operations require significant image
acquisition and processing time, so as to limit the dynamic response of the radioscopic examination, in dynamic radioscopic
systems. Image processing, if used, shall be included in the system qualification (see 9.5 and 9.6).
6.1.3 Image Display:
6.1.3.1 Image display monitors used for interpretation shall meet the following requirements as a minimum. Alternate image
displays or requirements may be used with CEO approval.
6.1.3.2 The minimum brightness as measured off the image display monitor screen at maximum Digital Driving Level (DDL) shall
be 250 cd ⁄m .
6.1.3.3 The minimum contrast as determined by the ratio of the image display monitor screen brightness at the maximum DDL
compared to the screen brightness at the minimum DDL shall be 250:1.
6.1.3.4 The image display monitor shall be capable of displaying linear patterns of alternating pixels at full contrast in both the
horizontal and vertical directions without aliasing.
6.1.3.5 The image display monitor shall be free of discernable geometric distortion.
6.1.3.6 The image display monitor shall be free of screen flicker, characterized by high frequency fluctuation of high-contrast
image details.
6.1.3.7 The image display monitor shall be capable of displaying a 5 % DDL block against a 0 % DDL background and
simultaneously displaying a 95 % DDL block against a 100 % background in a manner clearly perceptible to the user.
6.1.3.8 The image display monitor shall be capable of discriminating horizontal and vertical low contrast (1 %) modulation
patterns at the display center and each of the four corner locations.
6.1.3.9 The image display monitor shall be capable of displaying no less than 256 unique shades of gray.
6.1.4 Image Display Monitor Test Pattern—The test pattern for measuring the image display monitor requirements of 6.1.3 shall
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comply with SMPTE RP-133 and shall be configured to the image display monitor’s resolution and aspect ratio. The test pattern
shall be viewed at 1:1 digital zoom (One display pixel per image pixel). Alternate test patterns may be used when approved by
the Cognizant Radiographic Level 3 provided they include the features described in SMPTE RP-133 required to perform the image
display tests specified herein.
6.1.5 Light Meters:
6.1.5.1 Luminance—A calibrated light meter shall be used to measure image display monitors for brightness and contrast and shall
measure luminance in candelas per square meter (cd/m ) or foot-lamberts.
6.1.5.2 Illuminance—A calibrated light meter shall be used to measure ambient background lighting and shall measure illuminance
in lux [lumens/m ] or in foot candles (fc).
6.1.5.3 Calibration frequency for light meters is listed in Table 1.
6.1.6 Image Quality Indicators (IQIs)—A Certificate of Compliance (COC) is required to verify material type and dimensional
accuracy. A means to trace COCs to individual IQIs shall be provided. Users shall visually inspect IQIs for damage and cleanliness
in accordance with Table 1.
6.1.6.1 Hole-Type IQIs—Hole-type IQIs shall comply with Practice E1025, Practice E1742 Annex A1, or ISO 19232-2, however,
the minimum thickness may be 0.005 in. [0.127 mm] and the minimum hole sizes, 1T, 2T, and 4T, may be 0.010 in. [0.254 mm],
0.020 in. [0.508 mm] and 0.040 in. [1.016 mm].
6.1.6.2 Wire-Type IQIs—Wire-type IQIs shall comply with Practice E747 or ISO 19232-1 and shall be correlated to hole-type
radiographic quality levels.
6.1.6.3 IQI and Shim Material—IQIs and shims shall be of the same material group as the specimen being examined. When IQIs
and shims of the same material group are not available, radiographically similar IQIs and shims as defined in Practice E1025 may
be used. IQIs and shims of radiographically less dense material than the subject shall be allowed.
6.1.6.4 IQI Shims—Shims used with IQIs shall exceed the IQI dimensions such that the pertinent features of the IQI are visible
in the image.
6.1.6.5 Alternate IQI Types—The use of other types of IQIs, or modifications to types specified, is permitted upon approval of the
TABLE 1 Calibration and Process Control
Check Method Frequency Subsection
A
Focal spot size E1165 or E2903 See E1411 8.1
detector B
Detector basic spatial resolution (SR ) E2002 See E1411 8.1
b
B
Contrast Sensitivity E1647 See E1411 8.1
B
Image Quality IQI and/or RQI See E1411 8.1
Image Display Monitor:
Brightness Light Meter Monthly 6.1.3.2
Contrast Light Meter Monthly 6.1.3.3
C
High Contrast Resolution Visual Daily 6.1.3.4
C
Low Contrast Resolution Visual Daily 6.1.3.8
C
Flicker Visual Daily 6.1.3.6
C
Distortion Visual Daily 6.1.3.5
C
Small Contrast Change Visual Daily 6.1.3.7
Light Meter(s) Calibration 6 months 6.1.5
Image Quality Indicators Certified When Procured 6.1.6
C
Visual Prior to Use 6.1.6
C
Representative Quality Indicators Visual Prior to Use 6.1.7
D
Dimensional Reference Standard Calibration 6.1.8
D
Measurement Tools Calibration 6.1.9
E
Background Ambient Light Light Meter 10.3.1
A
In case of a fixed focus tube the value from the manufacturer may be used.
B
Unless otherwise specified, frequency not to exceed 10 days for these performance checks.
C
Documentation of this check is not required.
D
Calibrated and recorded in accordance with ANSI Z540-3 or ISO 10012, as applicable.
E
Initially and when conditions change. Fixed viewing locations with acceptable and controlled ambient lighting conditions need not be re-verified as long as those
conditions are maintained.
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cognizant engineering organization. Details of the design, materials designation, and thickness identification of the IQIs shall be
in the written procedure, or documented on a drawing that shall be referenced in the written procedure.
6.1.7 Representative Quality Indicators (RQIs)—When used, RQIs shall comply with the requirements of Practice E1817. Users
shall visually inspect RQIs for damage and cleanliness in accordance with Table 1.
6.1.8 Dimensional Reference Standard—When image features are measured for accept/reject evaluations, a calibrated physical
standard shall be used when calibrating the software measurement tool. Users shall visually inspect the reference standard to ensure
the calibration is current and for damage and cleanliness in accordance with Table 1.
6.1.9 Measurement Tools—As an alternative to the dimensional reference standard, a feature or item included in the image, such
as the IQI, may be measured with a calibrated measurement tool (for example, calibrated dial caliper) to establish software
calibration. Users shall ensure the calibration is current in accordance with Table 1. A dimensional calibration of the measuring
function based upon a verifiable scanned pixel size may also be used.
6.1.10 Radioscopic Examination Record Archiving System:
6.1.10.1 The examination record archiving system shall be as agreed upon by the CEO and NDT supplier of radioscopic
examination services. The reproduction quality of the archival method shall be sufficient to demonstrate the same image quality
as was used to qualify the radioscopic examination system. To reduce storage capacity image compression may be used (if lossy
compression like JPEG or MPEG is used, ensure that the resulting quality is equivalent to the original image). Lifetime of the
image storage media shall meet CEO requirements. Guide E1475 or Practice E2339 shall be consulted if stored radioscopic data
is to be shared with dissimilar radioscopic storage, retrieval, display, and hard copy systems.
6.1.10.2 Video hard copy device used to create an image from the video signal shall meet CEO requirements.
6.1.10.3 Laser print hard copy device used to create a film image shall meet CEO requirements.
6.1.10.4 Analog video tape recording and playback shall meet CEO requirements (Guide E1453 shall be consulted for radioscopic
data media storage precautions).
6.1.10.5 Digital recording on magnetic tape shall meet CEO requirements.
6.1.10.6 Digital recording on optical disk shall meet CEO requirements.
6.1.10.7 Digital records shall have backup storage.
7. Hazards
7.1 The premises and equipment shall present no hazards to the safety of personnel or property. Radioscopic examination
procedures shall be conducted under protective conditions so that personnel will not receive ionizing radiation dose levels
exceeding that permitted by company, city, state, or national regulations. NCRP 49, NCRP 61, NCRP 116, NCRP 147, ANSI/HPS
N43.3, 21 CFR 1020.40, and 29 CFR 1910.96 may be used as guides to ensure that radiographic facilities and procedures are
performed so that personnel shall not receive a radiation dose exceeding the maximum permitted by city, state, or national codes.
8. Equipment and Procedure
8.1 System Configuration—Many different radioscopic examination systems configurations are possible, and it is important to
understand the advantages and limitations of each. It is important that the optimum radioscopic examination system be selected
for each examination requirement through a careful analysis of the benefits and limitations of the available system components and
the chosen system configuration. The provider as well as the user of the radioscopic examination services should be fully aware
of the capabilities and limitations of the radioscopic examination system that is proposed for examination of the object. The
provider and the user of radioscopic examination services shall agree upon the system configuration to be used for each radioscopic
examination application under consideration, and how its performance is to be evaluated.A written procedure must be approved
by the Radiographic Level 3 of the NDT facility. Where required, the written procedure shall be approved by the contracting
agency prior to use. The written procedure shall include the following general requirements.
6.1.1 The minimum radioscopic examination system configuration will include an appropriate source of penetrating radiation, a
means for positioning the examination object within the radiation beam, in the case of dynamic radioscopy, and a detection system.
E1255 − 23
The detection system may be as simple as a camera-viewed fluorescent screen with suitable radiation shielding for personnel
protection that meets applicable radiation safety codes.
6.1.2 A more complex system might include the following components:
6.1.2.1 An Image Intensifier to intensify the photon detection from the fluorescent screen,
6.1.2.2 A micro- or mini-focus X-ray tube to be used with high magnification to facilitate higher-resolution projection imaging,
6.1.2.3 A multiple axis examination part manipulation system to provide dynamic, full volumetric examination part manipulation
under operator manual control or automated program control, for dynamic radioscopy,
6.1.2.4 An electronic imaging system to display a bright, two-dimensional gray-scale image of the examination part at the
operator’s control console,
6.1.2.5 A digital image processing system to perform image enhancement and image evaluation functions,
6.1.2.6 An archival quality image recording or storage system, and
6.1.2.7 A radiation protective enclosure with appropriate safety interlocks and a radiation warning system.
6.1.3 Whether a simple or a complex system is used, the system components and configuration utilized to achieve the prescribed
examination results shall be carefully selected.
8.2 Examination and Coverage—The number of parts examined and the examination coverage of each part shall be as specified
by the engineering drawing or other authorizing documentation. When the number of parts to be examined or the amount of
coverage is not specified, then all parts shall be examined and shall receive 100 % coverage.
8.3 Examination Sequence—The sequence for radiographic examination shall be as specified by the engineering drawing or other
authorizing documentation. When not specified, radiographic examination shall be performed at a stage in the manufacturing
process or assembly where pertinent discontinuities can be detected.
8.4 Surface Preparation—Components may be examined without surface preparation or conditioning except as required to remove
surface conditions that may interfere with proper interpretation and evaluation of the radiographic images.
8.5 Acceptance Requirements—Indicate the criteria by which the components are judged acceptable. Complex components may
be divided into zones and separate criteria assigned to each zone in accordance with its design requirements.
8.6 Examination Object Scan Plan—A listing of object orientations, ranges of motions, and manipulation speeds through which
the object shall be manipulated to ensure satisfactory examination.
8.7 Dynamic Imaging—Dynamic or in-motion imaging may be used to gain useful information about the object. However, unless
dynamic imaging is specified and qualified, the final assessment of image formation for mandatory radioscopic examinations shall
be made in the static mode.
8.8 Radioscopic Parameters—A radioscopic examination technique shall be established and documented for each part examined.
When the technique is similar for multiple parts, a master examination technique may be used that covers the details common to
a variety of parts. The technique shall be capable of consistently producing the detail requirements of this practice and shall be
approved by the Cognizant Radiographic Level 3.
8.8.1 The following detail information, as applicable, shall be documented on the radiographic examination technique:
8.8.1.1 Name and address of the examination facility.
8.8.1.2 Customer name.
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8.8.1.3 Revision level and date of the technique.
8.8.1.4 Part name and part number.
8.8.1.5 Part material and alloy.
8.8.1.6 Part thickness or thickness range (which the IQI is based on).
8.8.1.7 IQIs/RQIs used.
8.8.1.8 Source energies or gamma isotope.
8.8.1.9 Source intensities.
8.8.1.10 Focal spot sizes.
8.8.1.11 Filter in the X-ray beam (as applicable).
8.8.1.12 Collimator positions and settings (as applicable).
8.8.1.13 Range of source-to-object distances object-to-image plane distances, and source-to-image plane distances.
8.8.1.14 Frame rate and averaging.
8.8.1.15 Total Image Unsharpness—Maximum total image unsharpness shall be in accordance with the requirements of Table 3
unless otherwise approved by the CEO and Cognizant Radiographic Level 3.
8.8.1.16 Radioscopic Quality Level—Table 2 lists the radioscopic quality levels. Unless otherwise specified on the engineering
drawing or other authorizing documentation, the default radiographic quality level shall be 2-2T. The radioscopic image shall
render a clearly defined image of the required IQI features.
8.9 Image Quality Indicator Use:
8.9.1 When placed directly on the component, one IQI shall represent an area with a pixel value or brightness equal to or less than
the least radiographically dense area of the represented area of the image.
8.9.1.1 Additional IQIs may be used, as necessary, to cover the entire thickness range of the object. For components such as
castings and forgings, where there are changes in wall thickness and wall alignment and the use of multiple IQIs is not possible,
TABLE 2 Radioscopic Quality Levels
Radioscopic Maximum IQI Minimum Equivalent IQI
Quality Level
A C,E
Thickness, % Perceptible Hole Sensitivity, %
B,D
Diameter
1–1T 1 1T 0.7
1–2T 1 2T 1.0
2–1T 2 1T 1.4
2–2T 2 2T 2.0
2–4T 2 4T 2.8
A
Expressed as a percentage of material thickness.
B
Expressed as multiple thickness of IQI.
C
Equivalent IQI sensitivity is that thickness of the IQI expressed as a percentage
of the specimen thickness in which a 2T hole would be clearly visible under the
same radiographic conditions.
D
When using Wire Type IQIs, Table 4 of Practice E747 shall be used to determine
equivalent wire size to corresponding 1T, 2T or 4T hole size.
E
EPS values shown above are not applicable for material thicknesses below
0.500 in. [12.7 mm] when using standard Hole Type IQIs with minimum thickness
and hole size (Notes A and B).
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A,B
TABLE 3 Total Image Unsharpness, Maximum
Material Thickness Maximum Allowed Image
Unsharpness (U )
Im
# 0.5 in. 0.010 in.
[# 12.7 mm] [0.254 mm]
> 0.5 in. through 1 in. 0.015 in.
[> 12.7 mm through 25.4 mm] [0.381 mm]
> 1 in. through 2 in. 0.020 in.
[> 25.4 through 50.8 mm] [0.508 mm]
> 2 in. through 3 in. 0.030 in.
[> 50.8 through 76.2 mm] [0.762mm]
> 3 in. through 4 in. 0.040 in.
[> 76.2 mm through 101.6 mm] [1.016 mm]
> 4 in. through 5 in. 0.050 in.
[> 101.6 through 127.0 mm] [1.270mm]
> 5 in. through 6 in. 0.060 in.
[> 127.0 mm through 152.4 mm] [1.52 mm]
>6 in. 0.070 in.
[> 152.4 mm] [1.77 mm]
A
See Practice E1416 for weldments requirements.
B
See Practice E1734 for castings requirements.
the use of one IQI is acceptable providing the required sensitivity level is achieved. The single IQI thickness shall be based on
the thinnest wall being radiographed and shall be placed on the thickest wall section.
8.9.2 IQI selection shall be based on a thickness not greater than the nominal thickness to be radiographed. For double-wall
exposure and double-wall viewing techniques, the IQI shall be based on the double-wall thickness of the component. For
double-wall exposures and single-wall viewing techniques, the IQI shall be based on the single-wall thickness of the component.
In no case shall the IQI thickness be based on a thickness greater than the thickness to be radiographed.
8.9.3 The IQI shall be placed on each part radiographed for the duration of the exposure, unless a number of identical parts are
simultaneously exposed in a single image. In such a case, a single IQI shall be placed upon the source side of a part at the outer
edge of the cone of radiation or farthest extremity from the central beam of radiation. For examination of irregular objects, the IQI
shall be placed on the area of the part farthest from the detector. The IQI shall be placed adjacent to the area of interest since
accept/reject decisions cannot be made in the area directly beneath the IQI. Where it is not practical to place the IQI on the part,
the separate block technique or detector side technique may be used as applicable as described in 8.9.4.
8.9.4 Where it is impractical to place the IQI on the part, the IQI shall be placed on the source side of a separate shim, block, or
like section, from the same material group. The shim, block, or like section and IQI shall be placed onto the outer edge of the cone
of radiation. The shim, block, or like section shall exceed the IQI dimensions so that at least three sides of the IQI shall be visible
in the image. If required, the shim shall be placed on a low absorptive material (such as polystyrene plastic or its equivalent) to
ensure that the IQI shall not be any closer to the detector than the source side of the part, or area of interest being evaluated.
8.9.5 When examining double-walled parts such as tubing or hollow castings, where it is not practical to place an IQI on the source
side of the part, IQIs may be placed on the detector side of the part and a letter F or D (Film/Detector) shall be placed adjacent
to the IQI. The letter shall be made of a material and thickness that allows for it to be easily viewable within the image.
Alternatively, the resulting image may be labeled accordingly, in an overlaying manner delineating that the IQI is placed on the
detector side of the part. As an overlay, the label can be removed so that region of the part may be interpreted. Digital labeling
shall never permanently alter the nature of the image or hinder interpretation of an area within the image.
8.9.6 When performing double-walled radiography in which both walls or a single wall is viewed for acceptance, the detector side
radiographic technique shall be demonstrated on an image of a like section in which the required IQI shall be placed on the source
side, and sets of wire IQIs (or a series of hole-type IQIs) ranging in thickness from that of the required IQI to one fourth that
thickness shall be placed on the detector side. If the required IQI on the source side indicates the specified radiographic quality
level, then the image of either the smallest IQI hole in the thinnest IQI, or the image of the smallest wire visible on the detector
side shall be used to determine the proper detector-side IQI to be used for production images.
8.9.7 Non-Requirement of IQIs—The IQIs are not required when:
8.9.7.1 Examining component positioning or motion or functioning of components as long as the features being examined can be
distinguished;
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8.9.7.2 Examining assemblies for debris;
8.9.7.3 Conducting radiography for defect removal provided final examination of the area includes an IQI;
8.9.7.4 Examining to show material details or contrast between two or more dissimilar materials in component parts or assemblies
including honeycomb areas for the detection of fabrication irregularities or the presence or absence of material.
8.9.7.5 When surfaces are inaccessible, an alternate method of qualification shall be used subject to the approval of the cognizant
engineering organization.
8.10 Shot, masking solutions, sheet lead and foils, or other absorbers may be used as masking to minimize the effects of scattering
radiation or undercutting.
8.11 Source or detector side filters shall be used as necessary to achieve the radiographic quality level or radiographic coverage
requirements as specified in the contract, purchase order, or drawing.
8.12 Image Processing Parameters—A listing of all the image processing variables, sequence, and processes necessary to enhance
flaw detectability in the object and to achieve the required sensitivity level. These would include, but are not limited to, techniques
such as noise reduction, contrast enhancement, and spatial filtering.
8.13 Image Display—Display manufacturer, model, and serial number shall be listed. See 6.1.3 for qualification of the image
display.
8.14 Environmental Conditions—Proper reduced lighting intensity and glare-free viewing of radioscopic examination images shall
be listed. If tem
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