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Sr. No. Description Page

1 Introduction 2
2 Scope 2
3 General Information & Technique 2
4 References 3
5 Personnel 3
6 Equipment 3
7 Process 3
8 Gamma Radiation 8
9 Radiation Safety 12
10 Custody & Storage of Radiographic Equipment 14
11 Storage of Gamma Ray Sources 14
12 Evaluation 15
13 Documentation 15

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1. Introduction :
A written document which prescribe a complete & exact
method of testing a specific type of article or component
( Weld, Casting, Forging, Bar etc )
2. Scope :
2.1. This recommended practice is intended as a guide for
satisfactory X-Ray & Gamma Ray Radiographic testing
as applied to industrial film recording.
2.2 The scope of this recommended practice includes types
of materials to be inspected, radiographic testing
techniques & production methods; radiographic film
selection, processing, viewing, & storage; maintenance of
inspection records; & a list of available reference
radiographic documents.
3. General Information & Technique.
3.1 Definition : Radiography Testing

X- and Gamma Rays possess the capability of

penetrating materials, even those that are opaque to light.
In passing through matter, some of these rays are
absorbed. The amount of absorption at any point is
dependent upon the thickness and density of the matter at
that point: therefore, the intensity of the rays emerging
from the matter varies. When this variation is detected
and recorded, usually on film, a means of seeing within
the material is available. Radiography consists of using
the penetration and differential absorption characteristics
of radiant energy to examine material for internal
discontinuities.
3.2 The penetration and absorption of X-ray and Gamma
radiation, radiography is used to test a variety of non-

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metallic products, and metallic products such as welds,

castings, forgings, and fabrications. Since it is capable of
revealing discontinuities (variations in material
composition, or density) in a variety of dissimilar
materials, radiography testing is one of the primary non-
destructive test methods in use today.
3.3 Radiography testing usually requires exposing film to X
or Gamma Rays that have penetrated a specimen,
processing the exposed film & interpreting the resultant
radiograph.
4. References :
4.1 ASTM Standard – SE-94
4.2 ASME-SEC V, Article – 2
4.3 ASME-SEC VIII
4.4 KNPC Inspection Policy
4.5 KNPC Code of Practice for Radiation Safety
5. Personnel :
The personnel are to be qualified as per the following
5.1 ASNT NDT RT (Level – II) SNT- TC-IA
5.2 Approved Radiographer from Ministry of Health,
Kuwait(License Holder).
6. Equipment :
6.1 Gamma Mat Containers with IR-192 Isotopes of Capacity
18 or 30 Curies
7. Process :
7.1 Surface Preparation

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7.1.1 Materials - Surfaces shall satisfy the

requirements of the applicable materials
specifications, with additional conditioning, if
necessary, by any suitable process to a degree that
surface irregularities cannot mask or be confused
with discontinuities.
7.1.2 Welds - The weld ripples or weld surface
irregularities on both the inside (were accessible)
and outside shall be removed by any suitable
process to such a degree that the resulting
radiographic image due to any irregularities
cannot mask or be confused with discontinuities.
7.1.3 Surface Finish - The finished surface of butt-
welded joints may be flush with the base material
or may have reasonably uniform crowns, with
reinforcement not to exceed that specified in the
referencing Code Section.
7.2 Direction of Radiation
The direction of the central beam of radiation should be
centered on the area of interest whenever practical.
7.3 Film Selection
Radiographs shall be made using film Type 1 or Type 2 as
per the table below.

Film System Film Manufacturer Type

Class
Kodak Mx-1
Agfa Gavaert D4
I
Dupont NDT45
Fuji X80

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Kodak AA400
Agfa Gavaert D7
II
Dupont NDT65
Fuji X100

7.4 Screens
Intensifying screens or self screen type may be used, with
0.1 mm thick on either side.
7.5 Film Processing
The essence of the automatic processing system is control.
The processor maintains the chemical solutions at the proper
temperature, agitates and replenishes the solutions
automatically at a carefully controlled speed throughout the
processing cycle. Film characteristics must be compatible
with processing conditions. It is therefore, essential that the
recommendations of the film, processor, and chemical
manufacturers be followed.
7.5.1 Quality of Radiographs

All radiographs shall be free from mechanical,

chemical or other blemishes to the extent that they
cannot mask or be confused with the image of any
discontinuity in the area of interest of the object being
radiographed. Such blemishes include, but are not
limited to :
a. Fogging
b. Processing defects such as streaks, water marks, or
chemical stains.
c. Scratches, finger marks, crimps, dirtiness, static marks,
smudges, or tears.
d. Loss of detail due to poor screen-to-film contact.
e. False indications due to defective screens or internal faults.

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7.6 Radiographic Density

7.6.1 Density Limitations - The transmitted film density
through the radiographic image of the body of the
appropriate penetrameter and the area of interest
shall be 1.8 minimum for single film viewing for
radiographs made with an X-Ray source and 2.0
minimum for radiographs made with a gamma ray
source. For composite viewing of multiple film
exposures, each film of the composite set shall have
a minimum density of 1.3. A tolerance of 0.05 in
density is allowed for variations between
densitometer readings.
7.6.2 Monitoring Density Limitations of Radiographs
Either a densitometer or step wedge comparison film
shall be used for judging film density requirements.
The density of step wedge comparison films and
densitometer calibration shall be verified by
comparison with a calibrated step wedge film
traceable to a national standard.
7.7 Scattered Radiation
7.7.1 Back- Scatter Check As a check on back-
scattered radiation, a lead symbol “B”, with
minimum dimensions of ½ in. in height and 1/16 in.
in thickness, shall be attached to the back of each
film holder.
7.7.2 Excessive Scatter If a light image of the “B”
appears on a darker background of the radiograph,
protection from backscatter is insufficient and the
radiograph shall be considered unacceptable. A dark
image of the “B” on a lighter background is not
cause for rejection.

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7.8 System of Identification

7.8.1 The system shall be used to produce permanent
identification on the radiograph traceable to the
component, weld or weld seam, or part numbers,
as appropriate.
7.8.2 In any case this information shall not obscure the
area of interest.
7.9 Location Markers
Location markers which are to appear as radiographic
images on the film, shall be placed on the part – not on the
exposure holder / cassette – and their locations shall be
marked on the surface of the part being radiographed.
7.9.1 Single-Wall Viewing-Source Side Marker :
Source side location markers shall be used when
radiographing the following :
a. Flat components or longitudinal joints in cylindrical
or conical components.
b. Curved or spherical components whose concave side
is toward the source and when the source to material
distance is less than the inside radius of the
components.
c. Curved or spherical components whose convex side
is toward the source.
7.9.2 Film Side Markers
a. Film side markers shall be used when radiographing
curved or spherical components whose concave side
is toward the source and when the sound material
distance is greater than the radius.

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b. As an alternative for source side markers, film side

markers may be used when the radiograph shows
coverage beyond the location markers and when this
alternate is documented.
7.9.3 Double – Wall viewing For double-wall
viewing, at least one location marker shall be placed on
the outside surface adjacent to the weld (or on the material
in the area of interest) for each radiograph.

8 Gamma Radiation
The recommended thickness for which radioactive
isotopes may be used is as follows :

Material Iridium 192

Steel 6mm to 60 mm

The minimum recommended thickness limitation may be

reduced when the radiographic techniques used
demonstrate that the required radiographic sensitivity has
been obtained.

8.1 Sharpness of Radiographic Image

8.1.1 Geometric Un sharpness Limitations
When required by the referencing Code section, geometric
un sharpness of the radiograph shall not exceed the
following :

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8.2 Source Size

8.2.1 Verification of Source Size
The equipment manufacturer’s or supplier’s publications,
such as technical manuals, decay curves, or written
statements documenting the actual or maximum source
size or focal spot, shall be acceptable as source size
verification.
8.3 Image Quality Indicator (IQI)
8.3.1 IQI (Penetrameter) Sensitivity
Radiography shall be performed with a technique of
sufficient sensitivity to display the penetrameter image
and the specified hole, which are essential indications of

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the image quality of the radiograph. The radiographs shall

also display the identifying numbers and letters.

Nominal Single-wall
IQI
Material Thickness Range
Source Side Film Side
In mm Hole – Type Wire Hole – Type Wire
Designation Identity Designation Identity
Up to 6.4, incl. 12 5 10 4
Over 6.4 through 9.5 15 6 12 5
Over 9.5 through 12.7 17 7 15 6
Over 12.7 through 19.0 20 8 17 7
Over 19.0 through 25.4 25 9 20 8
Over 25.4 through 38.1 30 10 25 9
Over 38.1 through 50.8 35 11 30 10
Over 50.8 through 63.5 40 12 35 11
Over 63.5 through 80 50 13 40 12
8.4 Use of Penetrameters to Monitor Radiographic
Examination
8.4.1 Placement of Penetrameters
a. For welds, a source side penetrameter shall be placed
adjacent to the weld seam except in instances where
weld metal is not radiographically similar to the base
material or the geometric configuration makes it
impractical, in which case the penetrameter shall be
placed on the weld metal.
b. For materials other than welds, a source side
penetrameter shall be placed in the area of interest.
c. Where inaccessibility prevents hand placing the
penetrameter on the source side, the penetrameter
shall be placed on the film side of the part and a lead

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letter “F” at least as high as the identification number

shall be placed adjacent to or on the penetrameter.
d. When configuration or size prevents placing the
penetrameter on the object being radiographed, it may
be placed on a separate block as provide in Standard
Method SE-142.

Table – 1

PENETRAMETER DESIGNATION, THICKNESS AND HOLE

DIAMETERS

Penetrameter Penetrameter 1 T Hole 2 T Hole 4 T Hole

Designation Thickness Diameter Diameter Diameter
5 0.005 0.010 0.020 0.040
7 0.007 0.010 0.020 0.040
10 0.010 0.010 0.020 0.040
12 0.012 0.012 0.025 0.050
15 0.015 0.015 0.030 0.060
17 0.017 0.017 0.035 0.070
20 0.020 0.020 0.040 0.080
25 0.025 0.025 0.050 0.090
30 0.030 0.030 0.060 0.100
35 0.035 0.035 0.070 0.140
40 0.040 0.040 0.080 0.160
45 0.045 0.045 0.090 0.180
50 0.050 0.050 0.100 0.200
60 0.060 0.060 0.120 0.240
80 0.080 0.080 0.160 0.320
100 0.100 0.100 0.200 0.400
120 0.120 0.120 0.240 0.480
160 0.160 0.160 0.320 0.640
200 0.200 0.200 0.400

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9 Radiation Safety
9.1 Gamma Ray sources do not constitute a source of ignition.
Therefore radiographic work in operating areas involving the
use of Gamma Ray equipment is governed by Cold Work
Permit conditions. (Refer KNPC unified Fire & Safety
Regulations, Chapter – 8 on “Work Permit System”).
9.2 Barriers and Warning Signs
A “rope barrier” or “bunting” set-up shall be provided to
cordon off the area. Notices bearing the words “DO NOT
PASS THIS BARRIER – RADIOGRAPHY IN PROGRESS”
(English & Arabic) shall be placed at near the barrier.
Warning signs of adequate size with internationally agreed
symbol of ionizing radiation with word “DANGER
RADIATION” (English & Arabic) shall be posted at
appropriate locations around the cordoned off area. Warning
light may be provided for night time Radiography.
9.3 Safe Working Distance
Gamma Ray sources emit radiation in all directions
continuously. Therefore they shall be housed in shielded
containers and operated remotely by flexible guide tubes.
The safe distance for demarcation of radiation area for
Iridium – 192 sources shall be calculated by the following
formula :

Safe Distance (in meters) = 43.82 √ Source Activity in Curie (Ci)

This is based on a maximum permissible rate of 0.25 mr. / hr.
with an output of 0.48 rems. / hr. at 1 meter for one curie of
Iridium – 192 (Shielding as per BS 4049 : Part – I may be
used.

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Radiographic work shall be performed in a specially

designated remote open area to avoid disruption of normal
activities for shop fabrication and within the unit whenever
the limited manpower only available especially operating
staff.
9.4 Recommended Dose limits (1)

Application Dose Limit

Occupational Public
Effective Dose 20 mSv per year, averaged 1mSv in a year (3)
over defined periods of 5 (1 mSv = 100 MR)
years (2)
Annual equivalent dose 150 mSv 15 mSv
In the lens of the eye.

The skin (4), the hands and 500 mSv 50 mSv

Feet.

NOTES
1. The limits apply to the sum of the relevant doses from external
exposure in the specified period and the 50 year committed
dose (to age 70 years for children) from intakes in the same
period.
2. With the further provision that the effective dose should not
exceed 50 mSv in any single year. Additional restrictions apply
to the occupational exposure of pregnant women.
3. In special circumstances, a higher value of effective dose could
be allowed in a single year, provided that the average over 5
years does not exceed 1 mSv per year.

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4. The limitation on the effective dose provides sufficient

protection for the skin against stochastic effects. An additional
limit is needed for localized exposures in order to prevent
deterministic effects.

10 Custody and Storage of Radiographic Equipment

The classified worker designated, as the Authorized person
shall be responsible for transportation and custody of all
radiographic equipment within Company Premises and
Construction site. He shall keep proper record of the
movements and whereabouts of the equipment.
11 Storage of Gamma Ray Sources
Specially constructed storage pits shall be used for storage of
radiographic sources. The pit shall be constructed of
reinforced concrete wall with steel lid of 1" thickness. The
level of radiation outside the pit shall not exceed 6 mR per
hour measured at 1 meter distance from the source pit.
The pit shall be provided with fence all around and with
warning signs which shall include :
* Danger Radiation, Keep away (English, Arabic)
* Radiation Symbol (Magenta on Yellow background)
* Radio-Isotope)
* Competent person with his official and residence
telephone numbers to be notified in case of
emergency.

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12 . EVALUATION

13 Documentation
Radiography Report (Format is attached )

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