From 2015 ASNT Digital Imaging XVIII Paper Summaries, June 2015. ISBN: 978-1-57117-365-2.

Copyright © 2015 by The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc.

ImplementationofofComputerized
Implementation ComputerizedRadiography
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[Link]
John Moran
Doncasters Precision Castings
Doncasters Precision Castings New NewEngland
England
835 Poquonnock
835 Poquonnock RoadRoad
Groton,Connecticut
Groton, Connecticut06340
06340
(860)446-4821;
(860) 446-4821;fax
fax(860)
(860)449-1615;
449-1615;email
emailjmoran@[Link]
jmoran@[Link]

This paper is presented as an approach to implement the Computerized Radiography Inspection method into a
current process of Radiographic Inspection. An overview of the implementation and a recommended form to capture
On the Job Training is presented. A brief overview of the radiographic inspection process, an example of a Force
Field Analysis and an action plan for incorporating this process will be discussed.

Computerized radiography (CR) is a type of digital radiography that offers an opportunity to make the transition
from film to imaging plates. The imaging plate is placed under the object to be examined and then the x-ray
exposure is made. Instead of taking the exposed film into a darkroom for developing in chemical tanks or film
processor, the imaging plate is run through a special laser scanner to read and digitize the image. This digital image
can be viewed and enhanced using the CR software and then transmitted for storage. The software permits the
operator in adjusting the image contrast, brightness, and clarity of the image. Saving the raw unprocessed digital
image first before adjustments is not only recommended but required by customers, whether it is aerospace, military
or commercial inspections.

The use of non film imaging to convert penetrating radiation into readable image is not a new idea. Fluoroscopy was
used for some time but the images presented were poor, lacking the sensitivity required by industry.

The use of Computerized Radiography imaging plates allows the Radiographer to take fewer shots since the digital
imaging viewing software allows the reader to see wider latitude of film densities, reducing the required film shots
to cover a single area of the casting. This improves productivity by providing access to prior views, eliminating the
need for film storage and its associated costs.

Digital Radiography, using image plate technology has proven to be an outstanding inspection method for
manufacturing, and new product development. This method offers many significant advantages as compared to
traditional film, while maintaining the image quality requirements mandated for code acceptable applications. An
increase in production may be recognized, as the digital images can be sent to the customers during development
review, reducing the inspectors need for mapping of these indications.

It has been estimated that payback generated after incorporation of this process, it should be less than two years with
the additional assumption of a 70% reduction in X-ray film and other processing chemicals. This eliminates
chemicals and hazardous waste that is associated with it.

This paper will not address the benefits of digital radiography utilizing the computerized radiography method but the
necessary/required documentation and the task involved in meeting this new process.

The Visio picture (Figure 1) is presented to better explain the needs to accomplish this project.

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Figure 1: Description of input requirements to implement Computerized Radiography

As depicted, I have broken out the requirements by Equipment, Personnel training, Environment and Procedures.
Each of these should be evaluated more deeply to better understand their specific needs prior to implementation but
these will not be addressed today. .

This presentation will also not address your specific needs in regard to equipment you may have selected but simply
a general approach to the incorporation of this or any new process into your current working environment.

Your training needs should always be driven by your customer’s needs, industry standards and/or the new
equipment familiarization and awareness of each piece of equipment and manufacturer’s recommendation.

Let us submit to you a suggested form for “On the job Training” (Figure 2) that should be used in this journey. The
energies that you expend in previewing and researching these requirements and incorporating the procedures
required should always be captured by documentation. Many customers authorize this as objective evidence of your
training if presented as such.

Figure 2: OJT (On the Job Training) Form

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George Bernard Shaw once said: “Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire. You will
what you imagine and at last, you create what you will”.

During my studies in obtaining a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, it has been shown that taking a
bird’s eye view of any situation many times provides a better picture in highlighting the obstacles that one has to
overcome. An overview (Figure 3) of the system will better able you to imagine this process.

Figure 3 Radiography Inspection using Film and CR with CR circled

The circled items are the incorporation of the new process to your radiography inspection process. Prior to
implementation of the equipment, an implementation plan may be required documenting equipment procedure as
well as personnel training and certification requirements. Documented studies will be needed and required to
understand and propose the correct technique to use and the standard work requirements for your operators and
inspectors. Be aware that many customers do not allow the use of a filter where as the CR may demand it for clarity.

An Action Plan for implementation (Figure 4) should be constructed with action items, an owner, the risk associated
and time lines. These risks should be identified as high, medium and low, with high identifying the most
challenging, and/or the length of time allotted and/or resources needed. These may be different for different groups
based on the education base of your workers, demand and support from management, availability of instructors and
costs.

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Figure 4: Example of an Action Plan Chart

Performing a force field analysis (Figure 5), will help to address key items of interest and help establish the Action
Plan. It is important to perform this upfront planning with all parties concerned so they as well become aware of
these force fields. Failure to recognize them will only slow you in your journey. As you write your plan identify a
strategy that will also measure the effectiveness of the system, integrate technology into a continuous learning
process.

This force field analysis should address training of the new system, scheduling and implementation, Management
support, resources available, computer literacy, and new terminology required, such as aliasing, geometric
distortion, gray scale and PMT streaks. This planning stage should also address the need for computer networking
and data storage including a backup plan.

Figure 5 Force Field Analyses example

As you roll this process out, establish and implement visual signs or 5S best practice. A system that will sort –
straighten – shine - standardize and sustain will only help a workgroup to identify and store items not currently
needed and create an environment people will be happy to work in. Establish a daily review check list as part of
your standard work. Work with the manufacturer and your maintenance department to establish a preventive
maintenance schedule and a critical spare parts list. And lastly, work with your IT department in creating a process
and a data collection system to monitor the equipment performance as this information will be needed to drive key
uptime improvement projects.

The references provided will greatly assist you in this journey. Customer requirements, equipment manufacturer
schooling, onsite training and utilizing the checklists, such as those provided through the NADCAP Webb site will
only help you in this journey.

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REFERENCES

1. ASTM E 2002 Standard Practice for Determining Total Image Unsharpness in Radiology
2. ASTM E 2007 Standard Guide for Computed Radiology
3. ASTM E 2033 Standard Practice for Computed Radiology
4. ASTM E 2339 Standard Practice for Digital Imaging and Communication in Nondestructive Evaluation
(DICONDE)
5. ASTM E 2445 Standard Practice for Qualification and Long-Term Stability of Computed Radiology
Systems
6. ASTM E 2446 Standard Practice for Classification of Computed Radiology Systems
7. ASTM E 2660 Standard Digital Reference Images for Investment Steel Castings for Aerospace
Applications
8. EN462-5 Duplex Wire Gage
9. MAI PCC-1 Material Affordability Initiatives Guidelines Document Task 4 Final 10-4-10
10. P&W NDTQ P&W NDT Qualification & Certification Specification
11. DRM Master P&W Digital Radiography Master
12. P3TF38 GE Aircraft Engines Specification for Non-Film Radiological Inspection
13. RRP 58009 Rolls Royce AMS for Digital Radiography
14. ISBN 1-57117-120-7 Radiographic Testing Classroom Training Book Written for ASNT by Jean Staton
[Link] CP 105-2011 Topical Outlines for Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel

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