Radiographic Inspection
Intro
• RADIOLOGY is the general term given to material inspection methods that are
based on the differential absorption of penetrating radiation--either
electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength or particulate radiation--by
the part or testpiece (object) being inspected
• density and variations in thickness
• radiography often refers to the specific radiological method that produces a
permanent image on film (conventional radiography) or paper (paper
radiography or xeroradiography). In a broad sense, however, radiography can
also refer to other radiological techniques that can produce two-dimensional,
plane-view images from the unabsorbed radiation.
Two techniques as radiographic inspection
Film or paper radiography: A two-dimensional latent image from the projected
radiation is produced on a sheet of film or paper that has been exposed to the
unabsorbed radiation passing through the testpiece. This technique requires
subsequent development of the exposed film or paper so that the latent image
becomes visible for viewing
Real-time radiography (also known as radioscopy): A two-dimensional image
can be immediately displayed on a viewing screen or television monitor. This
technique does not involve the creation of a latent image; instead, the
unabsorbed radiation is converted into an optical or electronic signal, which
can be viewed immediately or can be processed in near real time with
electronic and video equipment
Image Conversion
Conversion of radiation into a form suitable for observation or further signal
processing.
• recording medium (usually film) or
• a real-time imaging medium (such as fluorescent screens or scintillation
crystals).
The imaging process can also be assisted with the use of intensifying or
filtration screens, which intensify the conversion process or filter out
scattered radiation.
Recording media provide a permanent image that is related to the
variations in the intensity of the unabsorbed radiation and the time of
exposure. With a recording medium such as film, for example, an
invisible latent image is formed in the areas exposed to radiation. These
exposed areas become dark when the film is processed (that is,
developed, rinsed, fixed, washed, and dried), with the degree of
darkening (the photographic density) depending on the amount of
exposure to radiation. The film is then placed on an illuminated screen
so that the image formed by the variations in photographic density can
be examined and interpreted
Real-time imaging media provide an immediate indication of the
intensity of radiation passing through a testpiece.
With fluorescent screens, for example, visible light is emitted with a
brightness that is proportional to the intensity of the incident x-ray or -
ray radiation. This emitted light can be observed directly, amplified, and/
or converted into a video signal for presentation on a television monitor
and subsequent recording.
Intensifying and filtration screens are used to improve image contrast,
particularly when the radiation intensity is low or when the radiation
energy is high. The screens are useful at higher energies because the
sensitivity of films and fluorescent screens decreases as the energy of
the penetrating radiation increases.
Radiographic screens
These are pressed into intimate contact with the imaging medium
Radiographic screens include:
· Metallic screens placed over film, paper, or the screens used in real-time
systems
· Fluorescent screens placed over film or photographic paper
· Fluorometallic screens placed over film
screens are used to improve radiographic contrast by intensifying the
conversion of radiation and by filtering the lower-energy radiation
produced by scattering.