Welding is one of the cornerstones of engineering and allows the creation of a huge array of different products. However, the weld itself can be one of the weakest points. There could be various issues and discontinuities in it. These may compromise the strength and performance. As a result it is important to test the weld. One of the most common methods of doing this is radiographic inspection.
How does it work?
This is a type of non-destructive testing that uses x-rays or gamma rays to see inside the weld. The practice is the same as an x-ray you would get at the hospital. What happens is the rays pass through a solid weld and the energy is absorbed by a photographic film on the other side. More energy will pass through in places where there is a discontinuity such as a crack. As a result these flaws will be darker on the film.
This type of testing is very good because it can detect the density and shape of discontinuities. It will also pick up on all kinds of issues, including cracks, pores, voids, and inclusions. Most importantly, it won’t cause any harm to the weld.
The thing to keep in mind about radiographic inspection is that you need to hire professionals to do the testing. There are safety concerns because the testers use radiation. As a result, improper use can cause serious health problems.
It is also a good idea to work with experienced personnel to ensure they can interpret the radiograph correctly. An issue here can cause big issues. For example, it could leave someone with the misconception there are no issues in a weld. What you want is a professional who will interpret the results and provide clear advice on the weld conditions.
Talk to us about radiographic inspection
Format NDT Ltd has a lot of experience with radiographic testing. We can provide it on-site or in-house. Our team have excellent qualifications and some of the best equipment available on the market. They also know how to set everything up and will understand the results of the tests.
If you want to arrange testing, please contact us.
Blog By: BrianFormatNDT
Source: https://www.formatndt.co.uk/why-do-you-need-radiographic-inspection-for-welds/
