Radiographic
The natural fit between Carestream industrial products and Sonatest NDT expertise is an obvious one, our ability to supply the industrial film, chemical and digital system needs of the UK and Ireland NDT industry is underpinned by our reputation for technical knowledge and service excellence.
Carestream
At Sonatest, we understand the specific needs of our customers and are uniquely qualified to provide them with quality Carestream products that suit them perfectly. Add to this our commitment to 24hr delivery and a film cutting service and it’s clear our partnership is a powerful one.
Radiographic FAQs
- What are the different types of radiographic testing?
- What are the hazards of RT testing?
- What is the difference between NDT and RT?
- What are the limitations of RT NDT?
What are the different types of radiographic testing?
Radiographic testing (RT) uses penetrating gamma rays or X-rays to capture images of internal structures. The primary types of radiographic testing are:
- Conventional Radiography: Uses film to record the images of the test sample, which are later developed in a darkroom
- Digital Radiography: Utilizes digital detectors that directly capture data and instantly provide images on a computer, enhancing the speed and efficiency of the analysis
- Computed Tomography (CT): Offers cross-sectional views of the object by combining several digital X-ray images taken from different angles
What are the hazards of RT testing?
The main hazards associated with radiographic testing arise from exposure to ionizing radiation, which includes gamma rays and X-rays. These radiations can be harmful if proper safety measures are not observed, potentially leading to radiation burns or long-term health issues like cancer. It is critical to follow strict safety protocols, use adequate shielding, and limit exposure time to mitigate these risks.
What is the difference between NDT and RT?
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a broad category of inspection techniques that assess the integrity and properties of materials or structures without causing damage. Radiographic Testing (RT) is one of the methods under the NDT umbrella. While NDT includes various techniques such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, and magnetic particle inspection, RT specifically uses X-rays or gamma rays to view the internal features of an object without altering it physically.
What are the limitations of RT NDT?
Radiographic Testing, while powerful, has several limitations:
- Access and Exposure: RT requires access to both sides of the test object to position the radiation source and detector
- Safety Concerns: Due to the hazards associated with radiation exposure, extensive safety measures and specialized training are necessary
- Surface Preparation: RT is less effective at detecting surface defects compared to some other NDT methods that are better suited for this purpose
- Cost and Speed: Especially in traditional film-based radiography, the process can be time-consuming and costly due to film processing and developing
By adhering to safety guidelines and understanding the limitations, radiographic testing can be a highly effective tool for internal inspection in many industrial applications.