Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Interpretation of Weld Radiographs
Interpretation of Weld Radiographs
Interpretation of Weld Radiographs
Introduction
Demo
Interpretation of Weld Radiographs Home Learn about Brochure (pdf) Demonstration Download Related Products Basic Metallurgy & Welding Staying in Shape
This training CD has been developed to introduce the basic requirements for successful interpretation of weld radiographs and to provide examples of weld defect images as generated by X-ray and gamma radiography. The CD consists of several sections, which may be accessed from a menu in any order and at any time allowing the student to move freely around the programme contents. In addition to photographic images, both audio commentary and text is used; audio to introduce sections and describe animations and text for more detailed descriptions within the sections. The radiographic techniques section provides descriptions and animations to show how the technique used affects the appearance of the weld image on the radiographic film. Assessment of film quality describes the checks necessary to ensure that the radiograph complies with various requirements and is suitable for assessment of the weld quality. Weld quality is explained by means of images and descriptions of both external and internal weld features, which can appear on the radiographic image. There is a tutorial section presented as an interactive question and answer session. Finally the student may undertake a self-assessment test of ten radiographs which gives a percentage success score and then permits review of the correct solution for each radiograph on completion of the test.
Price 499 Excluding VAT Contact E-mail: support@twisoftware.c Tel: +44 (0)1223 899000
Double Wall Double Image The double wall double image (DWDI) technique used for small diameter pipe welds, typically less than 90 mm outer diameter is described. The technique allows a weld to be examined in two or three exposures according to source placement.
Figure 2. Double wall double image radiographic technique animation The animation shows how moving the radiation source allows both the upper and lower weld regions to be evaluated. Double Wall Single Image In the double wall single image (DWSI) technique radiation from the source passes through both walls of the component, but only the image of the weld region closest to the film is suitable for evaluation since the weld section nearest to the source appears blurred and distorted in the image.
Figure 3. Double wall single image radiographic technique animation On larger diameter pipes, or if the source can be moved closer to the pipe surface the upper weld image can be moved completely off the film leaving the area of interest clear for evaluation, as seen in figure 3 frame 3. Imparting this complex information without the use of animation would be both difficult and time consuming. Alignment of Radiation The detection of planar defects such as cracks is sensitive to the radiation beam direction. This animation shows how alignment of the radiation beam changes the appearance of the defect in the image.
Figure 4. Inclined crack animation Figure 4 shows an inclined crack that appears as a faint broad shadow in the radiograph. When the radiation is directed parallel to the plane of the crack, its image becomes darker and more sharply defined. However, when the radiation is directed obliquely to the plane of the crack the image becomes faint and eventually disappears as the angle of incidence increases.
and should have some knowledge of the weld configuration and welding procedure used. Viewing radiographs should be carried out using a film viewer in a darkened room. Care must be taken to avoid marking or damaging the film.
Figure 5. Radiograph identification screen with pop-up text annotation Film density The density or blackness of a radiograph affects the contrast of the image produced, contrast increasing with increasing density. For this reason minimum density requirements are specified in codes and standards. The influence of density on image quality is examined. The section includes an interactive task where the student is asked to simulate the measurement of radiograph density using the mouse by pointing and clicking at selected points on the image. The student is expected to evaluate the acceptability of the densities displayed against prescribed criteria. Radiographic sensitivity This section examines how contrast and definition influence radiographic sensitivity and how the quality of the image can be evaluated through the use of image quality indicators. It highlights the importance of ensuring acceptable image quality. Different types of image quality indicators are described and an interactive presentation shows the effect of contrast and definition on the sensitivity of the radiographic image.
Figure 6. Static electricity film artefact Film artefacts Radiographs can sometimes be misinterpreted due to images appearing on the radiograph that are not associated with the weld. These indications, referred to as 'artefacts', can be due to handling damage or film processing faults. Those due to film damage may sometimes be identified by viewing under reflected light. This section presents some of the more commonly encountered artefacts. Figure 6 shows a radiograph having an artefact caused by the presence of static electricity.
Figure 7. Excessive root penetration screen design showing a photograph of the condition and two radiographic examples When a condition is selected from the weld surface features list, a detailed description is presented together with a photograph or diagram and thumbnails of radiographic examples (Figure 7). Clicking on a thumbnail image displays the full screen radiograph including detailed information relating to the weld itself (Figure 8).
Figure 8. Excessive root penetration Weld Defects This section shows a few of the many possible radiographic images produced by internal weld defects. Examples are described using diagrams, photographs and radiographic images. As in the weld surface features section, selection of an item from the list displays a detailed description (Figure 9) and clicking on a thumbnail (Figure 10) shows the full screen view of the radiograph (Figure 11).
Tutorial Chapter
The tutorial presents a series of interactive questions that require the student to demonstrate the extent of knowledge gained from the CD. Answers are revealed or solutions provided on completion of each question. Figure 12 shows a graphical multi-choice question in which the student must select the schematic that most closely applies to the weld radiograph. The interactive nature of the question and answer session reinforces the information presented earlier in the course and aids memory retention.
Assessment Chapter
The self assessment section consists of ten radiographs each of which contains one or more examples of weld defects which have been described elsewhere in the CD. The radiographs are presented as shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13. Assessment menu The student can select a radiograph to examine by clicking on a thumbnail. This presents the image together with a list of possible weld defect conditions (Figure 14).
Figure 14. Assessment question The radiograph can be examined in more detail by clicking on the magnify icon which presents a full screen image including details of the weld (Figure 15).
Figure 15. Full screen weld radiograph A further magnification stage of about double size is available and because the image is larger than full screen, the image can be 'dragged' around the screen to allow close up examination of any particular area. By selecting the appropriate defects from the defect list (Figure 14) and clicking on the 'submit' button, the ten thumbnails are again displayed. Radiographs already submitted appear faint to
indicate that they have been answered. It is possible to reselect an answered radiograph and change the submission. Another useful feature of the programme allows the student to review any other section of the CD during the assessment and then return to complete the assessment. On completion of the ten radiographs the student is presented with a percentage score and success or otherwise for each radiograph is indicated. It is now possible to re-examine each of the radiographs and to review the correct solutions for each of the images by clicking on the 'view correct answers' button that has become available on the defect list screen on completion of the assessment. The assessment process has been designed as a formal examination with the correct answers revealed to the user only upon completion of all ten questions. Then the student is prompted to review their performance and then revisit the areas that require further study. This automatic feedback tailored for each student provides a personalised 'to-do' list' that enables effective study focused on the topics requiring further work.
Conclusions
This training programme is considered suitable as an introduction to the subject of interpreting weld radiographs and is presented in a form that allows the student to interact with the material and study at their own pace. By presenting the information in an interactive form the student gains experience of the appearance of welds and weld features as they explore the programme in addition to learning the importance of viewing procedure and film quality.