Report No.

721

Radiography
Proficiency Testing Program

Round One

July 2011

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

PTA wishes to gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance provided for this program
by Mr B Lonnee, Adelaide Inspection Services Pty Ltd, Mr B Gaven, Industrial Imaging Pty
Ltd and Mr V Mierzwa, ALS Global.

Copyright Proficiency Testing Australia 2011

P O Box 7507, Silverwater NSW 2128, Australia
 CONTENTS

1 Foreword 1
2. Program Features and Design 1
3. Reporting by Participants 1
4. Reference Values 1
5. Summary of Results 2
6. PTA and Technical Advisors Comments 2
7. References 3

APPENDIX A

Summary of Reported Results A1-A4

APPENDIX B

Acceptance Criteria B1

APPENDIX C

Inspection Reports C1-C4

APPENDIX D

Instructions to Participants D1-D2

APPENDIX E

Summary Report to Participants E1-E5

 1

1. Foreword

This report summarises the results of the first round of an interlaboratory

comparison on the radiographic examination of welded butt joints in metal.

Proficiency Testing Australia (PTA) conducted the program from February

2010 to May 2011. The Program Coordinator was Dr M Li. The Technical
Advisors were Mr B Lonnee, Adelaide Inspection Services Pty Ltd, Mr B
Gaven, Industrial Imaging Pty Ltd, and Mr V Mierzwa, ALS Global. This report
was authorised by Ms F Ward, PTA Quality - Business Development Manager.
The aim of the program was to assess laboratories ability to competently
perform the prescribed analyses.

2. Program Features and Design

2.1 Each laboratory was randomly allocated a unique code number for the
program to ensure confidentiality of results. Reference to each laboratory in
this report is by code number only. Please note that where laboratories
reported more than one set of results, the laboratory code number is reported
with letters a, b, and c etc.

2.2 Laboratories were provided with the "Instructions to Participants" (refer

Appendix D). Participants were provided with one pipe or one plate test
specimen.

2.3 Forty-three laboratories from Australia and one laboratory from the Philippines
participated in this program. Fifty-four sets of results were submitted to PTA for
assessment. Results are presented in Appendix A for each laboratory.

3. Reporting by Participants

Laboratories were asked to test the relevant specimen using Iridium 192,
Gamma Radiographic Techniques, and to report their results in accordance with
AS 4749-2007 to record non-compliant discontinuities, including type, length,
and location from datum point on an appropriate drawing.

Laboratories were asked to conduct their tests in accordance with AS 2177-2006

and AS 2314-2006 with AS 4041-2006, Class 1 for the inspection of the pipe test
specimen; and to conduct their tests in accordance with AS 2177-2006 and AS
2314-2006 with AS 1210-1997, Class 1 for the inspection of the plate test
specimen.

4. Reference Values

A total of four test pieces were used, consisting of three plates (PTA0001,
PTA0003, and PTA0004) and one pipe (PTA0002). The reference value for
 2

each test piece is presented in Appendix C. The Acceptance Criteria is

presented in Appendix B.

High quality and repeatable proficiency test pieces were supplied and tested by
Sonaspection. Independent testing in Australia verified that the supplied
evaluation reference data was true and correct.

Laboratories were required to sentence the test pieces in accordance with either
AS 1210-1997 or AS 4037-2006. In all cases the test pieces and discontinuities
present left no doubt or ambiguity as to the conformance to either of the
aforementioned standards.

5. Summary of Results

The test reports from participants were forwarded to the Technical Advisors for
assessment. The various components of radiography test reports were allocated
a particular score to be used as assessment criteria. (See Appendix E
Summary Reports for score breakdowns). The scores for each test report were
added to give a total score. The overall scores were classified as follows:

86 - 100 Satisfactory
71 - 85 Fair
0 - 70 Unsatisfactory

A summary of the results returned by participating laboratories for each test

appears in Appendix A. Each participating laboratory was provided with a
Summary Report detailing its performance. An example of the Summary Report
is included in Appendix E.

6. PTA and Technical Advisors Comments

The majority of participant results are consistent with the reference values, as
shown in Appendix A.

A number of the reports issued by participating laboratories did not adequately

address the reporting requirements specified by AS 4749-2007.

The number of reports that were deficient of information indicates that there is
room for improvement in this area. Individual laboratories, and the non-
destructive testing (NDT) industry in general, should consider reporting
standardisation and simplification and place greater emphasis and importance
on report details and terminology.

It should be noted that most participating laboratories presented reports and

work sheets which were of a very high standard. A minority of participants
 3

submitted responses which had significant deficiencies and this raises

concerns regarding the technical control of those laboratories.

The overall failure rate of 9.1% for this program indicates that there is room for
improvement in the application of the radiography test method.

7. References

[1] Guide to Proficiency Testing Australia, 2011.

This document can be found on the PTA website at www.pta.asn.au.

[2] AS 2177-2006: Non-destructive testing - Radiography of welded butt joints

in metal.

[3] AS 2314-2006: Radiography of metals - Image quality indicators (IQI) and

recommendations for their use.

[4] AS 4041-2006, Class 1: Pressure piping.

[5] AS 1210-1997, Class 1: Pressure vessels.

[6] AS 4749-2007, Non-destructive testing-Terminology of and abbreviations

for fusion weld imperfections as revealed by radiography.
 APPENDIX A

Summary of Reported Results

 A1

LABORATORY RESULTS (TEST PIECE ID: PTA0001- Plate)

OVERALL RATING
LABORATORY CODE DOCUMENTATION ASSESSMENT COMMENTS
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TOTAL
WORK SHEETS TEST REPORTS
4 19 35 42 96 PASS

9 18 37 42 97 PASS

12 16 26 42 84 PASS

28 18 30 42 90 PASS

29 15.5 24 31 70.5 PASS

13A 18 37 42 97 PASS

13B 17.5 33 40 90.5 PASS

13C 18 37 40 95 PASS

13D 18 34 40 92 PASS

13E 17 37 40 94 PASS

13F 16 34 40 90 PASS

17A 16.5 29 42 87.5 PASS

 A2

LABORATORY RESULTS (TEST PIECE ID: PTA0002 - Pipe)

OVERALL RATING
LABORATORY CODE DOCUMENTATION ASSESSMENT COMMENTS
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TOTAL
WORK SHEETS TEST REPORTS
6 16 36 38 90 PASS
7 15.5 24 31 70.5 PASS
8 19 37 42 98 PASS
15 17 22 30 69 FAIL
19 20 28 N/A N/A FAIL
21 19 35 37 91 PASS
38 19 38 42 99 PASS
39 19 38 42 99 PASS
44 20 33 42 95 PASS
24A 14 33 42 89 PASS
24B 0 31.5 40 71.5 PASS
24C 8.5 9.5 22 40 FAIL
24D 0 36 40 76 PASS
24E 18.5 33.5 42 94 PASS
25A 19 38 30 87 PASS
25B 19.5 38 37 94.5 PASS
25C 20 38 30 88 PASS
25D 20 38 37 95 PASS
 A3

LABORATORY RESULTS (TEST PIECE ID: PTA0003 - Plate)

OVERALL RATING
LABORATORY CODE DOCUMENTATION ASSESSMENT COMMENTS
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TOTAL
WORK SHEETS TEST REPORTS
14 17.5 29.5 37 84 PASS

18 18 37 42 97 PASS

23 0 29.5 27 56.5 FAIL

26 16 33 37 86 PASS

31 20 33 42 95 PASS

32 18.5 36 40 94.5 PASS

16A 17 36 42 95 PASS

16B 18 36 42 96 PASS

16C 18 36 42 96 PASS

16D 17 36 42 95 PASS

16E 18 36 32 86 PASS

27A 18 28 42 88 PASS

27B 18 38 42 98 PASS
 A4

LABORATORY RESULTS (TEST PIECE ID: PTA0004 - Plate)

OVERALL RATING
LABORATORY CODE DOCUMENTATION ASSESSMENT COMMENTS
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TOTAL
WORK SHEETS TEST REPORTS
2 19 37 42 98 PASS

20 20 38 42 100 PASS

33 19 34.5 40 93.5 PASS

1A 18 35.5 40 93.5 PASS

1B 18 34.5 38 90.5 PASS

1C 19 32 40 91 PASS

1D 17 35 38 90 PASS

1E 19.5 36 40 95.5 PASS

1F 18.5 30.5 32 81 PASS

41A N/A 23.5 N/A 36 PASS

41B N/A 14 N/A 14 FAIL

 APPENDIX B

Acceptance Criteria
B1
 APPENDIX C

Inspection Reports
C1
C2
C3
C4
 APPENDIX D

Instructions to Participants
 D1

PROFICIENCY TESTING AUSTRALIA

RADIOGRAPHY PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAM

INSTRUCTIONS TO PARTICIPANTS

Participants are requested to carefully note the following BEFORE commencing their
testing.

1. General
(i) The test specimen is not to be damaged or altered in any way. The use
of grinders, files, linishers or sharp objects of any kind is prohibited.

(ii) The test should be considered as a routine inspection and, as such, all
normal recording and reporting requirements shall apply.

(iii) Relevant discontinuities only are to be recorded on an appropriate

drawing, which is to be provided as part of the work sheet.

2. Test Method

(i) The test specimen is to be tested using Iridium 192, Gamma

Radiographic Techniques.

(ii) Inspection of the pipe test specimen is to be conducted in accordance

with AS 2177-2006 & AS 2314-2006 with AS 4041-2006, Class 1.

(iii) Inspection of the plate test specimen is to be conducted in accordance

with AS 2177-2006 & AS 2314-2006 with AS 1210-1997, Class 1.

3. Recording and Reporting

(i) On an appropriate drawing, record non-compliant discontinuities, giving
their type, length, and location from datum point. All reporting shall be
in accordance with AS 4749-2007.

(ii) A test report and the laboratory work sheets together with the
applicable radiographs shall be submitted to Proficiency Testing
Australia (PTA).

Note:

PTA expects the work sheets and test report for this proficiency test to
meet the same standard required of any other job, for which your
laboratory issues a test report. The majority of marks will be awarded
for information provided in the work sheets.
 D2

4. Return of Test Specimen and Results

(i) The test specimen is to be thoroughly cleaned on completion of test.

(ii) The test specimen, together with completed test report and laboratory work
sheets are to be returned within a week after receipt to:

Dr Michael Li

Proficiency Testing Australia

PO Box 7507
SILVERWATER NSW 2128

Phone: 61 2 9736 8397

Fax: 61 2 9743 6664
Email: michael.li@pta.asn.au
 APPENDIX E

Summary Report to Participants

 E1

PROFICIENCY TESTING AUSTRALIA

RADIOGRAPHY PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAM
SUMMARY REPORT - 2011
LABORATORY CODE NO:
LABORATORY :
ADDRESS :
TEST PIECE ID :
LABORATORY REPORT NO:

PART A DOCUMENTATION ASSESSMENT - Work Sheets

(As per AS2177-2006 & AS 2314-2006 )
MAX ACHIEVED
SCORE SCORE

1. Name of the laboratory or testing authority. 1

2. Identification of the component. 1

3. Job reference number. 1

4. Number of the product Standard. 1

5. Details of the material under test. 1

6. The number of this Australian Standard, i.e. AS 2177, the method

1
designation, or any departures from that method.

7. Details of weld location (sufficient to allow the film to be related to

1
the workpiece or the test specimen)

8. The surface condition of the workpiece, including the type of

1
preparation.

9. Details of the X-ray tube voltage and current, or of the isotope used
1
and its radioactivity.

10. The effective source size, in millimetres. 1

NOTE:
page 1 of 5
 E2

PROFICIENCY TESTING AUSTRALIA

RADIOGRAPHY PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAM
SUMMARY REPORT - 2011
LABORATORY CODE NO:
LABORATORY :
ADDRESS :
TEST PIECE ID :
LABORATORY REPORT NO:

PART A DOCUMENTATION ASSESSMENT - Work Sheets

(As per AS2177-2006 & AS 2314-2006 )
MAX ACHIEVED
SCORE SCORE

11. The source-to-film distance used, in millimetres. 1

12. The nature and thickness, in millimetres, of any screens used. 1

13. Special notes on exposure geometry (if applicable). 1

14. IQI type, model, location and percent sensitivity achieved, refer to
1
AS 2314.

15. The trade designation of the film type used. 1

16. The film density range achieved. 1

17. Details of exposure, in milliampere-seconds or curie seconds. 1

18. Processing details, including variations from standard procedures. 1

19. The date and place of test. 1

20. The report number (or reference number) as applicable. 1

NOTE:
page 2 of 5
 E3

PROFICIENCY TESTING AUSTRALIA

RADIOGRAPHY PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAM
SUMMARY REPORT - 2011
LABORATORY CODE NO:
LABORATORY :
ADDRESS :
TEST PIECE ID :
LABORATORY REPORT NO:

PART A DOCUMENTATION ASSESSMENT - Test Report

(As per AS2177-2006 & AS 2314-2006 )
MAX ACHIEVED
SCORE SCORE

1. Name of the laboratory or testing authority 1

2. Identification of component, including sufficient details to permit

subsequent correlation between the report and radiographs of the welds.
1

3. Job reference number. 1

4. Number of the product Standard. 1

5. Details of the material under test. 1

6. Reference to this Australian Standard, i.e. AS 2177, the method

1
designation, or any departures from that method.

7. Details of the welding processes. 1

8. Details of any surface imperfections considered in assessment

2
of radiograph.

9. Type of image quality indicator (IQI) used and minimum percent

2
sensitivity achieved, refer to AS 2314.

10. Details of intensifying screens. 2

NOTE:
page 3 of 5
 E4

PROFICIENCY TESTING AUSTRALIA

RADIOGRAPHY PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAM
SUMMARY REPORT - 2011
LABORATORY CODE NO:
LABORATORY :
ADDRESS :
TEST PIECE ID :
LABORATORY REPORT NO:

PART A DOCUMENTATION ASSESSMENT - Test Report

(As per AS2177-2006 & AS 2314-2006 )
MAX ACHIEVED
SCORE SCORE

11. The film density range achieved. 2

12. Test results. 10

13. A statement of compliance or otherwise with the acceptance criteria as

specified in relevant product Standard or application standard, if applicable.
10

14. The date and place of testing. 1

15. The report number and the date of issue. 1

16. Identification of the officer responsible for the test report. 1

NOTE:
page 4 of 5
 E5

PROFICIENCY TESTING AUSTRALIA

RADIOGRAPHY PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAM
SUMMARY REPORT - 2011
LABORATORY CODE NO:
LABORATORY :
ADDRESS :
TEST PIECE ID :
LABORATORY REPORT NO:

PART B PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT

Quality of Radiographs:
MAX ACHIEVED
SCORE SCORE
Identification - Plate No. 2

- Weld Interval 2

- Correct Placement 2

IQI - Correct Type 2

- Correct Placement 2

Correct Film Type Used 2

Film Density Within Sepcification 10

Sensitivity 10

Processing 10

Part A - Work Sheets 20

Part A - Test Report 38

Part B - Practical Assessment 42

TOTAL SCORES 100

OVERALL RATING
Score 86 - 100 Satisfactory

71 - 85 Fair

0 - 70 Unsatisfactory

This summary sheet should be read in conjunction with the final report, which will be found at
www.pta.asn.au when the program completes. The above results are from one proficiency program and may
COMMENTS:
not be fully representative of a laboratorys overall performance. Therefore, this summary sheet should not
be used solely to evaluate laboratory competence.
page 5 of 5

End of Report

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