TEMATECH LLP

RADIOGRAPHY TESTING PROCEDURE

TITLE:

RADIOGRAPHY TESTING PROCEDURE

TMT-035-NDE-04

EQUIPMENT TAG NO: WMC-2340-SD-101

COOLER TOWER

CONTRACT No. AP-X-20-0579

0 01.09.2020 ISSUED FOR APPROVAL R. KRISHNA N.RUBIO

AUTHORIZED
REV DATE DESCRIPTION OF REVISION/ PREPARED/ APPROVED/ OTHERS INSPECTOR/
РЕВ ДАТА ОПИСАНИЕ РЕВИЗИЙ ПОДГОТОВИЛ УТВЕРДИЛ ДРУГИЕ УПОЛНОМОЧЕННЫЙ
ИНСПЕКТОР

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Contents
1. SCOPE: ........................................................................................................................................................... 3 
2. ATTACHMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 3 
3. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT:................................................................................... 3 
4. SURFACE CONDITIONS OF THE WELD FOR RT EXAMINATION: ...................................................... 3 
5. SENSITIVITY OF RADIOGRAPHS: .......................................................................................................... 3 
6. FILMS: .......................................................................................................................................................3 
7. SCREENS: ................................................................................................................................................. 4 
8. PROCESSING: ........................................................................................................................................... 4 
9. IMAGE QUALITY INDICATORS (IQI) : ..................................................................................................... 5 
10. DENSITY REQUIREMENTS: ..................................................................................................................... 9 
11. RADIOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES:............................................................................................................10 
12. FILM IDENTIFICATION: .........................................................................................................................11 
13. EVALUATION OF RADIOGRAPHS: ....................................................................................................... 12 
14. RADIOGRAPHIC ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA: ........................................................................................ 12 
15. ATTACHMENT: ........................................................................................................................................ 13 

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1. SCOPE:
This procedure covers the radiographic examination of welds in pressure vessels of carbon steel, alloy
steel and stainless steel up to 4-inch (100 mm) thickness to the extent required by the specification,
drawing or code.
Note: Whenever, SI units are selected for construction, the values marked in parenthesis shall be
mandatorily used for all requirements and related reports.

2. ATTACHMENTS
2.1 ASME Code Section V Edition 2019
2.2 ASME Section ion VIII DIV-1 Edition 2019
2.3 Written Practice Document No- TMT -PR- TRNG-006 [Latest Revision]

3. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT:

The personnel performing Radiography examination shall certified as per applicable revision of TEMATECH
LLP WRITTEN PRACTICE In accordance with SNT-TC-1A.

4. SURFACE CONDITIONS OF THE WELD FOR RT EXAMINATION:

The weld ripples or weld surface irregularities on both the inside (where accessible) and outside shall be
removed by any suitable process to such a degree that the images of surface irregularities can not mask or
be confused with the image of any discontinuity on the resulting radiograph.
The finished surface of all butt-welded joints may be flush with the base metal or may have reasonably
uniform crowns, with reinforcement not to exceed that specified in the referencing Code section
.
5. SENSITIVITY OF RADIOGRAPHS:
Radiography shall be performed with a technique of sufficient sensitivity to display the designated hole type
IQI image and the 2T hole, or the essential wire of a wire type IQI. The radiographs shall also display the IQI
identifying numbers and letters.

6. FILMS:
1. Radiography shall be done using industrial radiography film to obtain the required radiographic
quality and sensitivity. The following industrial radiographic films or equivalent may be used on job.

AGFA KODAK FUJI DUPONT

DUPONT45
D-4 T FUJI-50

Note: Other manufacturer and type of films may be used subject to acceptance by NDE Level- III

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2. QUALITY OF RADIOGRAPHS: All the films / radiographs shall be free from mechanical, chemical or
other blemishes, to the extent that they do not mask and are not confused with the image of any
discontinuity in the area of interest of the object being radiographed. Such blemishes include, but are
not limited to:
(a) Fogging
(b) Processing defects such as streaks, water marks or chemical stains.
(c) Scratches, finger marks, crimps, dirtiness, static marks, smudges or tears.
(d) Loss of details due to poor screen to film contact
(e) False indication due to defective screen or internal faults

7. SCREENS:
Only lead intensifying screens shall be used in weld radiography.
(a) Fluorescent or fluorometallic screens are not permitted.
(b) For X – Ray radiography and for Gamma radiography using Ir-192, 0.005 inch (0.13 mm) thick
lead screens (both front and back) shall be used.

8. PROCESSING:
Processing shall be done in atmospherically controlled (air conditioned) dark room. The room shall be free
from light leakages. The dark room safe light shall be periodically checked in accordance with Document No
TMT-PR-CAL-010B.
All the tables in dark room where the loading and unloading is being done shall be free of dirt, grease, oil or
water to avoid damages to the films.
8.1 MANUAL PROCESSING:

DEVELOPMENT:
The normal development shall be 4 to 8 minutes at 680F ± 40F (200C ± 20C). When the temperature is higher
or lower, development time shall be adjusted as below:

Development Temperature (0C) 18 19 20 21 22

Development Time (Minutes) 6~8 5½~8 5~8 4 ½~ 7½ 4~7

At the interval of 1 to 2 minutes, proper agitation of a film is essential for even development. During
agitation, care is to be taken so that films do not touch with tank wall to avoid scratches.
STOP BATH :

Before transferring the developed film to the fixer tank, it shall be placed in a stop bath for 30 seconds to 1
minute. This is to prevent the fixer solution from being neutralized too rapidly by the developer.

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FIXING:

The fixing bath dissolves the undeveloped silver halide grains and the milky appearance of the film gradually
disappears. The film should be kept in the fixed bath for 10 ~ 15 minutes.

At the interval of 2 to 3 minutes, proper agitation of a film is essential for even fixing. During agitation, care
is to be taken, so that film does not touch with tank wall to avoid scratches.

REPLACEMENT OF DEVELOPER, STOP BATH AND FIXER :

Developer and Fixer shall be replaced every after processing of 45,000 sq. inch films [5 nos. packets, each
packet having 50 nos. sheets of 12” x 15” (300 mm x 375 mm) size] or one months which ever is earlier.
Stop bath shall be replaced on alternative working day.

WASHING :

After processing, the films shall be washed in running water. Effective washing of the films depends on a
sufficient flow of water to rapidly carry off the fixer as well as to allow adequate time for fixer chemicals to
diffuse out of the film. A water tap to be kept in fully open condition during washing period.

DRYING :

After washing, the films shall be immersed for 1 to 2 minutes in a wetting agent solution and taken for drying.
This will help in quick drying and avoid watermarks on the films.
In the case of, electrical dryer use, temperature shall be 1400F ± 90F (60ºC ± 5ºC) and drying time shall be
15 minutes.
Precautions shall be taken to tighten film in hangers, so that it does not touch in the dryer. Too hot a drying
temperature at low humidity can result in uneven drying and should be avoided.

9. IMAGE QUALITY INDICATORS (IQI) :

 The image quality of indicators used shall be ASME wire types as specified in ASME Code Section V,
T-233.

 Wire type IQIs shall be identified by permanently attached lead numbers and letters. The numbers
shall indicate the material code (1, 2, etc.) and letters (A, B, etc.) shall represent the set identification.
ASME standard wire-type IQIs shall be as per Table-2(b).

 The designated IQI essential wire shall be as specified in Table-1(a) or Table-1(b), as applicable.
Radiographic technique shall be such as to obtain sufficient sensitivity to display the essential wire of
wire IQI. The radiograph shall also display the IQI identifying numbers and letters. If the designated
essential wire does not show in any film in a multiple film technique, but do show in composite film
viewing the interpretation shall be done only by composite film viewing.

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 The material of the IQI shall be selected from the same alloy material group or grade as identified in
SE-747, as applicable. As an alternate, IQI may be selected from an alloy material group or grade with
less radiation absorption than the material being radiographed, with prior approval of NDT Level III.
 The thickness on which IQI is based is nominal single wall thickness.

1. Table- 1a
Wire IQI Designation, Wire diameter and Wire Identity

Wire Wire Wire Wire

ASTM Wire Dia. ASTM Wire Dia. ASTM
Wire ID Dia. Wire ID Dia. Wire ID Dia. Dia.
Set inch Set mm Set
mm inch inch mm

1 0.0032 0.08 6 0.010 0.25 11 0.032 0.81

2 0.004 0.10 7 0.013 0.33 12 0.040 1.02

3 0.005 0.13 8 0.016 0.41 13 0.050 1.27

A B C
4 0.0063 0.16 9 0.020 0.51 14 0.063 1.60

5 0.008 0.20 10 0.025 0.64 15 0.080 2.03

6 0.010 0.25 11 0.032 0.81 16 0.100 2.54

2. Table- 1b

Material Thickness, IQI Set and Essential Wire

IQI

Nominal Single-Wall Material Thickness Range. Source Side Film Side

Essential Essential
Set Set
Inch mm wire wire

Up to 0.25 inclusive Up to 6.4 inclusive A 5 A 4

Over 0.25 through 0.375 Over 6.4 through 9.5 A/B 6 A 5

Over 0.375 through 0.50 Over 9.5 through 12.7 B 7 A/B 6

Over 0.50 through 0.75 Over 12.7 through 19.0 B 8 B 7

Over 0.75 through 1.00 Over 19.0 through 25.4 B 9 B 8

Over 1.00 through 1.50 Over 25.4 through 38.1 B 10 B 9

Over 1.50 through 2.00 Over 38.1 through 50.8 B/C 11 B 10

Over 2.00 through 2.50 Over 50.8 through 63.5 C 12 B/C 11

Over 2.50 through 4.00 Over 63.5 through 101.6 C 13 C 12

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 In case of welds with reinforcement, the thickness shall be based on the single wall material thickness
plus thickness plus the actual weld reinforcement thickness estimated to be present on both sides of the
weld (I.D. and O.D.). The values used for the estimated weld reinforcement thicknesses shall not exceed
the maximums permitted by the referencing Code Section. Actual measurement of the reinforcement is
not required.
 For welds without reinforcement, the thickness on which the IQI selection is based on nominal single-wall
material thickness.
 Backing rings or strips shall not be considered as part of the weld thickness for selection of IQIs.

a. IQIs designed and manufactured in accordance with other national or international standards
may be used provided the requirements of either 24.5.1 or 24.5.2 below, and the material
requirements of 10.3 above, are met. However, this shall require the approval of NDT Level
III prior to use.

 Alternative hole-type IQIs: The calculated equivalent IQI sensitivity (EPS), as per SE-1025,
Appendix X1 of ASME Code Section V, is equal to or better than the required hole-type IQI as per
ASME Code Section V.

 Alternative wire-type IQIs: The alternative wire IQI essential wire diameter is equal to or less than
the required IQI essential wire as per ASME Code Section V.

PLACEMENT OF IQI:
As a standard practice, the IQI(s) shall be placed on the source side of the object being radiographed.
However, where inaccessibility prevents hand placing the IQI(s) on the source side, then the same shall
be placed on the film side in contact with the object being radiographed and a lead letter ‘F’ shall be
placed adjacent to or on the IQI(s), but shall not mask the essential hole where hole type IQIs are used.
The lead letter ‘F’ shall be at least as high as the identification number of the IQIs.

IQI PLACEMENT FOR WELDS – HOLE-TYPE IQIs: The IQIs may be placed adjacent to or on the weld.
The identification numbers and, when used, the lead letter “F”, shall not be in the area of interest, except
when geometric configuration makes it impractical.

IQI PLACEMENT FOR WELDS – WIRE-TYPE IQIs: The IQIs shall be placed on the weld so that the
length of the wires is across to the length of the weld. The IQI identification and, when used, the lead
letter “F”, shall not be in the area of interest, except when geometric configuration makes it impractical.

IQI PLACEMENT FOR MATERIALS OTHER THAN WELDS: The IQIs with the IQI
identification and, when used, the lead letter “F”, may be placed in the area of interest.

When the configuration or size of the object makes it impractical to place the IQI on the object or weld,
the IQI may be placed on a separate block made of same or radiographically similar material. There is
no restriction on the separate block thickness, provided the density tolerance limitations on the IQI / area
of interest shall meet the requirements of 11.0.

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The IQI on the source side of the block shall be placed no closer to the film than the source side of the
object being radiographed and the separate block shall be placed as close as possible to the object
being radiographed. When hole type IQIs are used, the dimension of the block shall exceed the IQI
dimensions such that the outline of at least three sides of the IQI image is visible on the radiograph.

For welds with reinforcement, a shim of material radiographically similar to the weld metal may be placed
between the object and the IQI, so that the radiographic density throughout the area of interest is no
more than minus 15% from (lighter than) the radiographic density through the designated IQI adjacent
to the essential hole. The dimension of the shim shall exceed the IQI dimensions such that the outline
of at least three sides of the IQI image is visible on the radiograph.

 NUMBER OF IQIs:
a. Except as permitted in the following paragraphs, at least one IQI image shall appear on each
radiograph. If the density requirements of below are met by using more than one IQI, one shall be
representative of the lightest area of interest and the other the darkest area of interest; the intervening
densities on the radiograph shall be considered as having acceptable density.

b. For cylindrical components where the source is placed on the axis of the components for a single
exposure, at least three IQIs, spaced approximately 120 deg. apart are required under the following
conditions.

(a) When the complete circumference is radiographed using one or more film holders, or,
(b) When a section or section of the circumference, where the length between the ends of the
outermost sections span 240 or more deg., is radiographed using one or more film holders.
Additional film locations may be required to obtain necessary IQI spacing.

c. For cylindrical components where the source is placed on the axis of the component for a single
exposure, at least three IQIs, with one placed at each end of the span of the circumference,
radiographed and one in the approximate center of the span, are required under the following
conditions:

(a) When the section of the circumference, the length of which is greater than 120 deg. and less
than 240 deg., is radiographed using just one film holder, or;
(b) When a section or sections of the circumference, where the length between the ends of the
outermost sections span less than 120 deg., is radiographed using more than one film holder.

d. For spherical components where the source is placed at the center of the component for a single
exposure, at least three IQIs, spaced approximately 120 deg. apart, are required under the following
conditions:

(a) When a complete circumference is radiographed using one or more film holders, or;
(b) When a section or sections of a circumference, where the length between the ends of the
outermost sections span 240 or more deg., is radiographed using one or more film holders.
Additional film locations may be required to obtain necessary IQI spacing.

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e. For spherical component where the source is placed at the center of the component for a single
exposure, at least three IQIs, with one placed at each end of the radiographed span of the
circumference radiographed and one in the approximate center of the span are required under the
following conditions:

(a) When a section of circumference, the length of which is greater than 120 deg. and less than
240 deg., is radiographed using just one film holder, or;
(b) When a section or sections of a circumference, where the length between the ends of the
outermost sections span less than 240 deg. is radiographed using more than one film holder.

f. In Para 24.7 (d) and 24.7 (e) above, where other welds are radiographed simultaneously with the
circumferential weld, one additional IQI shall be placed on each other weld.

g. In order to maintain the continuity of records involving the subsequent exposures, all radiographs
exhibiting IQIs that qualify the techniques permitted in accordance with Para 24.7 (b) through Para
10.8.8 above shall be retained.

10. DENSITY REQUIREMENTS:

a. The transmitted film density through the radiographic image of the body of the designated hole-
type IQI adjacent to the essential hole or adjacent to the designated wire of a wire-type IQI and the
area of interest shall be 1.8 minimum for single film viewing for radiographs made with X–Ray source
and 2.0 minimum for radiographs made with a gamma ray source. The maximum density shall be
4.0. A tolerance of 0.05 in density is allowed for variation between densitometer readings.

b. For composite viewing of multiple film exposures, the minimum density on each film of the set shall
be 1.3 and the maximum density shall be 4.0.

c. Each film shall be evaluated for density at the designated hole–type IQI adjacent to the essential
hole or adjacent to the designated wire of a wire-type IQI, and in area of interest.

d. If the density of the radiograph anywhere through the area of interest varies by more than minus
15% or plus 30% from the density through the body of the hole-type IQI adjacent to the essential
hole or adjacent to the designated wire of a wire-type IQI within the minimum/maximum allowable
density ranges as per Para 25 (a), then an additional IQI shall be used for each exceptional area or
areas and the radiograph retaken.

e. When shims are used with hole-type IQIs, the plus 30% density restriction mentioned above may be
exceeded, and the minimum density requirement mentioned in Para. 25 (a) do not apply for the IQI,
provided the required IQI sensitivity of Para 25 (b) are met.

f. The calibration of densitometers used for density measurement shall be done as per document no.
TMT-PR-CAL-010B.

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11. RADIOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES:

A single wall exposure technique shall be used for radiography whenever practical. When it is not
practical to use single wall technique, a double wall technique shall be used. An adequate number of
exposures shall be made to demonstrate that required coverage has been obtained.

 SINGLE WALL TECHNIQUE: In the single wall technique, the radiation passes through only
one wall of the weld (material), which is viewed for acceptance on the radiograph.

 DOUBLE WALL TECHNIQUE: When it is impracticable to use a single wall technique, one of
the following double wall techniques shall be used as below:

(a) SINGLE WALL VIEWING:

For materials and for welds in components, a technique may be used in which
the radiation passes through two walls and only the weld (material) on the film
side wall is viewed for acceptance on the radiograph. When complete coverage
is required for circumferential welds (material), a minimum of three exposures
taken at 120 degrees to each other shall be made.

(b) DOUBLE WALL VIEWING:

For materials and for welds in components 3½ inch (89 mm) or less in nominal
outside diameter, a technique may be used in which the radiation passes
through two walls and the weld (material) in both the walls are viewed for
acceptance on the same radiograph. For double wall viewing, only a source
side IQI shall be used.

(1) DOUBLE WALL ELLIPTICAL TECHNIQUE:

For welds, the radiation beam may be offset from the plane of the weld at
an angle sufficient to separate the images of the source side and film side
portions of the weld so that there is no overlap of the areas to be
interpreted. When complete coverage is required, a minimum of two
exposures taken at 90 degrees to each other shall be made for each joint.

(2) DOUBLE WALL SUPERIMPOSED TECHNIQUE:

As an alternative, the weld may be radiographed with the radiation beam
positioned so that the images of both walls are superimposed. When
complete coverage is required, a minimum of three exposures taken either
at 60 degree or 120 degrees to each other shall be made for each joint.

(3) Additional exposures shall be made if the required radiographic coverage

cannot be obtained using the minimum number of exposures indicated in
(b)(1) or (b)(2) above.

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 SPECIAL TECHNIQUES:

Special techniques may be used for specific applications as agreed mutually by and the customer’s
representative and AI. However, minimum Code requirements for density and sensitivity shall be
maintained.

12. FILM IDENTIFICATION:

Following identification markings shall be plainly and permanently indicated on the

film. The identification does not necessarily require that the information appear as
radiographic images. In any case, this information shall not obscure the area of
interest.
(a) Job number.
(b) Seam or Component number.
(c) Organization’s symbol or name with date.
(d) Repair designation (in case of repairs).

RADIATION ENERGY AND GEOMETRIC UNSHARPNESS:

 RADIATION SOURCE: The source of radiation is radioactive isotope Iridium-192.

Use of X–rays machine is permitted subject to selection of KV & mA as per x-ray machine manufacturer.
If thickness is more than 40 mm, Co-60 may be used for radiography. However, RT technique to be
approved by NDE Level- III when use of radiation sources - X-ray machine and Co-60 is planned.
The radiographic technique shall achieve the density and IQI image requirements as mentioned in this
procedure.
 DIRECTION OF RADIATION: The direction of the central beam of radiation should be centered on
the area of interest whenever practical.

 GEOMETRIC UNSHARPNESS: Geometric unsharpness of the radiograph shall be determined in

accordance with the following formula:

Ug = Fd/D
Where,
Ug = geometric unsharpness
F = source size: the maximum projected dimension of the radiating source (or
effective focal spot) in the plane perpendicular to the distance D from the weld
or object being radiographed
D = distance from source to radiation to weld or object being radiographed
d = distance from source side of weld or object being radiographed to the film
D and d shall be determined to the approximate center of the area of interest

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The recommended maximum values of geometric unsharpness are as given below. However, final

acceptance of the radiograph shall be on the basis of the ability to see the prescribed IQI and the

specified hole or the designated wire of the wire IQI.

Material Thickness, inch (mm) Ug maximum, inch (mm)

Under 2 (50) 0.020 (0.51)
2 through 3 (50 – 75) 0.030 (0.76)
Over 3 through 4 (75 – 100) 0.040 (1.02)

13. EVALUATION OF RADIOGRAPHS:

The manufacturer shall be responsible for the review, interpretation, evaluation and
acceptance of the completed radiographs to assure the compliance with the requirements
of this procedure and the referencing Code. As an aid to the review and evaluation, the
radiographic technique documentation (as per Annexure-1 “RADIOGRAPHY
TECHNIQUE DETAILS on page 17 of 18) shall be completed prior to the exposure. The
radiograph review form (as per Annexure-2 “RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION REPORT
on page 18 of 18) shall be completed during the evaluation. The radiographic technique
details and the radiograph review form shall accompany the radiographs. Acceptance
shall be completed prior to presentation of the radiographs and accompanying
documentation to the Inspector.
 FACILITIES FOR VIEWING OF RADIOGRAPHS:
Viewing facility shall provide subdued background lighting of an intensity that will not cause reflections,
shadows, or glare on the radiographs that interfere with the interpretation process. Equipment used to
view radiographs for interpretation shall provide a variable light source sufficient for the essential IQI
hole or designated wire to be visible for the specified density range. The viewing conditions shall be
such that light from around the outer edge of the radiograph or coming through low-density portions of
the radiograph does not interfere with interpretation.

14. RADIOGRAPHIC ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA:

ASME SECTION ION VIII DIV-1 EDITION 2019 UW-51

The following types of indications are unacceptable for full radiography:

(a) Any indication characterized as a crack or zone of incomplete fusion or penetration.
(b) Any other elongated indication on the radiograph which has length greater than,
I. ¼ inch (6 mm) for ‘t’ up to ¾ inch (19 mm).
II. 1/ t for ‘t’ from ¾ inch (19 mm) to 2¼ inch (57 mm)
3
III. ¾ inch (19 mm) for ‘t’ over 2¼ inch (57 mm).

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Where ‘t’ is the thickness of the weld excluding any allowable reinforcement. For a butt weld joining two
members having different thickness at the weld, t is the thinner of these two thicknesses. If a full
penetration weld includes a fillet weld, the thickness of the throat of the fillet shall be included in‘t’.
(c) Any group of indication in line, that have an aggregate length greater than ‘t’ in a length of 12t
of film, except when the distance between successive indications exceeds 6L, where L is the
longest indicating in the group.
(d) Rounded indications in excess of that specified in Appendix-4 of ASME Code Section VIII
Division 1.

15. ATTACHMENT:
1. RT Report

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