Industrial radiography – film to computed to digital

The ability for radiation to pass through materials and reveal their internal condition / contents has been utilised in many fields (e.g. medicine) throughout the previous century.

The applications of radiography to heavy industry are no less common, including examination to determine:

• Presence of internal blockages e.g. in pipework.
• Presence of material flaws, including, cracks, weld defects and voids.
• The compliance of components with construction standards.

ALS continues to lead our markets in the implementation of sophisticated analysis tools and techniques for radiographic imaging and in the use of safe radiation sources.

Our investment in this area means that our clients can be confident:

• In high quality outcomes from radiation work;
• Their teams can work safely alongside ALS staff whilst radiography is performed.

ALS expert staff provide:

Film Radiography

By utilising developed film, ALS performs radiography, typically using x-ray and gamma radiation sources. Radiography performed using film is highly flexible and well tailored to complying with inspection standards for both short run and long run works scopes.

Advantages – Compliance testing for many construction codes with relatively low setup times and equipment costs.

Applications – Almost all materials and components where internal features are required to be examined.

Digital and Computed Radiography

Using traditional radiation sources, digital radiography utilises digital image capture technology to instantly produce an image of the internal condition of the component under examination. This digital image can provide superior interpretation outcomes and greater ability to manage complex geometries.

This technology has evolved from Computed Radiography (CR) as a high productivity radiography solution.

Advantages – Often greater productivity in high production inspection scenarios, Better ability to interpret radiographic results in many geometries.

Applications – Almost all materials and components where internal features are needing to be examined. Particularly demand for this service seen in Profile Radiography (examining for internal pipe erosion / corrosion).

Real Time / Movable Radiometry

Rather than taking discreet location images as per film and digital radiography, real time / movable radiography allows a live scan at the job site and mobile equipment.

This process allows inspection to pass items through the scanner, or as is more, common to walk along a long item scanning for area of interest.

As a result, this technology has strong applications for examining pipelines for blockages and for examining for Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI).

Advantages – Movable radiometry at the job site allowing more rapid inspection of piping and small diameter vessels.

Applications – Particularly applicable for pipework inspection for blockages and corrosion under insulation (CUI).

Close Proximity Radiography

Utilising specialist isotopes and equipment, the larger exclusions zones associated with some radiation techniques can be reduced.

Advantages - Reduced Exclusion zones allow greater capacity for tasks to be completed near radiographic inspection, leading to overall site productivity improvements