gamma ray testing

Radiographic Testing (RT) – Iridium-192 Radiographic Testing using Iridium-192 (Ir-192) is a non-destructive testing method that uses gamma radiation to examine the internal structure of materials, especially welds and thick sections, without causing damage. Why Iridium-192? Ir-192 is widely used because it: Produces high-energy gamma rays Is suitable for medium to thick materials Is portable, making it ideal for site work and field inspections Typical applications Weld inspection (butt welds, fillet welds) Pipelines Pressure vessels & boilers Structural steel Castings Oil & gas facilities Power plants Material thickness range Approx. 10 mm to 75 mm steel (Exact range depends on source strength and technique) Defects detected Internal cracks Porosity Slag inclusions Lack of fusion Lack of penetration Shrinkage defects RT (Ir-192) inspection process Job planning & safety assessment Source positioning (inside or outside the component) Placement of film / digital detector Radiation exposure using Ir-192 source Film processing or digital image capture Image interpretation by certified RT Level II / III Reporting & acceptance evaluation as per code Equipment used Ir-192 gamma source (projector / exposure device) Guide tubes & control cables Radiographic film or CR / DR system IQIs (Image Quality Indicators) Radiation survey meters Warning signs & barriers Codes & standards followed ASME Section V ASTM E94 / E1030 ISO 17636 API 1104 AWS D1.1 Client / project specifications Advantages ✔ Excellent for internal defect detection ✔ Works on thick sections ✔ Permanent inspection record (film/digital) ✔ Field-portable compared to X-ray Limitations ✖ Radiation safety requirements ✖ Requires controlled area ✖ Longer exposure times than X-ray ✖ Two-dimensional image only Safety considerations Licensed radioactive source Trained & certified radiographers Radiation barriers and exclusion zones Dosimeters & survey meters Compliance with local radiation authority regulations