INTRODUCTION

Radiographic testing (RT) is one of the most fundamental volumetric testing methods performed in the industry. Radiography encompasses a wide range of techniques from film usage to digital, with digital techniques ranging from computed (CR) and direct (DR) to real-time radiography (RTR) and computed tomography (CT). All of these techniques involve either X-ray or gamma radiation generated from a tube or from an isotope of Iridium-192, Selenium-75 or Cobalt-60. RT has the ability to penetrate wide ranges of material with varying densities to detect internal defects in weld quality; profile in-service systems to determine if corrosion or erosion is present; evaluate castings for fabrication flaws or foreign objects; and detect damage in composites.

DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION
THE Applus+ SOLUTION
Applus+ is a world-leading authority in radiographic testing, a technique ideally suited to the detection of imperfections in materials throughout industrial operations and applications. Radiographic testing is used to meet the challenge of identifying issues across production assets and equipment applications in the oil and gas industry. 
 
Additionally, Applus+ leads the field in advanced technology with its own R&D laboratories, worldwide resources and geographical coverage. We work closely with industry leaders and subject experts.
 
Applus+ has developed the Rayscan System, a real-time digital radiographic inspection system capable of completing a full inspection of a production pipe in a single scan rotation. This same technology has transcended into Rayscan Tankscan, the real-time digital radiographic inspection system that can complete a full inspection of LNG storage-tank welds in a single scan, producing a high-quality image of each weld.
TARGET CUSTOMERS
Radiography has a number of applications within the industry. Whether it be conventional film or digital, RT can be used to verify weld quality or to profile in-service piping to determine the presence of corrosion under insulation (CUI), flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) or remaining wall thicknesses.
 
RT has been employed in several industries and for a variety of inspection types, including:
  • Petrochemical
  • Nuclear
  • Fossil
  • Chemical
  • Military
  • Aerospace
  • Foundries
  • New construction
  • Post-construction
  • Corrosion monitoring
  • LNG fabrication
 
Radiography is also a widely used volumetric-testing technique, and Applus+ is a time-tested provider of this service in the industry.
KEY CUSTOMER BENEFITS
Advantages of using digital radiography:
  • Direct results after scanning on site
  • Large dynamic range
  • Dose reduction (up to 90% in some cases)
  • Smaller boundaries
  • No use of chemicals or darkrooms
  • Use of image-processing tools
  • Digital archiving, reporting and transporting
  • Significantly fewer re-shoots
  • Digital images
  • Increased probability of detection
 
Advantages of Rayscan/Tankscan Real-Time Digital Radiography over conventional film radiography:
  • Cost efficient; no consumables
  • Quick cycle-time
    • High scan-speed
    • No development time
    • Direct interpretation and feedback
  • Quality equal to/better than film
  • Increased safety
    • Reduced radiation required
    • Collimated X-ray beam
    • Shielded scanner design
  • Environmentally friendly; no chemical waste management required
  • High suitability for:
    • Pipes with diameters of 5cm to 142cm (2” to 56”)
    • Thin walls
    • Austenitic materials
    • Dissimilar welds
    • CRA pipelines
    • Root and hot-pass inspections
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

Computed radiography (CR) NDT uses a filmless process to create digital, 2-dimensional radiographs. Digital radiography NDT provides radiographic images from a computer using the same conventional radiography exposure equipment. Computed radiography eliminates the need for chemical processing, uses lower source strength, enables smaller boundaries and yields quicker results. Computed radiography NDT provides images with a higher resolution and definition, providing greater detail for evaluation. Data storage and retrieval could not be simpler and information can be shared via the internet.

Digital radiography or direct radiography (DR) is the next evolution in inspection of in-service systems with minimal downtime or preparation. DR has the ability to inspect pipelines during operation without having to remove insulation and with no temperature restrictions. This is a filmless radiographic technique that requires no processing, is wireless and yields results instantaneously. Data storage and retrieval could not be simpler and information can be shared via the internet.

RTD Rayscan and Tankscan are Applus+ solutions for real-time digital radiographic (RTR) inspection used in radiography NDT, which uses advanced technology in direct radiography (DR) techniques. Real time digital radiography involves the filmless conversion of data into a high-resolution digital image of the entire weld and can be performed within a single scan. Rayscan is a RTR inspection that can be used as either double-wall single image (DWSI) or single-wall single image (SWSI) and can inspect pipes with a diameter range from 5cm to 142cm (2" to 56"), as well as horizontal and vertical tank weld seams.

CONVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES

Radiographic Testing (RT) is one of the most fundamental volumetric-testing methods performed in industry and radiography NDT. Film radiography, which utilises either X-ray or gamma radiation generated from a tube or from an isotope of Iridium-192, Selenium-75 or Cobalt-60, has been the most widely used application for volumetric inspections. RT NDT has the ability to: penetrate wide ranges of material with varying densities to detect internal defects in weld quality; profile in-service systems to determine if corrosion or erosion is present; evaluate castings for fabrication flaws or foreign objects; and detect damage in composites.

Applus+ uses first-party and third-party cookies for analytical purposes and to show you personalized advertising based on a profile drawn up based on your browsing habits (eg. visited websites). You can accept all cookies by pressing the "Accept" button or configure or reject their use. Consult our Cookies Policy for more information.

Cookie settings panel