Industrial X-Ray Testing Offers Endless Applications
For most people, X-rays, or radiography, are strictly the domain of the doctor and dentist’s office. Little do they know that X-ray testing is used across industries every day to make our world safer.
A Breakthrough in Non-Destructive Evaluation
Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen first discovered the mysterious X-ray in 1895. With the ability to pass through most solid matter, the X-ray quickly captured the imagination of the public and leaders in medicine and industry.
According to the Iowa State University Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, just six months after Roentgen’s discovery, battlefield doctors were using X-rays to locate bullets in wounded soldiers. Industrial use of the x-ray (also known as radiography) began taking off in 1913 when high vacuum x-ray tubes became available, which provided an intense and reliable x-ray source. In 1931, further strides were made in the industrial use of x-rays, as General Electric Company introduced an effective tool for industrial radiography and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) permitted X-ray approval of fusion welded pressure vessels.
Industrial radiography reached new levels during World War II to support the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding program. Today, in our Danville, Virginia laboratory, Industrial Inspection & Analysis (IIA) continues to support the defense industry by providing radiography and other non-destructive testing for the Navy’s next-generation submarines.
Many of the techniques used in radiography today remain surprisingly similar to those used in the early days. But the applications for industrial x-rays have grown exponentially over the years. IIA is proud to provide both conventional radiographic testing (RT) and computed radiography (CR) testing to clients in a wide range of industries, from aerospace to energy, medicine and more.
Conventional Radiography (RT)
Without non-destructive tools like x-rays, defects could go undetected and lead to costly repairs, plant shutdowns and dangerous conditions or failures. Radiographic testing (RT) and other modern non-destructive methods allow us to inspect items inside and out — without damaging the item’s ability to function.
With decades of x-ray experience, IIA is a leader in the industrial use of Conventional Radiography (RT or CRT), a method that uses gamma rays as its detection source. RT is a popular method of non-destructive examination/testing (NDE/NDT) within numerous industries, such as oil and gas, because of its proven accuracy, cost-effectiveness, high level of portability, and extreme flexibility.
Computed Radiography (CR)
In this digital age, however, it’s no surprise that clients in every industry are increasingly choosing computed radiography (CR) over traditional radiographic testing (RT).
Computed radiography replaces the film and chemicals used in conventional radiography with a phosphor imaging plate that is scanned by a laser beam to produce an image. While the results are comparable to conventional X-ray, the CR process offers greater convenience and flexibility.
IIA’s state-of-the-art CR system makes non-destructive radiographic testing easier, more productive, more accurate, and more affordable. Features include: high-resolution digital images, speed (particularly with smaller jobs), and digital storage. The applications for CR are as diverse as the clients we serve – from finding flaws on piping welds to frayed wires in electronic components.
Endless Applications for Industry
The metal structures that make up our modern world are held together with weld joints — from buildings and bridges to rail cars and fire trucks. Radiography, or x-ray testing, allows us to perform critical testing to ensure that welds are safe and sound. For welds, castings and parts used in high stress or high reliability environments, radiographic testing is a highly accurate method to detect internal defects not apparent on the surface of the part.
Weld inspection is just one of the almost endless ways radiography can be used in industry. From the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the space station, here are some of the unique radiography projects IIA has been involved with:
- Food & Beverage: In the food industry, x-ray and chemical testing are often used when food products have been—or thought to have been—contaminated with foreign substances. An x-ray has the capability to identify any foreign materials, or lack thereof, in order for the food manufacturer to ensure the safety of products. Our team has performed x-ray testing of food products ranging from frozen lasagna to boxes of chocolate to identify potential contamination.
- Medical: Our team has used x-rays to ensure the mechanical integrity and safety of critical medical devices, such as surgical tools and implantable devices. We have also used radiography to inspect pharmaceutical products for missing conveyor parts from the manufacturing process.
- Aerospace: Commercial airliners, private aircraft, and even fighter jets are all routinely inspected for airworthiness using non-destructive means, such as radiography and ultrasonic examination. IIA was proud to be part of a team that used radiography to inspect the launch-pad steel used for the NASA space program. Our team was also involved in conducting x-rays on stainless steel ammonia lines to make sure they were safe and up to specifications for use on the space station.
- Power Generation: Our team members were instrumental in developing radiography techniques to detect creep cracks in dissimilar welds and movement on super heat/reheat liners and nozzles at power plants.
- Buildings & Infrastructure: During the construction of the iconic St. Louis Gateway Arch, our team completed more than 3,000 radiographs of the structure’s weld joints to ensure its safety and integrity.
- Sports: We have used radiography to determine whether baseball bats are “loaded” with hidden weights or have been cored to make them lighter and to check for voids in golf club heads.
- Forensic Analysis: Our team has used computed radiography to perform forensic analysis on bug zappers, electric blankets and fuse boxes to determine the cause of a fire.
- The Art World: In the art world, antiques, paintings, and other expensive pieces are inspected using radiography and other non-destructive methods to determine what materials have been used in their creation, thus leading to origin and age identification. These same tests can help determine authenticity and determine whether a particular piece is a forgery. The St. Louis Art Museum called IIA when they wanted to record and validate some artist revisions of a large (8 by 12 foot) painting once owned by Charles Lindberg. This was no small feat, but our experts designed a method to x-ray any size painting in only 4 exposures!
Why Choose IIA?
With roots that date back nearly a century, IIA is a trusted leader in radiography and other non-destructive industrial inspection techniques. We bring an eye for detail to every inspection, and experience that spans decades and industries.
With reliable equipment and a roster of exceptionally trained technicians, minimal reshoots are required when IIA performs your radiography. In addition to hands-on experience, our professionals have in-depth knowledge of all applicable codes and standards to keep you in compliance.
When performed by a qualified inspection professional, radiography is safe and effective. Our personnel are committed to safety and follow all applicable radiation safety measures. As a full-service provider, IIA can also perform other non-destructive testing, such as penetrant or magnetic particle inspection, to complement your radiography.
With a century of use by industry, radiography remains a safe, effective, fast and affordable technique when you need to know your equipment inside and out.
Did you know?
According to the Iowa State University Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, X-rays were first used in an industrial, rather than medical, application when Roentgen produced a radiograph of a set of weights in a box to show his colleagues.
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Benefits of Computed Radiography
