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Digital Radiography - X-Ray Radiation Advanced NDT

Digital radiography is an advanced inspection technology which creates an X-ray image that is displayed live on a computer screen without the need for developing chemicals or intermediate scanning.

This works by converting X-ray radiation into an equivalent electric charge that is then used to create a digital image through a detector sensor.

The technique provides high quality digital images with good signal to noise ratio and an improved dynamic range, providing a high sensitivity for radiographic applications. A component with varying thicknesses and densities can often be X-rayed in a single digital radiographic image, using the high dynamic range to pick out subtle variations in thick and thin sections alike.

Digital radiography displays X-ray images directly onto a computer screen, allowing the user to see instantly whether the shot has been optimally setup so the orientation of the part can be adjusted accordingly, and often remotely, using a built-in manipulation system.

Compared to film radiography, where it can often take over 10 minutes to produce a radiograph from the point of exposure, digital radiography can reveal the inner features of a component in a matter of seconds. 

Press Releases

Find out more about digital radiography at TWI:

Core Research Programme (CRP) and Joint Industry Projects (JIP)

Core Research

Each year the TWI Core Research Programme (CRP) addresses challenges on behalf of our Industrial Members as well as developing specific technologies and processes. Each of the projects under the CRP is focussed on engineering, materials or manufacturing technologies.

Find out more here

Joint Industry Projects

TWI also conducts Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) that bring together groups of Industrial Members to share the cost of research activities in areas of mutual industrial interest, gaining exclusive access to the outcomes. These projects cover a broad range of topics.

Find out more here

Benefits of Digital Radiography

The benefits of testing using digital radiography include:

  • Shorter exposure times
  • Real time applications
  • Use of analysis tool and defect recognition software
  • Improved detail detectability
  • Enhanced SNR and linearity
  • Reduced inspection time as no chemical processing of film is required
  • Eliminates processing chemicals, hence safe for environment
  • Digital image enhancement and data storage
  • Higher productivity
  • Portability
  • Increased dynamic range enables multiple thickness to be inspected in one shot
  • Provides immediate feedback

Digital Radiography Testing at TWI

TWI offers digital radiography support to Industrial Members working in a range of different industry sectors. As an independent and impartial organisation, we seek to provide the best solutions for your challenges for a variety of applications and materials. Example applications for digital radiography include:

  • Aerospace product examination
  • Detection of corrosion under insulation (CUI) in petrochemical, oil and gas and power generation industries
  • Detection of flow accelerated corrosion
  • Weld assessment
  • Foreign object detection
  • Casting and weld inspection
  • Inspection of composites and fibre reinforced components
  • Adhesive and brazing bonds
  • Failure investigation

Resources

Our digital radiography inspection services include the following resources: 

  • Five laboratory digital X-ray systems: a 450kV broad focus system, two 450kV microfocus systems, a 240kV microfocus system and a 225kV microfocus system
  • A 160kV potable digital radiography setup with a range of detectors to either fit inside small spaces or to image large objects on-site

Training

In addition to radiographic testing support, we offer training in digital radiography.

Our ‘An Appreciation of Advanced Radiography (CR, DR and CT)’ is a four-day training course covering Computerised Radiography (CR), Digital Radiography (DR) and Computerised Tomography (CT). Suitable for Radiographic Testing Operators qualified to at least Level 1, in accordance with ISO 9712, engaged in radiographic testing/interpretation who need to update their knowledge to incorporate digital radiography, and personnel engaged in the supervision, control and interpretation of radiographic images who wish to expand their knowledge to incorporate digital radiography.

For more information about our non-destructive testing (NDT) services, please email contactus@twi.co.uk.

For more information please email:


contactus@twi.co.uk