Radiographic Testing is primarily used to find sub-surface flaws in materials.
High voltage X-ray machines produce X-rays whereas gamma rays are produced from radioactive isotopes such as iridium 192. The chosen radiation source is placed close to the material to be inspected and the radiation passes through the material and is then captured either on film or digitally.
The choice of which type of radiation is used (X-ray or gamma) largely depends on the thickness of the material to be tested and the ease of access to area of inspection. Gamma sources have the advantage of portability, which makes them ideal for use in construction site working. High energy portable X-ray machines are available for special applications such as concrete structures.
X-rays and gamma rays are very hazardous. Special precautions must be taken when performing radiography testing. Therefore the method is undertaken under controlled conditions, inside a protective enclosure or after assessment with appropriate barriers and warning systems to ensure that there are no hazards to personnel.
Caparo Testing Technologies can undertake Radiographic Testing from the Reigate, Luton, Witney, Poole and Oldbury laboratories, and in addition can offer radiography inspection as a site service from all of the above. We have qualified staff able to offer site services to aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul companies, power generation companies (conventional, alternative and nuclear), highway agencies, rail operators (both main line, light/underground and TOC’s), process plant operators and general engineering. Laboratory Radiographic Testing are undertaken for foundries, pipework fabricators, pressure vessel manufacturers and many other users. A specialist service, available both on site and in the laboratory, is a 7.5 MEV Betatron which can be used on steel thicknesses up to 400mm and on concrete up to 1.2m.