Standard Practice for Fabrication of the Neutron Radiographic Beam Purity Indicators

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The BPI is designed to yield quantitative information concerning neutron beam and image system parameters that contribute to film exposure and, thereby, affect overall image quality. For proper measurements of film exposure due to the neutron beam constituents, the BPI must be fabricated in accordance with this practice.  
5.2 This practice shall be followed for the fabrication of all Beam Purity Indicators to be used with Test Method E545 to determine image quality in direct thermal neutron radiography.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the material and fabrication of a Beam Purity Indicator (BPI), which can be used to determine the relative quality of radiographic images produced by direct, thermal neutron radiographic examination.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-May-2020
Technical Committee
E07 - Nondestructive Testing

Relations

Effective Date
01-Jun-2020
Effective Date
01-Feb-2024
Effective Date
01-Dec-2019
Effective Date
01-May-2019
Effective Date
01-May-2019
Effective Date
01-Mar-2019
Effective Date
01-Jan-2018
Effective Date
15-Jun-2017
Effective Date
01-Feb-2017
Effective Date
01-Aug-2016
Effective Date
15-Feb-2016
Effective Date
01-Feb-2016
Effective Date
01-Dec-2015
Effective Date
01-Sep-2015
Effective Date
01-Jun-2014

Overview

ASTM E2003-20: Standard Practice for Fabrication of the Neutron Radiographic Beam Purity Indicators provides comprehensive guidelines for the fabrication and material specification of Beam Purity Indicators (BPIs). These devices are essential for determining the quality of radiographic images produced by direct thermal neutron radiographic examination. Proper fabrication of BPIs ensures consistency and repeatability in the evaluation of neutron beam purity and radiographic image quality, supporting reliable nondestructive testing (NDT) results.

This international standard, developed by ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing, is recognized worldwide and aligns with principles established by the WTO for technical barriers to trade. It applies to all BPIs used in conjunction with ASTM E545, the test method for assessing image quality in direct thermal neutron radiography.

Key Topics

  • Material Requirements
    • Specifies the use of polytetrafluoroethylene, cadmium or gadolinium, lead, and boron nitride with defined purity levels (99.9% pure for metals, boron nitride with at least 40% elemental boron).
  • Fabrication Process
    • Outlines precise machining and assembly procedures for the construction of the BPI, including block milling, drilling, wire placement, and disk insertion to ensure optimal layout and material integrity.
  • Dimensional Tolerances
    • Includes tolerances for both component placement and dimensions, ensuring disks and wires remain securely in place throughout usage.
  • Certification
    • Requires material certification and verification against a reference BPI, including a comparison thermal neutron radiograph. BPIs must meet the specified image quality category per ASTM E545 for acceptance.
  • Record Keeping
    • Calls for manufacturing facilities to maintain complete fabrication records for at least three years.

Applications

Neutron radiography is a critical nondestructive testing method used across various industries such as aerospace, nuclear energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing. The Beam Purity Indicator (BPI) fabricated according to ASTM E2003-20 enables:

  • Quantitative Assessment: Determining beam and image system parameters that affect film exposure and overall image quality in neutron radiography.
  • Compliance Verification: Ensuring radiographic systems meet industry standards for image contrast, sharpness, and sensitivity.
  • Quality Control: Routine use in production or maintenance settings for equipment and component inspection.
  • Research & Development: Supporting material characterization and component validation in advanced engineering applications.

BPIs are utilized with ASTM E545 to ensure direct thermal neutron radiography produces reliable and quantifiable image quality assessments, making them indispensable in critical inspection routines.

Related Standards

  • ASTM E545: Test Method for Determining Image Quality in Direct Thermal Neutron Radiographic Examination
  • ASTM E543: Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
  • ASTM E748: Guide for Thermal Neutron Radiography of Materials
  • ASTM E1316: Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations

These related standards provide definitions, methodology, agency requirements, and additional guidance for implementing nondestructive testing, especially in the context of neutron radiography.


By following ASTM E2003-20, organizations ensure that their Beam Purity Indicators meet rigorous international standards, supporting accurate, repeatable, and standardized neutron radiography image quality assessments essential for safety, compliance, and operational reliability in NDT.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM E2003-20 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Fabrication of the Neutron Radiographic Beam Purity Indicators". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The BPI is designed to yield quantitative information concerning neutron beam and image system parameters that contribute to film exposure and, thereby, affect overall image quality. For proper measurements of film exposure due to the neutron beam constituents, the BPI must be fabricated in accordance with this practice. 5.2 This practice shall be followed for the fabrication of all Beam Purity Indicators to be used with Test Method E545 to determine image quality in direct thermal neutron radiography. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the material and fabrication of a Beam Purity Indicator (BPI), which can be used to determine the relative quality of radiographic images produced by direct, thermal neutron radiographic examination. 1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The BPI is designed to yield quantitative information concerning neutron beam and image system parameters that contribute to film exposure and, thereby, affect overall image quality. For proper measurements of film exposure due to the neutron beam constituents, the BPI must be fabricated in accordance with this practice. 5.2 This practice shall be followed for the fabrication of all Beam Purity Indicators to be used with Test Method E545 to determine image quality in direct thermal neutron radiography. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the material and fabrication of a Beam Purity Indicator (BPI), which can be used to determine the relative quality of radiographic images produced by direct, thermal neutron radiographic examination. 1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM E2003-20 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 37.040.25 - Radiographic films. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM E2003-20 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E2003-10(2014), ASTM E1316-24, ASTM E1316-19b, ASTM E748-19, ASTM E545-19, ASTM E1316-19, ASTM E1316-18, ASTM E1316-17a, ASTM E1316-17, ASTM E1316-16a, ASTM E748-16, ASTM E1316-16, ASTM E1316-15a, ASTM E1316-15, ASTM E545-14. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM E2003-20 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2003 − 20
Standard Practice for
Fabrication of the Neutron Radiographic Beam Purity
Indicators
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2003; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Practice
1.1 This practice covers the material and fabrication of a
4.1 The BPI is used for quantitative determination of
Beam Purity Indicator (BPI), which can be used to determine
thermal neutron radiographic quality. It consists of a polytet-
the relative quality of radiographic images produced by direct,
rafluoroethylene block containing two boron nitride disks, two
thermal neutron radiographic examination. lead disks, and two cadmium or gadolinium wires. A key
feature of the device is the ability to make visual analysis of its
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
image for subjective quality information. Densitometric mea-
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
surements of the image of the device permit quantitative
standard.
determination of radiographic contrast, low-energy photon
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
contribution, pair production contribution, image unsharpness,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and information regarding film and processing quality.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 Neutron radiography practices are discussed in Guide
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
E748.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Significance and Use
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 The BPI is designed to yield quantitative information
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
concerning neutron beam and image system parameters that
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
contribute to film exposure and, thereby, affect overall image
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
quality. For proper measurements of film exposure due to the
neutron beam constituents, the BPI must be fabricated in
2. Referenced Documents
accordance with this practice.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.2 This practice shall be followed for the fabrication of all
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
Beam Purity Indicators to be used with Test Method E545 to
Testing
determine image quality in direct thermal neutron radiography.
E545 Test Method for Determining Image Quality in Direct
Thermal Neutron Radiographic Examination
6. Basis of Application
E748 Guide for Thermal Neutron Radiography of Materials
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
6.1 Qualification of Nondestructive Agencies—If specified
in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be qualified
3. Terminology
and evaluated as described in Specification E543. The appli-
cable revision of Specification E543 shall be specified in the
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
contractual agreement.
practice, see Terminology E1316, Section H.
6.2 Procedures and Techniques—The procedures and tech-
niquestobeutilizedshallbeasdescribedinthispracticeunless
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde-
otherwisespecified.Specifictechniquesmaybespecifiedinthe
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.05 on
Radiology (Neutron) Method.
contractual agreement.
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
6.3 Reporting Criteria/Acceptance Criteria—Reporting cri-
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E2003 – 10(2014).
DOI: 10.1520/E2003-20.
teria for the examination results shall be in accordance with
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Sections 9 and 10 unless otherwise specified. Acceptance
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
criteria, for example, for reference radiographs, shall be
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. specified in the contractual agreement.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2003 − 20
6.4 Reexamination of Repaired/Reworked Items— 8.1.2 Drill a 16 6 1 mm hole in the center of the unit.
Reexamination of repaired/reworked items is not addressed in
8.1.3 Mill two 4 mm diameter by 2 mm deep holes centered
this practice and, if required, shall be specified in the contrac-
4 mm from adjacent corners on one face of the unit.
tual agreement.
8.1.4 Cut two lengths of 0.7 6 0.1 mm diameter cadmium
or gadolinium wire, each 12 mm long.
7. Beam Purity Indicator (BPI)
8.1.5 Mill a groove in the base between the holes milled in
7.1 The BPI shall be constructed of polytetrafluoroethy
...


This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2003 − 10 (Reapproved 2014) E2003 − 20
Standard Practice for
Fabrication of the Neutron Radiographic Beam Purity
Indicators
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2003; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the material and fabrication of a Beam Purity Indicator (BPI), which can be used to determine the
relative quality of radiographic images produced by direct, thermal neutron radiographic examination.
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are regarded to be standard.regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are
included in this standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
E545 Test Method for Determining Image Quality in Direct Thermal Neutron Radiographic Examination
E748 Guide for Thermal Neutron Radiography of Materials
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this practice, see Terminology E1316, Section H.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 The BPI is used for quantitative determination of thermal neutron radiographic quality. It consists of a polytetrafluoroeth-
ylene block containing two boron nitride disks, two lead disks, and two cadmium or gadolinium wires. A key feature of the device
is the ability to make visual analysis of its image for subjective quality information. Densitometric measurements of the image of
the device permit quantitative determination of radiographic contrast, low-energy photon contribution, pair production
contribution, image unsharpness, and information regarding film and processing quality.
4.2 Neutron radiography practices are discussed in PracticeGuide E748.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The BPI is designed to yield quantitative information concerning neutron beam and image system parameters that contribute
to film exposure and, thereby, affect overall image quality. For proper measurements of film exposure due to the neutron beam
constituents, the BPI must be fabricated in accordance with this practice.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.05 on Radiology
(Neutron) Method.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2014June 1, 2020. Published November 2014June 2020. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20102014 as
E2003 - 10.E2003 – 10(2014). DOI: 10.1520/E2003-10R14.10.1520/E2003-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2003 − 20
5.2 This practice shall be followed for the fabrication of all Beam Purity Indicators to be used with Test Method E545 to
determine image quality in direct thermal neutron radiography.
6. Basis of Application
6.1 Qualification of Nondestructive Agencies—If specified in the contractual agreement, NDT agencies shall be qualified and
evaluated as described in PracticeSpecification E543. The applicable revision of PracticeSpecification E543 shall be specified in
the contractual agreement.
6.2 Procedures and Techniques—The procedures and techniques to be utilized shall be as described in this practice unless
otherwise specified. Specific techniques may be specified in the contractual agreement.
6.3 Reporting Criteria/Acceptance Criteria—Reporting criteria for the examination results shall be in accordance with Sections
9 and 10 unless otherwise specified. Acceptance criteria, for example, for reference radiographs, shall be specified in the
contractual agreement.
6.4 Reexamination of Repaired/Reworked Items—Reexamination of repaired/reworked items is not addressed in this practice
and, if required, shall be specified in the contractual agreement.
7. Beam Purity Indicator (BPI)
7.1 The BPI shall be constructed of polytetrafluoroethylene, cadmium, cadmium or gadolinium, lead, and boron nitride.
7.2 The construction and dimensions shall be as shown in Fig. 1.
7.3 The BPI may be encased in a frame for easy mounting, but shall not be enclosed in a dust cover, nor shall any material cover
either side of the BPI fa
...

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