ASTM E1255-96(2002)

Standard Practice for Radioscopy

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
As with conventional radiography, radioscopic examination is broadly applicable to any material or examination object through which a beam of penetrating radiation may be passed and detected including metals, plastics, ceramics, composite, and other nonmetallic materials. In addition to the benefits normally associated with radiography, radioscopic examination may be either a dynamic, filmless technique allowing the examination part to be manipulated and imaging parameters optimized while the object is undergoing examination, or a static, filmless technique wherein the examination part is stationary with respect to the X-ray beam. Recent technology advances in the area of projection imaging, detectors, and digital image processing provide acceptable sensitivity for a wide range of applications.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides application details for radioscopic examination using penetrating radiation. This includes dynamic radioscopy and for the purposes of this practice, radioscopy where there is no motion of the object during exposure (referred to as static radioscopic imaging). Since the techniques involved and the applications for radioscopic examination are diverse, this practice is not intended to be limiting or restrictive, but rather to address the general applications of the technology and thereby facilitate it's use. Refer to Guides E 94 and E 1000, Terminology E 1316, Practice E 747, Practice E 1025, and Fed. Std. Nos. 21 CFR 1020.40 and 29 CFR 1910.96 for a list of documents that provide additional information and guidance.
1.2 The general principles discussed in this practice apply broadly to penetrating radiation radioscopic systems. However, this document is written specifically for use with X-ray and gamma-ray systems. Other radioscopic systems, such as those employing neutrons, will involve equipment and application details unique to such systems.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety statements, see Section 8 and Fed. Std. Nos. 21 CFR 1020.40 and 29 CFR 1910.96.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Mar-1996
• ICS: 77.040.20 - Non-destructive testing of metals
• Technical Committee: E07 - Nondestructive Testing
• Drafting Committee: E07.01 - Radiology (X and Gamma) Method

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1255-96 - Standard Practice for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Replaced By: ASTM E1255-09 - Standard Practice for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E2533-21 - Standard Guide for Nondestructive Examination of Polymer Matrix Composites Used in Aerospace Applications
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E1931-16(2022) - Standard Guide for Non-computed X-Ray Compton Scatter Tomography
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E1161-21 - Standard Practice for Radiographic Examination of Semiconductors and Electronic Components
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E543-21 - Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E1165-20 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Focal Spots of Industrial X-Ray Tubes by Pinhole Imaging
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E2662-15(2022) - Standard Practice for Radiographic Examination of Flat Panel Composites and Sandwich Core Materials Used in Aerospace Applications
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E1411-16 - Standard Practice for Qualification of Radioscopic Systems
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E1475-13(2023) - Standard Guide for Data Fields for Computerized Transfer of Digital Radiological Examination Data
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E1416-23 - Standard Practice for Radioscopic Examination of Weldments
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E2982-21 - Standard Guide for Nondestructive Examination of Thin-Walled Metallic Liners in Filament-Wound Pressure Vessels Used in Aerospace Applications
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E3166-20e1 - Standard Guide for Nondestructive Examination of Metal Additively Manufactured Aerospace Parts After Build
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E1734-23 - Standard Practice for Radioscopic Examination of Castings
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Referred By: ASTM E1647-16(2022) - Standard Practice for Determining Contrast Sensitivity in Radiology
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:E1255–96 (Reapproved 2002)
Standard Practice for
Radioscopy
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1255; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E1025 Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Material
2 Grouping Classification of Hole-Type Image Quality Indi-
1.1 This practice provides application details for radio-
cators (IQI) Used for Radiology
scopic examination using penetrating radiation. This includes
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
dynamic radioscopy and for the purposes of this practice,
2.2 ASNT Standard:
radioscopy where there is no motion of the object during
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi-
exposure (referred to as static radioscopic imaging). Since the
cation and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
techniques involved and the applications for radioscopic ex-
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certi-
amination are diverse, this practice is not intended to be
fication of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
limiting or restrictive, but rather to address the general appli-
2.3 Federal Standards:
cations of the technology and thereby facilitate it’s use. Refer
21 CFR1020.40 Safety Requirements of Cabinet X-Ray
to Guides E94 and E1000, Terminology E1316, Practice
Systems
E747, Practice E1025, and Fed. Std. Nos. 21 CFR 1020.40
29 CFR1910.96 Ionizing Radiation
and 29 CFR 1910.96 for a list of documents that provide
2.4 National Council on Radiation Protection and Mea-
additional information and guidance.
surement (NCRP) Standard:
1.2 The general principles discussed in this practice apply
NCRP 49 Structural Shielding Design and Evaluation for
broadlytopenetratingradiationradioscopicsystems.However,
Medical Use of X Rays and Gamma Rays of Energies Up
this document is written specifically for use with X-ray and
to 10 MeV
gamma-ray systems. Other radioscopic systems, such as those
employing neutrons, will involve equipment and application
3. Summary of Practice
details unique to such systems.
3.1 Manualevaluationaswellascomputer-aidedautomated
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
radioscopic examination systems are used in a wide variety of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
penetrating radiation examination applications. A simple
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
manual evaluation radioscopic examination system might con-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
sist of a radiation source and a directly viewed fluorescent
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety
screen,suitablyenclosedinaradiationprotectiveenclosure.At
statements, see Section 8 and Fed. Std. Nos. 21 CFR 1020.40
the other extreme, a complex automated radioscopic examina-
and 29 CFR 1910.96.
tion system might consist of an X-ray source, a robotic
2. Referenced Documents examination part manipulator, a radiation protective enclosure,
an electronic image detection system, a closed circuit televi-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
sion image transmission system, a digital image processor, a
E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination
videodisplay,andadigitalimagearchivingsystem.Allsystem
E 747 Practice for Design, Manufacture and Material
components are supervised by the host computer, which
Grouping Classification of Wire Image Quality Indicators
incorporates the software necessary to not only operate the
(IQI) Used for Radiology
system components, but to make accept/reject decisions as
E1000 Guide for Radioscopy
well. Systems having a wide range of capabilities between
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde-
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.01 on
Radiology (X and Gamma) Method. Available from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, P.O. Box
Current edition approved March 10, 1996. Published May 1996. Originally 28518, 1711 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228-0518.
published as E1255–88. Last previous edition E1255–92b. Available from DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 RobbinsAve., Philadelphia,
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Practice PA 19111-5098.
SE-1255 in Section II of that code. Available from NCRP Publications, 7010 Woodmont Ave., Suite 1016, Be-
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03. thesda, MD 20814.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E1255–96 (2002)
these extremes can be assembled using available components. 5.1.2.4 Adigitalimageprocessingsystemtoperformimage
Guide E1000 lists many different system configurations. enhancement and image evaluation functions,
3.2 This practice provides details for applying radioscopic
5.1.2.5 An archival quality image recording system, and
examination techniques, however, supplemental requirements
5.1.2.6 A radiation protective enclosure with appropriate
are necessary to address areas that are application and perfor-
safety interlocks and a radiation warning system.
mance specific.AnnexA1 andAnnexA2 provide the detailed
5.1.3 Whether a simple or a complex system is used, the
supplemental requirements for government contracts (Annex
system components and configuration utilized to achieve the
A1) and nongovernment contracts (Annex A2).
prescribed examination results must be carefully selected.
5.2 Practice:
4. Significance and Use
5.2.1 The purchaser and supplier for radioscopic examina-
4.1 As with conventional radiography, radioscopic exami-
tion services shall mutually agree upon a written procedure
nation is broadly applicable to any material or examination
using the applicable annex of supplemental requirements and
object through which a beam of penetrating radiation may be
also consider the following general requirements.
passed and detected including metals, plastics, ceramics, com-
5.2.1.1 Equipment Qualifications—A listing of the system
posite, and other nonmetallic materials. In addition to the
features that must be qualified to ensure that the system is
benefits normally associated with radiography, radioscopic
capable of performing the desired radioscopic examination
examination may be either a dynamic, filmless technique
task.
allowing the examination part to be manipulated and imaging
parameters optimized while the object is undergoing examina- 5.2.1.2 Examination Object Scan Plan for Dynamic
Radioscopy—A listing of object orientations, ranges of mo-
tion, or a static, filmless technique wherein the examination
part is stationary with respect to the X-ray beam. Recent tions, and manipulation speeds through which the object must
be manipulated to ensure satisfactory examination.
technology advances in the area of projection imaging, detec-
tors, and digital image processing provide acceptable sensitiv-
5.2.1.3 Radioscopic Parameters—Alisting of all the radia-
ity for a wide range of applications.
tion source-related variables that can affect the examination
outcome for the selected system configuration such as: source
5. Equipment and Procedure
energy, intensity, focal spot size, range of source to object
5.1 System Configuration—Many different radioscopic ex-
distances, range of object to image plane distances, and source
amination systems configurations are possible, and it is impor-
to image plane distances.
tant to understand the advantages and limitations of each. It is
5.2.1.4 Image Processing Parameters—A listing of all the
importantthattheoptimumradioscopicexaminationsystembe
image processing variables necessary to enhance fine detail
selected for each examination requirement through a careful
detectability in the object and to achieve the required sensitiv-
analysis of the benefits and limitations of the available system
ity level. These would include, but are not limited to, tech-
componentsandthechosensystemconfiguration.Theprovider
niques such as noise reduction, contrast enhancement, and
as well as the user of the radioscopic examination services
spatialfiltering.Greatcareshouldbeexercisedintheselection
should be fully aware of the capabilities and limitations of the
of directional image processing parameters such as spatial
radioscopic examination system that is proposed for examina-
filtering, which may emphasize features in certain orientations
tion of the object. The provider and the user of radioscopic
and suppress them in others. The listing should indicate the
examinationservicesshallagreeuponthesystemconfiguration
means for qualifying image processing parameters.
to be used for each radioscopic examination application under
5.2.1.5 Image Display Parameters—A listing of the tech-
consideration, and how its performance is to be evaluated.
niques and the intervals at which they are to be applied for
5.1.1 The minimum radioscopic examination system con-
standardizing the video image display as to brightness, con-
figuration will include an appropriate source of penetrating
trast, focus, and linearity.
radiation, a means for positioning the examination object
5.2.1.6 Accept-Reject Criteria—A listing of the expected
within the radiation beam, in the case of dynamic radioscopy,
kinds of object imperfections and the rejection level for each.
and a detection system. The system may be as simple as a
5.2.1.7 Performance Evaluation—Alisting of the qualifica-
directly viewed fluorescent screen with suitable radiation
tion tests and the intervals at which they are to be applied to
shielding for personnel protection that meets applicable radia-
ensure that the radioscopic examination system is suitable for
tion safety codes.
its intended purpose.
5.1.2 A more complex system might include the following
5.2.1.8 Image Archiving Requirements—A listing of the
components:
requirements, if any, for preserving a historical record of the
5.1.2.1 A microfocus X-ray system to facilitate high-
examination results. The listing may include examination
resolution projection imaging,
images along with written or electronically recorded alphanu-
5.1.2.2 A multiple axis examination part manipulation sys-
meric or audio narrative information, or both, sufficient to
tem to provide dynamic, full volumetric examination part
allow subsequent reevaluation or repetition of the radioscopic
manipulation under operator joystick or automated program
examination.
control, for dynamic radioscopy,
5.1.2.3 An electronic imaging system to display a bright, 5.2.1.9 Operator Qualifications—Nondestructive testing
two-dimensional gray-scale image of the examination part at (NDT) personnel shall be qualified in accordance with a
the operator’s control console, nationally recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or
E1255–96 (2002)
a standard such as ANSI/ASNT-CP-189, SNT-TC, MIL STD- high-magnification microfocus techniques, to take full advan-
410, or a similar document, to the level appropriate for the tage of the dynamic aspects of the radioscopic examination.
performance of the listed radioscopic examination.
6.1.3 Detection System—The detection system is a key
element. It has the function of converting the radiation input
6. Radioscopic Examination System Performance
signalcontainingpartinformation,intoacorrespondingoptical
Considerations and Measurement
or electronic output signal while preserving the maximum
6.1 Factors Affecting System Performance—Total radio-
amount of object information. The detector may be of one-
scopic examination system performance is determined by the
dimensional design, providing examination part information
combinedperformanceofthesystemcomponentsthatincludes
one line at a time, or may be a two-dimensional area detector
theradiationsource,manipulationsystem(fordynamicradios-
providing an area field of view.
copy),detectionsystem,informationprocessingsystem,image
6.1.4 Information Processing of System:
display, automatic evaluation system, and examination record
6.1.4.1 Thefunctionoftheinformationprocessingsystemis
archiving system.
to take the output of the detection system and present a useful
6.1.1 Radiation Sources—While the radioscopic examina-
image for display and operator interpretation, or for automatic
tion systems may utilize either radioisotope or X-ray sources,
evaluation.The information processing system may take many
X-radiation is used for most radioscopic examination applica-
differentforms,andmayprocessanalogordigitalinformation,
tions.ThisisduetotheenergyspectrumoftheX-radiationthat
or a combination of the two.
contains a blend of contrast enhancing longer wavelengths, as
6.1.4.2 The information processing system includes all of
well as the more penetrating, shorter wavelengths. X-radiation
theoptics,electronics,andinterfacesafterthedetectionsystem
is adjustable in energy and intensity to meet the radioscopic
to and including the image display and automatic evaluation
examinationtestrequirements,andhastheaddedsafetyfeature
system. Information system components include such devices
of discontinued radiation production when switched off. A
aslenses,fiberopticcouplings,lightamplifiers,videocameras,
radioisotope source has the advantages of small physical size,
image processors, and in general any device that processes
portability, simplicity, and uniformity of output.
radioscopic examination information after the detection sys-
6.1.1.1 X-raymachinesproduceamoreintenseX-raybeam
tem.
emanating from a smaller focal spot than do radioisotope
6.1.4.3 The digital image processing system warrants spe-
sources. X-ray focal spot sizes range from a few millimetres
cial attention, since it is the means by which radioscopic
down to a few micrometres. Reducing the source size reduces
examinationinformationmaybeenhanced.Greatcaremustbe
geometric unsharpness, thereby enhancing detail sensitivity.
exercised in determining which image processing techniques
X-ray sources may offer multiple or variable focal spot sizes.
are most beneficial for the particular application. Directional
Smaller focal spots produce higher resolution and provide
spatial filtering operations, for example, must be given special
reduced X-ray beam intensity, while larger focal spots provide
attention as certain feature orientations are emphasized while
higher X-ray intensity and produce lower resolution. Microfo-
others are suppressed. While many digital image processing
cus X-ray tubes are available with focal spots that may be
operations occur sufficiently fast to follow time-dependent
adjusted to as small as a
...