ASTM E1734-23

Standard Practice for Radioscopic Examination of Castings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The requirements in this practice are intended to control the quality of the radioscopic images to produce satisfactory and consistent results. This practice is not intended for controlling the acceptability of the casting. The radioscopic method may be used for detecting volumetric discontinuities and density variations that are within the sensitivity range of this practice. The dynamic aspects of radioscopy are useful for maximizing defect response.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers a uniform procedure for radioscopic examination of castings. Radioscopic examination of weldments can be found in E1416.  
1.2 This practice applies only to radioscopic examination in which an image is finally presented on a display screen (monitor) for evaluation. Test part acceptance may be based on a static or dynamic image. The examination results may be recorded for later review. This practice does not apply to fully automated systems in which evaluation is performed automatically by a computer.  
1.3 Due to the many complex geometries and part configurations inherent with castings, it is necessary to recognize the potential limitations associated with obtaining complete radioscopic coverage. Consideration shall be given to areas where geometry or part configuration does not allow for complete radioscopic coverage.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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-2023
• ICS: 77.040.20 - Non-destructive testing of metals
• Technical Committee: E07 - Nondestructive Testing
• Drafting Committee: E07.01 - Radiography (X and Gamma) Method

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E1316-24 - Standard Terminology for <?Pub Dtl?>Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E1411-23 - Standard Practice for Qualification of Radioscopic Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E1255-23 - Standard Practice for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E1316-19b - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM E1316-19 - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM E2903-18 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of the Effective Focal Spot Size of Mini and Micro Focus X-ray Tubes
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1025-18 - Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Material Grouping Classification of Hole-Type Image Quality Indicators (IQI) Used for Radiography
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1316-18 - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1316-17a - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM E1316-17 - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM E1000-16 - Standard Guide for Radioscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1316-16a - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1416-16 - Standard Practice for Radioscopic Examination of Weldments
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1411-16 - Standard Practice for Qualification of Radioscopic Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1316-16 - Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016

Overview

ASTM E1734-23: Standard Practice for Radioscopic Examination of Castings provides a uniform procedure for the radioscopic (real-time radiographic) examination of castings. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures consistent quality in radioscopic imaging, providing guidance for system qualification, image quality control, and procedure documentation. While the method is tailored to the detection of volumetric discontinuities and density variations within castings, it does not specify the criteria for acceptability or rejection of the examined parts-that remains the responsibility of the contract agreement.

Radioscopic examination, as covered by this standard, offers dynamic image review and is particularly effective for identifying internal defects in complex geometries. The standard is applicable to examinations where images are displayed on monitors for evaluation and may be recorded for later review, but does not extend to fully automated, computer-performed evaluations.

Key Topics

• Image Quality Assurance: The practice establishes requirements for radioscopic system configuration and image quality, including the use of image quality indicators (IQIs) and calibration blocks to validate system performance and sensitivity.
• System Qualification: Initial and periodic system qualification are mandated, ensuring that all radioscopic equipment-radiation source, detector, image display, processing subsystems, and collimation-meet required performance standards.
• Procedure Documentation: Radioscopic examinations must be performed according to written procedures, including details such as material and thickness ranges, source parameters, geometry, scan plan, and image storage and qualification processes.
• Coverage and Limitations: The standard recognizes potential challenges in achieving complete coverage due to complex casting geometries and calls for documented exceptions where coverage is impractical.
• Recording and Records Management: Recommendations are included for selecting recording media, preserving records, and documenting all critical parameters, such as scan plans, qualifying images, system qualification reports, and image interpretation records.
• Safety Compliance: Users must adhere to all applicable safety, health, and environmental regulations relevant to radioscopic procedures.

Applications

Radioscopic examination of castings is widely used in industries that require reliable, non-destructive evaluation of metal cast components, including:

• Aerospace: Inspecting engine and structural castings for internal voids, cracks, or inclusions to ensure safety and performance.
• Automotive: Verifying the integrity of critical engine, transmission, and suspension components during manufacturing quality control.
• Power Generation: Assessing turbine blades, valves, and pressure-retaining castings to detect potential failure risks.
• Industrial Equipment: Ensuring the reliability of pumps, valves, and other equipment where casting defects could lead to operational issues.

This standard supports both production and maintenance phases, enabling effective detection, documentation, and analysis of internal casting defects in real time.

Related Standards

ASTM E1734-23 references several other key standards to provide a comprehensive approach to radioscopic and radiographic examination in nondestructive testing (NDT):

• ASTM E94: Guide for Radiographic Examination Using Industrial Radiographic Film
• ASTM E1000 & E1255: Guides for Radioscopy and its qualifying procedures
• ASTM E747, E1025, E1647, E1742: Practices for image quality indicators and determining contrast sensitivity
• ASTM E1411 & E1416: Practices for qualification of radioscopic systems and examination of weldments
• ASTM E543: Specification for agencies performing NDT
• ASTM E2339 & E1453: Practice and guide for digital imaging and data storage
• ASNT SNT-TC-1A, ANSI/ASNT CP-189, NAS 410, ISO 9712: Personnel qualification and certification in NDT

These related standards provide guidance on equipment, personnel qualification, system performance checks, data management, and more, supporting a comprehensive quality control program in radioscopic examination processes.

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Keywords: radioscopic examination, casting inspection, nondestructive testing, X-ray, gamma ray, image quality indicators, ASTM E1734-23, radioscopy, digital image processing, industrial quality control, volumetric discontinuity detection

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: E1734 − 23
Standard Practice for
Radioscopic Examination of Castings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1734; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This practice covers a uniform procedure for radio-
E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination Using Industrial
scopic examination of castings. Radioscopic examination of
Radiographic Film
weldments can be found in E1416.
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
1.2 This practice applies only to radioscopic examination in
Testing
which an image is finally presented on a display screen
E747 Practice for Design, Manufacture and Material Group-
(monitor) for evaluation. Test part acceptance may be based on
ing Classification of Wire Image Quality Indicators (IQI)
a static or dynamic image. The examination results may be
Used for Radiology
recorded for later review. This practice does not apply to fully
E1000 Guide for Radioscopy
automated systems in which evaluation is performed automati-
E1025 Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Material
cally by a computer.
Grouping Classification of Hole-Type Image Quality In-
dicators (IQI) Used for Radiography
1.3 Due to the many complex geometries and part configu-
E1165 Test Method for Measurement of Focal Spots of
rations inherent with castings, it is necessary to recognize the
Industrial X-Ray Tubes by Pinhole Imaging
potential limitations associated with obtaining complete radio-
E1255 Practice for Radioscopy
scopic coverage. Consideration shall be given to areas where
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
geometry or part configuration does not allow for complete
E1411 Practice for Qualification of Radioscopic Systems
radioscopic coverage.
E1416 Practice for Radioscopic Examination of Weldments
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
E1453 Guide for Storage of Magnetic Tape Media that
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for
Contains Analog or Digital Radioscopic Data
information only.
E1475 Guide for Data Fields for Computerized Transfer of
Digital Radiological Examination Data
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
E1742 Practice for Radiographic Examination
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
E2339 Practice for Digital Imaging and Communication in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Nondestructive Evaluation (DICONDE)
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
E2903 Test Method for Measurement of the Effective Focal
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Spot Size of Mini and Micro Focus X-ray Tubes
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3. Terminology
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms applicable to this
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
practice may be found in Terminology E1316.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The requirements in this practice are intended to control
the quality of the radioscopic images to produce satisfactory
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. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E1734 – 16a. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E1734-23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1734 − 23
and consistent results. This practice is not intended for con- 6.2.3 Detector Subsystem—Selection of the appropriate de-
trolling the acceptability of the casting. The radioscopic tection system is dependent on variables such as the material
method may be used for detecting volumetric discontinuities and size of the object being examined and the energy and
and density variations that are within the sensitivity range of intensity of the radiation used for the examination. Guidance
this practice. The dynamic aspects of radioscopy are useful for on selection of the detector subsystem may be found in Guide
maximizing defect response. E1000 or Practice E1255.
6.2.4 Image Processing Subsystem—Where agreed upon
5. Basis of Application
between the purchaser and the supplier, image processing
systems may be used for noise reduction through image
5.1 The following items shall be agreed upon between the
integration or averaging, contrast enhancement, and other
purchaser and the supplier:
image processing operations. Users of digital image processing
5.1.1 Nondestructive Testing Agency Evaluation—If speci-
are cautioned to test image processing parameters thoroughly
fied in the contractual agreement, nondestructive testing (NDT)
before use. For example, some spatial filter functions produce
agencies shall be qualified and evaluated as described in
directional results and may suppress desired image informa-
Practice E543. The applicable edition of Practice E543 shall be
tion. Other spatial filters can introduce artifacts into the image.
specified in the contractual agreement.
6.2.5 Image Display Subsystem—Selection of the appropri-
5.1.2 Personnel Qualification—If specified in the contrac-
ate image display is critical to the transfer of image information
tual agreement, personnel performing examinations to this
from the radioscopic system to the person making the accept-
standard shall be qualified in accordance with a nationally or
reject decision. The image display should be suitably sized and
internationally recognized NDT personnel qualification prac-
placed in a controlled environment with subdued lighting to
tice or standard and certified by the employer or certifying
maximize the transfer of image information to the radioscopic
agency, as applicable. The practice or standard used, and its
system operator.
applicable revision, shall be identified in the contractual
6.2.6 Collimation—Selection of appropriate collimation is
agreement between the using parties.
dependent on the geometry of the object being examined. It is
5.1.3 Recording Media—If required, the recording media to
generally useful to select collimation to limit the primary
be used shall be specified in accordance with the requirements
radiation beam to the detector area or region of interest,
of Section 6.
whichever is smaller, thereby limiting scatter radiation in order
5.1.4 Performance Measurements—Performance measure-
to improve radioscopic image quality.
ment shall be specified in accordance with the requirements of
6.2.7 Filters and Masking—Filters and masking may be
Section 7.
used to improve image quality by alleviating contrast reduc-
5.1.5 Procedure—Procedural requirements shall be speci-
tions caused by low-energy scattered radiation. Guidance on
fied in the contractual agreement.
the use of filters and masking is provided in Guide E94.
5.1.6 Records—Records shall be specified in the contractual
agreement.
6.3 Location and Identification Markers—Lead numbers
and letters may be used to designate the part number and
6. Apparatus
location number, as needed, provided they do not mask regions
of interest on the casting. On-part identification is not required
6.1 Success of the radioscopic process depends on the
where the manipulator is programmable or manipulator coor-
overall system configuration and the selection of appropriate
dinates are provided as a means of ensuring that all regions of
subsystem components. Guidance on the selection of sub-
interest are covered. A video typewriter or similar device may
system components and the overall system configuration is
be used to display location and identification information
provided in Guide E1000 and Practice E1255. Initial qualifi-
electronically. When identification is not provided on the part,
cation and periodic re-qualification of the radioscopic system is
the method of identification shall be documented in the records
required (see Section 7). The suitability of the radioscopic
in accordance with Section 11.
system shall be demonstrated by attainment of the required
image quality and compliance with all other requirements
6.4 Areas that are considered impractical or very difficult to
stipulated herein.
view (see 9.2), shall be marked in the Radioscopic Shooting
Sketch.
6.2 Equipment:
6.2.1 Radiation Source (X-Ray or Gamma-Ray)—Selection
6.5 Recording Media—Recording media for storage of ana-
of the appropriate source is dependent on variables regarding
log or digital images shall be agreed upon between the
the casting being examined, such as material composition and
purchaser and the supplier. Guidance on selection and usage of
thickness. Guidance on selection of the radiation source may
recording media may be found in Practice E1255.
be found in Practice E1255 or Guides E94 and E1000.
6.2.2 Manipulation Subsystem—Selection of the appropriate
7. System- and Product-Specific Qualification
manipulation system (where applicable) is dependent on vari-
7.1 System Performance Measurement—The Radioscopic
ables such as the size and orientation of the object being
system shall be qualified according to Practice E1411.
examined and the range of motions, speed of travel, and
smoothness of motion. Guidance on selection of the manipu- 7.1.1 Performance Measurement Intervals shall be accord-
lation subsystem may be found in Practice E1255. ing to Practice E1411 unless otherwise specified.
E1734 − 23
8. Safety 9.6 Acceptance Level—Accept and reject levels shall be
stipulated by the applicable contract, job order, drawing, or
8.1 Radioscopic procedures shall comply with applicable
other purchaser and supplier agreement.
local, state, and federal safety regulations.
9.7 Image-Viewing Facilities—Viewing facilities shall pro-
9. Requirements
vide subdued background lighting of an intensity that will not
cause troublesome reflection, shadows, or glare on the image.
9.1 Procedure Requirement—Unless otherwise specified by
The image display performance, size, and placement are
the applicable job order or contract, radioscopic examination
important radioscopic system considerations. A test pattern
shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure.
similar to SMPTE RP133 shall be used to qualify the display.
Specific requirements regarding the preparation and approval
of the written procedures shall be as agreed by purchaser and
9.8 Storage of Images—When storage is required by the
supplier. The production procedure shall address all applicable
applicable job order or contract, the images should be stored in
portions of this test method and shall be available for review
a format stipulated by the applicable contract, job order,
during interpretation of the images. The written procedure shall
drawing, or other purchaser and supplier agreement. The
include the following:
image-storage duration and location shall be as agreed between
9.1.1 Material and thickness range to be examined,
purchaser and supplier (see Guides E1453 and E1475 and
9.1.2 Equipment to be used, including specifications of
Practice E2339).
source parameters (such as tube voltage, current, focal spot
9.9 Initial Qualification—An initial qualification of the
size) and imaging equipment parameters (such as detector size,
radioscopic system shall be performed in accordance with
field of view, electronic magnification, camera black level,
paragraph 7.1. The periodic re-qualification shall be performed
gain, look-up table (LUT)),
in accordance with paragraph 7.1.1. The suitability of the
9.1.3 Examination geometry, including source-to-object
radioscopic system shall be demonstrated by attainment of the
distance, object-to-detector distance and orientation,
required image quality and compliance with all other require-
9.1.4 Image quality indicator designation and placement,
ments stipulated herein.
9.1.5 Test-object scan plan, indicating the range of motions
and manipulation speeds through which the test object shall be
10. Procedure Considerations
manipulated in order to ensure satisfactory results,
9.1.6 Image-processing parameters,
10.1 Time of Examination—Radioscopy may be performed
9.1.7 Image-display parameters,
in the as-cast, intermediate, or final machined condition, as
9.1.8 Image storage, and
may be specified by the applicable job order or contract.
9.1.9 Plan for system qualification and periodic requalifica-
10.2 Material and thickness range to be examined.
tion as described in Practices E1255 and E1411.
10.3 Surface Preparation—While no surface preparation is
9.2 Radioscopic Coverage—Unless otherwise specified by
required for radioscopy, the removal of flash, surface
purchaser and supplier agreement, the extent of radioscopic
blemishes, and debris that could adversely affect the radio-
coverage shall include 100 % of the volume of the casting (see
scopic image is recommended.
paragraph 6.4). In this case a radioscopic shooting sketch
10.4 Examination Speed—For dynamic examination, the
(RSS) in accordance with Appendix X1 shall be required.
speed of the test object relative to the radiation source and
9.3 Examination Speed—For dynamic examination, the
detector shall be subject to agreement between the purchaser
speed of object motion relative to the radiation source and
and the supplier. Base this determination on the achievement of
detector shall be controlled to ensure that the required radio-
the required radioscopic quality level at that examination
scopic qu
...

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: E1734 − 16a E1734 − 23
Standard Practice for
Radioscopic Examination of Castings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1734; 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 a uniform procedure for radioscopic examination of castings. Radioscopic examination of weldments can
be found in E1416.
1.2 This practice applies only to radioscopic examination in which an image is finally presented on a display screen (monitor) for
evaluation. Test part acceptance may be based on a static or dynamic image. The examination results may be recorded for later
review. This practice does not apply to fully automated systems in which evaluation is performed automatically by a computer.
1.3 Due to the many complex geometries and part configurations inherent with castings, it is necessary to recognize the potential
limitations associated with obtaining complete radioscopic coverage. Consideration shall be given to areas where geometry or part
configuration does not allow for complete radioscopic coverage.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.5 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 healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 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:
E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination Using Industrial Radiographic Film
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
E747 Practice for Design, Manufacture and Material Grouping Classification of Wire Image Quality Indicators (IQI) Used for
Radiology
E1000 Guide for Radioscopy
E1025 Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Material Grouping Classification of Hole-Type Image Quality Indicators (IQI)
Used for Radiography
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.01 on Radiology (X and
Gamma) Method.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2016June 1, 2023. Published December 2016June 2023. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as
E1734E1734 – 16a.–16. DOI: 10.1520/E1734-16A.10.1520/E1734-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. 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
E1734 − 23
E1165 Test Method for Measurement of Focal Spots of Industrial X-Ray Tubes by Pinhole Imaging
E1255 Practice for Radioscopy
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E1411 Practice for Qualification of Radioscopic Systems
E1416 Practice for Radioscopic Examination of Weldments
E1453 Guide for Storage of Magnetic Tape Media that Contains Analog or Digital Radioscopic Data
E1475 Guide for Data Fields for Computerized Transfer of Digital Radiological Examination Data
E1647 Practice for Determining Contrast Sensitivity in Radiology
E1742 Practice for Radiographic Examination
E2002 Practice for Determining Image Unsharpness and Basic Spatial Resolution in Radiography and Radioscopy
E2339 Practice for Digital Imaging and Communication in Nondestructive Evaluation (DICONDE)
E2903 Test Method for Measurement of the Effective Focal Spot Size of Mini and Micro Focus X-ray Tubes
2.2 ASNT Standards:
ASNT SNT-TC-1A Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
2.3 National Aerospace Standard:
NAS-410 NAS Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive Personnel (Quality Assurance Committee)
2.4 Other Standards:.
ISO 9712 Non-Destructive Testing—Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms applicable to this practice may be found in Terminology E1316.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The requirements in this practice are intended to control the quality of the radioscopic images to produce satisfactory and
consistent results. This practice is not intended for controlling the acceptability of the casting. The radioscopic method may be used
for detecting volumetric discontinuities and density variations that are within the sensitivity range of this practice. The dynamic
aspects of radioscopy are useful for maximizing defect response.
5. Basis of Application
5.1 The following items shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier:
5.1.1 Nondestructive Testing Agency Evaluation—If specified in the contractual agreement, nondestructive testing (NDT) agencies
shall be qualified and evaluated as described in Practice E543. The applicable edition of Practice E543 shall be specified in the
contractual agreement.
5.1.2 Personnel Qualification—If specified in the contractual agreement, personnel performing examinations to this standard shall
be qualified in accordance with a nationally or internationally recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or standard such
as ANSI/ANST-CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, ISO 9712, or similar document and certified by the employer or certifying
agency, as applicable. The practice or standard used, and its applicable revision, shall be identified in the contractual agreement
between the using parties.
5.1.3 Recording Media—If required, the recording media to be used shall be specified in accordance with the requirements of
Section 6.
5.1.4 Performance Measurements—Performance measurement shall be specified in accordance with the requirements of Section
7.
5.1.5 Procedure—Procedural requirements shall be specified in the contractual agreement.
5.1.6 Records—Records shall be specified in the contractual agreement.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Success of the radioscopic process depends on the overall system configuration and the selection of appropriate subsystem
components. Guidance on the selection of sub-system components and the overall system configuration is provided in Guide E1000
E1734 − 23
and Practice E1255. Initial qualification and periodic re-qualification of the radioscopic system is required (see Section 7). The
suitability of the radioscopic system shall be demonstrated by attainment of the required image quality and compliance with all
other requirements stipulated herein.
6.2 Equipment:
6.2.1 Radiation Source (X-Ray or Gamma-Ray)—Selection of the appropriate source is dependent on variables regarding the
casting being examined, such as material composition and thickness. Guidance on selection of the radiation source may be found
in Practice E1255 or Guides E94 and E1000.
6.2.2 Manipulation Subsystem—Selection of the appropriate manipulation system (where applicable) is dependent on variables
such as the size and orientation of the object being examined and the range of motions, speed of travel, and smoothness of motion.
Guidance on selection of the manipulation subsystem may be found in Practice E1255.
6.2.3 Detector Subsystem—Selection of the appropriate detection system is dependent on variables such as the material and size
of the object being examined and the energy and intensity of the radiation used for the examination. Guidance on selection of the
detector subsystem may be found in Guide E1000 or Practice E1255.
6.2.4 Image Processing Subsystem—Where agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier, image processing systems may
be used for noise reduction through image integration or averaging, contrast enhancement, and other image processing operations.
Users of digital image processing are cautioned to test image processing parameters thoroughly before use. For example, some
spatial filter functions produce directional results and may suppress desired image information. Other spatial filters can introduce
artifacts into the image.
6.2.5 Image Display Subsystem—Selection of the appropriate image display is critical to the transfer of image information from
the radioscopic system to the person making the accept-reject decision. The image display should be suitably sized and placed in
a controlled environment with subdued lighting to maximize the transfer of image information to the radioscopic system operator.
6.2.6 Collimation—Selection of appropriate collimation is dependent on the geometry of the object being examined. It is generally
useful to select collimation to limit the primary radiation beam to the detector area or region of interest, whichever is smaller,
thereby limiting scatter radiation in order to improve radioscopic image quality.
6.2.7 Filters and Masking—Filters and masking may be used to improve image quality by alleviating contrast reductions caused
by low-energy scattered radiation. Guidance on the use of filters and masking is provided in Guide E94.
6.3 Location and Identification Markers—Lead numbers and letters may be used to designate the part number and location
number, as needed, provided they do not mask regions of interest on the casting. On-part identification is not required where the
manipulator is programmable or manipulator coordinates are provided as a means of ensuring that all regions of interest are
covered. A video typewriter or similar device may be used to display location and identification information electronically. When
identification is not provided on the part, the method of identification shall be documented in the records in accordance with
Section 11.
6.4 Areas that are considered impractical or very difficult to view (see 9.2), shall be marked in the Radioscopic Shooting Sketch.
6.5 Recording Media—Recording media for storage of analog or digital images shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and
the supplier. Guidance on selection and usage of recording media may be found in Practice E1255.
7. System- and Product-Specific Qualification
7.1 System Performance Measurement—Radioscopic examination system performance parameters must be determined initially
and monitored regularly to ensure consistent results. The best measure of total radioscopic examination system performance can
be made with the system in operation, using a test object similar to the test part under actual operating conditions. This indicates
the use of an actual or simulated test object or calibration block containing actual or simulated features that must be detected
reliably. Such a calibration block will provide a reliable indication of the radioscopic examination system’s capabilities.
Conventional wire or plaque-type image quality indicators (IQIs) may be used in place of, or in addition to, the simulated test
object or calibration block. Radioscopic quality shall be specified in terms of equivalent penetrameter (IQI) sensitivity and shall
be measured using image quality indicators conforming to Practices The Radioscopic E747, E1025, E1647, or E1742. In addition,
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if system unsharpness measurement is required, the Practice system E2002 duplex wire gauge shall be used. Performance
measurement methods are subject to agreement between the purchaser and the supplier of radioscopic examination services; if no
special agreements are done the performance shall be measured in accordance with shall be qualified according to 7.2.1, 7.2.2,
7.2.3, or combinations thereof, Practice E1411 or Appendix X1 of Practice E1255.
7.1.1 Performance Measurement Intervals—System performance measurement techniques should be standardized so that
performance measurement tests may be duplicated readily at specified intervals. Radioscopic examination performance should be
evaluated at sufficiently frequent intervals, as may be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier of radioscopic
examination services, in order to minimize thePerformance Measurement Intervals shall be according to Practice E1411 possibility
of time-dependent performance variations.unless otherwise specified.
7.2 Product-Specific Qualification—System performance should be measured for production.
7.2.1 Measurement with IQIs—System performance measurements using IQIs shall be in accordance with accepted industry
standards describing the use of IQIs. The IQIs should be placed on the radiation source side of the test object, as close as possible
to the region of interest. The use of wire IQIs should also take into account the fact that the radioscopic examination may exhibit
asymmetrical sensitivity, in which case the wire diameter axis shall be oriented along the system’s axis of least sensitivity.
Selection of IQI thickness should be consistent with the test part radiation path length.
7.2.2 Measurement with a Calibration Block—The calibration block may be an actual test part with known features that are
representative of the range of features to be detected, or it may be fabricated to simulate the test object with a suitable range of
representative features. Alternatively, the calibration block may be a one-of-a-kind or few-of-a-kind reference test object
containing known imperfections that have been verified independently. Calibration blocks containing known, natural defects are
useful on a single-task basis, but they are not universally applicable. A duplicate manufactured calibration block should be used
where standardization among two or more radioscopic examination systems is required. The calibration blocks should approximate
the test object as closely as is practical, being made of the same material with similar dimensions and features in the radioscopic
examination region of interest. Manufactured calibration blocks shall include features at least as small as those that must be
detected reliably in the actual test object in locations where they are expected to occur. It is permissible to produce the calibration
block in sections where features are internal to the test object. Calibration block details are a matter of agreement between the
purchaser and the supplier of radioscopic examination services.
7.2.2.1 Use of a Calibration Block—The calibration block shall be placed in the radioscopic examination system in the same
position as the actual test object. The calibration block may be manipulated through the same range of motions as are available
for the actual test object so as to maximize the radioscopic examination system’s response to the simulated imperfections.
7.2.2.2 Radioscopic Examination Techniques—Techniques used for the calibration block shall be identical to those used for actual
examination of the test part. Technique parameters shall be listed and include, as a minimum, radiation beam energy, intensity, focal
spot size, enlargement, digital image processing parameters, manipulation scan plan, and scanning speed.
7.2.3 Use of Calibrated Line Pair Test Pattern and Step Wedge—A calibrated line pair test pattern and step wedge may be used,
if desired, to determine and track the radioscopic system performance in terms of unsharpness and contrast sensitivity. The line
pair test pattern is used without an additional absorber to evaluate system unsharpness (see Practices E1411 and E2002). The step
wedge is used to evaluate system contrast sensitivity (see Practice E1647).
7.2.3.1 The step wedge must be made of the same material as the test part, with steps representing 100, 99, 98, 97, and 96 % of
both the thickest and thinnest material sections to be examined. The thinner steps shall be adjacent to the 100 % thickness in order
to facilitate discerning the minimum visible thickness step. Other thickness steps are permissible upon agreement between the
purchaser and the supplier of radioscopic examination services.
7.2.3.2 The line pair test pattern and step wedge tests shall be conducted in a manner similar to the performance measurements
for the IQI or calibration block. It is permissible to adjust the X-ray energy and intensity to obtain a usable line pair test pattern
image brightness. In the case of a radioisotope or X-ray generating system in which the energy or intensity cannot be adjusted,
additional filtration may be added to reduce the brightness to a useful level. Contrast sensitivity shall be evaluated at the same
energy and intensity levels as are used for the radioscopic technique.
7.2.3.3 A system that exhibits a thin section contrast sensitivity of 3 %, a thick section contrast sensitivity of 2 %, and a
unsharpness of 3 line pairs/mm may be said to have a quality level of 3 % − 2 % − 3 lp ⁄mm. A conversion table from duplex wire
read out to lp/mm can be found in Practice E2002.
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7.2.3.4 The line pair test pattern and step wedge may be used to make more frequent periodic system performance checks than
are required in 7.1.1. Resolution and contrast sensitivity checks must be correlated with IQI or calibration block performance
measurements. This may be accomplished by first evaluating the system performance in accordance with 7.2.1 or 7.2.2 and
immediately thereafter determining the equivalent unsharpness and contrast sensitivity values.
8. Safety
8.1 Radioscopic procedures shall comply with applicable local, state, and federal safety regulations.
9. Requirements
9.1 Procedure Requirement—Unless otherwise specified by the applicable job order or contract, radioscopic examination shall be
performed in accordance with a written procedure. Specific requirements regarding the preparation and approval of the written
proced
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