RT and Ut Test

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RT and Ut Test

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adiographic and ultrasonic weld inspection

Establishing weld integrity without destroying the component

By Tony Anderson

December 13, 2001

This article outlines the differences in radiographic and ultrasonic weld inspection, the two most
common methods if nondestructive testing. It gives an overview of both methods, including how
they are used.

Radiographic and ultrasonic weld inspection are the two most common nondestructive testing
(NDT) methods used to detect discontinuities within the internal structure of welds. The obvious
advantage of both of these testing methods is their ability to help establish the weld's internal
integrity without destroying the welded component.

Radiographic Testing
Radiographic testing (RT) usually is suitable for testing welded joints that can be accessed from
both sides, with the exception of double-wall signal image techniques used on some pipe.
Although this is a slow and expensive NDT method, it is a dependable way to detect porosity,
inclusions, cracks, and voids in weld interiors.

RT makes use of X-rays or gamma rays. X-rays are produced by an X-ray tube, and gamma rays
are produced by a radioactive isotope. The basic principle of radiographic weld inspection is the
same as that of medical radiography. Penetrating radiation is passed through a solid object (in
this case, a weld rather than part of the human body) onto photographic film, creating an image
of the object's internal structure on the film.

The amount of energy absorbed by the object depends on its thickness and density. Energy not
absorbed by the object causes exposure of the radiographic film. These areas will be dark when
the film is developed. Areas of the film exposed to less energy remain lighter. Therefore, areas of
the object where the thickness has been changed by discontinuities, such as porosity or cracks,
will appear as dark outlines on the film. Inclusions of low density, such as slag, will appear as
dark areas on the film, while inclusions of high density, such as tungsten, will appear as light
areas.

All discontinuities are detected by viewing the weld shape and variations in the density of the
processed film. This permanent film record of weld quality is relatively easy to interpret if
personnel are properly trained. Only qualified personnel should conduct radiography and
radiographic interpretation because false readings can be expensive and can interfere seriously
with productivity, and because invisible X-ray and gamma radiation can be hazardous.
Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic testing (UT) can be used on ferrous and nonferrous materials and often is suited for
testing thicker sections accessible from one side only. In general, it can detect finer linear or
planar defects than can RT.

UT makes use of mechanical vibrations similar to sound waves but of higher frequency. A beam
of ultrasonic energy is directed into the object to be tested. This beam travels through the object
with insignificant energy loss, except when it is intercepted and reflected by a discontinuity.

The ultrasonic contact pulse reflection technique is used in UT. This system uses a transducer,
which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The transducer is excited by a high-
frequency voltage that causes a crystal to vibrate mechanically. The crystal probe becomes the
source of ultrasonic mechanical vibration. These vibrations are transmitted into the test piece
through a coupling fluid, usually a film of oil, called a couplant.

When the ultrasonic waves pulse strikes a discontinuity in the test piece, it is reflected back to its
point of origin. Thus, the energy returns to the transducer. The transducer now serves as a
receiver for the reflected energy.

The initial signal, or main bang; the returned echoes from the discontinuities; and the echo of the
rear surface of the test piece all are displayed by a trace on the screen of a cathode-ray
oscilloscope. The detection, location, and evaluation of discontinuities become possible because
the velocity of sound through a material is nearly constant, making distance measurement
possible, and the relative amplitude of a reflected pulse is more or less proportional to the size of
the reflector.

One of the most useful characteristics of UT is its ability to determine the exact position of a
discontinuity in a weld. This testing method requires a high level of operator training and
competence and depends on establishing and applying suitable testing procedures.

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RT and Ut Test

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adiographic and ultrasonic weld inspection

Establishing weld integrity without destroying the component

December 13, 2001

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