Non-Destructive Testing β Radiography Testing
Radiography Testing (RT) Services
X-ray and gamma ray volumetric inspection for welds, castings, and pressure components β with ASME, AWS and IS code-compliant documentation you can trust.
ASME Section V
AWS D1.1
IS 1182
ASTM E94
AERB Licensed
ASNT Level II Certified
Detection Capability
What Radiography Testing Detects
RT produces a permanent image of the interior of your weld or component. The following discontinuities are detectable depending on geometry, material thickness and beam orientation.
β
Porosity
Scattered or clustered gas pores within weld metal or castings. Appear as rounded dark spots on the radiograph β evaluated against ASME or client acceptance criteria.
β¬
Slag & Oxide Inclusions
Non-metallic slag or oxide particles trapped inside the weld during solidification. Show as irregular dark regions of varying size and shape on the film.
β
Lack of Fusion
Incomplete bonding between weld passes or between weld metal and base material β a critical structural discontinuity that requires repair before service.
β
Cracks
Longitudinal, transverse and crater cracks are reliably detected when their plane is within approximately 15Β° of the radiation beam direction.
β
Incomplete Penetration
Root pass voids where weld metal has not fully filled the joint root. Appears as a straight, narrow dark band along the weld centreline on the radiograph.
β³
Shrinkage & Casting Voids
Solidification shrinkage cavities in castings that compromise pressure integrity β common in valve bodies, pump housings and turbine components.
Note: RT sensitivity depends on defect orientation, material thickness and exposure geometry. Our Level II radiographers select the optimum technique for your specific component before any exposure is made.
Radiographic Techniques
X-Ray vs. Gamma Ray β Which Do You Need?
Both techniques produce permanent radiographic images. The right choice depends on material thickness, site conditions, access, and your code requirements.
| Parameter | X-Ray Radiography (160β450 kV) | Gamma Ray β Ir-192 / Se-75 |
|---|---|---|
| Energy / Source | Adjustable voltage machine | Fixed energy sealed source |
| Steel Thickness Range | Up to ~50 mm | Up to ~100 mm (Ir-192) |
| Image Quality / Contrast | Higher contrast and finer detail | Good β adequate for thick sections |
| Portability | Requires power supply β shop / controlled site | Fully portable β remote, field, offshore |
| Panoramic (360Β°) Shots | Not typical | Yes β circumferential pipe welds |
| Exposure Speed | Shorter exposures β faster throughput | Longer but fully hands-free after set-up |
| Best Suited For | Thin welds, precision fabrications, shop work | Field piping, heavy castings, structural steelwork |
We also offer Computed Radiography (CR) β digital phosphor imaging plates meeting ASME and ISO code requirements with the added benefit of digital archiving and remote report delivery.
Industry Applications
Where RT Is Applied
Radiography testing is mandated by major construction codes across oil & gas, power generation, chemical process and heavy fabrication wherever internal weld quality must be verified with a permanent record.
Our team has completed RT on boiler pressure parts, cross-country pipelines, structural steelwork, aerospace castings and heavy fabrication β all with third-party inspector acceptance.
βοΈ Pressure Vessels & Boilers
π§ Piping & Pipelines
π© Structural Welds
π Heat Exchangers
βοΈ Chemical Process Equipment
π’οΈ Storage Tanks
βοΈ Valve & Pump Castings
βοΈ Aerospace & Defence Parts
Our Process
How We Carry Out an RT Assignment
Every job follows a structured, code-driven workflow β from technique selection through to archived film and final report delivery.
Step 01
Requirement Review & RT Procedure
We study your drawings, applicable code and client spec to select technique, source/energy, film type, IQI requirements and geometric exposure conditions β producing a written RT procedure before any exposure is made.
Step 02
Radiation Safety & Site Planning
Our AERB-licensed Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) establishes exclusion zones, issues safety briefings and arranges dosimetry monitoring. No exposure begins until the controlled area is established and cleared.
Step 03
Exposure & Film Processing
Geometry is set to achieve the required source-to-film distance, correct IQI placement and adequate overlap. Film is processed under controlled darkroom conditions to achieve optical density of 2.0β4.0 D as required by code.
Step 04
Interpretation, Reporting & Archiving
ASNT Level II radiographers interpret films on calibrated illuminators. Detailed reports with joint ID, technique parameters, film density, IQI sensitivity and accept/reject status are delivered within 24 hours. Films archived per code duration.
Equipment & Capability
Our RT Equipment
Codes & Standards
Compliance We Deliver
Our RT procedures are written to and our reports accepted against all major international and Indian standards. If your project references a code not listed here β ask us.
ASME Section V β Art. 2
ASME Section VIII Div 1 & 2
AWS D1.1
IS 1182
ASTM E94
EN ISO 17636-1 & 2
API 1104
IBR (Indian Boiler Regulations)
AERB Radiation Safety Regs
Third-Party Inspector Acceptance
Our reports include all required technique parameters, IQI sensitivity achieved, film density readings, joint identification and radiographer qualification β consistently accepted by Lloyd's, Bureau Veritas, TΓV, SGS and IBR inspectors.
AERB-Licensed Operation
We operate under full AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India) licence for gamma source use, storage and transport β ensuring complete legal and regulatory compliance on every project.
ASNT Level II Qualified Radiographers
All film interpretation is performed by ASNT Level II certified radiographers with documented method qualification. No trainees, no sub-contracted interpretation.
FAQ
Common Questions About Radiography Testing
What is the difference between RT and Ultrasonic Testing (UT)?
RT produces a permanent radiographic image showing the interior of a weld β ideal for volumetric defects like porosity, inclusions and incomplete penetration. UT uses sound waves and is more sensitive to planar defects such as tight cracks. Many codes mandate RT specifically for its permanent, reviewable film record. The two methods are often used together for comprehensive coverage.
How long does an RT inspection take on site?
Safety-zone set-up plus a typical butt-weld exposure takes 1β2 hours. For circumferential pipe welds using panoramic gamma technique, multiple joints can be exposed simultaneously. Film processing and report delivery is within 24 hours of exposure. Night or weekend scheduling can minimise production downtime β we coordinate with your safety and operations teams.
Is digital radiography (CR / DR) available and code-compliant?
Yes. We offer Computed Radiography (CR) using phosphor imaging plates meeting ASME Section V Article 2, EN ISO 17636-2 and other code requirements for digital RT. Benefits include faster image availability, no film chemicals, digital archiving and easy remote sharing of reports with clients and inspectors.
Is RT safe for our facility and surrounding workforce?
Yes, when conducted by licensed professionals. Our AERB-licensed RSO establishes controlled exclusion areas, erects safety barriers and issues dosimetry to all crew before any exposure. We coordinate with your EHS team and can conduct RT during nights or shutdowns to eliminate risk to your personnel. Our operational record is zero incidents.
What information do I need to provide to get a quote?
Ideally: weld joint type and dimensions (thickness, diameter for pipes), base material, applicable code and acceptance criteria, number of joints, site location and access conditions, and required turnaround time. Rough estimates are fine for budgeting β contact us and we will guide you through scope definition.
Do you cover project sites outside Pune?
Yes. We cover sites across Maharashtra and can mobilise for projects in other states with prior planning. Gamma radiography equipment is fully portable. Contact us with your site location and we will confirm availability and mobilisation terms.
Request a Quote
Ready to Get Started?
Share your project details and we will respond with a full scope and quotation within one business day. All enquiries are handled by our senior technical team.