Sulzer Radiography Testing
Sulzer Radiography Testing
Technical Quality
Sulzer Pumps
Page:
Non-destructive testing – Radiographic examination (RT) of castings
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1.0 Scope
This procedure details the requirements for the radiographic examination of castings using a X-ray or
gamma ray source, industrial radiographic films and wire-type IQI`s.
2.0 Reference standards
The following documents are referenced in this specification. All documents shall be current issue unless
specified otherwise. In case of any conflict between the current specification and the referred documents,
the current document shall take precedence.
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Sections
ASME BPV Code Section V Article 2 Man. App. VII – Radiographic Examination of metallic cast-
ings
Article 22, - SE- 94 - Standard Guide for Radiographic Examination
- SE- 747 - Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture and Material Grouping
Classification of Wire image Quality Indicators (IQI) used for Radiol-
ogy
- SE- 999 - Standard Guide for Controlling the Quality of Industrial Radiographic
Film Processing
- SE-1114 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Size of Iridium-192 Indus-
trial Radiographic Sources
- SE-1165 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Focal Spots of Industrial
X-Ray Tubes by Pinhole Imaging
- SE-1030 – Standard Test Method for RT of metallic castings
ASTM E 1815 - Standard Test Method for Classification of Film Systems for Industrial Radiog-
raphy
EN ISO 19232-1/-5 - Non-destructive Testing - Image Quality of Radiographs (former EN 462)
EN ISO 11699-1 Non-destructive Testing – Part 1: Classification of Film Systems for Industrial
Radiography (former EN 584-1)
API 610
ASME BPV Code Section VIII Div. 1 – Pressure Vessels – Rules and Acceptance Standards
ASME B31.3 – Process Piping
MSS SP-53 – Quality Standard for Steel Castings for Valves, Flanges, Fittings, and Other Piping
Components
ASNT Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A - Personnel Qualification and Certification in Non-
destructive Testing
ISO 9712 - Non-destructive Testing – Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
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5.0 Source
Radioactive Isotopes (Co-60, Ir.192 and SE-75), or X-Ray tubes can be used.
An X-ray or gamma ray source of adequate power to meet the film quality requirements as specified in §
11 shall be used.
X Radiation Sources Selection of appropriate X-ray voltage and current levels is dependent upon varia-
bles regarding the specimen being examined (material type and thickness) and economically permissible
exposure time.
The suitability of these X-ray parameters shall be demonstrated by attainment of required penetrameter
(IQI) sensitivity and compliance with all other requirements stipulated herein. Guide E94 contains provi-
sions concerning exposure calculations and charts for the use of X-ray sources.
Gamma Radiation Sources Isotope sources, when used, shall be capable of demonstrating the required
radiographic sensitivity.
The radiation energy employed for any radiographic technique shall achieve the density and IQI image
requirements of the ASME BPV Code Section V, Article 2.
5.2 Other equipment used during the RT and evaluation processes shall be calibrated and checked at
intervals not to exceed:
- Daily check (or check prior to use) of densitometer and temperature sensors in developing equipment.
- Quarterly calibration of densitometer
- Annual calibration of step wedge film
- Annual calibration of film viewer
6.0 Visual examination
Casting surfaces shall be visually inspected for defects that may impair the quality of the radiograph pro-
duced.
7.0 Method of test
All radiography shall be performed in accordance with ASME V, T-270.
The direction of the central beam of radiation shall be centred on the area of interest.
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For composite viewing of multiple film exposures, each film of the composite set shall have a minimum
density of 1.0.
The maximum density shall be 4.0 for either single or composite viewing. A tolerance of 0.05 in density is
allowed for variations between densitometer readings.
The density of the film shall be checked using a calibrated densitometer.
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
Any group IQI may be used for any material with a higher group number, provided the applicable quality
level is maintained.
9.5 For cylindrical or flat castings where more than one film holder is used for an exposure, at least one
penetrameter (IQI) image shall appear on each radiograph. For cylindrical shapes, where a panoramic
type source of radiation is placed in the center of the cylinder and a complete or partial circumference is
radiographed using at least four overlapped film holders, at least three penetrameters (IQI) shall be used.
On partial circumference exposures, a penetrameter (IQI) shall be placed at each end of the length of the
image to be evaluated on the radiograph with the intermediate penetrameters (IQI) placed at equal divi-
sions of the length covered. For full circumferential coverage, three penetrameters (IQI) spaced 120°
apart shall be used, even when using a single length of roll film.
When an array of individual castings in a circle is radiographed, the requirements of a) or b), or both, shall
prevail for each casting.
If the required penetrameter (IQI) sensitivity does not show on any one film in a multiple film technique
(see §10.9), but does show in composite (superimposed) film viewing, interpretation shall be permitted
only by composite film viewing for the respective area.
9.6 When it is not practicable to place the penetrameter(s) (IQI) on the casting, a shim or separate block
conforming to the requirements of §9.7 may be used.
The penetrameter (IQI) shall be no closer to the film than the source side of that part of the casting being
radiographed in the current view.
The radiographic density measured adjacent to the penetrameter (IQI) through the body of the shim or
separate block shall not exceed the density measured in the area of interest by more than 15 %. The
density may be lighter than the area of interest density, provided acceptable quality level is obtained and
the density requirements of §8 are met.
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9.7 Shims and Separate Blocks Shims or separate blocks made of the same or radiographically similar ma-
terials (as defined in Method E1025) may be used to facilitate penetrameter positioning. There is no re-
striction on shim or separate block thickness provided the penetrameter and area-of-interest density tol-
erance requirements of §8.2 are met.
The shim or separate block shall be placed at the corner of the film holder or close to that part of the area
of interest that is furthest from the central beam. This is the worst case position from a beam angle
standpoint that a discontinuity would be in.
The shim or separate block dimensions shall exceed the penetrameter (IQI) dimensions such that the
outline of at least three sides of the penetrameter (IQI) image shall be visible on the radiograph.
9.8 Film Side Penetrameter (IQI) In the case where the penetrameter (IQI) cannot be physically placed on
the source side and the use of a separate block technique is not practical, penetrameters (IQI) placed on
the film side may be used. The applicable job order or contract shall dictate the requirements for film side
radiographic quality level (see table below).
9.9 Additional IQI Selection Requirements.
The thickness on which the IQI is based is the single-wall thickness.
(a) Casting Areas Prior to Finish Machining.
The IQI shall be based on a thickness that does not exceed the finished thickness by more than 20% or
1/4 in. (6 mm), whichever is greater. In no case shall an IQI size be based on a thickness greater than the
thickness being radiographed.
(b) Casting Areas That Will Remain in the As-Cast Condition.
The IQI shall be based on the thickness being radiographed.
The IQI selection and essential hole, or wire size shall comply with ASME V, table T-276.
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
11.2 Screens
Source Screens (Front- / Back-)
Material Thickness
(mm)
X-Ray Tube ≤ 150 kV Pb none - 0.15
150 – 250 kV Pb 0.02 - 0.15
250 – 320 kV Pb 0.02 - 0.2
320 – 450 kV Pb 0.1 - 0.2
Se 75 Pb 0.1 - 0.2
Ir 192 Pb 0.1 - 0.2
Co 60 Pb 0.1 - 0.5
Fe, or Cu 0.25 - 0.7
≤ 2 MeV Pb 0.1 - 0.5
Fe, or Cu 0.25 - 0.7
11.3 Multiple Film Techniques
Two or more films of equal or different speeds in the same cassette are allowed, provided prescribed
quality level and density requirements are met (see §8 & §9).
12.0 Interception of unwanted and scattered radiation
As a check on back-scattered radiation a lead symbol "B" with minimum dimensions of 11 mm in height
and 1,5 mm thickness shall be attached to the back of each film holder.
The lead symbol “B” shall be placed in a location so that it would appear within an area on the radio-
graph that meets the requirements of §8.
If a light image appears on a darker background of the radiograph, protection from backscatter is insuf-
ficient and the radiograph shall be considered unacceptable.
A dark image of the “B” on a lighter background is not cause for rejection.
13.0 Processing
The film shall be processed manually or automatically in accordance with requirements of the film sys-
tem used. The film or the processing solution or both shall be agitated during development. The devel-
opment time and temperature shall be in accordance with the film manufacturer’s recommendations.
All radiographs shall be free from mechanical, chemical, or other blemishes to the extent that they do
not mask and are not confused with the image of any discontinuity in the area of interest of the object
being radiographed. Such blemishes include, but are not limited to:
(a) fogging;
(b) processing defects such as streaks, watermarks, or chemical stains;
(c) scratches, finger marks, crimps, dirtiness, static marks, smudges, or tears;
(d) false indications due to defective screens.
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This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
14.0 Viewing
The radiographs shall be examined by diffused light in a darkened room with an illuminated area that
will not cause troublesome reflections, shadows or glare on the radiograph image.
Viewing equipment for interpretation shall include a light source sufficient for the essential penetrame-
ter to be visible for the specified density range.
The viewing conditions shall be such that light from around the outer edge of the radiograph or coming
through low-density portions of the radiograph does not interfere with interpretation.
The maximum achievable brightness (cd/m2) shall be determined as per ASTM E 1390 and the ag-
gregate value (maximum viewable density) shall be permanently marked on each film viewer.
15.0 Repairs
15.1 All repair work that involves welding shall fulfil PO / ITP requirements. Any deviation requires an ap-
proved concession request prior to execution by Sulzer
15.2 All relevant indication shall be marked on the components themselves, or where this is not possible on
an NDE defect map. All relevant indications shall be removed completely.
15.3 Whenever an imperfection is to be weld repaired, the excavation shall be examined by one of following
method before welding to ensure complete removal of defect
a. Visual inspection, if the imperfection was found by visual inspection.
b. Penetrant testing, if the imperfection was found by PT,MT,UT or RT.
15.4 On completion of welding, repaired areas shall be blended into their surrounding surfaces to avoid any
sharp contours and be examined by the same quality standards that are used to inspect the castings /
welds. When subsequent heat treatment is required, examination shall be conducted after heat treat-
ment.
16.0 Reporting
For each examination and for each item tested shall be completed a report. This report has to include
at least following information:
Identification of the object tested
Material thickness
Test procedure (identification and revision)
Extent of examination
Restrictions which limit the effectiveness of the examination
Equipment used (X-ray tube or isotope, focal spot size of X-ray or source size)
Radiographic technique (sketch showing the geometric arrangement of the radiograph, to-
gether with the location markers and angle of beam to film)
Film brand and type, screen and filter details
Density range
Type of IQI and sensitivity
Processing technique
Acceptance criteria
Interpretation, results (type of defects)
Date of examination
Operators'/film viewers' name, qualification and signature
Components shall be clearly identified as being either acceptable or rejectable. Non-conforming areas
on components shall be marked on the components themselves, or where this is not possible on an
NDE defect map.
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
For castings having radiographed thicknesses from 51 mm to 114 mm, the radiographs shall be com-
pared to those in ASTM E186, Standard Reference Radiographs for Heavy‐Walled 50.8 to 114 mm
Steel Castings. The maximum acceptable severity levels for imperfections shall be as follows:
A – Gas porosity 2
B – Sand and slag inclusions 2
C – Shrinkage
Type 1 1
Type 2 2
Type 3 3
D - Cracks 0
E – Hot tears 0
F - Inserts 0
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(b) All castings having maximum body thickness 114 mm and greater and castings of lesser
thickness which are intended for severe service applications shall be examined as follows.
(1) All parts of castings up to 300 mm in thickness shall be subjected to radiographic examination and
the radiographs compared to those given in ASTM E280, Standard Reference Radiographs for
Heavy‐Walled 114‐mm to 305‐mm Steel Castings. The maximum acceptable severity levels for im-
perfections shall be as follows:
A – Gas porosity 2
B – Sand and slag inclusions 2
C – Shrinkage
Type 1 2
Type 2 2
Type 3 2
D - Cracks 0
E – Hot tears 0
F - Inserts 0
(3) For castings having a maximum thickness in excess of 12 in.(300 mm), all thicknesses which are
less than 12 in. (300 mm) shall be examined radiographically in accordance with the preceding para-
graph. All parts of such castings having thicknesses in excess of 12 in. (300 mm) shall be examined
ultrasonically in accordance with Section V, Article 5.
Any imperfections which do not produce indications exceeding 20% of the straight beam back reflec-
tion or do not reduce the height of the back reflection by more than 30% during a total movement of the
transducer of 2 in. (50 mm) in any direction shall be considered acceptable. Imperfections exceeding
these limits shall be repaired unless proved to be acceptable by other examination methods.
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
For castings having radiographed thicknesses from 51 mm to 114 mm, the radiographs shall be com-
pared to those in ASTM E186, Standard Reference Radiographs for Heavy‐Walled 50.8 to 114 mm
Steel Castings. The maximum acceptable severity levels for imperfections shall be as follows:
A – Gas porosity 2
B – Sand and slag inclusions 2
C – Shrinkage
Type 1 2
Type 2 2
Type 3 2
D - Cracks 0
E – Hot tears 0
F - Inserts 0
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007
(b) All castings having maximum body thickness 114 mm and greater and castings of lesser
thickness which are intended for severe service applications shall be examined as follows.
(1) All parts of castings up to 300 mm in thickness shall be subjected to radiographic examination and
the radiographs compared to those given in ASTM E280, Standard Reference Radiographs for
Heavy‐Walled 114‐mm to 305‐mm Steel Castings. The maximum acceptable severity levels for im-
perfections shall be as follows:
A – Gas porosity 2
B – Sand and slag inclusions 2
C – Shrinkage
Type 1 2
Type 2 2
Type 3 2
D - Cracks 0
E – Hot tears 0
F - Inserts 0
Revision: 10 Date: 11/02/2025 Amendment: Reference of PT and MPT acceptance criteria deleted from enclosure 4 and enclosure 5
This document has been prepared & published under the authority of the Technical Quality Working Group Doc No: TQ TP-0007