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Radiographic detection of crack-like defects in thick sections

Journal Article · · Mater. Eval.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6402254

The detection of crack-like flaws during in-service inspection of thick-wall piping systems is usually assigned to ultrasonic testing (UT). However, there are circumstances where UT may prove difficult or currently inapplicable. Inspection of centrifugally cast austenitic piping or bimetallic weldments are cases in point. In such circumstances, radiographic testing (RT) warrants consideration. Conventional field RT methods, based largely on isotopic sources, may be inherently limited in sensitivity to crack-like flaws for thick section applications. However, such proscriptions are often eliminated by linear accelerators (linacs), and the availability of MINAC (miniature linear accelerator) as a field-portable linac facilitates RT applications. This paper provides a summary of experience and applications of MINAC usage for crack-like flaw detection, including field usage. Data permitting the assessment of alternate RT methods are also provided.

Research Organization:
Electric Power Research Inst.
OSTI ID:
6402254
Journal Information:
Mater. Eval.; (United States), Journal Name: Mater. Eval.; (United States) Vol. 42:6; ISSN MAEVA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English