Radiographic Films Interpretation (RTI) Level I & II

Radiographic Films Interpretation (RTI) Level I & II Course

The Radiographic Films Interpretation (RTI) Level I & II Course is designed to train individuals in the interpretation of radiographic films for detecting defects and discontinuities in materials, such as welds, castings, and other structural components. The course focuses on reading and analyzing radiographic images (films) produced by Radiographic Testing (RT) to ensure the integrity and quality of inspected components. It is essential in industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, aerospace, and construction.

This course is divided into two levels: Level I focuses on basic principles and techniques, while Level II offers more advanced training, including interpretation, analysis, and reporting.

Course Objectives:

Level I:

• Understand the basics of radiographic film interpretation and the principles of radiographic testing.
• Learn the different types of defects and discontinuities that can be detected through radiography.
• Be able to identify and classify indications on radiographic films.
• Perform basic film interpretation tasks under supervision, following established criteria and standards.

Level II:

• Gain advanced skills in analyzing and interpreting radiographic films.
• Develop proficiency in defect characterization, including size, location, and type.
• Learn to assess film quality and image sharpness, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Qualify to supervise Level I personnel and make independent decisions on defect acceptance or rejection.

Key Components of the Course:

1- Introduction to Radiographic Films Interpretation

• Overview of radiographic testing (RT) and how radiographs are produced using X-rays or gamma rays.
• Understanding the process of capturing radiographs and how radiation interacts with materials to form images.
• Importance of radiographic interpretation in ensuring the integrity of materials such as welds and castings.

2- Basics of Radiographic Testing and Image Formation

• Principles of radiation and how it is used to produce radiographs:
  • X-rays and gamma rays: Differences, applications, and their effects on film exposure.
• How materials density and thickness affect radiation penetration and film exposure.
• Understanding film density, contrast, and sharpness, and their impact on radiograph interpretation.

3- Types of Discontinuities Detected by Radiography

• Common defects identified in radiographic testing:
  • Cracks: Surface, subsurface, and weld-related cracks.
  • Porosity: Gas bubbles trapped in welds or castings.
  • Inclusions: Foreign materials embedded in the base metal or weld.
  • Lack of fusion: Incomplete bonding between weld metal and base metal.
  • Undercutting: Loss of base metal at the edge of the weld.
• Differentiating between surface and subsurface defects based on radiographic images.

4- Radiographic Film Quality and Image Assessment (Level II)

• Factors influencing radiograph quality:
  • Source-to-film distance (SFD).
  • Exposure settings: Time, intensity, and radiation source.
  • Geometric unsharpness and magnification effects.
• Use of Image Quality Indicators (IQI) to assess the radiograph’s sharpness and ability to detect defects.
• How to evaluate film density using densitometers and ensure compliance with industry standards.

5- Film Interpretation Techniques

• Reading and interpreting radiographs:
  • How to recognize and classify indications (bright or dark spots) on the radiographic film.
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: Distinguishing actual defects from noise or image artifacts.
• Understanding the importance of lighting conditions and using viewing equipment (e.g., lightboxes, magnifying lenses) for accurate interpretation.

6- Defect Characterization and Analysis (Level II)

• Detailed defect analysis:
  • Determining the location, size, and orientation of discontinuities.
  • Analyzing defect geometry to assess its impact on material integrity.
• Making decisions on acceptance or rejection of defects based on industry codes and standards (e.g., ASME, API).
• False indications: Identifying artifacts or errors caused by processing issues rather than material defects.

7- Codes and Standards for Radiographic Film Interpretation

• Key standards used in RTI for defining acceptance criteria and quality requirements:
  • ASME Section V: Nondestructive testing standards for radiography.
  • AWS D1.1: Structural welding code for radiographic interpretation of welds.
  • API 1104: Standard for radiographic interpretation of pipeline welds.
  • ASTM E1032: Standard practice for radiographic examination of weldments.
• How to use these codes to set interpretation criteria for defects in different types of components and materials.

8- Radiographic Film Processing and Image Quality Control

• Overview of film processing techniques:
  • Developing, fixing, and drying radiographic films.
  • How improper processing can lead to artifacts or degradation in image quality.
• Ensuring proper image quality control throughout the radiographic inspection process, from exposure to final interpretation.

9- Advanced Interpretation Techniques (Level II)

• Multiple film interpretation: Using radiographs from different angles or exposures to gain a more comprehensive understanding of defects.
• Stereo radiography: Advanced technique using two radiographs to determine the depth and orientation of defects.
• Digital Radiography (DR) Interpretation: Introduction to interpreting digital radiographic images for faster, more accurate analysis.

10 – Reporting and Documentation (Level II)

• Writing detailed reports that document the inspection process, film quality, defects identified, and recommendations.
• Maintaining proper records of film interpretation, ensuring that inspection reports are complete and comply with standards.
• How to prepare repair recommendations based on the severity of the detected defects.

Target Audience:

• NDT Technicians: Individuals seeking to specialize in radiographic film interpretation.
• Weld Inspectors: Those responsible for ensuring the quality of welded joints using RTI.
• Quality Control Inspectors: Personnel involved in interpreting radiographs for material and product integrity.
• Supervisors and Engineers: Individuals responsible for overseeing radiographic testing and film interpretation in manufacturing, construction, and oil & gas industries.

Certification:

• Level I Certification: After completing Level I training and practical exams, participants are certified to perform basic film interpretation under supervision.
• Level II Certification: Upon completing Level II, participants are certified to independently interpret radiographs, supervise Level I personnel, and prepare detailed reports based on film analysis.