International standards on radiographic testing of welds revised
18/11/2022
The British Standards Institution (BSI) has recently published two revised international standards for the radiographic testing of welds. BS EN ISO 17636-1 and BS EN ISO 17636-2 have both been updated for the first time in almost a decade so that their guidance reflects the modern needs of users.
Radiographic testing (RT) is an NDT method that uses gamma rays or X-rays to identify any flaws or defects in the internal structure of manufactured components. The method includes magnetic particle testing, penetrant testing, ultrasonic testing and radiographic testing.
Informing best practices within the industry on how these radiographic tests should be performed on welds for consistent and dependable outcomes is the work of two international standards:
- BS EN ISO 17636-1:2022 – Non-destructive testing of welds. Radiographic testing. X- and gamma ray techniques with film
- BS EN ISO 17636-2:2022 – Non-destructive testing of welds. Radiographic testing. X- and gamma ray techniques with digital detectors.
First published in 2013, these standards have been used by industry to enable satisfactory and repeatable NDT results consistently and cost-effectively to increase radiographic testing expertise and to improve the efficiency.
BS EN ISO 17636-1 and BS EN ISO 17636-2 recently underwent a systematic review, which saw their specifications updated to reflect current industry best practices. They were also revised to improve their clarity and ease of use by users.
The changes introduced in the update to the two standards cover technical changes, as well as changes to the standards’ layout and usability, including: changed references to radiation geometries; updates to figures; improved explanations on IQIs and its positioning; new exceptions for gamma radiography (Frankreich); new references to ASTM wires; reduction of 10 mm visibility of wires for pipes with a diameter of <50 mm; update to positions for measurement of optical density; new reference exposure for panoramic exposure; kV increased for Cu exposures; Annex A reduces diameter down to 73 mm; and the addition of no diameter limit for panoramic exposure.
It is advised that all users of the 2013 versions of these standards now adhere to the guidance in the 2022 versions, as the 2013 versions have now been withdrawn.
BINDT members can get an exclusive 10% discount on the purchase of both standards by using the discount code 10ISO17636BINDT at the checkout.
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