Abstract: A radiographic test is conducted on a welded portion of a pipe or the like to form a radiographic image, which is introduced into a computer. Volumetric defects and planar defects in the radiographic image are emphasized and extracted by separate methods to obtain a volumetric candidate defect image and a planar candidate defect image. The candidate defect images are then combined to form a single image in which defects can be easily identified. Features of defects in the images are measured, and a set of interference rules is applied to the measured features. Each inference rule gives a degree of certainty that a defect is of a certain type. The degrees of certainty determined by a plurality of the rules are collated to obtain a total degree of certainty, and the type of a defect is inferred from the total degree of certainty.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a part by means of X or gamma radiation comprises an arm carrying an X or gamma ray emitter, and a remote light ray emitter for emitting a ray of light parallel to the arm. An oblique mirror which is transparent to the radiation is mounted on the arm in the path of the radiation beam to reflect the ray of light in a direction parallel to the radiation beam and towards the part to be inspected. In this manner identification of the part to be inspected can be achieved by means of a camera carried obliquely on the arm, without having to mount the bulky light emitter close to the components which are essential for carrying out the inspection. The apparatus is particularly useful for checking weldings in narrow bores.

Abstract: A system (82) and method for locating features in an image. In the preferred embodiments, the present invention accepts as input a tilted view X-ray image of a PC board (10), as well as expected locations of solder joints (18) in the PC board (10). The present invention then determines the actual center locations (32) of these solder joints (18) by defining windows within the image and checking individual areas within the window, to see if they fall below a predetermined threshold. In addition, the system (82) determines if these pixels are connected to other pixels that have been previously determined to be part of the solder joint (18). Finally, the system (82) determines the center of the group of pixels determined to be part of the solder joint and displays the coordinate location of this center.

Abstract: A portable tire x-ray apparatus includes a frame having motor driven rollers that support a tire vertically and cause the tire to rotate about a central axis thereof. A pair of pneumatically actuated spreader fingers spread the sidewalls of the tire as the tire is being rotated. An x-ray source and an x-ray image intensifier are mounted at either end of an arm and are spaced apart a distance which allows the x-ray source to irradiate selected sectors of the tire to create a fluoroscopic image of the selected sector on the x-ray image intensifier. The arm is connected to a support which is, in turn, connected to a motor drive and is pivotable to three preselected different positions. In one of the positions, one sidewall of the tire is examined, in the second position, the tread is examined, and in the third position, the opposite sidewall is examined.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing workpieces by means of X-rays includes at least one linear array of X-ray sensitive diodes which are closely spaced from each other. This allows the attainment of a high resolution. When e.g. yarns to be tested extend in the same direction as the diode line and are spaced for distances smaller than the corresponding extent of the receiving surfaces of the diodes, an effective resolution is not possible. This is why a "screen" is associated with the diode line, the screen having an aperture of a width which is smaller than the extent of the receiving surface transversely to the "screen" slot. Furthermore switch means allow skipping of certain diodes during scanning in order to obtain a scanning speed increase.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component having dimensions larger than a fan beam angle of an x-ray inspection system includes the steps of: providing an x-ray beam having a selected fan angle in a source focal point; positioning a portion of the component substantially completely within the x-ray beam; rotating the component 360 degrees around a component inspection rotational axis; collecting the attenuated x-ray beam that passes through the component during rotation; generating a multiplicity of electrical signals responsive to the collected x-ray beam; incrementally moving the component inspection rotational axis about the x-ray source focal point to position another portion of the component within the x-ray beam; and repeating the steps of rotating the part 360 degrees about a component inspection rotational axis and incrementally moving the part inspection rotational axis about the x-ray source focal point until the entire component has passed through the fan beam.

Abstract: An improved system for training and testing radiographic interpreters is providing by cracking or otherwise causing structural defects in vinyl floor tiles which, when radiographic images of the floor tiles are made, produce images that accurately mimic the radiographic images of structural aluminum aircraft components. Other plastic, or aluminum, plates, called radiographic eliminating plates, are variously combined with the simulated aluminum sheets, called radiographic imaging plates, to produce a series of increasingly difficult to read radiographs for training and testing.

Abstract: A manually operable device for detecting wood pole decay and a method of using the same are disclosed. A gamma ray emitter is provided with guide means enabling it to be piloted longitudinally along the wooden pole so that gamma rays from the emitter pass diametrically through the wooden pole along a longitudinal axis of the pole. The attenuation of the gamma rays are continuously recorded along the longitudinal axis, and a permanent record of the variation in gamma ray attenuation is made, from which it can be determined whether the pole is healthy or decayed, and if decayed, the location of the decay along the pole. In order to facilitate locating decay in the pole, the guide means includes an odometer programmed to provide an electrical pulse every 15 cm which is recorded with the data of gamma ray attenuation. Once data on gamma ray attenation has been recorded along one longitudinal axis of the pole, the device may be used on a longitudinal axis at 90.degree.

Abstract: A tomographic inspection system wherein the electron beam of a microfocus X-ray tube is deflected in a circular scan pattern onto the tube anode in synchronization with a rotating detector that converts the X-ray shadowgraph into an optical image and derotates the image so as to be viewed and integrated in a stationary video camera. A computer system controls an automated positioning system that supports the item under inspection and moves successive areas of interest into view. In order to maintain high image quality, a computer system also controls the synchronization of the electron beam deflection and rotating optical system, making adjustments for inaccuracies of the mechanics of the system. The computer system can also operate under program control to automatically analyze data, measure characteristics of the item under inspection and make decisions regarding the acceptability of the item's quality.

Abstract: Tomographic imaging of an inanimate object in which a fan-shaped beam of radiation is generated and divided into fan ray elements which are directed through a planar section of the object and detected by a set of detectors. Each detector produces a signal representative of the intensity of the radiation of a detected fan ray element and selected coordinates defining a cross-sectional image of the object are determined from the intensity signals of the detectors. The coordinates are stored and displayed on a display device. The detectors include a scintillation crystal which is provided with a half-solid cylinder of lead disposed on a side of the crystal.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injection unit for injecting a continuous length of coiled steel tubing into a wellbore for performing well operations includes an x-ray inspection apparatus arranged to continuously monitor the wall section of the tubing as it is inserted into or withdrawn from the well to detect structural defects in the tubing. An x-ray source and detector unit are mounted in a housing which is supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the tubing for projecting an x-ray image through suitable processing and display apparatus. The x-ray detection unit may be mounted on a level wind mechanism of the coiled tubing storgage spool or at another point between the storage spool and the wellhead into which the tubing is being injected.

Abstract: A tomographic inspection system wherein the electron beam of a microfocus X-ray tube is deflected in a circular scan pattern onto the tube anode in synchronization with a rotating detector that converts the X-ray shadowgraph into an optical image and derotates the image so as to be viewed and integrated in a stationary video camera. A computer system controls an automated positioning system that supports the item under inspection and moves successive areas of interest into view. In order to maintain high image quality, a computer system also controls the synchronization of the electron beam deflection and rotating optical system, making adjustments for inaccuracies of the mechanics of the system. The computer system can also operate under program control to automatically analyze data, measure characteristics of the item under inspection and make decisions regarding the acceptability of the item's quality.

Abstract: A positioning arm (44) is provided with a plurality of elongated members carrying two combinations of a radiation source (46; 58) and a sensor (48; 60). Each sidewall is interposed between a radiation source (46; 58) and a sensor (48; 60). The radiation sources (46; 58) provide a collimated beam of radiation which is relatively unattenuated (absorbed) in passing through the elastomer in the tire sidewall, but will be reflected by the steel wire cords in the sidewall. Each combination of a radiation source and sensor scans a sidewall of the tire at a predetermined speed to detect sidewall defects such as missing or improperly spaced cords.

Abstract: A unit for producing an X-ray beam tangential to a threaded joint is disclosed. The X-beam is received and compared against a master sample. If there are any differences beyond allowable tolerances a failure indication is given. The tests are performed after the joint is made up but before the pipe is placed in the well, limiting remake costs. The X-ray beam is placed tangentially by shifting or rotating the beam as needed or by having a wide beam, so that tangents are obtained at two or more locations on the circumference of the joint. The unit may also compare pipe before making up a joint.

Abstract: Articles (14) are moved downwardly along a slideway (52) which includes a stop gate (50). The stop gate (50) is moved into the slideway (52) to stop the article (14). Then an instrument (44) is moved toward the slideway (52) and the article (14) to place the instrument (44) contiguous the article (14). The instrument irradiates the article (14). This radiation excites the elements in the article (14), causing them to give off their own characteristic x-rays. The energy of the characteristic x-rays identifies the elements and possibly also the element's concentration. Following the analysis the instrument (44) is raised and the stop gate (50) is lowered, allowing the article (14) to move forward along the slideway (52). Drill bits (14) are analyzed in this manner to differentiate between drill bits (14) of different hardness but identical geometric characteristics.

Abstract: An industrial CT apparatus capable of obtaining a good image quality by a simple configuration. The apparatus is the second generating type incorporating the rotational motions as well as the traverse motions, in which the detector is positioned nearby a center of rotation of the object to be examined. When the object to be examined is a ring shaped object, the detector is positioned inside the center bore of the object. Also, the X-ray is emitted in a form of fan shaped beam whose symmetrical axis is deviated from an axial direction perpendicular to the traverse direction.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a body (log) containing elements (e.g. knots) having different densities than the remainder of the body by passing electromagnetic energy from at least one source for substantially symmetrical bodies (pruned logs) or at least two sources through the body and sensing the amount of energy passing through the body from each source by sensors mounted opposite each source. Each sensor is formed by an array of discrete detectors positioned in side by side relationship opposite their respective sources. The amount of radiation passing through the body is detected as the body passes between the source(s) and its (their) respective detector(s) and a longitudinal plan is generated based on the radiation detected from each of the sensors over at least a preselected length of the body.

Abstract: Determination of the quality of blind solder interconnections by X-ray inspection is made possible by forming indicator features on the pads of a component and the pads of the surface on which the component is to be mounted. The indicator features consist of an area which is different in size and/or shape than that of the other pad to be joined. For example, the indicator feature may be a circular region with an area approximately twice that of the pad to which it is to be joined. A relatively large amount of solder is deposited on the smaller pad and the two pads are placed in contact. During reflow, the molten solder on the smaller pad will flow to cover the full area of the indicator feature, indicating that a good interconnection was obtained. The indicator features may also be a different shape from that of the pad to which it is to be joined so that the solder deposited on the pad will take on the shape of the indicator feature when successful interconnection is achieved.

Abstract: A dynamic computed tomographic X-ray scanner concurrently translates and rotates an object as it passes through an X-ray field. This compound motion makes it unnecessary to perform sequential passes or to relocate X-ray equipment between passes to complete a scan. A conveyor may carry a series of closely spaced turntables to give greatly increased throughput; and coordinated translation and rotation, whereby all objects give comparable images, permitting the images to be compared to find defective products. Preferred geometries greatly simplify the image reconstruction mathematics, particularly where the X-ray source is at the center of a circular object path.

Abstract: A portable tire x-ray apparatus includes a frame having horizontal rollers supporting a tire vertically and a motor connected to at least one of the rollers to cause rotation of the tire. An x-ray tube and a fluoroscope are spaced apart approximately the length of the outer diameter of the tire and are aligned to irradiate an area including at least one half the width of the tread and a portion of the sidewall of the tire. A video camera is optically coupled to the fluoroscope and is connected to a video tape recorder and a live video monitor to convert a radiographic image on the fluoroscope to a video signal which may be recorded and displayed on the monitor. Irregularities in the tire, including possible defects, are visible on the fluoroscope and may be viewed on the monitor and recorded.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for controlling corrosion of pipe, which rests on supports or which is clamped by pipe-clamps, by the use of gamma ray and/or x-rays radiation.

Abstract: Tomographic imaging of an inanimate object in which a fan-shaped beam of radiation is generated and divided into fan ray elements which are directed through a planar section of the object and detected by a set of detectors. Each detector produces a signal representative of the intensity of the radiation of a detected fan ray element and selected coordinates defining a cross-sectional image of the object are determined from the intensity signals of the detectors. The coordinates are stored and displayed on a display device. The detectors include a scintillation crystal which is provided with a half-solid cylinder of lead disposed on a side of the crystal.

Abstract: A device for the X-ray examination of motor vehicle tires comprises a conveyor for conveying the tires into, and out of, an X-ray examination device, in which the tires are held in examination positions, are set in rotation and are penetrated by X-rays from within outwards thereof by means of an X-ray tube arrangement, having an X-ray receiver for observing the tire regions which have been penetrated by the X-rays, and a monitor apparatus for optical representation and evaluation of the penetrated tire regions. For improved output of examined tires the X-ray examination device comprises at least two X-ray examination units laterally adjacent to the conveyor. The X-ray receiver is constructed so as to be capable of being moved alternately from one examination unit to the other examination unit, for examination of a tire in one examination unit, while at the same time an examined tire is unloaded from the other examination unit and a fresh tire is loaded thereinto.

Abstract: A tomographic inspection system wherein the electron beam of a microfocus X-ray tube is deflected in a circular scan pattern onto the tube anode in synchronization with a rotating detector that converts the X-ray shadowgraph into an optical image and derotates the image so as to be viewed and integrated in a stationary video camera. A computer system controls an automated positioning system that supports the item under inspection and moves successive areas of interest into view. In order to maintain high image quality, a computer system also controls the synchronization of the electron beam deflection and rotating optical system, making adjustments for inaccuracies of the mechanics of the system. The computer system can also operate under program control to automatically analyze data, measure characteristics of the item under inspection and make decisions regarding the acceptability of the item's quality.

Abstract: Two X-ray transmission images of an object, e.g. an electronic device package structure having plural soldering layers are detected in two directions inclined to the plural layers, on the basis of a relative position relation between both X-ray transmission images, one X-ray transmission image is converted on the assumption that soldering portions to be detected are located at a certain layer, into the image in the direction in which the other X-ray transmission image has been detected, and the converted X-ray transmission image is with the other X-ray transmission image to decide that the soldering portions at coincided positions are located at the layer at issue.

Abstract: The invention is a method of radiographic inspection of a wooden specimen 11 for internal defects which includes the steps of introducing a radiopaque penetrant into any internal defects in said specimen 11 through surface openings therein; passing a beam of radiation through a portion of the specimen to be inspected; and making a radiographic film image of the radiation passing through said specimen, the radiopaque penetrant in said specimen absorbing a portion of said radiation passing therethrough, thereby enhancing the resulting image of said internal defects in said specimen 11.

Abstract: In an X-ray tomographic imaging system and method, an object to be inspected is irradiated with X-rays from an X-ray source to obtain an X-ray transmission image of the object. The X-ray transmission image is converted by an X-ray fluorescence image intensifier into a detection image. The intensity of the detection image is also intensified by the X-ray fluorescence image intensifier. A photo-electric converter converts the intensified detection image from the X-ray fluorescence image intensifier into an electrical signal. The object to be inspected is held by an object holder rotatably at a position in proximity to the X-ray source and movably in a direction of the axis of rotation of the object and a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The electrical signal from the photo-electric converter is processed to a cross-sectional image.

Abstract: A collimated beam of gamma radiation is applied to a test object under non-destructive examination to produce a scattered gamma radiation field within which detectors are positioned to provide radiation energy level data of the field. Such measurement data is processed by comparison with reference data from a flawless object to provide differential scatter gamma spectra. The differential spectra are transformed by spatial/energy data processing to extract accurate location and size data with respect to any flaws present in the test object.

Abstract: Computed tomography inspection apparatus and method of inspecting electronic devices and features of PCBs/PWBs, such as solder bonds, tracings and vias. The system scans radiation passed through the devices in thin slices and detects attenuated radiation from which it generates data representing slice images with high resolution. The detected image data are analyzed automatically by an image data analyzer which receives model data against which it compares and evaluates the detected image data.

Abstract: A method and a device for inspecting a joint such as the joint at the rim of a container. Radiant energy is directed into a small area of irradiation on the joint and the container rim is moved relative to the radiant energy so that the area of irradiation moves in one direction along the rim. Additionally, the area of irradiation is scanned crosswise to the one direction to move the area of irradiation across the width of the joint. Radiant energy reflected from the area of irradiation or transmitted through the area of irradiation is detected. This radiant energy indicates the characteristics of the joint. The characteristics indicated by the radiant energy are compared to predetermined set value characteristics to detect product residue or other defects in the joint.

Abstract: A high energy imaging system provides a "slotted" or "slot-shaped" or "rectangular cross-section" beam of illumination to intercept an annular region of an object of revolution as it is rotated. A detector array is located to intercept the illumination beam emanating from the object. The detector array includes an opto-electric transducer imaging a plurality of scintillating optical fiber or fiber bundles. The optical fiber or fiber bundles are located substantially parallel to each other with longitudinal axes substantially perpendicular to the direction of the illuminating radiation and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the object being imaged.

Abstract: A portable tire X-ray apparatus includes a frame having horizontal rollers supporting a tire vertically and a motor connected to at least one of the rollers to cause rotation of the tire. An X-ray tube and a fluoroscope are spaced apart approximately the length of the outer diameter of the tire and are aligned to irradiate an area including at least half the width of the tread and a portion of the sidewall of the tire. A video camera is optically coupled to the fluoroscope and is connected to a video tape recorder and a live video monitor to convert a radiographic image on the fluoroscope to a video signal which may be recorded and displayed on the monitor. Irregularities in the tire, including possible defects, are visible on the fluoroscope and may be viewed on the monitor and recorded.

Abstract: A method of imaging for enhancing detection of cracks or flaws in an object using penetrating radiation is disclosed wherein a contrast medium is applied to an object before illumination and scatter radiation is detected from the object. This is achieved by employing a flying spot scanner and a backscatter imaging technique allowing imaging of objects which are not completely accessible, e.g. imaging the object where only one side accessible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring structural characteristics of a manufactured circuit board containing solder joints by automated real-time digital X-ray radiographic inspection techniques. A circuit board under examination is automatically positioned by a digitally controlled multi-axis positioning system between an electronic X-ray source and an electronic X-ray imaging system. X-rays, in a beam of X-rays from the X-ray source, are directed towards the circuit board. The X-rays are absorbed, scattered and transmitted through the circuit board. The X-rays transmitted through the circuit board are directed upon the X-ray imaging system. The X-ray imaging system converts the transmitted X-rays into digital images which represent the radiographic density of the portion of the circuit board under examination. The digital images are stored within a digital image processor.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection system for manually or automatically performing digital fluoroscopy inspections and/or computed tomography inspections by X-ray examination of manufactured parts incorporates a computer system which automatically analyzes the inspected parts for flaws. The system includes apparatus for automatically positioning the parts in an X-ray machine for obtaining fluoroscopy and tomography views of the part and for acquiring data from the inspections at production rates. The system automatically identifies the location of rejectable flaws in the parts during the fluoroscopy scanning and subsequently identifies those locations for obtaining tomography scans, if the identified flaw location is questionable. The system can automatically reject parts containing flaws identified during the fluoroscopy inspections. This system operates in a real-time environment by providing analysis of one part while a subsequent part is being subjected to X-ray examination.

Abstract: A manipulator for positioning a part includes a manipulator mandrel, manipulator arms, a pneumatic actuator ball plunger, drive motors, and shaft encoders. The motors drive the manipulator mandrel vertically perpendicular to a plane of directed X-ray beams and one whose rotation axis is vertical and perpendicular to the plane of the directed X-ray beam. The motors include positioning encoders which generate encoding pulses representative of movement of the manipulator mandrel along either axis. The pneumatic ball plunger provides for the acquiring of a gripper which holds a part to be inspected in the X-ray beam. The manipulator mandrel includes two L-shaped arms inwardly extending towards the ball plunger for acquiring a gripper having outwardly extending flanges.

Abstract: A baggage inspection system has a conveying path for moving articles to be inspected through an x-ray beam. The conveyor path is disposed between an x-ray source for generating the beam and a radiation detector. The radiation detector consists of a number of individual detectors, with the number of individual detectors per unit length being greater in a first region of the detector than in a second region thereof. The first region is disposed at the level of the conveying path for optimally displaying smaller articles transported by the conveyor path, while the second region is suited for display of larger articles.

Abstract: An x-ray scanner generates a fan-shaped x-ray beam through which an object to be inspected is moved and a detector line which generates signals corresponding to the radiation attenuated by the object. The processing electronics includes a comparator for recognizing faulty detector signals by means of which the roll-in of data ito the image memory is controllable such that, given a faulty detector signal, the transfer of the information into a memory line allocated to the detector is inhibited. The x-ray scanner also includes an allocator unit which omits predetermined detector channels for the purpose of geometric balancing. Given outage of a detector, its detector channel is omitted by the allocator unit, based on a signal from the comparator, instead of a prescribed detector channel.

Abstract: An X-ray scanner for examining objects moved through an X-ray beam on a conveyor has a detector array disposed at the opposite side of the conveyor from the X-ray source and a pulse generator connected to the motor which drives the conveyor for generating a pulse trail dependent on the speed of the motor, and hence on the speed of the conveyor. The pulse generator is connected to a scanner for the detector array and controls the scan rate dependent upon the conveyor speed. The conveyor speed is controlled such that the quotient of the scan rate and the conveying speed is maintained constant in order to hold the imaging scale constant.

Abstract: A radiation image inspection apparatus for inspecting articles. The inspection apparatus includes a radiation source which generates and directs radiation, preferably x-rays, toward and around the article. The radiation penetrates and passes around the article and strikes a screen having a coating formed of a rare earth element. The coating exhibits fluorescence when struck by incident radiation and becomes illuminated, generating a first light image of the article. The first light image passes through a plurality of lenses which maintain the intensity of the light image before striking a camera having a front camera screen. The camera by means of an internal sweep beam scans the camera screen and generates an electrical output signal corresponding to the image on the camera screen. A controller controls the operation of the camera and radiation source in either of two modes.

Abstract: A device used to test the features of a mask used in a semiconductor lithographic machine. The device includes an array of charge couple devices and an array of pinholes positioned above the charge couple devices. The array of pinholes includes a small pinhole opening for each of the charge couple devices in that array and the size of each opening is dependent upon the resolution of the mask features desired to be inspected. The array of pinholes and the array of charge couple devices are moved in unison in discrete steps, related to the size of the pinhole openings, across an area of the mask related to the center to center spacing of the charge couple devices of the charge couple device array. By reading the data of each of the charge couple devices after each step, a comparison can be made against data previously obtained from a known good mask and a determination can be made whether the mask under test is acceptable or flawed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of non-contacting, non-destructive, on-line dimensional analysis and flaw detection of tubular products are disclosed. The apparatus includes penetrating radiation sources and detectors arranged about the product to be examined and a high-speed data processing system which employs novel computed tomography techniques to provide high precision dimensional estimates and flaw detection. The apparatus is capable of continuously determining the outside diameter, inside diameter, wall thickness, ovality, eccentricity, and weight-per-foot over a wide range of temperatures for essentially tubular products produced on a unit or continuous basis. The apparatus can also detect process-induced flaws in the products.

Abstract: An apparatus for transradiating an object moving on a conveyor path has a radiation generator for generating at least one fan-shaped radiation beam directed at the object and disposed substantially perpendicularly to the conveyor path, a number of line-shaped radiation detectors disposed for receiving radiation after passing through respective portions of the object with radiation passing through one portion of the object being received by one of the detectors, and all of the detectors in combination receiving all of the radiation passing through the object, and an evaluation unit connected to the detectors for evaluating signals therefrom to form an image of the object.

Abstract: Method and apparatus involving the use of an X-ray video fluoroscope for nondestructive analysis of rock samples, including core obtained during the drilling of wellbores through subterranean strata, to determine the presence, location, and orientation of any internal features, or to monitor the flow of fluids through the rock sample. Rock samples can be both moved through and rotated in the analysis zone of the X-ray video fluoroscope and the visible light image obtained from the X-ray video fluoroscope can then be viewed, recorded photographically or on video tape, or digitized to facilitate computer implemented storage, retrieval, and digital processing of the X-ray video fluoroscope image.

Abstract: A system for detecting missing or crossed cords in cord reinforced tire fabric. The entire width of the fabric as it is being made is scanned by a highly collimated X-ray source and a sensor. A change in the amount of X-ray radiation penetrating the fabric indicates the presence of the cords. A counter which counts at a fixed rate is gated on during the time that a cord's presence is detected. The total count in a small section of the fabric, called a slice, is proportional to the number of strands in the slice. Since the counting rate is relatively high with respect to the scan time, the system can easily detect missing or overlapping cords.

Abstract: A weld inspection process and an associated system for the determination and assessment of weld seams by first producing a flawless weld seam on a test specimen, making a point by point inspection of the test specimen using a pair of alternately pulsed X-ray or gamma ray sources, while generating signals which may be simultaneously displayed and stored, to form a permanent record of the test specimen weld seam, on a target plate. A point by point comparison of is made of a new, similar weld and the recorded image is instantaneously compared with the previously recorded, stored image of the flawless test weld. In the event of identical images, that point of the weld is deemed flawless, while a lack of identity indicates a flaw, in which event, the defective position is marked for subsequent repair, removal or total rejection.

Abstract: A nondestructive examination method and apparatus for high resolution detection of cracks, defects or anomalies in radioactivity contaminated materials. The method relies upon radioactivity being carried by the normal reactor environment, or by an added radioactive penetrant fluid, to the cracks, defects or anomalies. Detection of this radioactivity by a narrow well defined beam gives an improved measurement of the location and size of the cracks, defects or anomalies. The apparatus includes a sensor mounted on a remotely controlled framework. The sensor includes shielding to direct a very narrow beam of gamma radiation to a scintillation crystal and photomultiplier tube which converts the radiation into electrical signals. The signals are counted by count rate means and converted to digital form and stored. Survey procedures are provided both for detecting cracks and for characterizing cracks once discovered.

Abstract: An indicator for determining the sensitivity of a radiological defect testing device which simulates plane defects within a workpiece. Two or more tapered elements are placed side by side on a support such that parallel, adjacent sides define the plane defects. The elements are oriented such that the plane defect extends generally parallel to the direction of the radiation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting with the aid of X-ray radiation, caused to act upon a film or the like (5), heterogeneities in joints between mutually adjacent sections of insulation (4) on pipe assemblies comprising an inner steel pipe (3), insulation (4), and a tubular jacket (2). The novel features of the invention reside in bringing the radiation transmitted from an X-ray radiation source (1) of low-energy type, in at least two mutually sequential exposure stages to contact the steel pipe at at least one point thereon or along at least one tangential line (T.sub.1, T.sub.2) and to pass through the insulation (4) along the whole of that part of the radius of the jacket (2) which lies between the contact point line and the inner defining surface (8) of the jacket; and in that the axis (6) of the X-ray radiation source (1) lies in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steel pipe.

Abstract: An X-ray tube holder is described for holding X-ray tubes in proper alignment for performing radiographic leading edge cowl assembly exposures. The holder has a base to which are attached a holding arm and a fixed angle rest for holding the X-ray tube to the base. A pair of latches are attached to the base on the other side from the holding arm and fixed angle rest to attach the holder to air outlet apertures on the inside of an aircraft engine cowl. The holder may be moved around the inside of the cowl to take exposures at various locations.