The current level of development of digital systems has led to the emergence of a fundamentally new technology — the use of phosphorous plates. With the help of this technology, it was possible to accelerate the process of obtaining the results of the analysis of the object and reduce the cost of x-ray film, chemicals for its development and working time of personnel, the cost of disposal of chemical waste obtained in the process of development.
Advantages of digital radiography:
- No ” wet ” development and all associated problems
- Possibility to use the plates up to 10,000 times (before physical damage)
- A huge range of exposure doses allows one exposure and one scan to inspect products with a large difference in thickness
- High sensitivity compared to x-ray film provides less exposure time and greater thickness of the inspected metal
- Only 50 seconds to scan the image
- The software has powerful processing tools.
The software allows you to:
- Calibrate the scanner
- Preparation of the checklist
- Determination of inspection sensitivity, and measurement of the optical density of the weld image and step wedge
- Visualization of the image of the considered structural element or welded joint
- Computer analysis of search, identification, ranking, determination of types, sizes and number of detected defects, including corrosion damage
- Comparison of the results of the defect analysis with the requirements of regulatory and technical documents
- Preparation and issuance of conclusion on the level and nature of the defect of the element or welded joint, the admissibility of further operation of the facility
- Creation of a database of objects to be monitored with subsequent fixation and assessment of the dynamics of defects in the re-diagnosis.
Comparison of Digital Radiography (DR) and Computed Radiography (CR).
| CR | DR | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | As with the film, CR systems require a plate, which must then be delivered from the inspection site to the location of the reader. The CR plate is scanned and the digital image is formed on the PC screen. Then the image is erased from the plate. If you want to take a second picture, you must return the plate to the place of inspection, and repeat the whole process completely. | The DR uses a digital panel. The image is immediately formed on the computer screen without moving the panel from the place of inspection. If you want to take a second picture, no additional action is required. When DR image can be obtained and processed in real-time. |
| Mobility | CR plates can be easily transferred to any location. The technology allows technicians to use the plates in hard-to-reach places where it is difficult or not practical to reach. cable for DR system; or when you need to receive an image of an object with a complex configuration. At the same time, the plate reading/erasing equipment is not portable and requires a power supply. | Panels for DR can be portable depending on the size of the panel. Work station for DR, can also be portable if a laptop is used. Systems with small panels, such as Envision 4×4, can be used on the jobsite without a power supply. |
| Resolution | The resolution of the plates varies depending on the manufacturer. Currently, the highest resolution is 100µm and expected to increase to 50µm. In this case, a compromise is required; increasing the PC requires more exposure time and more time to scan the plate. In case of 100µm resolution, it takes 1 to 5 minutes to get the image, depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, it takes from 1/2 to 2 minutes to erase. | RS for DR panels also vary. The highest value for a 4×4 panel is 48µm. For RS with 48 µm, the time for image acquisition is about 12 seconds. The CMOS linear array provides 80µm RS and the image is generated in real time. DR panels do not require erasing. |
| Speed Use in a production environment | As with film, CR requires several stages. The approximate time of one cycle is 2 to 10 minutes or more, depending on the time required to deliver the plate to the reader, scan, erase and return to the inspection site. As with film, the multi-step process of obtaining an image using CR is too slow for production. | Using DR,it is possible to obtain images in real time or in a few seconds. For a 4x4 panel, this time takes 5-20 seconds. DR can provide continuous monitoring of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of objects per hour. It is also possible to automatically detect defects. |
| Use in a production environment | As with film, the multi-step process of obtaining an image using CR is too slow for production. | DR can provide continuous monitoring of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of objects per hour. It is also possible to automatically detect defects. |
| Cost | CR requires a reader / eraser, a PC with software and a monitor. You also need to purchase cassettes to use the panels on the work site. The cost of the set begins, approximately, from $90-100 thousand. Plates are consumables, and under field conditions, their periodic replacement is required, the cost of the plates ranges from $600 to $2000. | DR requires the purchase of a panel, PC, software and monitor. The cost of the working set starts from $100 thousand and no consumables are required |
| Advantages | CR technology has advantages for fieldwork, in cases where there is limited access to the product or when the plate has a shape of the object. CR is the best choice when working with isotopes | DR has advantages when you need speed and/or image quality. Portable DR systems can provide instant results in the field. Linear arrays for DR systems can provide x-ray image without parallax effect. |
Digital Radiography (DR) /Computed Radiography (CR)
The HD-CR-35-NDT (Duerr NDT) computer radiography system with fluorescent storage plates combines flexibility, reliability, high resolution and sensitivity, large dynamic range and ease of operation.
The Duerr NDT computer radiography system is specially designed for use in non-destructive testing, so it is suitable for use with both x-ray and isotope sources. The system allows you to solve a wide range of non-destructive testing tasks in the power industry, aerospace, oil and gas, automotive and other industries.
X-ray detectors
GW-4™ 3/09 Pipeline Girth Weld Scanner
GW-4 Scanner control circumferential pipejoints. GW-4™ is an automated digital scanner for x-ray inspection of circumferential joints of pipelines and tanks. The magnetic wheel scanner allows you to inspect pipes with a diameter of 6″ or more.
The GW-4 ™ scanner can inspect seams using one or two detectors.
The information is received and processed at the operator’s workstation in real time. The operator has the ability to instantly analyze, process, and save the image of the inspected area without any delay in the processing of the film (phosphor plate).
The GW-4 scanner is a fundamentally new system for quickly obtaining an x-ray image of a welded pipeline connection in the conditions of the construction site and on the track.
The x-ray image is generated by means of a panoramic x-ray source of constant potential located inside the pipe and the GW-4 scanning trolley, which moves along the seam on the outer surface of the pipe, receives x-rays, forms and processes the image of the weld.
Two or more trolleys can be combined into a single inspection system to reduce the time when testing large diameter pipes.
Pipeline Gamma-ray Scanner Scan Track ScanTrack PL™
The ScanTrack PL™ system is an automated digital scanner for gamma tesing of in service pipelines for detection of external and internal corrosion under insulation.
Using the latest advances in CMOS X-ray technology, the ScanTrack PL™ system can test both the bottom of the pipeline and provide 100% circular inspection.
It is a reliable, compact and automated system. Using a unique, automatically controlled scanner, the ScanTrack PL™ system can be installed on the pipeline by one person and is ready to operate within a couple of minutes.
A small, high-strength computer controls the scanner, while the information is received and processed at the operator’s workstation in real time. The operator has the ability to instantly analyze, process, and save the image of the inspected area.
LongSeam™ pipe longitudinal welds inspection system
High-resolution CMOS X-ray system for weld inspection in welded pipes. The system can have two configurations, with a fixed radiation source and a detector – or with a movable radiation source and a detector moving along a fixed tube.
The image is generated in real time on the computer screen. It is integrated with the inspection system of pipe racking and movement.
Desktop digitizer CR 30-X Tabletop Digitizer (from AGFA)
Compact tabletopdigitizer of new generation resolution of 10 pixels / mm for all cassettes (5 pairs of lines per mm). The CR 30-x tabletopdigitizer offers high quality with compact dimensions. AGFA presents CR 30-X tabletopdigitizer that is ideal for installation in confined spaces.
The compact size of the CR 30-X, great features and competitive price make it unique in its class.
High performance
Despite its small size, the CR 30-x will provide the necessary bandwidth for any radiology unit.
The digitizer is able to process 60 cassettes of 35x43cm format in 1 hour. During the same hour, the number of processed cassettes of 18×24 cm format will be 76, and this, you will agree, is much. Even for your unit. All this with a resolution of 10 pixels per mm, which corresponds to 5 pairs of lines per mm for the film!
Powerful Software
For many years, AGFA Musica unique proprietary software for digital image processing has proven to be the best. The CR 30-X digitizer works with the latest CR NX operating system, which is integrated with the Musica software, which allows interactive image processing. TheCR NX supports touch screen technology: to identify the cassette or other actions, it is enough to make a few clicks directly on the monitor. The CR NX operating system has a large set of powerful diagnostic tools for any purpose.
Software licensing allows the user to select the options or specialization required, for example, for the pediatric unit.
High image quality and reliability
The CR 30-x digitizer processes cassettes of all sizes with a resolution of 10 pixels per millimeter. The CR 30-x scanning device is identical to the one used in the older CR 35 and CR 85 models, which provides the highest image quality, and the modular design of the digitizer simplifies its service and makes it cost-effective.
Scanner FS 50 B (GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies)
- Allows you to scan any type of x-ray film size
- Speed of scanning x-rays from 5 to 40 seconds, depending on the film size and scanning mode
- Send scan results to the RHYTHMsoftware
Rhythm-software for FS50-B scanner
Improves work efficiency
Advanced image viewer for all types of radiography
Improving the reliability of the survey, accelerating customer service
Saves time and money
Instead of sending specialists to information, the information is sent to specialists-analysts in electronic form.
Automatize specific control functions
Application of the program for specific purposes increases the efficiency of the process. Protects your investment. Allows you to build up the system according to your needs. Thanks to compliance with DICOM\DICONDE standards, your data is not out of date.
Reduces training required
Convenient systemto be use easily and quickly mastered.