PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

PROCEDURAL SPECIFICATION

RADIOGRAPHIC INSPECTION

PTS 50.014
MAY 1991

PREFACE

PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication,
of PETRONAS OPUs/Divisions.
They are based on the experience acquired during the involvement with the design, construction,
operation and maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where appropriate they are based
on, or reference is made to, national and international standards and codes of practice.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good technical practice to be applied by
PETRONAS' OPUs in oil and gas production facilities, refineries, gas processing plants, chemical
plants, marketing facilities or any other such facility, and thereby to achieve maximum technical
and economic benefit from standardisation.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to users for their consideration and
decision to implement. This is of particular importance where PTS may not cover every
requirement or diversity of condition at each locality. The system of PTS is expected to be
sufficiently flexible to allow individual operating units to adapt the information set forth in PTS to
their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use PTS they shall be solely responsible for the
quality of work and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In
particular, for those requirements not specifically covered, the Principal will expect them to follow
those design and engineering practices which will achieve the same level of integrity as reflected
in the PTS. If in doubt, the Contractor or Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting from his
own responsibility, consult the Principal or its technical advisor.
The right to use PTS rests with three categories of users :
1)
2)
3)

PETRONAS and its affiliates.

Other parties who are authorised to use PTS subject to appropriate contractual
arrangements.
Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with
users referred to under 1) and 2) which requires that tenders for projects,
materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said users
comply with the relevant standards.

Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with
users, PETRONAS disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury
or death) suffered by any company or person whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the
use, application or implementation of any PTS, combination of PTS or any part thereof. The
benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to PETRONAS and/or any company affiliated
to PETRONAS that may issue PTS or require the use of PTS.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual
arrangements, PTS shall not, without the prior written consent of PETRONAS, be disclosed by
users to any company or person whomsoever and the PTS shall be used exclusively for the
purpose they have been provided to the user. They shall be returned after use, including any
copies which shall only be made by users with the express prior written consent of PETRONAS.
The copyright of PTS vests in PETRONAS. Users shall arrange for PTS to be held in safe
custody and PETRONAS may at any time require information satisfactory to PETRONAS in order
to ascertain how users implement this requirement.

CONTENTS
1. SCOPE
2. DEFINITIONS
3. ABBREVIATIONS
4. REFERENCES
5. SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Personnel Qualification
5.2 Radiation Safety
5.3 Procedure
5.4 Equipment
5.5 Radiographic Films
5.6 Location Markers
5.7 System of Identification
5.8 Image Quality Indicator (IQI)
5.9 Diagnostic Film Length (DFL)
5.10 Radiographic Techniques
5.11 Quality of Radiographs
5.12 Geometric Unsharpness
5.13 Back Scatter Radiation Check
5.14 Density
5.15 Sensitivity
5.16 Film Processing
5.17 Viewing Facilities
5.18 Acceptance Criteria
5.19 Records and Reports
5.20 Packing of Film
6. APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1.
APPENDIX 2.
APPENDIX 3.
APPENDIX 4.

REVISION REGISTER
Revision No.

Date

Details of Revision

9/83

First Issue

1/84

Entirely NA

5/91

Revised Entirely

1. SCOPE
This Standard Engineering Specification describes the requirements for radiographic inspection of
materials and fusion welds in all equipment including the following

pressure vessel

process piping

on and offshore pipelines

tanks

offshore structures

1.2 The acceptance/rejection criteria of radiographic inspection of each equipment shall be as stated
in the applicable contract document.

2. DEFINITIONS
Certification -

written testimony of qualification

Company -

shall mean PETRONAS and its Group of Companies and Subsidiaries/Associated

companies.

Contractor -

the party which enters into a contract with the Company for the execution of work as
detailed in a written agreement.

Employer -

corporate, private or public entity which employs personnel for wages, salary, fees or
other considerations.

Qualification -

demonstrated skill, training knowledge and experience required for personnel to

properly perform the duties of a specific job.

Shall and Should

- the word 'shall' is to be understood as mandatory and the word 'should' as
strongly recommended to comply with the requirements of this Specification.
Training -

the programme developed to impart knowledge and skills necessary for qualification.

Written Practice

- the specific requirements which define the employer's procedure for the
qualification and certification of non-destructive testing personnel.

3. ABBREVIATIONS
AELB -

Atomic Energy Licensing Board, Malaysia.

ASTM -

American Society for Testing and Materials.

IQI -

Image Quality Indicator.

NDT -

Non-destructive Testing

PCN -

Personnel certification in non-destructive testing, the British National Scheme for

personnel certification in NDT.

SES -

Standard Engineering Specification.

TLD -

Thermoluminescent dosimeter.

4. REFERENCES
ANSI/ASME V -

Non-destructive examination.

BS2600 -

Radiographic Examination of Fusion Welded Butt Joints in Steel.

BS2910 -

Methods for Radiographic Examination of Fusion Welded Circumferential

Butt Joints in Steel Pipes.

DIN 54109 Part 1 -

Non-destructive testing; image quality of radiographs; concepts, image quality

indicators, determination of image quality value.

5. SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Personnel Qualification

all Radiographers and Assistant Radiographers shall be licensed by the Atomic Energy
Licensing Board, Malaysia. (For work within Malaysia only).

5.1.1 Radiographer

shall possess a valid NDT Level II certification in industrial radiography in accordance with the
Employer's Written Practice or other recognised independent qualifications as determined by
the Company.

shall have at least 2 years experience in industrial radiography of tubular structures, pipelines
and piping systems. This experience shall be shown by documented evidence.

5.1.2 Assistant Radiographer

shall possess a valid NDT Level I certification in radiography.

shall have at least 1 year of relevant experience as an assistant radiographer which is shown
by documented evidence.

5.1.3 Radiographic Interpreters

The Contractor shall proved" trained, experienced and qualified radiographic interpreter certified by
the employer to NDT Level II or to PCN Level II or equivalent.
The radiographer may also be the radiographic interpreter if he holds this qualification.
5.1.4 Employer Based Certification
The employer of the radiographers shall submit his Written Practice to the Company for review,
approval and audit.
At the Company's sole discretion, mock-up tests shall be carried out to prove the competency of the
proposed radiographers and interpreters.
5.2 Radiation Safety
For radiation safety, the following shall be adhered to:

Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 and its subsequent regulations. (For work in Malaysia only.
For work outside Malaysia, the respective country's statutory requirements shall apply).

The Contractor shall submit his radiation safety and emergency to the Company for approval prior to
the commencement of work.

The Contractor shall hold valid licences from the Atomic Energy Licensing Board for the activities
involving radioactive sources and irradiating equipment. (For work in Malaysia only. For work outside
Malaysia, the respective country's statutory requirement shall apply).
The Contractor shall provide each radiographer with a film badge or TLD and a pocket dosimeter and
each team, comprising of a radiographer and an assistant radiographer, a survey meter and a
radiation alarm warning device.
The survey meter and pocket dosimeter shall be calibrated annually or earlier by a laboratory
recognised by AELB.

5.3 Procedure
5.3.1

The Contractor shall submit to the Company a written procedure specific to the job for prior
approval, after which the radiographic techniques (contained in the procedure) for the various
thickness and diameter ranges shall be qualified by producing satisfactory standard test
radiographs.

5.3.2

The procedure shall include, as a minimum, the relevant elements contained in this Standards
Engineering Specification, relevant to the job.

5.4 Equipment
5.4.1

The Contractor shall provide the radiographs with all the necessary equipment, tools and
consumable to perform the radiographic inspection such as:-

Approved remote wind-out gamma radiography systems.

Collimators and lead sheets
Emergency handling tools e.g. lead shot bags, tongs, lead pot and assorted tools.
Isotope transport container
X-ray machines
X-ray crawlers
Cassettes complete with lead screens or fluorometallic intensifying screen
Sets of lead numbers and letters
Radiation warning signs, rope barriers, buntings, flashing warning lights, hand crank claxon, etc.
Films (ASTM film type 1 and 2)
Darkroom complete with accessories and processing facilities.
DIN 54109 or equivalent wire penetrameters.
The Company reserves the right to inspect these items of equipment for their suitability for their
intended purpose and to ensure their safe working condition.

5.4.2 Gamma Radiography System and Radiation Energy

5.4.2.1 Gamma Radiography System
The gamma radiography system shall be approved by AELB. (For work in Malaysia only). The system
shall be of the remote wind-out type e.g. Tech-Ops.
The radioisotope shall be as small as obtainable. The source activity for Iridium 192 shall be between
12 and 25 curies, For other sources, the activity shall be agreed upon between the Company and the
Contractor.
5.4.2.2 Gamma Radiation
The recommended minimum thickness for which radioactive isotopes shall be used is as follows:Minimum Thickness (in.)
Material

Iridium 192

Cobalt 60

Steel

0.375

1.50

Copper/High Nickel

0.65

1.30

Aluminium

2.50

The minimum recommended thickness may be reduced when the radiographic techniques
demonstrate that the required radiographic sensitivity has been obtained.
5.4.3 X-ray Machine, Crawler And Radiation Energy
5.4.3.1 X-ray Machine
The X-ray machine shall be of a make approved by AELB, (for work in Malaysia only) having a
maximum voltage of about 400 KV. The focal spot of this machine shall be determined by the pin hole
method.
There shall be a spare set of equipment at an inspection location to provide continuity of radiographic
inspection in the event that one set malfunctions.
5.4.3.2 X-ray Crawler
X-ray crawler shall be used in conjunction with an automatic film processor for weld inspection of
submarine pipelines on a laybarge. The crawler shall be of a make approved by AELB (for work in
Malaysia only) and suitable for the diameter of the pipe being laid. A back-up set shall be available on
board for continuity of work in the event that one set malfunctions.
5.4.3.3 Radiation Energy
The maximum voltage used in radiographic inspection shall not exceed the values shown in
Appendix 1 for the respective materials.

5.5 Radiographic Films

5.5.1 Type
Unless otherwise agreed by the Company, only double coated industrial films having low-speed, very
fine grain, very high contrast (ASTM film type 1) or medium speed, fine grain, high contrast (ASTM
film type 2) suitable for use with lead screens or fluorometallic intensifying screens shall be used.

5.5.2 Storage
All unexposed films shall be stored in a clean dry store where they will not be subjected to:

Chemical vapours, fumes

Radiation and light

Excessive heat and humidity

Undue pressure

5.5.3 Fog Density

Every box or roll of film shall be checked for fog density. If it is greater than 0.30 H & D, as measured
with a densitometer calibrated against a National Bureau of Standards, the whole box or roll shall be
rejected.
5.5.4 Cu-Ni and Stainless Steels
For radiography of Cu-Ni and stainless steel welds, only type 1 films shall be used.

5.6 Location Markers

5.6.1

Location lead markers which are to appear as radiographic images on film shall be placed on
the component and their locations shall be marked on the surface of the component being
radiographed to provide traceability.

5.6.2

Location markers for the various techniques shall be in accordance with Appendix 2.

5.7 System of Identification

A system shall be used to produce permanent identification on the radiograph with at least the
following information:

Contract

Component

Weld or part number

Contractor name

Date of radiography

Welder identification

Repairs (R1, R2....)

This information shall not obscure the area of interest.

5.8 Image Quality Indicator (IQI)

5.8.1 Make
IQIs shall be manufactured of radiographically similar material to the object being radiographed.

5.8.2 Type
The DIN 54 109 (1962) or ISO wire type IQI shall be used to provide a guide to the quality of the
radiographs produced.
Other types of IQI may be used upon prior approval from the Company.
5.8.3 Placement of IQI
A wire type IQI shall be placed on the source side with the smallest wire outward and just within the
end of the area of interest (diagnostic film length). In addition, for weld inspection, the wires shall be
placed across and perpendicular to the weld axis. Where placement of IQI on the source side is
impracticable, it may be placed on the film side provided the following condition is met:Set up a test piece of the same dimensions as the production weld to be radiographed on which IQIs
can be placed on both source and film sides. Place a lead letter 'F' next to the film side IQI. Take a
test radiograph using the same radiographic technique that will be used on the production weld. Use
the source side IQI to achieve the contractual sensitivity and, for correlation with the radiographic
sensitivity for production welds, record the corresponding sensitivity on the film side IQI.
5.8.4 Film Side IQI
All film side IQIs shall be identified by the letter 'F'.
5.8.5 Number of IQI
(a) Panoramic Exposure
When a circumferential weld can be radiographed in a single exposure, using a single source inside,
at least three IQIs equally spaced around the circumference shall be used.
(b) Elliptical Exposure
When a weld is radiographed using a double wall double image technique, one IQI on the source side
shall be used.
(c) Multiple Exposure
When the length of a film to be interpreted (diagnostic film length) is eight inches and longer, two IQIs
placed at each end of the diagnostic film length shall be used.
When the diagnostic film length is less than eight inches, one IQI placed at one end of the diagnostic
film length shall be used.

5.9 Diagnostic Film Length (DFL)

In order to meet the density requirements and to allow for the fall-off in flaw sensitivity towards the
ends of the radiograph due to an increase in penetrated thickness and to geometric effects, the
diagnostic film length (DFL) shall be limited to thickness not more than 110% of the penetrated
thickness at the centre of the radiograph.

5.10 Radiographic Techniques

5.10.1

In the procedure submitted to the Company, the Contractor shall formulate and incorporate
detailed radiographic techniques, including sketches, that are to be used in the inspection.
Standard test radiographs shall be produced based on the parameters of the approved
techniques.

Appendix 3 shows a sample of the Company's radiographic technique sheet. The Contractor's
technique sheet shall contain, as a minimum the details appearing therein.
5.10.2 Single Wall Technique
In this technique, the radiation passes through only one wall of the object. An adequate number of
exposures (multiple) shall be made to ensure that the required coverage has been obtained.
5.10.3 Double Wall Technique
When it is not practical to use a single 'Wall technique, the following shall be used:(a) Single-wall Viewing
In this technique, the radiation passes through two walls, but only the material or weld near the film
side is viewed. An adequate number of exposures shall be made to ensure that the required coverage
has been obtained. For complete coverage of a circumferential weld or materials, a minimum of three
exposures at 120 degrees to each other shall be made.
(b) Double-wall Viewing
This technique applies to materials or welds having 31/2 inches or less in outside diameter.
In this technique, the radiation passes through two walls and the material or weld in both walls is
viewed on the same radiograph. For this technique, only a source side IQI shall be used.
For welds, the radiation beam may be offset from the plane of the weld at an angle sufficient to
separate the images of the source side and film side portions of the weld so that there is no overlap of
areas to be interpreted. For complete coverage, a minimum of two exposures at 90 degrees to each
other shall be made for each joint.
As an alternative, the weld may be radiographed with the radiation beam positioned so that the
images of both walls are superimposed. For complete coverage a minimum of three exposures at
either 60 or 120 degrees to each other shall be made for each joint. This technique shall be used for
thick walled pipe welds of diameters equal to or less than 1 inch.
5.11 Quality of Radiographs
All radiographs shall be free from mechanical, chemical or other blemishes to the extent that they
shall not mask or be confused with the image of any flaw in the area of interest of the radiograph.
Such blemishes, include, but are not limited to:

fog

processing defects such as streaks, water marks or chemical stains

scratches, finger marks, crimps, dirtiness, static marks, smudges or tears

false indications due to defective screens or internal faults

interference on areas of interest by lead markers

5.12 Geometric Unsharpness

5.12.1 Formula
Geometric unsharpness of a radiograph shall be determined in accordance with
UG = Fd/D

Where UG = geometric unsharpness

F = source size, the maximum projected dimension of the radiating source or focal spot in the
plane perpendicular to the distance D from the weld or object being radiographed in
inches.
D = source to weld or object distance in inches
d = source side of weld or object to the film distance in inches.
5.12.2 Limitations
The geometric unsharpness UG of the radiograph shall not exceed:Other
than
Standards

British Standards

British

Weld or object

UG

Radiation

UG(mm)

thickness (in)

(in)

100 KV

0.05

Under 2

0.020

200 KV

0.09

2 through 3

0.030

300 KV

0.12

Over 3 through 4

0.040

400 KV

0.15

Greater than 4

0.070

Iridium 192

0.17

Cobalt 60

0.35

5.13 Back Scatter Radiation Check

As a check on back scattered radiation, a lead symbol "B" with minimum dimensions of in. high x
1/16 in. thick shall be attached to the back of the film holder.
If a light image of "B" appears on the darker background of the radiograph, the protection from back
scatter is insufficient and the radiograph shall be rejected. However, a dark image of "B" on a lighter
background is not cause for rejection.

5.14 Density
The density on the area of interest shall be 2.0 minimum for both radiographs made with an X-ray
source and a gamma source. The maximum density shall be 3.0. The density measured shall be H &
D density.
In a radiograph, the densities within the diagnostic film length of the area of interest shall not vary by
more than 30% between the lighter and darker areas.
Density shall be measured using a densitometer calibrated to a National Standard by an accredited
laboratory or by visual comparison with a calibrated film-strip.

5.15 Sensitivity
5.15.1 Sensitivity is usually taken an a measure of image quality and is expressed as a percentage
in the following equation:-

Sensitivity =

diameter of the smallest

visible wire on the radiograph x 100
-----------------------------------------------specimen thickness

Unless agreed otherwise by the Company, the sensitivity, using wire type IQI, shall be less than or
equal to 2%. In sensitivity computation, the source side IQI shall be used.
5.15.2 The thickness used for sensitivity computation shall be as follows:(a)

Single-wall Technique and Single-wall Viewing

The thickness of the specimen.

(b)

Double-wall Technique and Single-wall Viewing

The nominal single wall thickness adjacent to the film of the specimen.

(c)

Double-wall Technique and Double-wall Viewing

The nominal double-wall thickness of the specimen.

5.15.3 For weldment radiography, the thickness used for sensitivity computation shall include the
thickness of the weld reinforcement a permitted in the applicable code/standard/ specification.
5.16 Film Processing
5.16.1 In his Procedure submitted to the Company for approval, the Contractor shall. include detailed
film processing procedures and equipment and accessories used to product quality
radiographs. He shall consult the film and processing chemicals manufacturers for detailed
recommendations for film processing.
5.16.2 Manual Procedure
Developing time varies with temperature. It is therefore imperative that the film manufacturer's
recommended developing time and temperature shall be adhered to. The fixing time shall be twice the
time needed to clear an unexposed film. An acid stop bath shall be used between the developer and
fixer. Developed films shall be washed thoroughly for a minimum for ten minutes in running water and
twenty minutes in still water.
5.16.3 Drying
Films shall be dried in a dryer which is in good, safe condition e.g. Agfa-Gevaert structurix or a drying
cabinet, at temperature not exceeding 55C. When there is no urgency, films may be dried in a dry,
dust free room.. No films shall be subjected to continued exposure to a temperature higher than 40C
(104F).
5.16.4 Automatic Processing on a Laybarge
The automatic processor shall be of Agfa-Gevaert or equivalent and able to handle the work load and
speed required by a laybarge.
The processor shall maintain the chemical solutions at the proper temperature, agitate and replenish
the solutions automatically and transport the films mechanically at a carefully controlled speed
throughout the processing cycle. It is imperative that the processor, films and chemicals are
compatibly matched.
5.16.5 Film Storage Life
Films shall be processed to ensure their integrity for at least five years under normal storage
conditions.

5.17 Viewing Facilities

5.17.1 Viewing room shall provide subdued background lighting of an intensity that will not cause
troublesome reflections, shadows or glare on the radiographs.
Viewers shall provide variable light intensities to view radiographs up to 3.50 H & D density.
5.17.2

All radiographs shall be viewed, interpreted and evaluated in the properly dried condition.

5.18 Acceptance Criteria

The acceptance and rejection criteria shall be in accordance with the specific contract specification,
codes and standards.
The Company shall have the final decision on the interpretation and evaluation of radiographs.

5.19 Records and Reports

The Contractor shall submit records and reports in accordance with the following:(a)

Films and objects (e.g. welds) radiographed shall be clearly identified in a manner approved
by the Company so that the radiograph and the weld to which it pertains to can be
immediately located.

(b)

A summary of all objects radiographed and the results of the inspection i.e. cut-out, grind and
repair, etc., in accordance with the Company's requirements, shall be furnished to the Company daily.

(c)

The records of all objects radiographed including those of rejected welds, repairs and any
reshoots shall be properly catalogued and filled to permit ready retrieval and identification during
and after construction.

(e)

Completed radiographed reports shall accompany all interpreted radiographs.

Appendix 4 shows a sample of the Company's radiographic report for welds. The Contractor's report
shall contain as a minimum the details appearing therein.

5.20 Packing of Film

All sheet films shall be inserted in the paper sleeves and packed into their original boxes after
evaluation.
All roll films (Rollpac) shall be rolled up properly and packed into suitable boxes after evaluation.
On completion of the projected these boxes shall be packed into cartons suitable for archiving as
instructed by the Company.
Suitable markings shall be provided on the boxes and cartons for easy retrieval including proper
documentation as requires by the Company.

APPENDICES
Appendix 1

Maximum Voltage

Appendix 2

Location Marker Sketches

Appendix 3

Radiographic Technique

Appendix 4

Radiographic Report

6. APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Maximum Voltage for Steel

Maximum Voltage for Alloys of Copper and/or High Nickel

Maximum Voltage for Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys

Appendix 2. Location Marker Sketches

Appendix 3. Radiographic Technique

Appendix 4. Radiographic Report Sarawak Shell Berhad Sabah Shell Petroleum Company
Limited