Utilization of Gamma Ports; W&NDE Policy Position 07

I.

12/09/99

Forward

This position policy statement is in compliance with and supports BCOI Welding and NDE Services /
CR&T programs and applicable Construction Codes.
The following provides information necessary to make decisions as to the placement and use of
gamma access plugs (ports) in piping weld joints that require the performance of field radiography. It
must be understood that a variety of considerations are necessary and certain assumptions are made
when evaluating this information. The data presented in the following tables is based on the most
commonly applied radiographic techniques in use on Bechtel projects and as required by the governing
design / fabrication code(s). When questions exist as to the feasibility of implementing certain
radiographic techniques, a Bechtel Radiographic Level III should be consulted for further evaluation. In
making the recommendations contained herein, radiographic exposure source strengths (Ir192) based
on those commonly available in most global regions were considered. Certain regions may not have
readily available radiographic isotopes (sources); availability of radiographic exposure sources should
be a bullet item to consider when evaluating an NDE subcontractor for potential procurement of
services to be supplied to the project.
Additionally, several cases have been encountered whereupon projects have opted to eliminate the use
of gamma ports from shop fabricated piping based on the assumption that "the availability of strong
isotopes in the U.S. negates the need for the gamma ports"; the fact is that no strength of isotope
(Iridium192) can overcome the constraints imposed by diameter and wall thickness. While varying
conditions can affect the use of gamma ports, the decision to eliminate their use altogether should not
be made without a detailed evaluation by CR&T / Welding & NDE Services personnel.
Panoramic exposures take significantly less time due to less steel to penetrate (thus less radiation
absorption) and less distance between the source and the film. Gamma access ports, which allow the
source to be positioned in a centered position inside the pipe, must be installed to facilitate
performance of this radiographic exposure technique.
An extreme example of how the joint configuration (diameter & wall thickness) can impact exposure
time is included on the attached exposure data sheets. Main Steam piping welds, which are
radiographed during the progression of generating station construction, could take 20 hours without the
utilization of a panoramic exposure technique (24" diameter, 2.344" T wall). Exposure using a
panoramic technique yields an 8 minute exposure time.
The benefit in the use of gamma ports is facilitation of Fast-Track Project Schedules, in the field,
whether in the U.S. or overseas!
Making a decision to eliminate the use of gamma ports without knowledgeable input from informed
personnel could subject a project to lengthy exposure times, imposing unnecessary scheduling conflicts
which can be difficult, if not impossible, to overcome.
The data and recommendations following should be considered by CR&T / Welding & NDE Specialists,
project engineering personnel, and the appropriate purchasing representatives prior to finalizing
decisions regarding the use of gamma ports in subject piping.

II.

Exposure Time; Double-Wall Contact vs Panoramic

The following table contains data needed to effectively evaluate exposure times of double-wall contact
(Figure 1-A, B) and panoramic techniques (Figure 2-A, B). 80 curie and 40 curie source (Ir192) activity
strengths are included to demonstrate the significant difference in resultant exposure times when
isotopes of these activity levels are utilized for the performance of radiography.

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Utilization of Gamma Ports; W&NDE Policy Position 07

Nominal
Pipe Size
Dia. /
O.D.

Exposure
Source
Type /
Strength

8/
8.625

Ir192 80 Cu

10 /
10.75

Ir192 80 Cu

12 /
12.75

Ir192 80 Cu

Table 1; Nominal Wall Thickness, Cumulative Exposure Time (:SS, MM:SS, or HH:MM:SS), Source Activity
Sch.40
Wall, T (in.)

Ir192 40 Cu

Ir192 40 Cu

Ir192 40 Cu

.322
.365
.406

Ir192 80 Cu

14

Ir192 40 Cu

.438

Ir192 80 Cu

16

Ir192 40 Cu

.500

Ir192 80 Cu

18

Ir192 40 Cu

.562

Ir192 80 Cu

20

Ir192 40 Cu

.594

Sch.80

Exp Time,
DWC

Exp Time,
Panoramic

:06

NA

:12

NA

:20

:03

:40

:05

:32

:04

1:04

:08

:55

:06

1:50

:12

1:20

:08

2:40

:16

2:18

:11

4:36

:22

3:18

:14

6:36

:28

Wall, T (in.)

.500
.594
.688
.750
.844
.938
1.031

Ir192 80 Cu

22

Ir192 40 Cu

1.125

Non-Std

Ir192 40 Cu
Ir192 80 Cu

24

12/09/99

.688

7:56

:38

15:52

1:16

1.219

Sch.120

Exp Time,
DWC

Exp Time,
Panoramic

:12

NA

:24

NA

:40

:04

1:20

:07

1:20

:06

2:40

:12

2:05

:08

4:10

:17

3:45

:12

7:30

:24

7:42

:18

15:24

:36

11:42

:25

23:24

:50

19:50

:33

39:40

1:07

33:22

:48

1:06:44

1:36

Wall, T (in.)

.719
.844
1.000
1.094
1.219
1.375
1.500
1.625
1.812

Sch.160

Exp Time,
DWC

Exp Time,
Panoramic

:24

NA

:48

NA

1:24

:05

2:48

:10

2:56

:09

5:52

:17

5:50

:13

11:40

:27

10:30

:21

21:00

:42

33:12

:36

1:06:24

1:12

46:30

:52

1:33:00

1:44

1:31:00

1:07

3:02:00

2:14

3:02:00

1:54

6:04:00

3:48

Wall, T (in.)

.906
1.125
1.312
1.406
1.594
1.781
1.969
2.125
2.344

Exp Time,
DWC

Exp Time,
Panoramic

:42

NA

1:24

NA

2:40

:07

5:20

:14

6:24

:14

12:48

:28

13:30

:18

27:00

:36

32:30

:34

1:05:00

1:08

1:30:00

:57

3:00:00

1:54

3:24:00

1:36

6:48:00

3:12

5:57:00

2:15

11:54:00

4:30

9:48:00

3:56

19:36:00

7:52

Ir192 80 Cu

26

Ir192 40 Cu
Ir192 80 Cu

28

Ir192 40 Cu
Ir192 80 Cu

30

Available Std Schedule 10 or XStrong Only / Evaluate Use of Gamma Ports for Sch 10 on Case-by-Case Basis;
Use Gamma Ports for Thickness Greater than Sch 10 (> .312") in all cases.

Ir192 40 Cu
Ir192 80 Cu

30

Ir192 40 Cu
Ir192 80 Cu

32

Ir192 40 Cu

.688

18:00

:42

36:00

1:24

Non-Std

Shaded HH:MM:SS indicates recommended use of panoramic radiographic

exposure technique (requires installation of gamma ports)

Assumptions: Kodak AA Film, 2.5 resultant density (1.4 Exposure Factor), Iridium192; 80 curie and 40 curie source activity, Manual Film Processing. Number of
Double-Wall Contact exposures used for calculations is shown in Table 2. Exposure Set-up time must be considered in addition to times shown (see Table 2).

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Variables that must be known in order to perform calculations of exposure times:

Weld thickness and pipe diameter

Isotope and strength

Film type (exposure factor)

Assumptions made to facilitate calculation of the times shown in Table 1 are as follows:

Kodak AA Film

Iridium192; 80 curie and 40 curie activity

2.5 resultant density (1.4 Exposure Factor)

Manual Film Processing

III.

Considerations

Parameters of the performance of radiography demand careful consideration of many essential

variables. Careful evaluation of all variables must be made prior to making a decision to install or not to
install gamma access ports.
Factors further affecting exposure times / use of gamma ports can be:

Location; in the U.S. availability of radiographic isotopes (sources) is generally not an issue while it
can be in many regions outside of the U.S. Use of weaker isotopes can significantly prolong
exposure times. In some regions of the world, X-ray tubes are utilized more commonly; this can
affect whether gamma ports are necessary.

Specific radiographic technique requirements; governing fabrication codes contain varying

requirements for the performance of radiography (geometric unsharpness, film type, etc).

Diameter and Wall Thickness

Specific Client Restrictions on Isotope Type and Activity

In a past instance, a Bechtel client has placed a specific restriction of 15 curies as to the strength of
radioactive sources (Ir192) which may be utilized for the performance of radiography by subcontractors
on the jobsite. This is of particular concern where existing client operations personnel may be in control
of plant equipment or have other activities ongoing in the area of construction. Such restrictions should
be made clear in preliminary discussions; if not, prolonged exposure times and schedule setbacks may
be incurred during completion of the scope of work.

IV.

Recommendations

A.

Use of Gamma Access Ports

CR&T / Welding & NDE Services recommends the use of gamma ports in accordance with Table 3. It
should be noted that evaluation of gamma plug installation can be considered on a case-by-case basis
due to factors such as material "weldability", distortion, material type, and associated properties, if
questions or special circumstances are incurred. The recommendations of Table 3 are based on
consideration of radiographic exposure times and minimizing exposure times during field installation
activities as well as production factors associated with the installation of the plugs themselves. Many
radiographic factors affect exposure times, and it is based on commonly applied techniques that this
recommendation is based. As shown in Table 1, a "double-wall" exposure can take significantly longer
than a panoramic exposure, depending on configuration details. The radiographic subcontractor should
be made aware of the type of gamma port(s) in use as they must provide the appropriate "J-tube" and
associated fittings compatible with the plugs.

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Utilization of Gamma Ports; W&NDE Policy Position 07

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Table 2
Min. Number of Exposures and Min. Expected Set-Up Time
Using a Double-Wall Contact Exposure Technique
Pipe Diameter

Min. Number of
Exposures (DWC)

Min. Set-Up Time - Minutes (In

Addition to Time Shown in Table 1)

< 3 1/2

:20

3 1/2 8

:20

10, 12

:25

14, 16

:30

18, 20

:35

22, 24

:40

26, 28

:45

30, 32

:50

34, 36

10

:55

Table 3
Recommended Use of Gamma Ports
Pipe Diameter (in.)

Thickness (in.) When Use of Gamma Port

is Recommended

3 1/2

Not Applicable

> 3 1/2 12 (All Thickness)

Use of Gamma Port not Recommended

14

1.406 (Sch 160)

16

1.219 (Sch 120)

18

1.375 (Sch 120)

20

1.031 (Sch 80)

> 20

All Except Sch. 10 (See Note 1)

(Note 1) Use of gamma ports on Sch. 10 piping should be evaluated on a case-bycase basis. Use Gamma Ports for Thickness Greater than Sch 10 ( > .312") in all
cases.

B.

Placement of Gamma Access Ports

Gamma plug design for Bechtel projects is currently in accordance with the Pipe Fabrication Institute
(PFI) Standard ES-16. This standard should be consulted for specific details regarding gamma plug
design and installation. A gamma plug offset of 6" (4" min) is acceptable to accommodate the
performance of a panoramic exposure of girth welds. Typically, this offset is 6" with 4" being the
minimum offset. Consideration should be given to the plug location and PWHT if material requiring
PWHT is used; with a 4" offset, the plug attachment weld will be very close to the girth weld.
Additionally, if the performance of ultrasonic examination (UT) of these welds is required, the gamma
plug offset would be a restriction to scanning.

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Utilization of Gamma Ports; W&NDE Policy Position 07

V.

12/09/99

Radiographic Exposure Techniques

An explanation of radiographic exposure techniques and attached figures are included to provide a
better understanding of exposure techniques. "Panoramic" exposures require the use of gamma ports.

TABLE 4
RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES

Nominal
Outside
Diameter
3 "
and
less

Type of
Exposure
Technique
Ellliptical
Contact
Superimposed
Contact

Over
3 "

Panoramic

Type of
Minimum
Exposure and
Number of
Viewing
Exposures
Dbl. Wall Exp.
2
Dbl. Wall Viewing
(at 0 & 90)
Dbl. Wall Exp.
3
Sgl. Wall Viewing (120 degrees apart)
Dbl. Wall Exp.
3
Dbl. Wall Viewing
(0, 60 & 120)
Dbl. Wall Exp.
3
Sgl. Wall Viewing (120 degrees apart)
Sgl. Wall Exp.
1
Sgl. Wall Viewing
Sgl. Wall Exp.
Sgl. Wall Viewing
(Note 1)
Sgl. Wall Exp.
Sgl. Wall Viewing
(Note 1)

Figure
1(E)
1(A,B,
C or D)
1(F)
1(A
or B)
2(A
or B)
2(C
or D)
2(E
or F)

(Note 1): An adequate number of exposures shall be made to demonstrate that the
required coverage has been obtained.

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Utilization of Gamma Ports; W&NDE Policy Position 07

Source

12/09/99

Source

IQI
IQI

Film

Film

(B)

(A)

Alternate Source
Locations

Alternate Source
Locations

IQI

Film
(C)

(D)

Source

Source

IQI

(E)

IQI

Film

IQI

Film

(F)

Film

FIGURE 1
DOUBLE-WALL RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES

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Source

Source

IQI

IQI
Film

Film
(A)

(B)

Source

(C)

Source

IQI
Film

Source

(D)

IQI
Film

Source

IQI

IQI

Film

Film

(F)

(E)

FIGURE 2
SINGLE-WALL RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES

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Utilization of Gamma Ports; W&NDE Policy Position 07

VI.

12/09/99

Effects of Source Size and Geometric Unsharpness

It is appropriate to include explanations and examples of the effects of source size and the resultant
effect on the geometric unsharpness of the exposed radiograph. Not only is source strength a critical
factor to efficient performance of radiography in the field, but also is source size. The following tables
attempt to portray how this relationship impacts code required factors governing geometric
unsharpness. As shown in Tables 4 and 5, a reduction in the source to object distance and use of too
large of a source can adversely affect the geometric unsharpness. Pre-job audits of the NDE
subcontractor should include a thorough review of source strengths and sizes.
ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel (B&PV) Code Section III places limitations on factors governing
geometric unsharpness more demanding than other design codes commonly used on Bechtel projects.
The following tables detail how factors of exposure geometry can affect the performance of radiography
when required to meet ASME III. It becomes very clear that the use of exposure sources of the
appropriate size can significantly affect the exposure technique acceptability of the final radiographs.
Exposure sources with a dimension of .171" are commonly used by radiographic subcontractors but
may not allow for meeting of geometric unsharpness requirements. Exposure sources with a dimension
of .156" will normally meet geometric unsharpness requirements but may require a special order by the
radiographic subcontractor. Since procurement of the isotope typically requires considerable advance
notice, careful consideration must be given the relationship between piping diameters, wall (weld)
thickness, and source size(s) to be utilized for the performance of radiography on the project.
Geometric unsharpness, "Ug," equals source size times object-to-film distance divided by the object-tosource distance.

Ug =
Ug =
F=
d=
D=

Fxd
D

Geometric Unsharpness
Source size in inches, the maximum projected dimension of the radiating source (or effective focal spot).
The manufacturer's certification of the source size may be used for this dimension.
Distance in inches from the source side of the weld to the film.
Distance in inches from the source of radiation to the source side of the weld being examined.

For ASME III, Geometric unsharpness (Ug) shall not exceed the following:

Material Thickness

Ug Maximum,
Inches

< 2.0 inches

0.020

2.0 through 3.0 inches

0.030

> 3.0 through 4.0 inches

0.040

> 4.0 inches

0.070

NOTE: Material thickness is the thickness on

which the penetrameter is based.

For ASME I, VIII, B31.1, and B31.3, Geometric unsharpness (Ug) shall not exceed .070".

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Table 4
Effects of Source Size & Geometric Unsharpness (Double-Wall Contact Technique)
Pipe Outside Diameter, SourceFilm-Distance (SFD)

Wall Thickness

ASME III .171"

Source

ASME I,III,VIII,B31.X
.156" Source

ASME I,VIII,B31.X
.171" Source

8.625

0.322

OK

OK

OK

8.625

0.500

OK

OK

OK

8.625

0.719

OK

OK

OK

8.625

0.906

Ug Exceeded

OK

OK

10.75

0.365

OK

OK

OK

10.75

0.594

OK

OK

OK

10.75

0.844

OK

OK

OK

10.75

1.125

OK

OK

OK

12.75

0.406

OK

OK

OK

12.75

0.688

OK

OK

OK

12.75

1.000

OK

OK

OK

12.75

1.312

OK

OK

OK

14

0.438

OK

OK

OK

14

0.750

OK

OK

OK

14

1.094

OK

OK

OK

14

1.406

OK

OK

OK

16

0.500

OK

OK

OK

16

0.844

OK

OK

OK

16

1.219

OK

OK

OK

16

1.594

OK

OK

OK

18

0.562

OK

OK

OK

18

0.938

OK

OK

OK

18

1.375

OK

OK

OK

18

1.781

OK

OK

OK

20

0.594

OK

OK

OK

20

1.031

OK

OK

OK

20

1.500

OK

OK

OK

20

1.969

OK

OK

OK

22

1.125

OK

OK

OK

22

1.625

OK

OK

OK

22

2.125

OK

OK

OK

24

0.688

OK

OK

OK

24

1.219

OK

OK

OK

24

1.812

OK

OK

OK

24

2.344

OK

OK

OK

32

0.688

OK

OK

OK

Ug = Geometric Unsharpness

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Table 5
Effects of Source Size & Geometric Unsharpness (Panoramic Technique)
Pipe Outside
Diameter

Wall
Thickness

Source-Film-Distance
(SFD)

ASME III; .171"

Source

ASME III; .156"

Source

ASME I,VIII,B31.X .171"

Source

8.625

0.322

4.3125

8.625

0.5

4.3125

OK

OK

OK

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

8.625

0.719

4.3125

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

8.625

0.906

4.3125

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

10.75

0.365

5.375

OK

OK

OK

10.75

0.594

5.375

Ug Exceeded!

OK

OK

10.75

0.844

5.375

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

10.75

1.125

5.375

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

12.75

0.406

6.375

OK

OK

OK

12

0.688

6.375

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

12

6.375

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

12

1.312

6.375

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

14

0.438

OK

OK

OK

14

0.75

Ug Exceeded!

OK

OK

14

1.094

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

14

1.406

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

16

0.5

OK

OK

OK

16

0.844

Ug Exceeded!

OK

OK

16

1.219

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

16

1.594

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

18

0.562

OK

OK

OK

18

0.938

OK

OK

OK

18

1.375

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

18

1.781

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

20

0.594

10

OK

OK

OK

20

1.031

10

OK

OK

OK

20

1.5

10

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

20

1.969

10

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

22

1.125

11

OK

OK

OK

22

1.625

11

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

22

2.125

11

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

24

0.688

12

OK

OK

OK

24

1.219

12

OK

OK

OK

24

1.812

12

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

24

2.344

12

Ug Exceeded!

Ug Exceeded!

OK

28

0.312

14

OK

OK

OK

30

0.312

15

OK

OK

OK

32

0.688

16

OK

OK

OK

Ug = Geometric Unsharpness

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