Radiographic testing
|
Advantages |
Limitations |
|
Permanent record |
Health hazard. Safety (important) |
|
Good for sizing non-planar defects/ flaws |
Classified workers, medicals required |
|
Can be used on all materials |
Sensitive to defect orientation |
|
Direct image of defect/flaws |
Not good for planar defect detection |
|
Real-time imaging |
Limited ability to detect fine cracks |
|
Can be positioned inside pipe (productivity) |
Access to both sides required |
|
Very good thickness penetration |
Skilled interpretation required |
|
No power required with gamma |
Relatively slow |
|
High capital outlay and running costs Isotopes have a half-life (cost) |
Dye Penetrant Testing
|
Advantages |
Limitations |
|
All non porous materials |
Will only detect defects open to the surface |
|
Portable |
Requires careful space preparation |
|
Applicable to small parts with complex geometry |
Not applicable to porous surfaces |
|
Simple |
Temperature dependent |
|
Inexpensive |
Cannot retest indefinitely |
|
Sensitive |
Potentially hazardous chemicals |
|
Relatively low skill level (easy to interpret) |
No permanent record |
|
Time lapse between application and results |
|
|
Messy |