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 |