Olsson Associates Adds Radiographic Testing to its Non-Destructive Testing Services

 

Olsson Associates has provided several methods of non-destructive testing, including visual testing, ultrasound testing, phased-array testing, magnetic particle testing, and liquid dye testing, for nearly three years. Adding radiographic testing, also known as x-ray testing, not only provides another option, but has numerous advantages and allows Olsson to offer full service non-destructive testing services.

	Radiograph of a two-inch diameter pipe, which is welded at the elbow

Eric Nordhues along with Michael Sullivan (Non-Destructive Testing Team) are key individuals at Olsson that are advancing our non-destructive testing operations.

Primarily, the team will inspect and test base metals and welded connections in pipelines and storage tanks, but testing wells, refineries, ethanol plants and power plants also are projects that our team can support. In addition, the radiographic projector can be used for procedure and welder qualifications and to locate reinforcing steel and metals in concrete walls.

Advantages of radiography over other testing options include the following:

X-ray definitively detects any discontinuities in weldments or materials.

Clients are presented with a film for documentation to review with their contractors for reference and to retain for future inquires.

The process is faster and more versatile than most non-destructive testing methods and has a broader variety of testing applications.

Olsson's primary goals in adding radiographic testing included closely monitoring the safety of our employees and the general public, following government restrictions and regulations, and preventing theft of the radioactive source.

Safety is a Priority

The government regulates the use of radiographic material and requires Olsson Associates to be certified by the state to obtain and maintain a radioactive license. All radiographic technicians also are required to have specialized safety training. Mr. Sullivan serves as Olsson's radiation safety officer (RSO), and he is certified to train other staff members who will serve as radiographers on each Olsson field and lab crew.

The source projector emits gamma rays, which are a live source, meaning they are radioactive all the time. Therefore, Olsson's technicians are required to wear specialized monitoring equipment made to measure the level of radioactivity their bodies absorb. If a technician is exposed to too high of a level of allowable radioactivity, he is unable to continue working with the material, and Olsson will receive a substantial fine from the government, as well as a thorough safety audit of our process.

	The radiographic equipment and source are transported in mobile darkrooms.

The equipment itself is stored in a lead-lined storage vault. While on the road and in the field, the source projector travels in a camper/ darkroom. Alarm systems are installed in both the office and in the mobile laboratories.

Certifications

The radiographers performing inspections are required to pass a series of tests including how to read and interpret film, how to handle safety issues, how to set up shots per applicable codes, and understanding the theory of radiation.

Along with these tests, the radiographer must pass a test given by the governing entity on radiation safety and theory to be allowed to perform radiography in the field. The program administrator must serve as the RSO and complete an administrative course and must have an International Air Travel Association Transportation of Dangerous Goods Hazmat/radioactive endorsement. Once the RSO has the needed endorsements, he may train other employees on Hazmat and radiation safety, as required by the governing entity.

Basic Principals of Radiography

Basically, radiation emitted from a source used by Olsson penetrates a material, and the denser areas of that material attenuate the radiation that passes through. The radiation that remains after passing through the material is absorbed into a film placed on the opposing side of the piece being exposed. The radiographer then develops the film to read it under a viewer (bright light) to see an image similar to a standard medical x-ray. The only difference is that the radiation used by a radiographer is gamma ray rather than an x-ray, and gamma rays emit continuous radiation, which has wavelengths that are more harmful.

Nordhues

If you have questions about radiographic testing, please contact Eric Nordhues or Michael Sullivan, Non-Destructive Testing, at 402.827.7220.

Sullivan

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