X-Ray Radiography of EB Welded Joints in India

Electron Beam welding is becoming more important in Indian industries due to the growing automation of the process and superior weld quality, resulting from virtually zero heat affected zone (HAZ). Two main types of defects are often encountered in EB welding joints viz void type defects and crack type. EB welding joints must be radiographically inspected for all these types of defects and it is essential to use the basic and corona technique of X-Ray radiographic inspection. The crack like defects in EB welding are the result of missed joints, lack of penetration and lack of fusion during welding. To achieve the good quality of welds the gap between the joints should be less than 50 microns, and to pick up the defects of such narrow width in X-Ray radiography, the sensitivity level should be maintained around 0.7%. Indian industries and laboratories have not been able to achieve 0.7% radiographic sensitivity level at present. At MIDHANI we are developing the technique to achieve this sensitivity level and this paper highlights some of our experiences in the radiographic inspection of EB welded joints by 420 KV 30 mA X-Ray machine, Make: Phillips.