Radiographic Testing (RT) in Houston
Radiographic testing (RT) uses X-ray or gamma ray imaging to reveal internal flaws in welds, castings, and structural components without damaging the part. RT works by passing radiation through a component and capturing the variations in intensity on film or a digital detector, so internal defects like voids, cracks, and inclusions show up as differences in the resulting image. WH Labs performs visual, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant testing in-house, and coordinates radiographic testing through qualified partners as part of a client’s broader inspection program.
How Radiographic Testing Works
Radiographic testing works by directing X-rays or gamma rays through a component and capturing how the radiation intensity changes as it passes through, using either film or a digital detector. Denser regions and internal flaws absorb radiation differently than sound material, so cracks, porosity, and inclusions appear as visible variations in the resulting image.
- X-ray or gamma radiation is directed through the component, with the source and technique selected for material and wall thickness
- Film or a digital detector captures the radiation that passes through, producing a two-dimensional image of the internal structure
- Lighter areas typically indicate denser material or high-density inclusions; darker areas indicate thinner sections or discontinuities such as cracking and porosity
- Radiographs are interpreted by a qualified technician and documented for the project’s inspection record
Types of Radiographic Testing
RT is performed using four general methods, selected based on the component, required sensitivity, and turnaround needs:
- Film Radiography: Uses radiographic film and an Image Quality Indicator (IQI) to verify sensitivity
- Computed Radiography (CR): Uses a reusable imaging plate, bridging film and fully digital radiography
- Digital Radiography (DR): Uses a digital detector array to capture images directly, faster than CR
- Computed Tomography (CT): Captures multiple angles to build a 3D map of a component’s internal condition, beyond standard 2D radiography
How WH Labs Handles Radiographic Testing in Houston
Radiographic testing is one part of a larger inspection scope, and WH Labs manages it as part of that scope rather than as a standalone service. WH Labs performs visual testing (VT), ultrasonic testing (UT), magnetic particle testing (MT), and liquid penetrant testing (PT) in-house under its own ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation. When a project calls for RT, WH Labs coordinates it as part of that same program, so clients work with a single point of contact instead of managing a separate RT vendor themselves.
Where RT Fits in an Inspection Program
RT is typically called for where internal defects carry the highest safety and cost consequences:
- Oil & Gas — pressure vessels, storage tanks, pipelines, valves, and welded joints
- Aerospace — turbine blades, engine components, and fuselage materials, including composites and titanium alloys
- Construction & Manufacturing — structural steel and precision-machined components
- Petrochemical — thick-walled vessels, pipe-to-pipe connections, and complex valve assemblies
RT is one part of a broader non-destructive testing program. WH Labs performs ultrasonic testing and magnetic particle testing in-house, and can scope RT into the same project.
Talk to WH Labs About Your X-Ray Inspection Scope
If your project needs radiographic testing alongside other inspection methods, WH Labs can scope and coordinate the full program from a single point of contact. Reach out to our team to discuss your project and testing needs.
