EN ISO 17636 Radiographic Testing of Welds
The EN ISO 17636 standard is a cornerstone in the non-destructive testing (NDT) industry, specifically for the railway and transportation sector. This standard provides guidelines for radiographic inspection to ensure that welds meet the specified quality requirements without compromising the integrity or performance of the welded joints.
Welding is an essential process in manufacturing components used in railways and transportation systems due to its ability to join materials securely under high-stress conditions. However, welding defects can lead to structural failures, which could have catastrophic consequences. Therefore, ensuring that welds meet the stringent quality standards is critical for both safety and compliance.
The EN ISO 17636 standard specifies the requirements for radiographic testing of welded joints in railway rolling stock and transportation equipment. This includes the selection of appropriate radiation sources (such as X-rays or gamma rays), film, intensifying screens, and other necessary equipment to achieve a satisfactory image quality.
According to EN ISO 17636, the radiographic examination should be conducted after welding has been completed but before any additional processing. The primary goal is to detect internal defects such as porosity, cracks, incomplete fusion, lack of penetration, and other imperfections that could jeopardize the structural integrity of the welded joint.
The standard also provides detailed instructions on how to prepare the specimen for inspection, including cleaning and positioning, to ensure accurate imaging. It specifies the use of appropriate film types and processing techniques, as well as the selection of suitable radiation sources based on the thickness of the material being inspected.
EN ISO 17636 further outlines the acceptance criteria for welds, which are critical for ensuring that only high-quality joints pass inspection. These acceptance limits define the acceptable levels of defects and provide a clear benchmark against which all radiographic images must be evaluated.
The standard also emphasizes the importance of proper documentation and reporting of the testing results. This includes detailed records of the testing parameters, such as exposure time, kilovoltage (kV), milliampere-second (mAs), and film type. The report should also document any defects detected during the inspection and their respective locations within the weld.
The application of EN ISO 17636 is not limited to railway systems; it can be applied to various transportation equipment, including ships, bridges, and heavy machinery where welded joints are used under high-stress conditions. The standard ensures that these components meet the highest safety standards before being put into service.
In conclusion, EN ISO 17636 is an essential tool for ensuring the quality of welded joints in railway and transportation systems. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can ensure that their products are safe, reliable, and compliant with international regulations.
Applied Standards
The primary applied standard for this service is EN ISO 17636: Radiographic examination of welded joints in railway rolling stock and transport equipment. This European standard specifies the requirements for radiographic testing of welded joints to ensure their compliance with the specified quality standards.
In addition to EN ISO 17636, other relevant standards include:
- ASTM E1900: Standard Practice for Nondestructive Examination (NDE) of Welded Joints in Railway Rolling Stock and Transport Equipment
- ISO 5817: Welding - Qualification and qualification tests of welding procedures
- ASME Section V, Article 6: Radiographic Testing
The combination of these standards ensures a comprehensive approach to ensuring the quality and safety of welded joints in railway and transportation systems.
Scope and Methodology
Our EN ISO 17636 radiographic testing service is designed to meet the highest standards set by international regulations. The scope of this service includes:
- Radiographic examination of welded joints in railway rolling stock and transport equipment.
- Evaluation of internal defects such as porosity, cracks, incomplete fusion, lack of penetration, and other imperfections.
- Selection and use of appropriate radiation sources (X-rays or gamma rays), film, intensifying screens, and other necessary equipment to achieve a satisfactory image quality.
- Preparation of the specimen for inspection, including cleaning and positioning, to ensure accurate imaging.
- Evaluation of the radiographic images against specified acceptance criteria to determine compliance with the standards.
The methodology for conducting EN ISO 17636 radiographic testing involves several key steps:
- Preparation and Positioning: The welded joint is thoroughly cleaned and positioned in a manner that ensures optimal imaging. This may involve the use of wedges, wedged backing rings, or other positioning aids.
- Radiation Source Selection: The appropriate radiation source (X-rays or gamma rays) is selected based on the thickness of the material being inspected. The kilovoltage (kV), milliampere-second (mAs), and exposure time are carefully controlled to ensure optimal image quality.
- Film Processing: High-quality films or digital detectors are used for radiographic imaging. The processing conditions, such as temperature and humidity, must be strictly adhered to ensure the best possible results.
- Evaluation of Radiographs: The radiographs are evaluated against specified acceptance criteria to determine compliance with EN ISO 17636. This involves identifying any defects within the weld and assessing their severity.
- Reporting: A detailed report is generated, documenting all aspects of the testing process, including the parameters used during the examination and the results obtained.
The use of these methods ensures that the radiographic images are clear, accurate, and reliable, providing a robust basis for evaluating the quality of the welded joints.
