IAEA-TECDOC-1445
            Development of protocols for 
      corrosion and deposits evaluation
                  in pipes by radiography 
                                        April 2005
      IAEA-TECDOC-1445
            Development of protocols for 
      corrosion and deposits evaluation
                  in pipes by radiography 
                                        April 2005
                            The originating Section of this publication in the IAEA was: 
                                                  
                                Industrial Applications and Chemistry Section 
                                    International Atomic Energy Agency 
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                         DEVELOPMENT OF PROTOCOLS FOR CORROSION AND  
                          DEPOSITS EVALUATION IN PIPES BY RADIOGRAPHY 
                                        IAEA, VIENNA, 2005 
                                        IAEA-TECDOC-1445 
                                        ISBN 92–0–102105–4 
                                          ISSN 1011–4289 
                                            © IAEA, 2005 
                                      Printed by the IAEA in Austria 
                                             April 2005 
                                                  
                         FOREWORD 
          The International Atomic Energy Agency is promoting industrial applications of non-destructive 
       testing (NDT) technology, which includes radiography testing (RT) and related methods, to assure safety 
       and reliability of operation of nuclear, petrochemical and other industrial facilities.  
           
          In many industries such as petroleum, power stations, refineries, petrochemical and chemical plants, 
       desalination pipelines and urban gas installations, the reliability and safety of equipment can be 
       substantially influenced by degradation processes such as corrosion, erosion, deposits and blocking of 
       pipes which can seriously affect the security and consistency. One of the most important parameters in a 
       piping or pipeline to be monitored and measured is the wall thickness. Among NDT methods, radiography 
       has the advantage in that in the process of an inspection it eliminates the need for the costly removal of the 
       pipe insulation and also the added benefit that it can be carried out in high temperature environments. 
           
          The Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on Validation of Protocols for Corrosion and Deposits 
       Determination in Small Diameter Pipes by Radiography (CORDEP) was implemented from 1997 to 2000 
       with the participation of 11 NDT laboratories from Algeria, China, Costa Rica, France, India, Republic of 
       Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia and Turkey. The CRP tested and validated 
       radiographic measurement of corrosion and deposits in straight and bent pipes made of carbon or stainless 
       steels corroded/eroded on the outer or inner surfaces with or without insulation. 
           
          Each participating laboratory produced three test specimens of straight and bent pipes containing 
       natural as well as simulated corrosion defects. Typical diameters of these pipes were up to 168 mm. 
       Radiography using X ray machines and radioisotopes of Iridium-192 and Cobalt-60 in conjunction with 
       radiographic film using single and double wall penetrations for total inspection was performed. Selected 
       areas showing corrosion were then inspected using the tangential radiography technique combined with 
       the relevant system of corrosion/erosion evaluation through measurement of the radiographic film density. 
       Selected specimens along with essential documents were sent to the laboratories in agreement holder 
       countries for verification of the experimental results using analogue as well as digital image processing for 
       interpretation of radiographs. 
           
          Research coordination meetings were held to review the progress and the workplan during 1997 and 
       2000. The final and concluding meeting of this CRP was held in Vienna from 4 to 8 September 2000. This 
       TECDOC contains not only the results of the participating laboratories after their review and compilation, 
       but also the individual country reports.  
           
          This TECDOC provides procedures and protocols for radiography applications in monitoring 
       corrosion and deposits in pipes. It will assist NDT laboratories in Member States in assessing plant life 
       through the use of NDT technologies. The report is intended for NDT specialists and managers of 
       industry. 
           
          The IAEA acknowledges the valuable contribution of all the participants in the CRP. The IAEA 
       officer responsible for this TECDOC was A.A. Khan of the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences.