Digital Radiography (DR) Vs.
Film
NDT Department
Vidisco Systems’ Main Advantages
Speed – Higher Efficiency
Shorten exposure times without compromise on image quality!
Safety of Personnel & Environment
Reduce safety area and minimize area shut-downs. Increase operator safety!
Profitability – Reduced Costs
No consumables, lass surrounding costs, significant ROI in a short time
2
Speed – Higher Efficiency
Imagers (DDA) are sensitive to dose – extremely short exposure times are
requires in compare to film (seconds, not minutes)
No developing time – image is received within seconds on a laptop screen
3
Speed In the Service of Art
Comparison of X-ray image of bronze tin statue: Scanned film image (a) and DR image (b) in next slide.
a b
Conditions Image (Left) Image (Right)
Film VIDISCO DR Solution
X-ray source Seifert Eresco Seifert Eresco
mA of X-ray source 3 mA 3 mA
X-ray source Energy in kV 320 kV 320kV
Exposure time (per image) 90 seconds 6 seconds
Averaging (to improve SNR) none 10 images
90 seconds 60 seconds
Total exposure time for averaged final image
No development No development
Filter 0.5-1mm Sn 0.5-1mm Sn
Averaging (to improve SNR) 1.27m 1.27m
4
Improved Detection with DR Despite Shorter Working Times!
Criteria for Comparison Film VIDISCO DR Solution
(with Isotope) (With Golden XRS-3 Pulsed Source)
Quality All IQI wires were detected All IQI wires were detected
3 shots of approximately 70 sec exposure each Approximately 12 shots of approximately 3 sec each
Number of shots to cover 10 inch of weld with 20 minute film development Total 36 seconds + 1 minutes for repositioning no developing
time is require.
Total time: 23.5 minutes to accomplish the job Total time 1 minutes and 36 seconds to accomplish the job
3 meter behind the source
Safety Zone At least 20 meter for
0.02 mr/h
2.5 mr/h
Labor Cost Two Radiographers One Operator
Maintenance & operation Costs: Storage cost and space None
- Film Storage - $200 per week plus disposal cost None
- Chemicals - $1 per film None
- Disposal of Chemicals - 3 H labor and additional $200 for None
- Repeated images cost chemicals replacement Cost free –imager can be reused
- Machine Maintenance Not required
5
Speed – Higher Speed, Reduced Exposure Time in the Field
SS-2343 pipe with 150 mm external diameter
6 mm wall thickness, inspected full of water!
Exposure Time:
Ir-192 with Film: 15 minutes (without the developing time process).
Ir-192 with : 20 seconds! (immediate results).
Summary: Speed
Reduced exposure time, typically 80% less than film
Analyze Image On Site
Reduced re-shoots, no need for repositioning
Increased dynamic range, enabling multiple
thickness levels to be inspected in one shot
7
Software Solutions
Steel Plate – Software Filtered
Excellent SNR
Resolution Zoom
Exceptional Results
Advanced software features = omproved analysis
Zoom
Automatic Thickness Measurements
Automatic algorithm detects the exact size of the defect and size of walls (in pipes)
Automatic Stitching Capabilities (on a Pixel Accuracy Level)
Automatic Sequence
Zoom 800%
Sharpening
Automatic Window Leveling
Unprocessed Image
Aluminum Rib
Automatic Window Leveling
Aluminum Rib
Parameters for Evaluation: Film vs. DR
Storage Space or Footprint
Portability
Ecological Friendliness
Image Quality
Savings in Time
Cost Savings
Adaptability for Field Use
Documentation and Data Base Management
Data Transfer and Sharing
Ease of Use/User Interpretation
Dramatic Savings in Space
No need for special or controlled storage conditions as with film
Significant space reduction both in pre-and post-imaging materials
No “shelf life” problems for extended storage –as with film life both
prior and post imaging
Dramatic Savings in Space
No storage and handling of chemicals
No disposal of waste materials
No need to purchase film, development supplies
No maintenance costs
Financial Comparison Chart (made by a classified aerospace facility)
Film Technology Vidisco DR Digital Panel
Procedure Cost per Annual Cost Procedure Cost Annual Cost Total
single image Based on X 7,250 Based on X 7,250 Saving/Year
images/year images/year
Imaging (exposure) $6 $43,500 Imaging (exposure) $3 $21,750 $21,750
Development time $4.5 $32,625 Development time $0 $0 $32,625
Film + chemicals $2.5 $18,125 CD $0.03 $217.5 $17,907.5
Analysis & Report Preparation $3 $21,750 Analysis & Report Preparation $3 $21,750 $0
Laboratory management $1 $7,250 Laboratory management $1 $7,250 $0
Developing machine cost and $1 $7,250 Flat panel system maintenance $2.2 $15,950 - $8,700
machine maintenance cost and running
Storage room, archiving cost $.02 $1450 Storage room, archiving cost $0.05 $362.50 $1,088
Total Annual Cost $18.2 $131,950 Total Annual Cost $9.28 $67,280 $64,670.50
Total Annual Savings $64,670.50
Thank You
NDT Department
