Digital X-ray inspection
(dRT)
Internal weld defects, voids and inclusions can be hidden from surface inspection methods – and cause serious damage only after commissioning. Digital X-ray inspection (dRT) reveals volumetric defects quickly, accurately and without film. Our AI-assisted reporting system delivers a complete report in less than 24 hours
- Inspection according to SFS-EN ISO 17636-2
- Fixed filming bunkers in Naantali and Porvoo
- Mobile filming container for field locations
METHOD
PRINCIPLE
In digital X-ray inspection, X-ray radiation passes through the object being inspected and is recorded on a digital detector. The radiation is attenuated differently in different material thicknesses and at defects, resulting in a digital image that reveals the internal structure of the object.
The digital detector replaces traditional film: the image is available immediately without a development process. The image can be analyzed on a computer, the contrast adjusted and artificial intelligence-based analysis tools can be utilized – which significantly speeds up evaluation and reporting.
Note
dRT is suitable for almost all metallic materials regardless of their magnetic properties. It is the only NDT method that produces a visual document of the internal structure of the component – including for austenitic stainless steel and aluminium.
SUITABILITY
SUITABLE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
- Carbon steel and alloy steels
- Stainless steel (austenitic and austenitic-ferritic)
- Aluminium and non-ferromagnetic alloys
- Castings and forgings
- Pipes, pressure equipment and tanks
- Welded joints with different geometries
FASTEST REPORTING IN THE INDUSTRY
Our AI-assisted reporting system enables a completed inspection report in even less than
in 24 hours — even for rush orders.
FLEXIBLE IMPLEMENTATION
Inspections are carried out at night and at weekends if necessary. On-site at short notice
— when the production schedule cannot be stretched.
FIXED BUNKERS + MOBILE CONTAINER
Three filming bunkers in Naantali, two in Porvoo and a mobile filming container for field locations. The mobile container enables a single camera operator to operate independently instead of two.
AUDIT PROCESS STEP BY STEP
Before starting the inspection, the surface of the component is visually checked. Any defects visible on the surface of the weld seams should preferably be repaired before the inspection.
The X-ray source and digital detector are positioned in accordance with standard EN ISO 17636-2. The radiation beam is directed at the centre point of the area to be inspected, perpendicular to the material surface. The source-to-detector distance, voltage, and current are selected based on the material quality and thickness.
The exposure is carried out in a controlled manner in a radiation-shielded area or bunker. The digital detector captures the image immediately – no developing process, no waiting time. The image can be analysed just seconds after exposure.
A Level II or III certified inspector evaluates the images using digital analysis tools: contrast and density adjustments, digital magnification, etc. Unclear indications are documented and, if necessary, re-imaged from a different angle.
The inspection report contains a description of the inspected object, parameters used, image data, observed indications with location and size markings, and the acceptance decision in accordance with the acceptance criteria of the applicable standard – ready to be attached to the QA/QC documentation.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
01
Welding joints and pre-fabricated pipe assemblies – preparation beforehand
installation
02
Pressure equipment welding and tank structures (PED 2014/68/EU)
03
Welded joints in shipyard and marine structures
04
Critical welds in power plants and the process industry
05
Internal casting defects – such as porosity, inclusions and cracks
detection
06
In-service inspections: corrosion monitoring and wall thickness assessment in operational equipment
DRT MUIDEN ALONGSIDE NDT METHODS
The following comparison helps to select the most suitable method or combination of methods for the situation:
| Feature | dRT | RT (film) | UT / PAUT | MT / PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internal volumetric defects | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent | ✗ Not suitable |
| Pintaviat | Limited | Limited | Limited | ✓ Excellent |
| Non-ferromagnetic materials | ✓ Suitable | ✓ Suitable | ✓ Suitable | not suitable |
| Visual document | ✓ Digital image | ✓ Film | ✗ No image | ✗ No image |
| Availability of results | ✓ Immediate | Development time | ✓ Immediate | ✓ Immediate |
| Digital archiving | ✓ Yes | ✗ Film | ✓ Yes | ✗ No image |
| A radiation protection area is required | Yes | Yes | ✓ Not needed | ✓ Not needed |
| Speed / efficiency | ✓ Fast | Slow | ✓ Fast | ✓ Fast |
DR — Digital X-ray
RT (film) — Film radiography
UT / PAUT — Ultrasonic Testing
MT / PT — Surface methods
Note
The combination of dRT and MT or PT is a common solution for critical welded structures where a comprehensive inspection is required for both internal volumetric defects and surface defects. dRT replaces film radiography as a faster, more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
Customer benefits
Speed and flexibility
A digital image can be analysed immediately – no developing process, no
waiting time. The AI-assisted reporting system delivers
audit-ready report in under 24 hours.
Accuracy and reproducibility
Digital image material allows retrospective re-evaluation,
contrast and magnification controls as well as the consultation of multiple inspectors without
re-imaging. The location and size of the indications are documented
Precisely.
Safety and compliance
Detect critical internal faults before structures are put into service.
Reporting complies with EN ISO 17636-2, SFS-EN ISO 9712 and project-specific
requirements – audit-ready documentation for authorities and
to the end customer.
Cost-effectiveness
No film costs, no chemical development process. Faster
lead time reduces the losses caused by production downtime. Digital
The archive replaces the physical storage of films.
Life cycle data
The digital image archive enables monitoring: the same subject can
compared to previous inspection images for the progression of corrosion or fatigue cracking
for identification – supports predictive maintenance throughout the lifecycle.
Mobile capacity
A mobile filming container enables on-site shooting at the customer's premises – also
prior to inspection of parts manufactured directly at the installation site
delivery. One photographer is enough when the container is included.
QUALIFICATION
STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION
NDT Aura Oy's inspectors operate in accordance with the standards listed below — a technically competent and legally acceptable inspection result.
NDT programme
DRT as part of a comprehensive NDT programme
An individual inspection method covers only a specific set of defect types. Comprehensive quality assurance often requires a combination of methods:
NDT Aura Oy can consult on the formation of the most suitable inspection programme for the object
based on the risk assessment and applicable standards.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
In digital radiographic testing, X-radiation is captured on a digital detector instead of film. The image is available immediately without a development process, it can be analysed by computer and archived digitally. DRT is faster, more cost-effective and requires no film chemicals. Image quality is comparable or superior to film, and digital analysis tools improve the detectability of indications.
dRT is primarily a volumetric inspection method: it is excellent at detecting pores, inclusions, cracks and other internal defects. The detection of surface defects by radiography is more limited than with MT or PT methods. For critical structures, a combination of dRT and a surface method is recommended to ensure a comprehensive inspection.
Our AI-assisted reporting system enables a completed inspection report in under 24 hours from the inspection being carried out. In urgent situations, we can jointly assess the schedule for even a larger entity and act accordingly – often the same day or the following morning.
X-ray inspection requires a radiation control area during imaging – personnel in the immediate vicinity must be moved to a safe distance. In bunker inspections, this is automated. Inspections are often carried out at night or during other quiet production times so that disruption to production is minimal.
Yes. Unlike magnetic particle testing (MT), the dRT is suitable for all metals regardless of their magnetic properties – including aluminium, austenitic stainless steel and other non-ferromagnetic materials. Material thickness and geometry affect the imaging parameters, but do not prevent the use of the method.
A rough description of the object is sufficient (material, wall thickness, welding method, volume of welds or surface area to be inspected), along with the applicable standard or project requirement and desired schedule. Drawings and isometric images speed up the preparation of the quotation. We are also happy to be contacted by phone in urgent situations.
Request for quotation
Request a quote for digital X-ray inspection
(dRT) – quick response, audit-ready documentation
Tell us about the inspection object, material, applicable standard and schedule – we will respond to your request for quote quickly. In urgent situations, please call directly.
