Image Quality Assessment of CR Systems

Computed Radiography exposure experiments on welded plate sections were performed to demonstrate that the requirements for pressure vessels weld inspection according to EN1435 or EN14784-2 class B can be achieved. The representative comparative studies of the image qualities were performed with standardized image quality indicators and image evaluation procedures on both film and digital radiographs. Recommendations for weld inspections with CR systems are drawn from the results. It is demonstrated that present CR systems can be used for weld inspection and produce images with testing class B if the selected X-ray tube voltage is reduced compared with the max. voltage of EN 14784-2 and set equivalent to maximum X-ray voltage values for steel as defined in the radioscopic standard EN 13068-3. The work was part of the European “Filmfree” Project promoted during the 6’th framework.