Design of Industrial Radiography Installations
Course Description
Industrial radiography is a non-destructive testing method that uses either gamma rays from radioactive sources or X-rays from electrical generators to create images of the internal structure of welds, castings, pipes, and pressure vessels. It is widely used in pipeline construction, aerospace manufacturing, shipbuilding, and nuclear power plants to detect hidden cracks, porosity, or incomplete fusion without damaging the component. There are two main categories of installation: fixed installations, which are permanent shielded rooms with maze entrances and remote control consoles, and mobile or site radiography, where portable equipment is taken to the component. The primary radiation hazard in both cases is external exposure to the whole body or extremities, so careful design of barriers, distances, and warning systems is essential. A well-designed installation not only complies with dose limits but also improves operational efficiency by reducing delays and false alarms.
What you'll learn in this course?
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Identify key components and operational principles of industrial radiography equipment.
Perform basic shielding calculations using transmission factors and dose rate limits.
Design controlled and supervised areas according to IAEA and local regulations.
Specify interlocks, warning devices, and emergency systems for a radiography installation.
Evaluate a layout plan for radiation safety and operational efficiency.
Apply risk assessment methods to prevent overexposures and accidental events.
Industrial radiography uses gamma or X-radiation to inspect welds, castings, and structures for internal flaws.
It is widely applied in pipeline construction, aerospace, pressure vessels, and nuclear facilities.
Two main categories are fixed installations (shielded rooms) and mobile (site) radiography.
Prerequisites
Basic engineering knowledge and familiarity with nuclear systems, radiation safety, and engineering units
Course Curriculum
- Introduction to Industrial Radiography
- Types of Radiography Installations
- Radiation Sources & Equipment
- Basic Radiation Protection Principles
- Shielding Design: Key Concepts
- Shielding Calculations for Gamma Sources
- Shielding for X-ray Installations
- Maze Design in Fixed Installations
- Example Calculation 1: Ir-192 Shield for Controlled Area
- Example Calculation 2: Door Maze Scatter
- Example Calculation 3: X-ray Primary Barrier
- Software Tools for Shielding Design
- Controlled & Supervised Areas (IAEA GSG-7)
- Safety Interlock Systems
- Warning Devices & Signals
- Emergency Systems & Source Recovery
- Fire Safety in Radiography Installations
- Security of Radioactive Sources
- Layout Design for a Fixed Radiography Room
- Ventilation & Access Flooring
- Mobile Radiography Design Considerations
- Human Factors in Installation Design
- Commissioning & Testing of Installation
- Operational Procedures Linked to Design
- Training Requirements for Designers
- Cost Factors in Design Optimisation
- Regulatory Framework (IAEA, NRC, local)
- Dose Limits & Design Constraints
- Design Documentation Required
- Risk Assessment in Design Phase
- Quality Assurance in Design & Construction
- Role of RPO (Radiation Protection Officer) in Design
- Common Design Mistakes
- Case Study 1: Stuck Source in Fixed Installation
- Case Study 2: Inadequate Maze Shielding
- Case Study 3: Mobile Radiography Overexposure
- Future Trends in Radiography Installation Design
- Checklist for Design Review
- Summary of Key Equations & Data
- Summary
- Assessment Instructions
- Design of Industrial Radiography Installations