ISO 17636-1-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Non-destructive testing of welds — Radiographic testing — Part 1: X- and gamma-ray techniques with film. This International Standard specifies techniques of radiographic testing of fusion-welded joints in metallic materials using industrial radiographic film techniques to enable satisfactory and repeatable results.

Abstract

ISO 17636-1:2022 gives recommended radiographic film techniques (X- and gamma-ray) for examination of welded joints in plates and pipes (and similar cylindrical bodies). It describes exposure and imaging practice intended to produce repeatable radiographs for detection of imperfections; it does not itself set acceptance criteria for indications (see ISO 10675 series for acceptance levels).

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 2022-07 (Edition 2, 2022).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 25.160.40 (Welded joints and welds; non-destructive testing of metals).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2022).
• Number of pages: 36 (ISO published count — national/adopted versions may show different page counts due to national front matter/translations).

Scope

Applies to radiographic examination of fusion-welded joints in metallic materials using industrial radiographic film techniques. Covers joints of plates and pipes (where "pipe" includes similar cylindrical bodies such as tubes, penstocks, boiler drums and pressure vessels). The standard provides radiographic technique and practice but does not specify acceptance levels for indications found on radiographs.

Key topics and requirements

• Recommended X‑ and gamma‑ray exposure techniques and geometry for film radiography of welds.
• Selection and use of industrial radiographic film and processing methods to achieve required image quality.
• Image quality indicators (IQIs)/penetrameters and sensitivity requirements for detecting imperfections.
• Positioning, focal‑spot and source‑to‑object geometry, and considerations for plates and cylindrical workpieces.
• Recommended procedures to obtain repeatable radiographs and guidance on radiographic technique control and documentation.
• Complementary use with series standards for digital detectors (ISO 17636-2) and for acceptance levels (ISO 10675 series).

Typical use and users

Used by radiographic NDT technicians and engineers, welding inspectors, quality managers, fabrication and pressure‑equipment manufacturers, inspection bodies and regulators who specify or perform film radiography of welded joints. It is applied in industries such as oil & gas, petrochemical, power generation, pressure‑vessel fabrication, shipbuilding and heavy fabrication where radiographic inspection of welds is required.

Related standards

ISO 17636-2 (Part 2) covers X‑ and gamma‑ray techniques with digital detectors (CR and digital detector arrays) and was updated alongside Part 1 in 2022. For acceptance levels and evaluation criteria of radiographic indications see the ISO 10675 series (e.g., ISO 10675-1:2021). The 2022 editions of the 17636 series supersede the 2013 editions of the respective parts.

Keywords

radiographic testing; weld inspection; film radiography; X‑ray; gamma‑ray; non‑destructive testing (NDT); welds; image quality indicator; IQI; ISO 17636; RT‑F.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 17636-1:2022 is an international standard that specifies X‑ and gamma‑ray film radiographic testing techniques for the examination of fusion‑welded joints in metallic materials to produce repeatable radiographs for defect detection.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers radiographic technique and good practice for film (RT‑F) including exposure geometry, film selection and processing, use of IQIs/penetrameters and procedures to obtain reproducible radiographs for plates and cylindrical workpieces; it does not define acceptance criteria for indications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Radiographic NDT technicians and supervisors, welding and quality inspectors, fabricators, inspection bodies and engineers in industries requiring weld inspection (e.g., oil & gas, power, pressure‑vessel, shipbuilding and heavy fabrication).

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 17636-1:2022 is the current (published) edition. It replaced ISO 17636-1:2013, which was withdrawn when the 2022 edition was published (the 2013 edition was formally withdrawn in mid‑2022).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of the ISO 17636 series. Part 2 (ISO 17636-2:2022) covers digital detectors (CR and digital detector arrays). The ISO 10675 series provides acceptance levels to be used together with ISO 17636 test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Film radiography, X‑ray, gamma‑ray, weld radiography, IQI, penetrameter, RT‑F, non‑destructive testing, weld inspection, ISO 17636.