ISO 16371-2:2017

Overview

ISO 16371-2:2017 - Non-destructive testing - Industrial computed radiography with storage phosphor imaging plates - Part 2 provides the general principles for computed radiography (CR) of metallic materials using X‑rays and gamma rays. The standard specifies fundamental techniques, detector selection guidance and radiographic practice to produce repeatable, economical digital radiographs with a sensitivity equivalent to traditional film radiography (as referenced in ISO 5579). It is focused on storage phosphor imaging plates (IP) and CR systems, and does not set acceptance criteria for detected imperfections.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose: Establishes minimum requirements for exposure and acquisition of digital radiographs for flaw detection using IP-based CR systems.
• System classification and selection: Guidance on choosing a CR system, imaging plates and read‑out units consistent with ISO 16371-1.
• Image quality metrics: Definitions and measurement principles for basic spatial resolution (SRb), signal‑to‑noise ratio (SNR) and normalized SNR (SNRN).
• Unsharpness and spatial resolution: Procedures to determine detector and image unsharpness and how these affect smallest resolvable details.
• Test arrangements and geometry: Recommended radiation source, detector positioning, magnification, source-to-detector distance (SDD) and beam alignment following ISO 5579 geometry principles.
• Scatter reduction and filtration: Use of metal filters, collimation and shielding to reduce scattered radiation and backscatter interception.
• Image quality indicators (IQI): Types, positioning and IQI values for CR radiography.
• Operational practice: Surface preparation, plate overlap, erasure of imaging plates, data processing, image processing and minimum requirements for obtaining film‑equivalent sensitivity.
• Personnel and reporting: References to personnel qualification (ISO 9712) and contents required in test reports.
• Monitoring and viewing: Notes on importance of computer, software, monitor and viewing conditions while not making them the primary focus.

Applications and users

ISO 16371-2 is aimed at professionals performing NDT on metallic components where digital radiography is used for flaw detection, including:

• NDT engineers and radiographers using computed radiography (CR) with storage phosphor imaging plates
• Inspection and quality assurance teams in welding fabrication, foundry and pressure‑equipment manufacturing
• Service providers seeking film‑equivalent digital radiography procedures for compliance and repeatability
• Standards writers and laboratory managers integrating CR into inspection workflows

Related standards

• ISO 5579 - Radiographic testing using film (basic rules)
• ISO 16371-1 - CR system classification
• ISO 19232 series - Image quality of radiographs (IQI methods)
• ISO 9712 - NDT personnel qualification
• ISO 17636 (welding), EN 12681 (foundry) - product‑specific radiography guidance

Keywords: ISO 16371-2:2017, computed radiography, storage phosphor imaging plates, industrial radiography, non‑destructive testing, CR systems, X‑rays, gamma rays, image quality, SNR, spatial resolution.