SIST EN ISO 17636-2:2023 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 17636-2:2022 (Corrected version 2023-02) defines digital radiographic testing techniques for the non‑destructive testing (NDT) of fusion-welded joints in metallic materials. Published by CEN/ISO, the standard covers computed radiography (CR) and radiography with digital detector arrays (DDAs) for plates and cylindrical bodies (pipes, tubes, penstocks, boiler drums, pressure vessels). Its objective is to enable satisfactory and repeatable digital radiography results based on recognized practice and fundamental theory, providing minimum requirements to achieve sensitivity equivalent to film radiography (see ISO 17636‑1).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope & applicability: Digital radiography of welds in metallic plates and pipes (including various cylindrical bodies).
• Technique classification and compensation principles (CP I, II, III) for varying geometries and penetration conditions.
• Detector selection and minimum image quality requirements (including use of image quality indicators, IQIs).
• Detector performance parameters such as normalized signal‑to‑noise ratio (SNR), spatial resolution and treatment of detector unsharpness.
• Test arrangements: single‑wall, double‑wall (DWDI/DWSI), panoramic and geometric magnification techniques for both plane and curved objects.
• Radiation source selection: X‑ray and gamma sources, tube voltages guidance, metal screens and filters to reduce scatter.
• Image acquisition & processing: scanning/read‑out (CR), DDA image corrections, bad‑pixel handling, image processing and storage, plus monitor viewing conditions.
• Quality management elements: radiograph identification, marking, overlap rules, personnel qualification and test reporting.
• Annexes provide normative guidance on exposures, minimum image quality values, spatial resolution determination and grey‑value considerations.

Note: EN ISO 17636‑2 does not set acceptance levels for indications - acceptance criteria are covered in ISO 10675.

Applications and practical value

• Replacing or supplementing film radiography with digital radiography for weld inspection in fabrication, pressure equipment, oil & gas, power generation, shipbuilding and pipelines.
• Establishing repeatable digital radiographic procedures and procurement specifications for CR and DDA systems.
• Enabling automated DDA inspection workflows and digital archive/remote evaluation of weld radiographs.
• Improving inspection consistency through defined IQIs, SNR requirements and standardised acquisition/processing practices.

Who should use this standard

• NDT engineers, radiographers and welding inspectors
• Quality assurance managers and fabricators of welded metallic components
• Inspection service providers and certification bodies
• Manufacturers of CR systems, DDAs and radiography software

Related standards

• ISO 17636‑1 (film radiography requirements)
• ISO 10675 (acceptance levels for weld inspection)
• ISO/TC 44 publications on welding and allied processes

Keywords: EN ISO 17636-2:2022, digital radiography, weld inspection, computed radiography (CR), digital detector arrays (DDAs), radiographic testing, NDT.