5.1 This practice establishes the basic parameters for the application and control of fan-beam CT examinations. This practice is written so it can be specified on the engineering drawing, specification, or contract. It will require a detailed procedure delineating the technique or procedure requirements and shall be approved by the Cognizant Engineering Organization (CEO).

5.2 The requirements in this practice shall be used when placing a CT system into NDT service and establishing a baseline of system performance measures. Monitoring the system performance over time shall be performed, including calibration procedures, performance measurements, and system maintenance in accordance with Section 9.

1.1 This practice establishes the minimum requirements for computed tomography (CT) examination of test objects using fan beam systems (systems that generate one or a few CT cross sectional slices at a time). The examination may be used to nondestructively disclose physical features or anomalies within a test object by providing radiological density and geometric measurements. This practice implicitly assumes the use of penetrating radiation, specifically X-ray and γ-ray.

1.2 CT is broadly applicable to any material or test object through which a beam of penetrating radiation passes. The principal advantage of CT is that it provides densitometric (that is, radiological density and geometry) images of thin cross sections through an object without the structural superposition in projection radiography.

1.3 There are areas in this practice that may require agreement between the purchaser and the supplier, or specific direction from the cognizant engineering organization. These items should be addressed in the purchase order or the contract. Generally, the items are application specific or performance related, or both.

1.4 Techniques and applications employed with CT are diverse. This practice is not intended to be limiting or restrictive. Refer to Guides E1441 and E1672 that provide additional information and guidance on CT fundamentals and tradeoffs in designing or purchasing a CT system, or both.

1.5 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.