4.1 This standard provides a practice for determining the relative image quality response of a radiographic detector (film, CR imaging plate, or DDA) when exposed to 4 to 25 MeV X-rays as any single component of the total X-ray system (for example, screens) is varied.

4.2 The practice is not intended to be used to compare two different systems or imaging types.

4.3 The approach uses RIQR evaluations of film and non-film imaging systems when exposed through an absorber material. Three alternate data evaluation methods are provided in Section 8. Determining RIQR requires the comparison of at least two radiographs or radiographic processes whereby the relative degree of image quality difference may be determined using the EPS plaque arrangement of Fig. 1 as a relative image quality indicator (RIQI). In conjunction with the RIQI, a specified radiographic technique or method must be established and carefully controlled for each radiographic process. This practice is designed to allow the determination of subtle changes in EPS that may arise to radiographic imaging system performance levels resultant from process improvements/changes, technique changes, or change of equipment attributes. This practice does not address relative unsharpness of a radiographic imaging system as provided in Practice E2002. The common element with any relative comparison is the use of the same RIQI arrangement for both processes under evaluation.

4.4 In addition to the standard evaluation method described in Section 8, there may be other techniques/methods in which the basic RIQR arrangement of Fig. 1 might be utilized to perform specialized assessments of relative image quality performance. For example, other radiographic variables can be altered to facilitate evaluations provided these differences are known and documented for both processes. Where multiple radiographic process variables are evaluated, it is incumbent upon the user of this practice to control those normal process attributes to the degree suitable for the application. RIQR may also be useful in evaluating imaging systems with alternate materials (RIQI and base plate). When using any of these specialized applications, the specific method or techniques used shall be as specified and approved by the RT Level III.

1.1 This standard provides a practice whereby industrial radiographic imaging systems or specific factors that affect image quality (that is, hardware, techniques, etc.) may be comparatively assessed using the concept of relative image quality response (RIQR) when exposed to X-radiation sources having photon energies from 4 to 25 MeV. The RIQR method presented within this practice is based upon the use of equivalent penetrameter sensitivity (EPS) described within Practice E1025 and Section 5 of this practice. For special applications, the user may design a non-standard RIQI-absorber configuration; however, the RIQI configuration shall be controlled by a drawing similar to Fig. 1. Use of a non-standard RIQI-absorber configuration shall be described in the user’s written technique and approved by the RT Level III.

1.2 This practice is not intended to qualify the performance of a specific radiographic technique nor for assurance that a radiographic technique will detect specific discontinuities in a specimen undergoing radiographic examination.

1.3 This practice is not intended to be used to classify or derive performance classification categories for radiographic imaging systems. For example, performance classifications of radiographic film systems may be found within Test Method E1815, manufacturer characterization of computed radiography (CR) systems may be found in Practice E2446, and manufacturer characterization of digital Detector Array (DDA) systems may be found in Practice E2597.

1.4 This standard is not intended to be used with Cobalt 60 sources or X-ray sources below 4 MeV. For low energy X-ray applications (below 4 MeV), Test Method E746 provides a similar RIQR standard practice.

1.5 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

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.